EPP Applications in Connecticut

Jump to:

• Overview
  • University vs. Program Application
    • Applications at a Glance
• Preparing to Submit Application Materials
  • Personal Information
  • Academic History & Transcripts
  • Test Results
  • Supplemental Materials
• Drafting Essay Responses
  • Goals
  • Structure
    • Suggested Outline
  • Phrases to Avoid
• Sourcing Letters of Reference
  • Timing
  • Materials
  • Followup
• Preparing for Interviews

To apply to your educator preparation program (EPP), you will need to submit one or more application(s). (Surprised? No, we didn’t think so.) Your application is a one-stop-shop for admissions officers to review your fit for their program.

Common sections include personal information, academic history, a personal statement and references (letters of recommendation).

University vs. Program Application

Some educator preparation programs are housed by universities, others have university partners, and some stand alone as independent programs. What does this have to do with your application? You may have to complete two applications—for the university and its program—or just one.

Applications at a Glance

The application you’ll submit depends on the type of program. Undergraduate EPPs have slightly different application requirements than programs leading to a master’s degree or noncredit post-baccalaureate programs (certification-only). While individual program requirements will vary, the following are typical application requirements based on the type of program.

Most university and program applications include the following parts:

• Personal information.
• Academic history & transcripts.
• Test results.
• Supplemental materials.

Your EPP will provide guidance on how you should fill out each section. You might upload documents in an application portal, email them or mail original documents.

Personal Information

Whether you’re using a university’s application system or a different process, most EPPs require similar materials. For instance, all EPPs will ask you to enter your background information. This section commonly includes your name, address, email, phone number and social security number.

Even though you will submit copies of your transcripts, you might get general questions about your GPA and academic or professional history in this section too. Gather all of your documents before you begin an application.

Academic History & Transcripts

For most EPP applications, your transcripts will provide proof of your academic history. When requested, include your transcript as part of your application.

You may be able to upload unofficial transcripts for the initial application, but you will need to formally request your official transcripts before (or shortly after) you are admitted. Contact the Transcript Office (or equivalent) of the school(s) you attended, and follow their procedures to request your transcripts. Budget at least three to five days for processing. Some schools will send transcripts via mail; others may have electronic copies.

In your request, be sure to specify:

• Your name and/or student ID number.
• How many copies of your transcript you need.
• Your signature.

Test Results

All candidates for educator certification must take a core academic skills test and most must pass state-required subject area assessment(s). When you must take these tests and submit scores will depend on your educator preparation program. The Applications at a Glance section above outlines typical requirements. 

• The core academic skills test. In general, all applicants will submit scores from a core academic skills test, such as the SAT, ACT, GRE or the Praxis I, when you first apply.
• The subject area assessment. If you’re applying to an undergraduate program, you probably won’t have to take the Praxis II subject area assessment before you apply to your EPP. If you’ve already earned your bachelor’s degree, you should register for the test before applying and may need to submit your scores when you apply.

Check out our Testing Guide for more details on the Praxis tests and other required assessments, such as edTPA portfolio-based assessment all teacher candidates must submit as a part of your student teaching experience.

Finally, some subject areas and programs have additional testing requirements in writing or language. This is where an application checklist can help keep you on track. 

Supplemental Materials

All EPPs require additional application materials, thought timing and submission processes vary. The most common supplemental materials for Connecticut EPPs include:

• Departmental paper application.
• Resumé or CV.
• Letters of recommendation or contact information for references.
• Essay responses or a personal statement.
• Background check/fingerprinting.

Your essay response—aka personal essay, statement of purpose, statement of intent, or some combination thereof—is your unique opportunity to tell admissions staff exactly why you are the perfect fit for their educator preparation program.

Before writing your essay, make sure you’re clear on why you want to be a professional educator. Get up, grab your phone, and call a friend or family member. Explain to them why you’re applying to an educator preparation program, and get their feedback on your explanation.

Better at brainstorming alone? Make a bulleted list of all the reasons you want to be a professional educator. More of an artist? Draw your feelings about the subject. No joke.

The goal here is to hone your thoughts and feelings about teaching. Once you’re clear on “why,” writing an essay becomes a straightforward task that you can spend time perfecting (rather than stressing over).

Need some inspiration? Read about the great work Connecticut educators are doing in their schools, or spend time exploring Connecticut’s 200+ school districts. Have questions about the process (or anything else)? Talk to a teacher by phone, text or email.

When it’s time to submit references, aka letters of recommendation, choose your recommenders wisely. Your references have the power to give your application a major boost. (You know how the best compliment is the one you overhear? This is like that, but staged, eloquent, and directly tied to your academic and professional ambitions.)

You will typically need two to three references from people can who can attest to your skill sets, strengths and fit for a career in education. Common types of recommenders include employers, supervisors, teachers and professors.

Some EPPs have specific guidance about who you should choose to provide a reference. As always, follow any guidelines your program offers.

You’ve filled out the forms, written the essays and submitted your documents. Just like a job application, you still need to ace the interview! Many EPPs require admissions interviews, so it’s a great idea to prepare.

You should follow all the usual advice to dress for success and be sure to smile and make eye contact. (Need an interviewing 101 refresher? Check out these resources from The Muse.) For educator preparation programs, consider a few additional pieces of advice for a great interview: