<p>I am very interested in getting into a M.Ed program at a top 25 school if possible but I am unsure of what I'm looking at. My undergraduate grade point average was a trainwreck, due mainly to poverty and working full time to support my family. My final undergrad grade point average was a 2.1. After earning a bachelors I received my Texas teacher certification and became a teacher. Once I actually started making a living wage my grades improved. I have completed a 33 hour Masters of Arts in Teaching degree from Louisiana College with a 4.0. I have also taught high school for two years, winning teacher of the year for my department and I currently have the leadership position as a grade level chair. I am wondering if my GPA will eliminate from consideration right off and if it does not, then what do I need to score on the GRE to get into a top program?</p>
<p>I curious as to why you want to get an M.Ed.? You already have an MAT, and I don’t know of too many people who get both. Do you plan to continue teaching? I’m not seeing the value of a 2nd masters degree for you.</p>
<p>I am wanting to eventually earn a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. An MAT doesn’t really help me there. I am taking the MAT because my undergraduate was very poor and the MAT was about the only program I could get into. But now that I’m working and not in extreme poverty anymore I’m able to show that I can do well on graduate level work. I just don’t think any Ph.D. programs at top schools will look at me with an MAT, hence me wanting to take a M.Ed. and improve my chances.</p>
<p>Hi, just so you know, a high masters GPA can do you a lot of good. I had an okay GPA from undergrad, but had the highest GPA in my masters program. I’m now going to the top school in my field for a PhD. You should definitely explain the GPA in your application material. </p>
<p>However, you may want to reconsider getting a second masters in the exact same field. That becomes redundant. However, if you find something related to get the second masters in, it can greatly improve your chances. E.g. a person with a dual masters in say chemical and biological engineering who wants to pursue a PhD in one of the fields, but in a manner that combines both, would be significantly favored over other candidates. I assume you want a PhD to be a university professor? PhD’s are the most competitive degree by far, good luck!</p>