Graduate School Options

AnotherSunnyDay
Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:41:46 +0000

I’m beginning my junior year of undergrad, and trying to figure out how to make sure I have the grad school options I want. Truth be told, I have nothing to show for the first two years of undergrad, other than exceptionally good grades and three (albeit three relatively easy) majors, unfortunately at a state school. This year I’m studying abroad in Freiburg, Germany, and I expect my GPA to be lower (seeing as how all but one of my classes will be in German), but I hope to get actively involved in an organization or two, community service, something. Once I’m back in the States, I want to find a similar organization/volunteer opportunity, maybe (hopefully) an internship, and figure out a way to put together an attractive grad school application.

That said, my stats:
Indiana University Bloomington

3.96/4.0, majors: English (with a concentration in Professional Writing), Theatre and Drama, German.

At least two professors who would write me a good reference letter.

Summer jobs the past two summers-- one summer spent doing outdoor work for my school system, the next working at IU’s Telefund. Not impressive, I know.

I haven’t exactly pinned down what I want to do after undergrad, which might mean I’ll have a few years of work under my belt come grad school application time, but I’d like to know now what programs are available to me. I’m leaning in two directions, Education and nonprofit management.

Financial aid is a huge concern. I know there are a number of affordable (almost free?) programs through which one can get a Master’s in Education, when committing to work for x number of years in a local school system. However, I am also interested in teaching English in Germany, but I have no idea what requirements I will need to fulfill in order to do that. I’d be interested to know of any programs (with scholarships?) that would allow me to get the certification I need. Essentially, I’m looking for the names of programs, both in the US and in Europe, that might allow me to further my education affordably, in one of those two areas.

Such a long post. I really do appreciate any help.