Job Discussion Forums

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Hey guys.

I'm in the process of applying for my MA TESOL. I lack a BA, but have been told by someone in the admissions office that my teaching experience, certificates (TESOL and IELTS training certificate), along with my college/uni experience (don't know if this was a factor or not) would most likely be sufficient (for taking the 'non-standard route'....long explanation).

Anyways on the subject of college experience. Almost 10 years ago (when I was in my late teens), I attended college for computer engineering. I learned during the second semester that this program was not a good fit for me, so I decided to quit before I was too deep into it. The problem with this was that I made the decision slightly after the designated "drop-out date", and had to finish the semester. Since my head was already out of it - and my heart wasn't in it - I basically skimmed along with it (at best), and basically just showed up to the exams - yes this was a mistake on my part. So unfortunately, my second semester is on record, and my marks were generally poor.

SO my question is: should I not even mention that I even did the second semester (perhaps just mention that the program wasn't a good fit for me....which is true), or would doing this be a bad idea (in case they did a background check....likely? Unlikely?) My first semester was fairly good.

Thanks

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Thanks for the reply.

I'm sure you're right. I've already mentioned in my CV that I attended Seneca College. Did you mean that there's no point in mentioning that I attended Seneca, or that I shouldn't mention the 2nd semester?

I'm probably overthinking here Smile

rtm · Joined: 13 Apr 2007 Posts: 1003 Location: US

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Yes they do ask for transcripts IF you declare that you've earned a BA or whatever diploma/degree - not sure if this is the case with just EXPERIENCE.

I did mention to my contact (in my CV) that I had attended Seneca. Just emailed him about my 'situation', and will wait for his reply.

I DO have the transcripts for my first semester.

Thanks.

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Leave it off, it has nothing to do with the MA that you currently want to do and it's 10 years ago.

Sudz · Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 438

Thanks guys.

Well I received a response from my contact, who replied with "Go ahead and put everything on". Guess I'll just toss it in - I happen to have the transcripts for the first semester.