Student Affairs Program Experience

[Functionality]

Hi everyone!

I've been applying to a few student affairs programs, but I'm starting to doubt my experience in the student affairs program. I know a lot of applicants have experience in residential housing and orientation programs, but I don't have that type of experience. I did serve as President of the student government at my community college before transferring to Berkeley. Graduated with a 3.1 in Political Science and a minor in Education. Do you know how likely my chances are of being admitted to student affairs programs such as the University of Vermont or UCLA?

 

I would love to hear what you think! Thanks so much!

Edited December 22, 2013 by Functionality

[RedPill]

Crafting a personal statement is key. Also GRE scores are very important, so depending on how you did on the GRE, you'll have good chances. As for GPA, most masters programs use holistic review. Despite this generic statement all grad programs like to claim, a 3.0 cut-off is quite important. Your letters of recommendation will also be a big factor! 

 

You would have to do more research to see if this is appropriate, but try visiting UCLA and meeting with some faculty one day. Students do that all the time at our higher ed program, and our faculty are very receptive(school in Southeast)

 

Though we're not so much "student affairs" as general higher ed and policy. 

 

Good luck!

Edited December 23, 2013 by RedPill

[Functionality]

Thanks for the reply! I'm just a bit worried now because I didn't take advantage of working at residential halls. Which school are you referring to?

[lzs]

The University of Vermont HESA program actually does not require GRE scores, though the university does require them if you want to be considered for assistantships.

[Functionality]

I just looked at that. From what I've heard so far, it is a really competitive program seeing that a lot of people are applying to the program. 

[RedPill]

This may be different for us policy/theoretical higher ed people, but I've been told that GRE is fairly important for competitive programs. That may differ from student affairs, though

 

Just my .02

[Functionality]

Thanks for the reply, MAC2809! Definitely helped me out a bit!

[Functionality]

For HESA programs, does it matter where you went for your undergrad?

[JBums1028]

Hello I want to apply to a HESA type program. I have talked to student affair professionals at my old community college and my current university.

They list importance in this order

 

1. Experience

2.Letters of Rec.

3.GPA

4.GRE

 

I would agree with most of what you have to say, however I wouldn't rank those categories as strictly. I was under the impression that most schools look for a well rounded candidate, someone with strong experience but also strong academic credentials. Even with practioner focused programs there is still going to be a heavy emphasis on academics. GRE is generally hit or miss. Some programs require it, most don't. I assume the ones that do require it more for traditional reasons than anything else. I'd also add your personal statement into the mix as well.

 

 

For HESA programs, does it matter where you went for your undergrad?

 

It really shouldn't. Most schools want to have a diverse cohort. "Diverse" meaning a lot of different things, people from all different undergraduate institutions, majors, backgrounds, etc.