Admission

Admissions Process & Specific Materials Needed

The admissions process includes submitting everything requested in the Graduate College Application packet, and participating in an invitation-only formal group interview. Each of these is described below.

Application Packet

Submit the following (below) to the University of Vermont Graduate Admissions Office. Please be advised that the UVM Graduate College uses an on-line admissions process.

Applications received by February 1 will be considered for the following Fall matriculation.

• Graduate Application Form: Available on-line from the Graduate College
• Statement of Purpose: The Statement of Purpose will be reviewed for clarity of expression, grammatical construction, and insight regarding the applicant’s reasons for pursuing study in the Counseling Program.
• Three Letters of Recommendation: Letters written by individuals who have a professional relationship with the applicant and who are well acquainted with the applicant’s accomplishments and potential for becoming an effective counselor are considered valid letters of recommendation. At least one of these letters should be from an academic advisor or instructor. Please do not include letters written by personal friends or acquaintances.
• Official College Transcripts: An official college transcript of course work (undergraduate and graduate) should be submitted from every college and/or university attended.
• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE): GRE scores must be no more than 5 years old.
• Professional Resume: An up-to-date resume that attests to the applicant’s education, work, and volunteer experience should be included in the application packet. Work experience in counseling or in a related field is highly desired.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):  It is a Graduate College policy that applicants whose native or first language is not English must submit TOEFL test scores for admission. Minimum acceptable scores for admission to the Graduate College at the University of Vermont - Internet based = 80, Computer based = 213, and Paper based = 550. Minimum acceptable scores for a student receiving funding at the University of Vermont - Internet based = 100, Computer based = 250, and Paper based = 600.
  

Interview

After an initial review of applications, qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a group interview on the UVM campus. One or more faculty members and a graduate student currently enrolled in the program conduct the group interview. The applicant will be interviewed with a small group of others who are also applying to the Counseling Program.

The group interview is critical in the application process. Faculty will be looking for evidence of candidates’ self-awareness, awareness of social and cultural issues, ability to communicate with others, and interest and commitment to the profession of counseling. The interview will also offer candidates an opportunity to receive information about the Counseling Program at UVM and meet other students applying to the program.

In extenuating circumstances, an applicant may be given permission to participate in a phone interview. Arrangements will be made for these alternatives on an individual basis after full faculty consultation.

Admissions Prerequisites
Applicants seeking admissions to the School Track and wishing to be licensed in Vermont as a school counselor should have documentation of at least 30 credit hours in an Arts and Sciences undergraduate major (e.g., English, Mathematics, Psychology). This is a State of Vermont requirement for licensure to practice counseling in public schools in Vermont. For more information about this requirement or how a specific transcript may document this requirement, students should speak directly with the director of CESS Student Services, UVM (802-656-3468) prior to applying to the program.

Tour of Campus
Applicants are invited to meet with students currently in the Counseling Program, to receive a tour of the UVM campus, and to sit in on a class - we encourage applicants to take advantage of this opportunity! Tours and class visits are arranged by the Counseling Program Administrative Staff. Interested applicants can use the Program e-mail address (counseling.program@uvm.edu) or can contact Sharron Bigelow (Sharron.Bigelow@uvm.edu or 802-656-3888).

Classes for Non-Matriculated Students
A select few of our introductory classes are open for non-matriculated students (when space is available). We encourage students interested in learning more about the UVM Counseling Program to enroll in a class prior to application or admission. The process for matriculation in these classes is through a wait list managed by Program staff, Sharron Bigelow. Sharron Bigelow can be contacted via e-mail (Sharron.Bigelow@uvm.edu) or phone (802-656-3888).

Questions?
Feel free to contact Counseling Program staff, Sharron Bigelow (Sharron.Bigelow@uvm.edu or 802-656-3888) if you have any questions related to admissions. She will be able to answer your questions or put you in touch with the appropriate individuals who can assist you.

Last modified November 06 2012 11:02 AM