HGSE Fall 2015

[elveintiocho]

Hi everyone! 

 

So, I attended HGSE's virtual information session for prospective Brazilian students last week, and since there's been plenty of discussion in the thread about the GRE, I thought you might find this helpful. When people started asking about the GRE, they said that the section that they consistently see as being more related to an applicant's potential is Analytical Writing. That being said, they review the application holistically and they explicitly said that if you got an AWA score of at least 3.5 and an otherwise strong application, it wouldn't affect you negatively. 

 

@Sofro and others applying to TIE, there's a virtual information session for this program tomorrow at 7.30pm EDT. You can register here. 

[Sofro]

Hi everyone! 

 

So, I attended HGSE's virtual information session for prospective Brazilian students last week, and since there's been plenty of discussion in the thread about the GRE, I thought you might find this helpful. When people started asking about the GRE, they said that the section that they consistently see as being more related to an applicant's potential is Analytical Writing. That being said, they review the application holistically and they explicitly said that if you got an AWA score of at least 3.5 and an otherwise strong application, it wouldn't affect you negatively. 

 

@Sofro and others applying to TIE, there's a virtual information session for this program tomorrow at 7.30pm EDT. You can register here. 

 

Thanks for the insight! I already registered for the info session. Looking forward to it!

[BigDreams]

Thanks for your feedback!! I do have low score on the quant an verbal section of the GRE, I am not a great test taker and sort of bombed that section when I took it a couple years ago. What do you all suggest as far as recommendations? In addition, would anybody be willing to swap SOPs??? 

 

Sorry for the delayed response! I've been so busy these last couple of weeks. Well given your work experience, you probably have some breathing room with your GRE scores. At an information session I attended recently, I was told that the GRE scores are most important for students coming straight from undergrad with no work experience. So an amazing GRE score can help compensate for little work experience to some extant, BUT you should still try your best. I only say that to take the pressure off, but it's certainly worth preparing for!!

 

I recommend one particular Youtube Channel for GRE prep. Search "Keshwani Prep" and it should come up. He has a playlist of 200 videos in which he solves every math question found in the official guide. It takes a while to watch them, but it's definitely worth it.

[BigDreams]

I should also add...

 

The advice I shared regarding the importance of GRE scores for those with little work experience came from a recent graduate of a HGSE Master's program. It did not come from the mouth of an admissions representative, so take it with a grain of salt. But it does seem quite intuitive - when lacking in a certain aspect of your application, make sure the rest shines as brightly as possible. The GRE is only one aspect of the application.

 

Thanks,

[la_manda_panda]

Hi Everyone! I joined this website just to chat on this forum!

 

I'm applying to the EdLD program at HGSE for Fall 2015. 

 

GRE Score (Revised): V: 160  (84%) Q: 158 (71%)  AWA 4.5 (80%)

GPA UnderGrad: 3.0

GPA Masters: 3.5
Work Experience: 5 years teaching in a specialized newcomer immigrant academy, 2 years in school leadership, and 1 year in district-level leadership position  
Undergrad Institution (Public, Private, Ivy, etc..): Private 
Applying for PhD or Masters: EdLD, 2015.
Program: Education Leadership
What Other Schools Are You Applying To: None

 

I've "finished" my SOP, but I don't feel like it has a voice to it yet. 

 

Is anyone else applying to the EdLD program? 

[tchrsquirrel]

Hi!

 

This post is literally my first, although I have read many others.

 

I am pretty sure I am not applying for the HGSE EdLD; however, I have given it a lot of consideration.  I am so impressed by the candidates on this thread (and on others), and I appreciate everyone's candor in terms of numbers, GPAs, etc. 

 

I just finished applying for three EdD programs.  I am certain I want a "practioner's" degree (as opposed to the more academic PhD).  The EdLD is attractive because it seems to be such a huge springboard (not to mention the attractive price tag!).  That said, although many of the schools to which I am applying offer fully funded PhDs, I have applied for the EdD because I want to be "in the trenches."  If that means paying for my degree, so be it.  The EdLD, though, seems to be a hybrid. to some extent.

 

My question would be whether the EdLD is appropriate for someone who is interested in moving into a district-level position, but not necessarily looking to "run the show" (i.e., future superintendant, etc.)?  I see myself working at a large school district as a curriculum specialist or some other district-teacher liaison.    Thoughts?

[la_manda_panda]

Hi!

 

This post is literally my first, although I have read many others.

 

I am pretty sure I am not applying for the HGSE EdLD; however, I have given it a lot of consideration.  I am so impressed by the candidates on this thread (and on others), and I appreciate everyone's candor in terms of numbers, GPAs, etc. 

 

I just finished applying for three EdD programs.  I am certain I want a "practioner's" degree (as opposed to the more academic PhD).  The EdLD is attractive because it seems to be such a huge springboard (not to mention the attractive price tag!).  That said, although many of the schools to which I am applying offer fully funded PhDs, I have applied for the EdD because I want to be "in the trenches."  If that means paying for my degree, so be it.  The EdLD, though, seems to be a hybrid. to some extent.

 

My question would be whether the EdLD is appropriate for someone who is interested in moving into a district-level position, but not necessarily looking to "run the show" (i.e., future superintendant, etc.)?  I see myself working at a large school district as a curriculum specialist or some other district-teacher liaison.    Thoughts?

 

Which other programs are you applying to? I've been looking for something that is even remotely similar to the EdLD program at HGSE, and I haven't been able to find anything! I also want something more practice-based than theory-based, so I'm interested in what you've been able to find. 

 

Also, I do think that the EdLD would be appropriate for district-level leadership roles that aren't superintendent. I'd like to be a Chief Academic Officer or something along those lines - it seems that you're maybe interested in the same type of role? In the virtual information session, they said that as long as you were interested in system-level leadership, and not necessarily school-level leadership, that the EdLD was for you! 

[Sofro]

I attended the virtual meeting with TIE last night and found it very informative. I wanted to let everyone know that an HGSE admissions said that the GRE is only part of a holistic admissions review and, confirming what someone said earlier, the AWA is the most important component. When I mentioned that the GRE was my biggest worry, they told me they encourage everyone to apply regardless of scores. My overall impression is that they want to form cohorts with lots of diversity not only in race, gender, and ethnicity, but also in experience, age, etc. This diversity ideally promotes collaboration among people who share different backgrounds, something that I am seeking in a grad program.

[elveintiocho]

I attended the virtual meeting with TIE last night and found it very informative. I wanted to let everyone know that an HGSE admissions said that the GRE is only part of a holistic admissions review and, confirming what someone said earlier, the AWA is the most important component. When I mentioned that the GRE was my biggest worry, they told me they encourage everyone to apply regardless of scores. My overall impression is that they want to form cohorts with lots of diversity not only in race, gender, and ethnicity, but also in experience, age, etc. This diversity ideally promotes collaboration among people who share different backgrounds, something that I am seeking in a grad program.

 

Glad you could make it to the virtual meeting! I attended too. Yes, the "cohort with diversity" thing is consistent with what I've read in past years' threads, which is very encouraging

[tchrsquirrel]

la_manda_panda,

The programs to which I am applying aren't necessarily similar to the EdLD; they are more narrowly focused on my specific interest in curriculum (EdD in Curriculum and Instruction).

Considering your interests (which I think are definitely aligned with the mission of the EdLD), have you looked at the CLO (chief learning officer) program at Penn? I don't know a lot about it, but I think the program seeks to train system-level leaders, as well.

All the best with your application to Harvard! I will have my fingers crossed for you!

[rfer]

Hey, is anyone attending the IEP virtual session tomorrow? I really want to but I have work! If anyone is, please let me know how it goes!

[elveintiocho]

Hey, is anyone attending the IEP virtual session tomorrow? I really want to but I have work! If anyone is, please let me know how it goes!

 

When I attended the TIE session, I noticed it was being recorded. If you can't access the recording directly, I would email Admissions to explain that you have to work and if you can see the recorded session later (they use Adobe Connect so all they'd need to do is send you a link).  

[ltrujizzle]

Thanks for all of the advice....I will be attending the IEP info session tonight and post details after.

[sdfltft]

Hi. This is a very cool forum!

 

I am vacillating between IEP and HE program. Ideally would like to study a combination of both (international higher education policy). However, hoping today's virtual sessions will help me decide. 

 

@rhfer: The application process seems to be very holistic and GRE is one of the many factors. Take a practice exam, evaluate your verbal/quantitative strengths and based on that prepare a study plan. Khan Academy and Magoosh helped me a lot esp. for quick Math prep, so you might consider checking them out. Good luck!

[gurukreff]

Hi everybody! 

This is me:

 

GRE Score (Unofficial): V: 161  (87%) Q: 157 (68%)  (These are the automatically reported scores in the test day, I have to wait for the official ones)

GPA UnderGrad: 3.3

Work Experience: 3 years of assistantship during university, once graduated: 2 years doing child psychotherapy in a public mental health center, some work in an educational consulting organization.
Undergrad Institution (Public, Private, Ivy, etc..): Private 

Research Experience: Not much aside undergraduate work. Actually enrolled in a child psychoanalysis diploma program.
Applying for PhD or Masters: Masters, 2015.
Program: Learning and teaching
What Other Schools Are You Applying To: Stanford, NYU, Berkeley

 

Hope to see you in Cambridge!

[la_manda_panda]

Considering your interests (which I think are definitely aligned with the mission of the EdLD), have you looked at the CLO (chief learning officer) program at Penn? I don't know a lot about it, but I think the program seeks to train system-level leaders, as well.

 

Thanks for the information! I'm going to take a look at that program. I feel like I'm putting all of my eggs in one basket by only applying to one school! 

[rfer]

Thanks for all of the advice....I will be attending the IEP info session tonight and post details after.

Excited for details

[elveintiocho]

HGSE'ers, I think I'm having a breakdown... 

I'm scheduled to take the GRE on the 22nd... I'm still an undergraduate student, of course, struggling with major term papers, work and midterms. I'm starting to panic, and I know I'll be better after the GRE, but I'm fearing the worst. Life has been so hectic that I haven't even been able to do many practice tests, I can't retain anything. I know the AWA is the most important, but I'm still really scared and super stressed out with everything going on...does anyone have any insights. My acceptance is a long shot, but boy, do I want this badly. I'm just one of those people whose "life" gets in the way of everything... I could cry! I'm panicking!!!

Desperate for tips on how to calm down/study well for the GRE!

 

I would focus on trying to not be stressed out about it... Although it's definitely important, the GRE is just one item in your application. Terrible scores will not automatically disqualify you, and a 170V 170Q 6.0 AWA will also not automatically get you in. Most of the advice I've seen (even from current students at las week's info session) said to focus on your Statement of Purpose. You want to focus on showing them why you're a good fit for the school and program.

 

In short: study as much as you can, but take it easy and get some rest! 

[elveintiocho]

Hello everyone,

 

I know it's probably way too early to focus on details, but I started the application early as I won't be able to work on it after December 10th (I really hope to submit it next week if all goes well). I just wanted to ask your opinion on answering one of the questions:

 

If you answer "Yes", please provide a brief explanation in the text box that appears:

 

Have you had any interruptions in your course of study?

 

During my 3rd year as an undergraduate, I changed from full to part-time student, as I had started my own business and of course, I had to work full-time. This resulted in my finishing school in 6 years instead of 4, but I never interrupted the course of study, I just slowed it down. All the dates are of course reflected in my transcripts. So my question is, should I:

 

1. Answer "No"?

2. Answer "Yes" and explain (although it wasn't strictly an interruption)?

3. Call/email Admissions and ask?

 

I just don't want there to be any discrepancies between my application and the information in my transcripts. Thanks in advance!

[StenoLubr]

Hello everyone,

 

I know it's probably way too early to focus on details, but I started the application early as I won't be able to work on it after December 10th (I really hope to submit it next week if all goes well). I just wanted to ask your opinion on answering one of the questions:

 

If you answer "Yes", please provide a brief explanation in the text box that appears:

 

Have you had any interruptions in your course of study?

 

During my 3rd year as an undergraduate, I changed from full to part-time student, as I had started my own business and of course, I had to work full-time. This resulted in my finishing school in 6 years instead of 4, but I never interrupted the course of study, I just slowed it down. All the dates are of course reflected in my transcripts. So my question is, should I:

 

1. Answer "No"?

2. Answer "Yes" and explain (although it wasn't strictly an interruption)?

3. Call/email Admissions and ask?

 

I just don't want there to be any discrepancies between my application and the information in my transcripts. Thanks in advance!

 

I would answer yes and explain, but I would also call (not email) and ask first. I am going to assume that they are going to tell you to say yes and explain because since you did get 'interrupted' with working full-time. 

[awalrus]

Maybe I'm missing something here but I can't seem to find any indication as to whether or not we're supposed to send in official transcripts. Does the upload of the unofficial transcript suffice? 

[elveintiocho]

I would answer yes and explain, but I would also call (not email) and ask first. I am going to assume that they are going to tell you to say yes and explain because since you did get 'interrupted' with working full-time. 

 

Thanks, kingwd! Is there any specific reason why you think calling is better as opposed to email?

[elveintiocho]

Maybe I'm missing something here but I can't seem to find any indication as to whether or not we're supposed to send in official transcripts. Does the upload of the unofficial transcript suffice? 

 

At the moment of applying, you need to provide your unofficial transcripts - you will only need to provide the official ones if you're granted admission (and they reserve the right to withdraw the admissions offer if there are any discrepancies). 

[StenoLubr]

Thanks, kingwd! Is there any specific reason why you think calling is better as opposed to email?

 

Just because they might ask you why or you might have extra questions. Idk if it is just me, but I usually call to ask questions thats specific to myself. I use email when I ask general questions like some confusing sections on application or something. but thats just me

[ltrujizzle]

So..in regards to the IEP info session, a couple of things stood out to me:

 

1) Your GRE scores are important, but not really. They placed emphasis on the writing score but said the GRE wouldn't rule anyone out of the process.

2) The committee placed a large emphasis on the SOP! Make it good, make it real, write from the heart.

3) Dream of things bigger than yourself. They don't want humble/mediocre people- they want those that have big goals and are determined to achieve them.

4) Letters of Rec- a person that can speak in more detail about you is more important than one that has an important title.

 

Hope that helps.

 

My own personal advice to current undergrads:

Two and a half years ago, I was just coming out of my undergraduate career with what I perceived to be loads of international experience and work compared to my peers. I had amazing academic records and solid recommendations. I did get into graduate school out of undergrad, but with little funding. I decided, instead, to teach for two years (onto my third now) and it drastically altered my perspective on the future. I highly recommend you take a couple years to work and reflect on what is important in your career. I would have made a huge mistake going into graduate school straight from undergrad. I know, right now, it seems stressful and tempting to want to jump directly to graduate school but,  I highly recommend that you don't. Again, it is your own personal decision, but I think you will find out a lot more about yourself if you take at least two years to do something different.