There are clearly a lot of requirements to meet and plenty of documents to gather for a complete application to the Professional Program. You need to start the process early in order to get all of the necessary components submitted on time. The following is a timeline that suggests when you should get started on the different parts of your application packet so that it is complete by the deadline. (September 10 or February 10)
What to do Now
Consider Praxis 1. Do you have high enough SAT scores to obtain a waiver? If you do, send the forms NOW! It’ll make you feel like you’re one step closer to meeting your goal of becoming a teacher. If you’re not eligible for a waiver, read on…
• Go to the Praxis website. http://www.ets.org/praxis/index.html
There’s a lot of information here, but for now, check out the Test Preparation section, which will give you an idea of what the tests are like. At this point, try to determine if the tests will be challenging for you. If, after looking at sample test questions, you think you need time to study and review for the tests, begin planning your test preparation strategy. Some people decide not to do any preparation and others feel anxious about the tests and spend months studying for them. You may want to consult The Learning Center to take advantage of the Learning Plus program.
6 - 12 Months prior to application
Take the Praxis I tests, if necessary. You want to give yourself plenty of
time to receive the results. Decide which form of the tests you want to take,
pencil and paper tests or the computerized tests.
• Familiarize yourself with the test dates and locations. If you are taking the
paper and pencil test, complete the registration forms four to six weeks prior
to the registration deadline for the Praxis tests.
• For the computerized test, call the test center directly for an appointment
six to eight weeks prior to your desired test date.
• If you are unfamiliar with the location of the test center, get good
directions and/or a map and leave in plenty of time. If you are late for the
test, you will not be admitted.
• Begin practicing for the Praxis one to two months before taking the test. Try
to practice twice a week.
Make sure ALL prerequisite courses are completed for your program. Check the
Requirements page for details.
Check your GPA. This is easy if all your coursework has been done at CCSU.
However, if you are a transfer student, calculate your combined GPA, including
all undergraduate coursework taken at CCSU and at other colleges or
universities. Remember you need a minimum 2.70 gpa.
If you are pursuing early childhood or elementary education, start working on
the thirty hours experience with children or young adults.
3 Months prior to application
Request official transcripts from all other college/university institutions you attended. Sometimes, the transcripts take weeks to be sent, or could get lost in the mail. You want to allow plenty of time for them to arrive.
2 Months prior to application
Ask people for recommendations.
Give them a due date, at least two/three weeks
before the actual deadline. If you are applying in the Fall semester, it’s
probably safer to ask professors in the Spring semester; they may not be around
in the summer.
If you are seeking the early childhood or elementary education programs,
complete your “Statement of Experience” form and have it signed by your
supervisor. Make sure your experience meets the requirements.
Start thinking about why you want to teach and begin writing your essay. Have
someone review the essay and make any necessary corrections/changes.
The Writing
Center, 305 Willard Hall or The Learning Center, 241 Copernicus Hall are good
places to get help with your essay.
Practice writing essays and have someone look them over for mistakes. This
will help you with the impromptu essay for admission into the program, if
required.
1 Month prior to deadline
Make sure you have the current application (check the date in the lower right
hand corner) and complete it. .
Gather any additional materials needed for a complete application. For
example, you will need the lab report for secondary science majors or the
additional essay for secondary math majors
Methodically check to see that EVERYTHING you need is together in a portfolio
or at least in a clip. It would be wise to make a copy of the whole portfolio.
It’s amazing how things can get lost.
Talk to the Assistant Dean if you anticipate any problems with your
application.
Up to 2 weeks before the deadline
This is it! Bring your complete application to the Dean’s Office in Barnard 248. Someone will carefully check to see that all documents are included. Ask about signing up for the interview and any impromptu writing requirements (early childhood and elementary education only)
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