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It all really depends on what you are looking for as far as the program goes.....there are programs that are more "experiential based" (a lot of emphasis placed on assitantships, practicum expereinces, etc. with some fantastic on the job experience and a little more freedom to learn hands-on) then there are more "theory based" programs (highly competitive, academic/research based, theory, stats, etc. of higher ed and the assitantship experiences may be a little more restrictive in terms of your experience).
I picked an experiential based program because frankly...I was a little tired (and a little intimidated) by the thought of graduate school, and after interviews I felt like the program that I picked would be more valuable to me as a professional with the hands on experience and still challenge me.
I almost felt like the "theory based" programs that I interviewed with were, "we are going to teach you Chickering, Baxter-Magolda, Kuh, Komives and hopefully you will get to see/observe some students during your two years of reading/researching so that when you get a job and actually get to work with students you will be able to use all these fabulous theories to cope/deal with students.
In fact (and most professionals won't tell you this) but it is actually pretty rare that you are dealing with a situation and the first thing you do is go, "HMMMM....what does Chickering say about this in his seven vectors?" The fact is time may not allow this....you may have to act on the spot and be in the moment....which is why i went with the hands-on experience program.
I know the theories and I can use them when I am trying to deal with a difficult situation and analyze it...when I have time to do that (but the truth is.....most of my job [i'm a greek advisor] you have to deal with things quickly and rapidly and sometimes trying to remember a theory just isn't going to cut it.)
Not to mention, during the looong interview process...at NO time, and I mean NEVER did any college/university (and I interviewed at a professional conference....about 10-15 interviews) ask me a question based on any theory I read/learned in graduate school.
They are under the assumption that you were trained well, had a good well rounded experience and that your contact/interactions with students, and behavior/professionalism on the job is what they are really concerned about.....but that like I said...this is solely my opinion.
Is there anyone out there from a more "theory based" program that can talk about their experiences?
PS: If you want fraternity/sorority advising to be a big part of your experience...stick in the midwest (IL, IN, OH, MO)...there are lots of good programs and fraternity communties out there.
Also, don't look down on programs just because they aren't the big name programs (Indiana, Bowling Green, etc.) fact is there are a number of excellent professionals from every program...and the name isn't everything....believe me!
I went to a smaller school, smaller program, but got out into the profession and realized just how many well respected individuals were graduates of my program...and was quite frankly amazed...because we aren't a big name out there.
Two schools to consider:
Indiana State University
-experiential based with great professors, and assistantship opportunities, mid-sized commuter school, town of 80,000, close to larger metro areas. (My program)
Eastern Illinois University
-great balance of experiential and theory, great assistantship opps, good fraternity and sorority community, mid-sized residential campus, small college town (20,000), close to larger metro areas. (My undergrad)
Hope some of this helps......
Thanks for reading,
o.p.i.e.
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