Checking in

One month away from application lift-off!

Right now, our application system is undergoing some tweaks that will hopefully make the process a little easier (on the eyes) and more seamless. If you’re a UBC student, you’ve probably noticed the changes in the Student Service Centre, where you will find the supplemental application forms once you’ve submitted the general online application. We’re looking forward to seeing the rest of the modifications soon.

For now, you may be interested in checking out the following updates to the TEO website.

• What’s a competitive GPA? How many people were admitted this year? These are typical questions posed by prospective students. You can find your answers on our  Admission Statistics (remember to expand the section labelled “How is my application evaluated?”).
• Important dates and deadlines are available on the Application Timeline. You can start sending us your transcripts and references now and we’ll hold on to them until you submit your application.
• Got questions about housing or financial aid? We’ve updated our FAQs – take a look!

You might also be interested in exploring the following featured program options …

• Music Education for those who aspire to cultivate the next Diana Krall.
• French options in teaching kindergarten to grade 12.
• Home Economics to inspire the next generation of fashion designers and chefs — or at least teach the basics of survival post-life-with-Mom-and-Dad.

If you want to talk about some of these options, don’t hesitate to contact us! Anne and I are available for advising appointments or contact us by IM (during select hours) or email (teacher.ed[at]ubc.ca).

Making ‘Cents’ of the Cost of Education

There’s no getting around it: a university education isn’t cheap.

You might be tempted to put off looking at the numbers for now, but the truth is, if you start your financial plan earlier, you’ll be much better off. Otherwise, you may end up delaying your teaching career for another year.

• Start by taking a look at the cost of tuition and books for the B.Ed. program.
• Do you qualify for a student loan? Remember to apply by April 1for Summer Session entry or by June 30 for entry in the Winter Session.
• If your student loan application has been approved but you still have a shortfall, you might qualify for a bursary. Bursary applications are due June 1 for entry in the Summer Session and September 15 for entry in the Winter Session. Eligibility determined by student loans and unmet need.
• Scholarships in the Faculty of Education are granted based on academic performance and require a nomination by a faculty member. The awards are presented to the recipients at the end of the year.
• Thinking about creating a budget? Look no further than here for a budget template.
• Need extra financial guidance? Student Financial Assistance and Awards is available to help you on a one-on-one basis. Call 604-822-5111 to make an appointment or drop by Brock Hall for more information.

Don’t let finances get in the way of becoming an educator!

Beyond the Academics

Contrary to popular hype, you need more than the right courses to get into the B.Ed. program.

We advisors are just as guilty for harping on academic requirements, so this post is an effort to shift the attention to the “softer” aspects of the B.Ed. application. In other words, we’re going to focus on the personal essay, experience summary, and references.

First off, the personal essay: it’s no secret that the prevailing essay topic has remained the same from year to year. And I can guarantee that this year, you will be asked to reflect on your experiences with children and youth and their potential to prepare you for the teaching profession. Don’t underestimate the impact of a cogent, thoughtful, and readable composition. It personalizes your application and also demonstrates your ability to write effectively and correctly. Use examples or illustrations to make a point. Academic-style essays are not de rigeur; but try to avoid a casual tone. And please — please proofread and edit your essay before submitting it.

If your personal essay is like a cover letter, think of the experience summary as your resume. Here’s where you give us the bare-boned details of the related experiences you’ve had interacting with kids and teens. You’re not beholden to report every single related experience . Think of the most suitable ones; be choosy. And yes, please be accurate when reporting the number of hours per activity (I know high school babysitting was a long time ago — if so, perhaps under-report your hours to be on the safe side.)

And lastly, references (CLICK HERE to find a reference report template): it may seem early, but I would suggest that you start thinking about possible referees. Make sure that you’ve taken a look at the reference report before approaching individuals. Do they know you well enough to comment on your skills and abilities? Are they prepared to assess you based on your experiences with children and youth? When it comes time to request a reference, your referees will appreciate early notice. Starting the process in advance means that if the reference you were counting on isn’t available, you’ve still time to pursue plan B.

What are you doing right now to prepare for your application? Feel free to share your to-do list, ideas, and plans in the comments.