A Teacher needs an evaluation

teachmesomething · Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 7:07 pm Post subject: A Teacher needs an evaluation

Hi there,

Would love for you to help me figure out my chances at Columbia, Yale and Wharton. Thank you!

Female, 27, Caucasian, New York based
GMAT: 680 43, 40, 6.0 overall 88th percentile
Undergrad GPA: 3.72 from University of Wisconsin, Honors and Distinction
Graduate degree in Edudcation: 3.34, Pace University (night courses while teaching)

I was selected by Teach For America to join their corps member in September 2003 and have been working as a Social Studies High School teacher for four years in underresourced, underprivileged communities in NYC. One of nine of the first high school teachers among hundreds in Teach For Americas program in NYC.

I have achieved amazing results with my students and in my last year got 90 percent of all students to pass the Global Regents state mandated test (approx. 55 percent citywide passing rate) and 100 percent US students to pass with an average grade of 93 (citywide 65 percent passing rate). I had been achieving an 85 percent passing rate since my second year.

I have been hired by Teach For America to train new teachers, some of whom have gone on to be very successful within the organization.

For the past two years I have worked at a high school for public service where students where I have led student community service projects.

Other accomplishments and volunteerism:

- Coached boys varsity basketball (record 16-2)
- established course with new curriculum for failing students and achieved an 85 percent passing rate.
-Work for current political campaigns, volunteering, holding voter registration drives and grassroots organizing.
-Have trained and led seminars for teachers on management and motivation.
-Canvassed in 2004 for political campaigns.
-Volunteer for non profit to find homeless jobs and homes.

-rape crisis counselor, mediation trained and taught graduate courses
In college I was the chair of the students elections commission for 40,000 students and responsible for a budget of 20,000 dollars.

Long term goals: To create and run community-based inner city schools that provide a partnership of social services, health care and education.

Can you help me focus on weaknesses and what kind of realistic shot I have coming from this untraditional background??
Should I retake the GMAT?

Thanks,

Clara

Amy · Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 12:58 pm Post subject:

Hi Clara,

I am impressed by your background and your very clear and credible goal articulation. I think those (along with your community service activities) are huge strengths. I think you are a strong candidate overall, especially with all of the leadership activities you have.

My question about your academics would be whether you have the appropriate quantitative background to handle the coursework? Did you take college level calculus? Statistics and economics? If there is a question about your quant abilities, doing very well on that section of the GMAT or taking classes now may address it.

Good luck!

Amy