ADMISSIONS

The program has a separate application and application process from other Penn GSE graduate programs.

WHO SHOULD APPLY
The Program seeks educational leaders deeply committed to enhancing the learning opportunities for all our children. Candidates need to bring strong academic preparation, including a master’s degree, along with at least 3 years of educational leadership experience. Successful candidates will demonstrate the willingness and ability to commit to an intensive academic program while continuing their professional life. We encourage interested candidates to explore the program thoroughly through public information sessions, online events, and discussion with program staff.

Students complete a minimum of 27 CUs at Penn. Participants pay a single price for the program, which includes all tuition and fees, books, technology access, materials, and meals.

APPLICATION PROCESS
We ask that you submit the completed application and financial aid forms directly to the Penn GSE Admissions Office at the address indicated below. These forms are available on the website www.gse.upenn.edu/midcareer .

You should arrange to have the following forwarded to the Penn GSE Admissions Office directly from the source.

The first is your academic transcripts from any institution in which you have been enrolled in a degree program.

The second is letters of recommendation from two individuals that can speak to your ability to complete the program and your career potential. Please have these people enclose the Recommendation Form with their letter. We ask that at least one be from your current employer.

The third is your standardized test scores. The GRE is not required for admission to the program; however, the admissions committee reserves the right to request your GRE scores as an additional admissions criteria. You may elect to submit scores from the exam if you have taken it within the past five years. If you submit GRE scores, they will be considered as part of your application. International applicants must take either the TOEFL or IELTS exams. The Penn GSE institutional reporting code for the GRE and TOEFL test scores is 2943.

Please include two other documents with the application form.

The first is your resume. Please make the document sufficiently specific so as to allow us to ascertain your career progression and accomplishments, but it should not exceed four pages.

The second is the Essay Section. Further information about this section is available here (soon!).

In addition, students seeking certification need to secure approval from their employer to use their place of employment for the field experience, and they need to be appropriately matched with a mentor in their organization.

You may elect to submit additional materials that provide direct evidence of your leadership practice, in support of your statement of purpose. This is not required, and the materials will not be returned. We strongly recommend that applicants avoid submitting materials not clearly linked to their statement. All supplementary materials should be clearly labeled as such when submitted.

Interviews, by phone or in person, individual or group, may be requested by the program. Your application indicates your willingness to participate in an interview, should it be requested.

There is no application fee for the program. If you accept our offer of admission, there will be a deposit required to hold your place in the class.

The application deadline was March 1, 2008; we will begin accepting applications for the next admissions pool after July 1st, 2008. We recommend that you submit your materials at the earliest possible date, as we anticipate that admission to the program will be highly competitive, and slots for the July 2008 cohort are limited.

You may request that a complete Prospectus and Application be sent to you by contacting us at:

Online Request Form
1-877-PENNGSE (736-6473)
Fax: 215-746-6884
midcareer@gse.upenn.edu