<p>Im currently a graduate student at a small college in Alabama, but I want to explore exotic New England, maybe New York, and learn about art, acting, writing, or fashion. Im currently pursuing a masters degree in ESOL and plan to teach international students when I finish. I wanted to explore, though, and have many great insights to share with my students. Where should I go, and how should I get there? </p>
<p>My cumulative undergraduate GPA was just under a 3.0. My major GPA was likely above a 3.0. I majored in English / Language Arts, but I took quite a few courses that were not related to my major, including advanced math. I really enjoy writing, but Im also shy and reserved, so I didnt get involved in anything while I was in college. I wanted to write for the school paper but never really got around to it. I was inconsistent with my college club membership, and some of the on campus groups dissolved, so I didnt really contribute anything. My teachers said that they liked my writing, though, and encouraged me with it. I also did well in my foreign language courses. I guess the only thing I have to offer a great college is my potential, but I have trouble communicating with people or trusting them. </p>
<p>To which college should I apply if I want to explore New York, learn about art or acting, and not be afraid that my average GPA and lack of participation or outstanding acheivement will bar me from being admitted? I do believe that I have potential because I know how to persevere. I lost my house after Katrina and lost my mother while attending school. I still finished with relatively decent marks, despite hardship. </p>
<p>Maybe my chances are low, and my chances of getting financial aid are even lower, if this is the case, please suggest ways for me to improve my chances and put more on my college resume. I'm 26 and only getting older, and I did want to one day attend a famous university.</p>
<p>I took the GRE, and I think my score was average. I don’t remember exactly what it was. I think math was in the 600s and reading was in the 700s. This was on the old 100-800 scale, I think.</p>
<p>The schools you’d likely aim for (NYU Steinhardt, BC Lynch etc.) all say that a minimum major GPA of 3.0 is required but I’m not sure whether there actually are people who got into these TESOL MAs with a 3.0. However, GRE scores aren’t a problem.</p>
<p>Do you want to work in the Northeast? Because it is preferrable to aim for TESOL programs that lead to certification.</p>
<p>I think it’s pretty expensive, even if you tried City College rather than NYU Steinhardt or BC Lynch, which should be among your top choices by now Do you have at least 12 credits of coursework in a language other than English? However, you got the non-language liberal arts covered… since New York only asks for 3 credits each in math, science and social science.</p>
<p>City College’s TESOL MA: $640/credit (40 credits total)
NYU Steinhardt: $1,367/credit (44 credits total)
BC Lynch: $1,166/credit (30 credits; at Boston College, you have to choose between reading/literacy teaching, secondary education and curriculum/instruction; through one of these concentrations, you’ll then get a TELL certificate, which will let you teach TESOL once licensed)</p>
<p>If teaching in Quebec is an option and you’re willing to teach TESOL away from Montreal, you can try McGill and get a TESOL MA, $558.39/credit (60 credits total) and you’ll likely get a job upon graduation.</p>
<p>If I apply for a school of my choice and am not accepted, what should I do? How can I strengthen my college resume at this point? Should I wait until I’ve finished my master’s degree? </p>
<p>Also, I’ve tutored international students, and they seem to finish their programs of study much more quickly than Americans. Where should I apply if I want to get a quality degree quickly and affordably, just to build up my graduate school resume and increase my chances of being accepted by a top college?</p>