Looking for good undergraduate programs in gifted education

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Ever since my days as a struggling gifted student who felt disengaged from learning in high school, I became interested in the social, emotional, and academic issues that many gifted students face in their schools. Reflecting on my struggles with teasing, bullying, and the lack of a meaningful challenge in high school, I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of gifted children who feel trapped by their intelligence in an environment that they feel does not recognize their brilliance.</p>

<p>Currently I am a part-time (10 credit hours) community college student intending to take a full load in the spring. I will (most likely) transfer to a four-year university for the Fall 2014 semester. I would like suggestions for schools that meet at least some of the following criteria:</p>

<ul>
<li>Promotes research at the undergraduate level*</li>
<li>Intellectual and cultural diversity</li>
<li>A wide variety of student organizations and activities</li>
<li>Opportunities to make connections with experts in the field of gifted education</li>
<li><p>Transfer-friendly, with the possible exception of high reaches with exceptional gifted education programs*</p></li>
<li><p>must-have criteria</p></li>
</ul>

<p>Note: While I have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, it is very mild and does not need consideration for university selection.</p>

<p>HS Stats:
GPA: unsure, but I made good grades (B or higher) in most classes, although I was held back my junior year due to attendance issues as a result of emotional stress from being teased
No SAT/ACT (at the moment)
ECs: </p>

<ul>
<li>Spoke about living with Asperger's syndrome at an Autism Speaks kickoff luncheon in 2006</li>
<li>Volunteer and tutor for special education children at a local elementary school</li>
<li>Took a gap year to continue my volunteer work after I graduated in 2010</li>
</ul>

<p>College Stats (as of 8/27/12):
GPA: 4.0 (will try to maintain, but aiming for at least a 3.8 otherwise)
Classes: College Algebra, Speech, two semesters of Spanish; currently taking Biology for Science Majors, English Composition I, and a third semester of Spanish
ECs: </p>

<ul>
<li>Occasional volunteer work in the local elementary schools</li>
<li>Spoke on an "adults with Asperger's" panel for a local autism non-profit two years in a row</li>
<li>New member of Phi Theta Kappa</li>
<li>Will implement an idea for a project-based, service-oriented mentorship program for gifted at-risk public school students soon</li>
</ul>

2

<p>If you want to be certified as a teacher, look at schools in the state where you want to work.</p>

<p>Look at state schools, because they’ll probably be less expensive. Ditto for schools started by a religious group. </p>

<p>As a teacher, you might well need a graduate degree. You’ll almost certainly have ongoing continuing education requirements. And you won’t make a lot of money. So minimize your debt.</p>

3

<p>I suggest that you go to the Hoagies web site, which is devoted to gifted children. There are many people who participate in the forums listed there who have significant current knowledge of the subject.</p>

4

<p>Wordworker: I live in Texas, although some of my higher reach schools could be out-of-state if they have excellent education programs, especially if I wanted to work in another state.</p>

<p>I hear UT Austin has a highly ranked College of Education, although the sheer size of UT’s student body concerns me in regards to a noticeable, negative impact on the quality of education I receive. (although this should be less for upper-division courses)</p>

5

<p>Johns Hopkins is probably foremost in the study of gifted children. I believe that William and Mary’s School of Education also devotes considerable resources to it. Both of those universities would be excellent places to start.</p>

6

<p>[Browse</a> by Topic: Resources - Gifted Ed. Degree Programs](<a href=“http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/browse_resources_286.aspx]Browse”>http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/browse_resources_286.aspx)</p>