Applying to VCU Fall 2017 for M.Ed in School Counseling

[Anonymous]

Went to a CC and graduated with a 2.9 in Liberal Arts (long story)
Joined AF and served 4 1/2 years (including a deployment)
Finishing BS in Social Psychology in Dec (current resident GPA is 3.6)

What are my chances looking like? My grades aren't stellar but not horrendous. What score for GRE would be high enough to give me a decent shot. The other schools that I'm looking to apply to are UMCP (dream choice) and U of Central Florida (3rd choice and safety)

[Anonymous]

I think your chances are good. From what I understand, they look most closely at the last two years of college for your Masters program. I think your military experience would also be a pro. You could certainly weave your "long story" into your goal statement, and turn it into a positive about how whatever you were going through will make you a more empathetic counselor.

[Anonymous]

Also, George Mason has a could M.Ed program in school counseling, and I don't think they require a GRE.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think your chances are good. From what I understand, they look most closely at the last two years of college for your Masters program. I think your military experience would also be a pro. You could certainly weave your "long story" into your goal statement, and turn it into a positive about how whatever you were going through will make you a more empathetic counselor.

Thank you. I actually was interested in W&M but thought it was too much of a long shot but I'll see how my test scores look.

OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also, George Mason has a could M.Ed program in school counseling, and I don't think they require a GRE.

This is good to know too. I think I need high GRE scores to make my overall application look stronger. I will look at GM again.

OP

[Anonymous]

I had an M.Ed. and recommend applying to many schools -- you may be surprised by where you will get in (I got into W&M for a similar program with worse grades, I think). Also, if you are applying for assistantships or other ways to pay for it, you want as many choices (program + free or reduced tuition). Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Most education colleges are desperate for cash and take nearly all applicants, as long as you aren't looking for a free ride.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had an M.Ed. and recommend applying to many schools -- you may be surprised by where you will get in (I got into W&M for a similar program with worse grades, I think). Also, if you are applying for assistantships or other ways to pay for it, you want as many choices (program + free or reduced tuition). Good luck!

Really you got into W&M. You must have had good recs and scores. I haven't taken the GRE yet so I'll see how that goes.