Understanding the Graduate Admissions Process

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by Gabe F., Jul 4, 2017.

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  1. Gabe F.

    Gabe F. Active Member

    I understand that institutions have the right to specify whatever criteria they wish for a particular program, but what confounds me about the graduate admissions process is transcripts.

    Here are two good examples. Illinois State, like many other institutions, asks applicants for the Ed.D. program to submit every single transcript EVER. I'm having a hard time understanding how one's first year at Lincoln Land Community College has any bearing on their ability to succeed at the doctoral level. I say this because the program requires a master's degree so if one has proven themselves via a master's degree, why should anyone care about one's community college record?

    On the other hand, you have the University of New England which only asks for a copy of one's master's degree transcript. That's it. Aside from the "easy" factor, I sincerely believe that's all that should be required.

    Oh, and here's one last comment. Transcripts alone are unlikely to be the final determining factor. There are other elements involved in the process including submitting a resume/CV, submitting a writing sample, etc. All of that, again, leaves me to believe that gathering transcripts from community college or trade school whatever, is pointless.

    What gives? What say you?

    Illinois State

    https://illinoisstate.edu/graduate/details.php?s=doctorate-coe-highedadmin_doc

    Present official transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned.

    University of New England

    https://online.une.edu/education/admissions/edd-admissions-requirements/

    Request an official transcript reflecting conferral of master's degree.
     
  2. airtorn

    airtorn Moderator

    I agree with you. I have a lot of random credits with one class here, two classes there as I put together my initial associate's degree. Beyond the "what's the point" factor of how I did in that Intro to Computers class through New Mexico State University - Alamogordo in 1997, it quickly gets very expensive ordering transcripts from a bunch of schools when I could simply order the transcripts from the school I actually graduated from.
     
  3. Gabe F.

    Gabe F. Active Member

    Bingo! You and I have the same problem. I assembled all kinds of odd and end credits when I was in the Coast Guard through correspondence courses. At present, if I requested transcripts from all schools in which I've earned credit, I'd spend more than $50.
     
  4. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    Given Illinois' current economic status, maybe they just want to be REALLY REALLY sure you pay ALLLLLLLLL your bills. (release of transcript would be a confirmation)

    Seriously though, I think it's ridiculous. Maybe I'm just getting grumpy the older I get, but I would probably not even apply if they're so nonsensical.
     
  5. decimon

    decimon Well-Known Member

    The rules could be those of the school, the state or the regional accreditor, no?
     
  6. OhioValleyCat

    OhioValleyCat New Member

    For the DBA Program I am currently in, I didn't even need my undergraduate transcript. The doctoral admissions process just required proof of the earned master degree, so I had official copies of my two master degrees sent.

    I think there are times when the application processes can be unnecessarily burdensome. It would seem like it would be both in the applicant's and the school's favor to have a streamlined application process.

    A kind of weird loophole thing happened to me a few years ago when I wanted to do a distance (DETC) undergraduate certificate program for professional development. At the time, I had already earned a bachelor and master degree. The undergraduate certificate program required that you send a copy of your high school transcript. It had been more than 20 years since I had graduated from high school. My college transcripts are way more readily accessible than a high school transcript. It is noted on my undergraduate transcript which high school I got my diploma from, but that was not good enough for the certificate program. I have a copy of my high school diploma, but that was not good enough for the certificate program. The schools customer service representative told me that my master degree and bachelor degree transcripts did not meet their policy guideline that states that high school transcripts showing diploma earned would need to be provided.

    Maybe I could have tracked down my high school transcript, but it is not readily accessible due to age and would have taken time for the school system to produce (assuming it is on microfilm somewhere). So, I ended up giving up on that certificate program.

    I understand some of the highly selective schools having demanding entrance requirements. However, I think the more or less open admissions schools, would do the applicant and themselves a favor and be careful not to create an unnecessary administrative burden by asking for unnecessary items for the applicant admissions package.
     

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