Adult and Postsecondary Education Application Guidelines
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants should carefully select those persons whom they ask to send letters of recommendation. References should include those people who can attest to the applicant's academic potential, her or his previous personal or work experience in adult education, and the applicant's fit with the standards and expectations that guide professional educators. If the applicant is currently working in a professional education position, it is expected that the employer/supervisor will provide a letter of reference.
The applicant should carefully consider the purpose of the personal statement in the application process. This statement should be well thought out, carefully written and edited, and not exceed five double-spaced typewritten pages. The statement should address the following questions:
- Describe your professional self. (Personal goals, strengths and weaknesses that prepare or limit you for graduate study, and special skills should be addressed.)
- Discuss what attracts you to our graduate program, how you believe this degree can help you, and why you are applying at this time.
Include the following in your resume:
- Personal Information: Name and Contact Information (Address, Phone numbers, email)
- Education: Institution, City, State, Dates Attended, Major, and Degree
- Work Experience: Dates, Job Title, Employer, City, State
- Professional experiences such as: Publications, Presentations and Grants; Continuing Education Activities, Awards/Honors Received; Community and Volunteer Activities; Professional Memberships; other
As part of your application, you must submit a three to five page essay, in American Psychological Association format, addressing the following:
Identify a problem you've encountered, an issue you're aware of, or an area you're curious about within the general field of adult and post-secondary education, which could include issues of diversity and access, international education, residential education, training adults or other related areas. Research and summarize existing viewpoints and then articulate your personal position based upon your research and professional experience.
This paper should be written in the following format:
- Provide a concise introduction that outlines the importance of your topic.
- Provide your personal perspective on the topic.
- Provide a focused discussion, based on information from the professional literature and your experience that defines the topic and provides the context for the topic within a larger environment. In your discussion, please refer to evidence-based practice if applicable.
- Provide an integrated summary of your perspective and the literature you have cited. Are your ideas and perspectives supported by the literature? If not, can you support your ideas? Are there areas that you believe should be researched further?
- Provide a reference page for any resources you have cited. Professional resources should be current or seminal works.
This essay will be used to evaluate your critical thinking skills, writing skills, your ability to use and apply resources, and your ability to organize and integrate information. Therefore, this paper must be completed entirely on your own. Do not solicit outside input, editing or ideas from others, including family members, instructors, friends, associates, colleagues, etc.
Please note that you will be required to sign a statement, on the face sheet of this application, indicating that you have received no assistance with this essay.