Jesse Saenz

As an early start for today’s #ThreeGoodThings I received this email today:

I am happy to inform you of your admission to the Master of Arts in Counseling program for the Summer 2024 semester. I congratulate you on this honor and look forward to having you join the UNC Charlotte community.

Going “back to school” will be an entirely new experience for me as my undergraduate degree was 100% online as that format provided the flexibility I needed. So going to campus for classes is a bit unnerving, but it’s definitely an experience I look forward to.

“Picks Up!”

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Now that the official applicant interview is complete, I can comfortably take a deep breath and relax… until the admission decision is announced.

The day began at 8:30 am with faculty and staff introductions followed by a brief overview of the Counseling program presented by the Program Director. These two blocks were followed by a nearly two-hour-long group interview led by the Counseling Faculty with Doctoral Student co-leaders.

The Group Interview Process

This is the one segment I was nervous about as all videos I watched in preparation unanimously spoke negatively about group interviews. However, this was the most informal portion of the day and unless I read the room completely wrong, this felt more like a soft orientation as opposed to a competitive assessment for limited positions.

The faculty informed us the program received 368 applications and extended 90 interview invites, with an only an estimated 55 available seats for the incoming class. That still represents a near 50% attrition rate, but there is huge comfort that I survived the initial cut of 76% of applicants.

I didn’t know what to expect from this interview format so I over-prepared with ready responses to common interview questions, such as tell me about yourself, how do you deal with failure, what are your professional goals if you’re accepted and complete the program. I had these responses edited and fully memorized, but the questions were never asked.

Discussion Panels

The afternoon sessions were dedicated to panels and the two I attended were the Counseling Students Panel Discussion and the Counseling Students of Color Panel Discussion.

Diversity and multicultural awareness were huge buzz words and they explained how the programs, and the university, are taking strides in improving the daily experience of underrepresented minorities. And all speakers seemed very genuine with their responses so I felt this was an actual priority as opposed to just flavor of the month focus.

The interview day ended with an hour-long meeting with the Addiction Counseling Program led by two faculty – the Professor, Director of Addictions Program with one Assistant Professor.

This meeting was specific to the addiction program and topics included scholarship opportunities, clinical work, and licensure options.

The Waiting Game

Initial applicant decisions should start coming in between three and four weeks.

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The excitement is finally kicking in. The program sent the final instructions and itinerary for the Friday group interview.

I've spent the holiday break and the previous few days reading up on the program and watching many Youtube videos on interview preparation. These videos ranged in topic from what to wear, what questions to prepare for, what questions you (as the applicant) should ask, and recommendations on how to speak to others.... the last topic was a bit of a waste.

Overall, I'm getting anxious as I now have my interviewer's name, and research on him found a very intimidating 24-page curriculum vita.

I have a haircut scheduled for tomorrow, and I'll do a bit more prep on routine questions and more research on the faculty to finish up the day.

I'll summarize the interview, campus tour, panel discussions, and a scheduled “Addiction Counseling Program Meeting” in my next post.

Thank you once again to all those who reached out in support.

#GradSchool #GraduateSchool #ApplicantInterview

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I know it's been a while since my initial post; there was nothing to update after applying.

But today, I received an email response from my top-ranked program of choice, the first line reads – “Congratulations! I am writing to inform you that you have been selected for an interview”.

The application interview is scheduled for January 19, 2024; expect another post after the interview.

Thank you to all of those who have reached out on Mastodon after the initial posts.

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It's official, not that official yet, but we had a family meeting and my wife and children have all given their blessings and encouragement for me to pursue the Master of Arts in Counseling.

The next step is planning and consolidating required documents as the three programs I'm interested in have application deadlines ranging from October 2023 to February 2024.

An initial review of requirements from these programs lists the following, nothing too unexpected:

  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume
  • Two-Three recommendations from people who know your academic record and potential for graduate study
    • Performance ratings and recommendations from professors and supervisory personnel
    • Demonstrated leadership activity and/or significant work experience represent additional important factors.
  • Personal statement / statement of intent
    • Ranges between three to five pages

Wish me luck and I'll be sure to keep this blog updated as the process comes along – hopefully, it'll all end with good news.

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I’m originally from Houston, Texas, but my family and I have traveled the world over the previous twenty years due to active duty service in the United States Army. I am forever grateful for my time in uniform as that adventure provided us with many great opportunities and experiences; however, that is my past and I must now look forward to the future. My priority is to find how best to serve my community and do my small bit to make this place slightly better.

Key Hobbies

Family, sports, and living an active life. Additionally, I am working on becoming conversational in German, Ich lerne Deutsch, and my goal is to reach a fluent level to successfully complete the Goethe-Zertifikat C1.

“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I don’t like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.” – Bill Shankly

I am a supporter of Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League. I saw my first match during the 2005-2006 season and was instantly hooked by the “team in the white who are always attacking”. This was towards the end of the Martin Jol era and the front line was led by a combination of Robbie Keane, Dimitar Berbatov, and Jermain Defoe while Sir Ledley King marshaled the defense. I have made the pilgrimage across the pond and it is a memory that will stay with me forever.

If I’m not watching Spurs then I am either cheering on Die Roten (VfB Stuttgart of the Bundesliga) or watching the latest F1 circuit. I don’t lean toward a specific team as long as it’s an entertaining race, but the tiny underdogs of Team Haas will always have a soft spot in my heart due to being the only American-based outfit.

Beyond sports, the greatest film and book series ever created is J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. The quality of this story requires an annual rewatch (Extended cut) as well as an annual listening of the audiobooks. Other series that interest me range from Doctor Who, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, The Office, What We Do In the Shadows, The I.T. Crowd, and similar.

What to expect and next life steps

This is my first attempt at blogging my life and opening myself to a broader audience outside of small social media interactions, so I am unsure of where this site will lead. I am hoping that it introduces me to new connections and relationships as I navigate my next life chapters.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Security, but I do not want to pursue a career in this field as the passion isn't there.

My current goal is to research graduate Counseling programs, specifically those with an Addiction concentration. I believe my work history and demeanor are leading me toward this career path as a means of assisting others as a tribute to those I was unable to help in the past. It's a bit scary to consider continuing my education with the goal of being a servant to such a vulnerable population, but something about this brings me comfort. This feels right and hopefully, I will be able to provide positive updates on this aspiration.

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