Ladies and Gentlemen, it is time for me to introduce my three candidates for graduate school! Please welcome, one by one, as I introduce them in no specific order!
The Behavior Analysis Training System, Western Michigan University
Say "Hello" to Western Michigan University, home to some of the best research and faculty the field of behavior analysis has to offer. Under the guidance of Dr. Richard Malott, students train to be practitioners, not researchers. They do a practical project instead of a MA thesis, teach for 2 semesters, and train in autism and OBM. 1st year MA students receive no funding, and there is little funding for 2nd year MA students.
Pros: ABA approved, great curriculum, great faculty
Cons: continue to live in south-west Michigan, no funding
University of Nevada, Reno
Ahhh... moving here would be a dream come true. New land to explore, and some of the best training the field has to offer. The University of Nevada, Reno Behavior Analysis Program is unique because it offers training in philosophy, basic experimental work, and applied behavior analysis. No other program takes such a comprehensive view.
Pros: ABA approved, great curriculum, great faculty, chances for funding, out-door wonderland
Cons: my GPA and GRE scores are probably too low making this choice a shot in the dark
New England Center for Children, Northeastern Massachusetts University
With lots of practical work, great training, and amazing funding, this school is a strong candidate. Students have an opportunity to obtain a graduate assistant position which offers:
- Full Tuition
- Relocation Assistance
- Free Housing
- Stipend
- Full Health and Dental Insurance coverage
- Practical training in classroom management and special education teaching techniques
- Opportunities to participate in research and present at professional conferences
Can't beat that, can ya?
Pros: Move to east coast, great funding, ABA approved
Cons: A degree from here would not be as strong as one from the other two choices (but it would still be strong, nonetheless)
The application deadline for WMU and the University of Nevada Reno are in early January, so it is time to start getting my application materials in order. Since I will be traveling from November-December, it's time to get this taken care of.
Where will I go? Who knows? I have to get accepted first.
"How are you going to do that?" Well, I am glad you asked!
With the help of some performance management, duh!
By setting small goals with frequent deadlines I can accomplish a large task much easier. And I'm going to make my progress public. If I don't make the goal, I want each and every one of you to shun the hell out of me. Got it?
- Update curriculum vita and resume and submit for revisions (Due: September 7)
- Update personal statement and submit for revisions, and e-mail prospective programs (Due: September 14)
- Fill out applications (these may not be ready by this time, so we'll make this goal a little flexible), and request X amount of official transcripts from WMU (Due: September 21)
- Narrow down faculty I want to study under, revise CV and resume, and finish up any remaining LOR stuff (Due: September 28)
- Gather lose ends, put materials together for submission (Due: October 5)
- Submit materials and cross fingers (Due: October 19)
Difficulties in process may change the goals and deadlines. I'll keep you filled in, but this outline should work well with managing my performance.
