FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When do I apply to the Educational Leadership Program?
The application deadline for Fall 2009 is February 2, 2009.
Am I qualified to apply for admission?
- Admission eligibility is at the applicant's discretion.
Consider the following three requirements for application BEFORE beginning
the application process:
1) Applicants MUST have proof of a bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
2) Applicants MUST have at least 3 years of full-time educational work experience
prior to entering the program.
3) Applicants MUST be currently employed in a full-time position with an educational
institution, or in an education-related position, while enrolled in the Educational
Leadership Program. - Admissions restrictions apply to International
Students. Please contact our office at
310/206-1673 prior to sending any application materials!!!
- Listed below are qualities and achievements that are considered by the faculty when selecting new students. Applicants should strongly consider the ideals and objectives of the program, in addition to considering the minimal requirements. Feel free to call our office to further discuss the admission requirements at 310/206-1673.
What do faculty look for in an application?
- They look for leadership experience and potential
for leadership.
- Communication skills (writing and speaking)
and analytical skills, determined by application essay questions, small group meetings, and GRE scores.
- Academic promise (junior/senior grade point
average of 3.00 or higher).
- Baseline scores of 500 on the GRE verbal and
quantitative sections. Baseline score of 4.5 on the analytical writing
portion of the GRE.
- Three recommendation letters/forms including
one from a supervisor.
- Ability to do well in a cohort environment.
- Cohort balance. Faculty seek a balance between students from K - 12, postsecondary education, and areas affiliated with education.
What is a small group meeting?
All applicants participate in a small group meeting during January and February of 2009. This gives students an opportunity to meet faculty and alumni. Each applicant is given an "in class" writing assignment and engages in a team activity.
Are admissions on a rolling basis?
No, admissions are not on a rolling basis. All ELP applications are considered during February and March.
When is the deadline?
The absolute deadline is February 2nd of 2009. December 15th is the general deadline for many other Education applications but the ELP deadline is February 2nd.
GRE
Do I need to take the GRE?
Applications must include an official, ETS issued copy of GRE or GMAT scores. This is a University requirement.
What do I do if my test is over five years old?
Please contact the Educational Leadership Office to discuss this question.
What is the deadline to take the GRE?
January 31, 2009
How do I find out about taking the GRE?
Go to www.gre.org or visit Thomson-Prometrics Center at www.2test.com.
Can I waive the GRE requirement if I've completed a Master's degree?
All ELP applicants must submit official GRE scores, regardless of previous academic achievement.
My scores are old and do not include the writing portion of the exam. Do I have to retake the exam?
No, you may use your original analytical score. We accept either type of score for the analytical section.
What are the cutoff scores for the GRE?
There are none. The entire application is taken into consideration first. Generally, scores of 500 in the qualitative and verbal sections and a 4.5 on the writing section are considered acceptable. Competitive candidates are not accepted strictly on GRE scores. Non-competitive applicants are not rejected based solely on GRE scores. The ELP staff is not at liberty to recommend that you retake, or not retake, the GRE. This is at the applicant's discretion.
How many students do you admit to the program each year?
Approximately 25-30 students are admitted each year.
How competitive is the applicant pool?
Approximately one-third of the applicant pool is admitted into the program each year. Although minimal standards are consistent, the overall standard of the admissions committee may vary according to the competitiveness of the admission pool.
Can I start the program in January?
No, only one cohort is admitted annually which starts its courses during the fall quarter.
When will I know if I've been admitted?
Application decisions are made during the month of March. Once faculty have considered all applicants they will send their recommendations to the Graduate Division for approval. This overall process can take up to two months.
How do I pay my application fee?
Application fees of $60 can be paid on-line with a credit card, or by mail with a check. On-line payments are secure. Directions are available at the end of the application process. Your application cannot be accepted electronically until after you select a payment method. Checks should be sent to the Administrative Main Cashier in Murphy Hall. Do not send your check with your application! It must be sent to the address specified on the application page.
What is the difference between an Information Session and a Small Group Meeting?
Information Sessions are optional, open-house sessions hosted in the fall by ELP. Information sessions allow prospective students to ask questions and learn about the program and the admissions process. Small Group Meetings are held in January and February. All applicants who have submitted all required materials by the February 2nd deadline are expected to attend a Small Group Meeting for further admissions consideration.
What is Graduate Division?
Graduate Division administers all graduate academic programs at UCLA. Although UCLA programs must adhere to the policies set by Graduate Division, students should not deal directly with Graduate Division unless are specifically told to do so. Graduate Division designs and administers the on-line web application. Graduate Division also charges and accepts the application fee.
Should my Recommendation forms also include letters of recommendation?
The recommendation form is required. Recommenders are encouraged to attach a letter of recommendation to the form. Both of these must be confidential.
What is the Tier II form?
Tier II forms are required in the application for applicants who intend to pursue their Tier II K-12 Professional Administrative Credential while in ELP. These applicants must already have their Tier I credentials and hold an administrative position.
Which transcripts are required?
Send transcripts for all institutions attended. The admissions staff will tabulate a Jr./Sr. GPA based on the last 60 (semester) or 90 (quarter) units of undergraduate work. If you attended more than one institution for undergraduate work, include all transcripts. Transcripts must be received in a sealed envelope.
If I've previously attended UCLA, do you have access to my transcript records?
No, our program cannot request official transcripts within the University. UCLA graduates must request, pay for, and send their own transcripts.
I only have one copy of an old GRE score. Can I send a photocopy?
We cannot accept photocopies of GRE scores. If you want to retain your original scores you may bring your official scores to our office. We will view and photocopy your scores ourselves so that you can keep your original form.
Which essay is required?
The essay question posted in the on-line application, also posted on this website, is the only required essay. The statement of purpose listed on the Graduate Division website is NOT required by our program.
I seem to be dealing with a lot of different people from several different departments when preparing my application. Who is ultimately responsible for my application?
You should be following the instructions provided by the Educational Leadership Program. Although Graduate Division and the Education Office of Student Services do determine various standards used in our application process, applicants should ask to speak directly with ELP counselors. Other programs in the Department of Education have alternative requirements that do not apply to ELP applicants. The ELP telephone number is (310) 206-1673.
What do I need to do to reapply for admission?
ELP retains application materials for two years. If you have completed an ELP application within the past two years, the following materials need to be submitted:
New Applications
Do I have to work in a school or college to apply?
ELP students typically work in schools, colleges, and in other types of organizations with educational aims.
Where do I send my application materials?
Send materials to:
UCLA/GSE&IS
Educational Leadership Program
1029 Moore Hall 951521
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1521