FAQ


 * Adding a second certificate**

**//Q: I have a teaching certificate and would like to become ESL certified? Which TESOL program do I enroll in?//** Answer: The TESOL with NYS Certification program is designed for people who do not currently hold a NYS teaching certificate, involves the course work and student teaching needed to become certified.

If you already hold an "**initial teaching certification**", you have completed the required student teaching (even though not in ESL). The Masters in TESOL non-certification program is appropriate. This program provides you with the coursework you need to apply for the additional certificate and the masters you need toward professional certification.


 * To add a certification in ESL, you need 12 credits of language, 3 credits of linguistics, 3 credits of grammar, 6 credits of ESL methods, 3 credits of teaching literacy skills methods. You must have 12 credits in graduate course work in ESL (a graduate linguistics, methods, literacy and grammar courses will count). You also need to pass the Content Specialist Test in ESL. You can find the info on NY State Ed's webpage http://eservices.nysed.gov/teach/certhelp/CertRequirementHelp.do **


 * The courses we offer that satisfy literacy skill are ERDG 500 Introduction to Literacy Teaching and Learning B-6 or ERDG 505 **
 * Introduction to Literacy Teaching and Learning 5-12. Since this is a K-12 Certification either will count. **
 * The two ESL methods courses are ETAP 501 offered in Fall and ETAP 635 Spring and they are taken in sequence. **
 * Our grammer course is ETAP 550. **


 * Fill the form out with this information: Classroom Teacher -> English to Speakers of Other Languages -> K-12 all grades -> **
 * English to Speakers of Other Languages **

**//Q: But, they ask me to enter a 'program code'//** Answer: That is only if you have completed an approved teacher preparation program for the certification you are seeking. Leave it blank.

**//Q: How do I/where do I submit my transcripts to?//** Answer: You can choose either State Ed or BOCES (I believe for ESL, there only option is BOCES-all others get a choice)

**//Q: Why do I have to pay for them to evaluate my transcripts?//** Answer: You are applying for certification, which the fee covers. Once you complete the requirements and submit your transcripts to State Ed/BOCES, you do not have to pay again.

**Applying for admission to a program in ETAP**

**//Q: The TESOL website says that there are rolling admissions. When should I get my application in by?//** Answer: The admission deadline for the other programs is a good guide for Spring admission. (around Nov 1). Getting your application in by then will ensure that your application is considered before the long winter break.

**//Q: The Graduate Admission requirements indicate that two of my references should be "academic." I haven't been in school in a long time, what should I do?//** Answer: The admissions committee is very specific on this issue. They want to see two recommendations from Professors that can speak to your ability to succeed in a challenging academic environment. It is not uncommon for students to ask professors for references long after they have left school. Some applicants take a course(s) as a non-degree student in order to have a strong academic reference.

//**Q: What GRE scores to I need to be considered for admission.**// Answer: A combined GRE score (old format) of 1100 for the PhD. The MSSE requires one of the following: 1) a GPA of 3.5 or higher, 2) A combined GRE score of 1100, or 3) Praxis 1 of 100. Our other programs do not require GREs.

//**Q: What is the application deadline for admission.**// Answer: The application deadline varies by program. TESOL has rolling admissions. The 2012 admission deadlines: Fall || February 3, 2012 || Fall || February 3 || Fall || May 3 || Fall || May 3 || Fall || December 9 (Early Review) February 10 (Regular Review) April 6 (Late Review as space permits) || Fall || May 3 || Summer or Fall || Rolling admissions || //**Q: I am an international student but have lived in the United States for 2 years.** **Do I need to submit my TOEFL scores?**// Answer: Yes. If you completed **three** years in an American **university** with a **3.0 or better GPA**, you do not need your TOEFL scores. All others must submit the TOEFL. MS TESOL and the PhD with financial support require a min. TOEFL of 100. An IELTS in the 8-9 band is an acceptable alternative. PhD applicants not requesting financial support and all other program applicants must show a TOEFL of 80.
 * PHD || Spring || November 1, 2011 ||
 * || Summer or
 * CAS || Spring || November 1 ||
 * || Summer or
 * CDIT || Spring || November 1 ||
 * || Summer or
 * MSETAP || Spring || November 1 ||
 * || Summer or
 * MSSE || Spring || Not applicable ||
 * || Summer or
 * MSGES || Spring || November ||
 * || Summer or
 * TESOL || Spring,

//**Q: Are photo copies of transcripts and recommendations acceptable?**// Answer: No. Certified copies of transcripts in a sealed envelope or sent directly from your institution and recommendations in a sealed envelop with the authors signature across the sealed flap or recommendations sent confidentially from the author are required.

//**Q: I applied to one of your programs and was denied. Can you tell me why? Can I reapply?**// Answer: As the ETAP website points out, admissions decisions involve the consideration of a variety of factors reflecting academic achievement, commitment to education and to students, and fit to the program. By policy, the Department does not discuss reasons for rejection of individual applicants. You can, however, use the criteria we use to reflect on the strengths and the weaknesses of the various parts of your application and interview.

From the site: ** UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS :** Our programs are highly sought after, and we have a limited number of places in each of our programs. Unfortunately, we have to turn away many qualified applicants. Having an alternative plan for another program is always a good strategy.

An unsuccessful candidate does have the right to request reconsideration; unless new and compelling information is presented, these requests are not successful. Requests for reconsideration should be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office (not the ETAP Office), and should include any new and convincing reasons beyond the original application. **(Please be aware that requests for reconsideration which include submission of additional application materials may require the payment of a new application fee.)**

//** [|Admissions criteria] **// are posted on the Department website and can be used to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of your application. Please do not ask faculty members or our Department secretaries to discuss with you reasons why your application was denied. Departmental policy forbids this. Each application is given a thorough review by an Admissions Committee, and all aspects of the application (previous academic record, letters of reference, responses to your questions, personal statement, fit to our program, and examination results, e.g. TOEFL, GRE, Praxis, if required) are carefully considered.

//**Q: How much does it cost to apply to take courses at UAlbany**// The graduate program application fee is $75.00. The application for non-degree status is $20.00. If you plan to start as a non-degree student and ultimately enroll in a program you will need to complete both applications and pay both fees.

//**Q: I am an international student. May I stay in my home country and complete the CDIT program online.**// Answer. Yes. The CDIT program can be done completely online or through a mix of online and face to face classes. If you are an international student you may wish to check with our International Student and Scholar Service to discuss your particular needs.

//**Q: I was in a Masters program in ETAP, but had to stop mid program. I would like to continue my degree now. Is that still possible?**// Typically, if it has been over a year since you last took a class you are considered inactive in the program. You will need to reapply. The credits should transfer in if if you are reapplying to the same program. It is possible if some of the credits are very old (over 10 years) or courses have been dropped from the curriculum, they may not transfer.

//**Q: I took my GREs 20 years ago and I want to apply to the PhD program, will my scores be useful?**// No. GREs scores expire after 5 years (ETS won't even send scores after that). If the scores will expire by the application deadline they can contact Dr. Applebee to have the scores count and have ETS send the score before it expires. If scores are over 5 years, you will need to retake the GRE's.

//** Q: I am an international student... **// Answers to many international student questions can be found here.


 * 1) [|How many students from outside the United States attend UAlbany?]
 * 2) [|Are teaching and research assistantships available for international students?]
 * 3) [|Do I have to submit both an original and English translated transcript?]
 * 4) [|Do I have to submit a transcript evaluation?]
 * 5) [|What translation/evaluation service to you require/recommend?]
 * 6) [|What is the average TOEFL score needed?]
 * 7) [|Do you accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)?]
 * 8) [|Can I get my TOEFL/IELTS scores waived?]
 * 9) [|What is your Institution code for reporting TOEFL scores?]
 * 10) [|Can I submit my TOEFL scores after being admitted?]
 * 11) [|Can my application be reviewed without my financial affidavit?]
 * 12) [|I have no available funds (or my study will be fully funded by a sponsor); must I submit the financial affidavit?]
 * 13) [|Can I bring family members (dependents) with me to Albany?]
 * 14) [|Does the University at Albany offer health insurance for international students?]
 * 15) [|What kind of housing options are available?]

//** Q: I am a new student. How do I get a NetID **// Complete this form: https://uapps.albany.edu:8443/itspwdmaint/resetpwd.htm

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