STUDENT SERVICES CENTER
Frequently Asked Questions
A student’s first stop for most questions is the SOE website itself. Each program/master’s degree listed is discussed in great detail. Also, this site provides links to various forms, documents, and other websites that provide further information.
Testing Questions
Where do I find information on the Praxis?
For information regarding registration, test administration, fees, the policy for testing individuals with handicapping conditions, please contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) at 1-800-772-9476 or 60-771-7395 for The Praxis Series Registration Bulletin or write to The Praxis Series, ETS, PO Box 6051 Princeton, NJ 08541-6051. Hearing impaired individuals using a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) may call 1-800-275-1391 for information. You may visit the The Praxis Series online.
How do I register for the computer based PRAXIS test?
Students may also register for a computer based version of the Praxis I (called PPST I).
Tests are given Monday-Friday
Prometric Testing Center
4212 Parkplace Court
Richmond/Glen Allen, VA 23060
804-346-8777, Customer Service 1-800-853-6769
Test Prices: (a person can only take the PRAXIS test once every 60 days)
Reading, Writing, and Mathematics $80 each if taken separately
Reading, Writing, and Mathematics $105 (for only 2 tests)
(must register for both tests at the same time, during the same phone call)
Reading, Writing, and Mathematics $130 (for all 3 tests)
(must register for all three tests at the same time, during the same phone call)
What is considered a passing score on the PRAXIS I?
Math………...178
Reading……..178
Writing……....176
Composite…532; a composite score is a combination of all three tests; one area may be lower than what is required, as long as the sum of all three scores meets or exceeds 532
Are there other tests I can take in lieu of the PRAXIS I?
In March 2004, the Board of Education approved the use of the SAT as a substitute test for PRAXIS I.
SAT taken prior to April 1, 1995—a score of 1000 with at least 450 on the verbal and 510 on the mathematics tests;
SAT taken after April 1, 1995—a score of 1100 with at lest 530 on the verbal and 530 on the mathematics tests
In September 2004, the Board of Education approved the use of the ACT as a substitute test for PRAXIS I.
ACT taken prior to April 1, 1995—a composite score of 21, with the ACT mathematics score no less than 21, and an ACT English plus reading score no less than 37
ACT taken after April 1, 1995—a composite score of 24, with the ACT mathematics score no less than 22, and an ACT English plus reading score no less than 46
Where do I find information on the GRE or MAT?
Information on the GRE can be found at www.gre.org. You can register for the computer-based test at Prometrics—1-800-967-1100. Prometric Testing Center, 11547 Nuckols Road, Suite B, Glen Allen, VA 23059. General test fee is $115. Additional standby fee is $35.
MAT contact information: The MAT is administered at the Center for Psychological Services and Development. You may get information about the MAT by contacting Beth Archer at CPSDMAT@vcu.edu or 804-828-8069. Include in the Subject Line of your e-mail the following title: “MAT schedule”. Please note: if you do not send it to this specific address, they may not receive your request in time and you may not get a reserved seat for the exam. Students are encouragde to sunmit reservations be made by 5 pm, EST two 2 weeksprior tor the desired date.
There is a 10 person limit for each testing session- reservations will be made on a first-first serve basis. The CPSD will send you a confirmation e-mail when they receive your reservation request, as well as additional instructions for what you will need to bring on the date of the exam. $70 fee is due when you take the test.
An Information
Booklet of practice items is available online or printed at
www.tpcweb.com Many people find the information booklet enough preparation. More
extensive study guides are also available commercially at most major
bookstores as well as many libraries. If you will need special
accommodations for testing please include this information in your
e-mail. We will then contact you with the exact requirements.
These scores are valid and acceptable for five (5) years.
Advising Questions
I am transferring in from another university. What do I need to do to be a teacher?
First, you must apply to undergraduate admissions. Once you have been enrolled for one semester, you may then begin the process of applying to the Extended Teacher Preparation program. In this program, students complete an undergraduate and a graduate degree simultaneously. Please see the link to the Extended Teacher Preparation Program 2007-2008 Advising Handbook for more information.
Can I major in education?
Education is not an undergraduate major at VCU. You can pursue an undergraduate degree through the College of Humanities and Sciences in which you’d like to teach; for example, English, mathematics, or science. The education portion of your teacher preparation will result in a master’s degree. Undergraduate degrees need to be a liberal arts major.
What is the extended teaching program?
The Extended Teacher Preparation Program is designed for undergraduates pursuing a liberal arts degree to matriculate in the Master’s Program in Teaching. When a student graduates, he or she will earn a baccalaureate and master’s degree simultaneously. Please refer to the Extended Teacher Preparation Program Advising Handbook link for more information.
Clinical/Licensure Questions
When do I submit my application for Admission to Teacher Preparation?
Upon completion of 60 credits, students may apply for admission to teacher prep. Please see the Advising Handbook on page 5 for a list of all the application requirements.
Teacher preparation applications for Fall are due by August 1. Teacher preparation applications for Spring are due by December 10.
When do I submit my application for student teaching (internship or externship)?
There are several different applications for externship/internship so make sure you are submitting the correct one for your program. All applications are available outside the Student Services Center in Oliver Hall, Room 3106. Student teaching applications for Fall semester are due by February 15. Student teaching applications for Spring semester are due by September 15.
*PLACEMENT LOCATIONS ARE BASED ON THE AVAILABILITY/DISCRETION OF THE SURROUNDING SCHOOL DIVISIONS—YOU MAY OR MAY NOT GET YOUR FIRST CHOICE*
How do I apply for my license through the state?
Licensure forms are available outside the Student Services Center, Oliver Hall, Room 3106. Complete the form, attach the fee required by the commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education, and submit it to the Student Services Center. The information is forwarded to the VA DOE, and can take 3-4 weeks for processing.
Graduate Studies Questions
When is the deadline for the graduate school application?
The deadline for spring semester is November 1. The deadline for summer is March 15 and the deadline for fall is March 15. Check the deadline section of this webpage for additional deadlines.
When do I apply for graduation?
Deadlines for the graduation applications vary from semester to semester. Please check the graduate school’s webpage www.vcu.edu/graduate for current dates. Applications for graduation must be submitted during the semester you are planning to graduate. If requirements are not met during that semester, you have to reapply.
What happens if I need to take a leave of absence from the program?
Students may take up to two (2) one-year leave of absences. Students need to contact their advisor about submitting a leave of absence request. Any change to the request (shorten or extend) needs to be cleared through the student’s advisor and department.
Will I still be considered if I take the GRE after the application deadline?
If you have not taken or received scores for the GRE or MAT prior to the graduate application deadline, you can still submit; your application will be put on hold until all components are received.
What is an acceptable reference?
We accept reference letters from anyone who can speak to your academic or professional abilities; professors/instructors (college level), supervisors, or co-workers. We may NOT use references from family, friends or clergy unless applicant is employed by a religious organization.
I’m a transfer student to VCU in the Extended Teacher Preparation program. Are you able to get my transcripts from the undergraduate department in which I’m studying?
No, the Graduate School requires original, official transcripts. Undergraduate departments can only provide photocopies of transcripts; these are not accepted.
How long does the Graduate application process take?
For a completed application packet, the usual turnaround time for a decision is 6-8 weeks. If an application is missing any required components, it will delay the process further. Once all materials are received, the application can then be sent for review.
I have just been accepted to the School of Education but I am not able to start until the following semester, what should I do?
A newly accepted student can defer their admission for up to one (1) year. For example, a student accepted for Spring 2005 can defer that admission as far as Spring 2006. If it is more than one (1) year, the student must reapply.
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