Deadlines

If you want to get ready to apply, here are steps you can take:

GPA or Test Scores

If your GPA will be above 3.0 when you graduate, no basic skills test scores are required. If your GPA will be below 3.0 when you graduate, you must make an appointment to talk with the chair of Educational Studies to discuss your options. You must also have one of the following basic skills test scores:

SAT reading + math ≥ 1100 (pre March 2016); SAT reading + math ≥ 1180 (March 2016 onward)

ACT > 24

Praxis core scores: Reading > 156, Writing > 162, Math > 150

GRE > 297 [Required for any applicants who were not undergraduates at St. Mary’s College of Maryland]

SAT, ACT and Praxis Core scores should be submitted to St. Mary’s College of Maryland. If you are using GRE scores, bring an official score report to the EDST department chair for verification, as the SMCM system is not set up to accept GRE scores.

Completing Prerequisites

Make sure you have completed (or have a plan for completing) all the pre-requisites for your intended certification area. Print out the checklist for your area and actually fill it in. The pre-requisite checklists can be found here. You have to have all pre-requisites completed by the start of the MAT (July 2019), not by the time of application. You must have a C or above in all prerequisites.

Note that applicants in some certification areas are required to pass Praxis II content tests before beginning the MAT (July 2019). Specific information is available on each pre-requisite checklist.

Transcripts

If all the classes you are counting towards your MAT pre-requisites were taken at SMCM, forward an unofficial copy of your transcript that includes the classes you are enrolled in this semester (you can print this on Portal)

If you took some of your pre-requisites at other institutions and have not transferred them in to SMCM, have official transcripts sent to Department Chair, Educational Studies, 18952 E. Fisher Ave, St. Mary’s City, MD 20686.

Application Essay

To apply, you will need to give us a 2 pages (single spaced) essay addressing this prompt:

Visualize yourself in a diverse classroom environment where student needs vary in academic, socioeconomic, linguistic, and developmental aspects. Welcome to today’s classroom. What challenges do you anticipate could arise in this classroom, and how would you work to address them? (Focus on your problem-solving and interpersonal skill set.) How would you develop resilience in both your students and yourself as you pursue improved student outcomes? What draws you to become an educator given the demands of today’s classroom?

References

You are required to submit emails of three people who could serve as references (you don’t need to get letters from them; they will be automatically emailed a form to fill out).

Two faculty who have taught you.

If it has been more than five years since you completed your undergraduate degree and you are unable to solicit such letters, contact faculty in Educational Studies for other options.

*Note: Faculty members from SMCM’s Department of Educational Studies do not write recommendations.

One person who has supervised you interacting with schoolchildren (preK through 12th grade) who can speak to your professionalism and suitability to teach.

Scholarships

If you are going to apply for scholarships: Track down evidence of your total current student loan debt; also start estimating how much loan debt you will need to take on next year to complete the MAT.

Scholarship applications can’t be accepted after November 25 (the Sunday after Thanksgiving).

To apply for a scholarship, follow the link here.

Financial Aid

Find out more about Financial Aid

Fill in the Application here