Accepted into University of Illinois

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by cookderosa, Aug 6, 2008.

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  1. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    I Just wanted to post an update. There is always a question about using nontraditional means of obtaining an undergrad degree and then applying to grad school. I received notice today that I was accepted into the MS Tourism at University of Illinois. This was the most competitive of my applications (so far). I applied several months back, and then had a delay when I was asked to provide additional transcripts. In all, about 6 months have passed since I applied.

    Possible issues I might have encountered:
    1. My degree is from TESC, one of the "big 3" assessment colleges. Courses are either all earned online or brought in through transfer- only 1 course (2 credits) was taken butt-in-seat, and that was in 1992.

    2. I tested out of 60 undergrad credits using CLEP, DSST, and TECEP exams.

    3. I had only earned 30 graded credits, while their admissions checklist "required" a GPA of 3.0 based on my last 60 credits.

    4. In order to calculate my GPA based on my last 60 credits, they had to dig deep into my NA credits from The Culinary Inst. of America- or ignore their own "rule." I don't know which method they used.

    5. 27 of my credits were "credit for prior teaching" which is very much like a prior learning assessment/portfolio (except without the cost)

    6. UI application wants you to list "dates of attendance" from your bachelor's degree on your grad school application application. I could only list 1 year! I thought that might come back to bite me.

    What I did have going for me:

    1. A lot of industry experience.

    2. 3 very good letters of reference. (3 supervisors- two current, one previous. Two of the three hold a PhD)

    3. My TESC GPA is 3.85, and my previous GPA was 3.5- so I met the criteria.

    4. I thought my essay was clever (LOL maybe it was, maybe it wasn't)!


    **********
    So, chalk one up for distance learners. I probably will not enroll in this program, but it's nice to have the option!
     
  2. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Congratulations Jennifer! I've always believed that essays were the tie breakers. I'm sure yours was a plus.
     
  3. pugbelly

    pugbelly New Member

    That is awesome! Congratulations! Where else have you applied? Have you heard back rom the others?

    Pug
     
  4. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    Kizmet and Pugbelly,

    Well, I applied to The University of Adelaide, two colleges at The University of Illinois, and Western New Mexico University. Still waiting for UI's college of Education to reply.

    I am 90% sure that I'll go to Western NMU.....but.
    I am enrolling in a Harvard Extension course that starts next month. It scares the crap out of me....I don't know if I'll be able to earn the required GPA in 3 courses/proseminar in order to apply....but I'm going to try. I know you guys know a lot about the program, so fire away.

    My official start date at WNMU is spring, so I have one semester to decide if I want to enroll in a kick-my-a$$-once-in-a-lifetime-your-not-getting-any-younger program...or be practical and get a very reasonably priced MA that adds two areas of teaching to my CV. I don't know if I have what it takes to get over the difficult coursework required of a Harvard student, but I want very much to find out for myself! Unlike when I was a young 20-something, I really have enjoyed returning to school as a student. I am also old enough to realize that my TESC mentors are lazy graders (all A's and 1 B) and it may be over my head.

    So, shhhh.....you guys are the first (and only!) people I am telling about my class. I don't want anyone else to know unless I pass LOL.
     
  5. pugbelly

    pugbelly New Member


    Wow. I think this is a decision only you can make! I would go with the program that most interests you. You've got a ton of work ahead either way, so go with the program that excites you the most. You'll need that to stay motivated!

    Pug
     
  6. mbaonline

    mbaonline New Member

    SEE! I TOLD you that you just couldn't stay away!

    I'm sure you'll pass. You go, girl (or something like that)!
     
  7. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Whatever you decide it's clear that you're going to be a winner. If that HES course ever puts you into Harvard Square then let me know. I might be able to wrestle myself free long enough to walk you around a bit. We'll just have to go to the Plough and Stars.
     
  8. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    >>

    :)
    yeah, yeah, yeah, you told me so!
    Besides, I've already been out of school for like... 15 days, I'm going nuts. It's either school or remodel my basement. (no, really. I'm serious)
     
  9. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    Excellent idea! I googled it- looks like a nice brunch is in my future. Also looks like the perfect place to take a chef; anywhere that makes brine- or even knows what brine is, is my kinda' place.
     
  10. mbaonline

    mbaonline New Member

    I know, because I have the same problem. I'm working full-time, teaching at the CC and taking a grad-level class. Not to mention PTSA BOD, Soccer team webmaster...the list is endless. Thinking about the CPA, GMAT, Doctorate...Otherwise I go stir crazy.
     
  11. Woho

    Woho New Member

    wow congrats. of cause HES would be some crown jewel in your cv :)
    just as a sidenote: is there any good site/book on what makes a letter of reference really stand out? i usually get the "write whatever you like and i'm gonna sign it" reply so it might be good to have some better understanding of the process.
     
  12. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    Congratulations, Jennifer!

    Wherever you land, I'm sure you'll make us proud. :D
     
  13. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    >>

    Thank's Bruce :)
     

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