Tips for Applying to the Master’s in College and University Student Personnel Administration at The University of Texas at Austin

While we are not able to meet with and advise every student who applies to the Master’s program, we want you to have the strongest application possible.  These tips are drawn from many years of reviewing applications for admission.

In considering applications for the Master’s program, our faculty admissions committee uses a holistic approach in reviewing each application file.  That is, we consider all the information submitted by the student, including the personal statement, grades, letters of reference, and test scores.  Below, we provide advice on each type of information.

The personal statement is very important because it is the only piece of information whose content you completely control.  Use the statement wisely! 

• Tell us about yourself.  Why do you want to get a Master’s in College and University Student Personnel Administration at The University of Texas at Austin?  
• If you have little previous work experience, what are your college leadership positions that would indicate your interest in student services?
• How do you envision using what you learn? 
• Will you be working in student services for most of your career, or do you envision yourself working in higher education, in general?  If so, explain by emphasizing how you will influence students in the broader arena of higher education administration.
• Indicate how you will use the knowledge you gain in the program throughout your career. 
• What is distinctive about you? 
• If you have anything you would like to explain about yourself (difficulty in testing, low GPA because of a heavy workload, etc.) do so here.  But, do not apologize. Put a positive light on any difficulties by indicating how you are working to overcome them.

Enlist the help of a trusted friend or advisor to serve as a sounding board and proofreader as you work on your statement.  You will want the statement to be an example of your best writing!

You can help your references write more informed letters by giving them information about the UT program and indicating what you plan to do after graduation.  The more information your reference includes about the “fit” between you and UT, the stronger your application.

Grades are important.  The university allows admission of students with a GPA below 3.0, only by special exception. While you cannot dress up your GPA, you can discuss any extenuating circumstances in your personal statement that may have affected the GPA.

For test scores, we look at the overall score and the individual test scores.  One of the most important indicators is your writing score, since you will be writing extensively in classes and, later, on the job.

While we are unable to spend time with individuals discussing their applications, hopefully these tips will be like having a “faculty advisor on your shoulder” as you begin the application process. 

We all look forward to reading your application and seeing you in our next entering class!!!!