How firm are the minimum requirements?
You must meet the minimum requirements to submit an application. You are required to put forward evidence along with the application indicating that you have met the minimum requirements.

I heard that the Praxis I (PPST) score requirements went up. Will this affect me?
The Praxis I (PPST) score requirements were raised for all teacher education majors except for Business Education; Health, Physical Education and Recreation; and Music Education majors beginning May 28, 1998. The Praxis I (PPST) scores for those majors listed above continued to be 172 in all three areas (Reading, Writing, and Math). For all other majors the Praxis I (PPST) score requirements are Reading (175), Writing (173), and Math (174).

I've met all the basic criteria; will I be admitted?
Admission is never guaranteed. You can help yourself by doing what all good teachers do - plan!

• Have you planned your time so that you are making the best grades possible (for you)?
• Have you taken the initiative to volunteer or work at agencies that will give you experience in teaching? (Examples might be - Summer Camp Counselor, Day Care Worker, Sunday School/Temple Teacher, Youth Sports, Scouting, Classroom Helper.)
• Have you practiced being interviewed where you are asked to explain why you want to be a teacher?
• Have you read the bulletin boards outside the CEHS Office of Student Services so that you know the latest information regarding our programs and student organizations?
• Did you follow all the directions printed in your application and with your writing sample?

If you can answer yes to these questions, you have a very good chance of being successful.

My friend told me that they knew someone who was able to have their application reviewed without having met one of the requirements, how did that happen?
First of all, beware of what "friends" tell you about a process that is grounded in formal policy and procedure. Your best source of advice is your advisor; who can answer your questions accurately and/or know whom to call for accurate information.

Nevertheless the College realizes that special circumstances can occur, and to be considered, you have the opportunity of filing a "special request" along with your application. You need to describe your particular situation and request that your application be reviewed by the committee. If the admissions committee agrees, you will be invited for an interview. The final decision to accept you into the college comes as a result of the faculty-conducted interview.

Note: As of September, 2004, the Early Childhood program will no longer entertain special requests for those who have not passed one or more of the Praxis I exams, unless there is a documented learning disability.

How important are grades?
Even if you have the minimum grade point average to apply, you may not be accepted. This is especially true if you want to teach in a "crowded area." Some areas like Social Studies are so crowded that you really need to stand out to be competitive. Your grades need to be strong in the content area you wish to teach. Grades show more than just content mastery. They illustrate that you have developed the needed skills to be a successful learner - the same skills you will need to teach students. Another crowded field is Elementary Education. You need to state in your career objective why you think you will stand out - strong grades, excellent references, willingness to relocate, willingness to teach in urban centers and other areas where teachers are needed.

Who can provide the best references?
You want two kinds of references - one from someone who can speak to your ability as a student, especially if you want to teach a certain subject (then your reference should be from a teacher in that subject area). Faculty references can be from a university or high school faculty. If you are going to teach in a subject area, it is best to have a university faculty. If you have just transferred, or have been out of school for many years (or both) you may want to use a high school teacher - or wait until you get to know another faculty person.

The second kind of helpful reference is from someone who has seen you interact with children. A note on the back of the reference form that attests to your abilities in working with children can be the most important part of your application. See the I've met all the basic criteria; will I be admitted? section of this brochure for ideas regarding sources of these references.

References from your parents, friends and relatives are not viewed as objective. Try to get the most objective reference possible.

I have questions and/or just want to talk to someone about the process - whom do I ask?
Your advisor is a good source of information. The CEHS Office of Student Services is the unit which administers the application process. You are welcome to ask us questions. The Office of Student Services is charged with the administrative activity surrounding the admissions process. You may stop by 378 Allyn and chat anytime.

Another good way to touch base is by e-mail. If you don't have an account yet, get one. Teachers are part of the information age. Accounts are free and can be set up in the CaTS office in the basement of the library. Address your questions and comments to:
cehssrvs@wright.edu

Why do I have to submit photocopies of non WSU transcripts, test scores, writing receipts and other items to the application - don't you have that stuff already?
Yes, no, maybe. The problem is time. You can speed up the process by helping us. Attaching the items means that the people processing your application do not have to call other offices or dig through files to find something. In addition, your current WSU transcript will only show what transferred and our faculty want to see your entire academic record. We also need to report your previous gpa and credit hours to our faculty admissions committee and that information is only found on your non WSU transcripts.

Help us help you. Attach photocopies of transcripts from all other colleges you have already attended. Attach a photocopy of Praxis I (PPST) test scores and your writing sample receipt to your application.

You may not know this, but you normally get Praxis I (PPST) test scores long before we do. Attaching a copy of the report from Praxis will mean your application will be reviewed in a timely manner.

How can I do my best when I'm called for an interview?
As with most things in life, that's up to you! The admissions committee interviews all teacher education candidates, so don't feel alone in this process. The interview is the point where an admissions decision is made.

The interviews are friendly conversations with one or more members of the faculty and they are normally held in a small group format (that means you won't be alone!). Be prepared to answer questions like, "Where are you from? Why do you want to be a teacher? What will you do to make a difference as a teacher? What are the three most important issues facing education today? What will your former students say about you at your retirement banquet?"

You should dress like you would for a job interview (your local public library has books on job interviewing). You should practice being interviewed and watch it on video tape if possible. You need to be conscious of your vocal tone, rate of speech, phrases you repeat a lot, and eye contact.

If you have a helpful tip for the next edition of this attachment, or a question that you think would be helpful for others to see answered, please contact the CEHS Office of Student Services, 378 Allyn Hall. Questions are welcomed. See the Student Services administrative specalist in 378 Allyn for basic procedural information. Click to email us now, our fax number is (937) 775-2099, we may reached by phone at (937) 775-3086. Thank you.