M.A. in Counseling

Admission to the M.A. in Counseling degree program is competitive. Students who desire to apply are not required to have any previous educational or professional experience related to the field of counseling or psychology. They must, however, have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university by the time they enroll in a graduate course. While professional experience in counseling is not necessary, volunteer experience is strongly encouraged as a way for students to receive "first-hand" knowledge of the profession.

To be considered, students must submit the following:

A completed application form including the $50 non-refundable application fee.
A current resume.
A three-to-five page statement of your career goals outlining what you expect to gain from graduate study and why Rollins is especially suited to your needs (see instruction sheet for details.)
Official transcripts from each college and university attended. A minimum cumulative Grade-Point-Average (GPA) of 3.0 is required for admission.
Three letters of recommendation to be submitted from teachers or supervisors.
Current scores from either of the following entrance exams: Miller Analogies Test (MAT) with a minimum score within the 410-416 range or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) with a combined score of at least 1000 (tests taken prior to August 1, 2011) or 300 (tests
taken after August 1, 2011) on the verbal and quantitative portions only. These scores must be from within the last five years.
Scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required from candidates who completed undergraduate work in a non-English speaking country.

The admissions committee takes action on completed applications in two phases:

Early Decision Deadline: January 15
Early Decision Letters of Notification: February 7
Regular Decision Deadline: March 15
Regular Decision Letters of Notification: April 7

Application Forms

In order to download and print the application, you'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.0 or higher.

If you do not already have this free software on your computer, you can download it from the Adobe Web site. (Installation instructions are also available.)

Application Instructions

Applications for the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling in Mental Health are accepted on an annual basis. The deadline for receipt of applications for Early Admission is January 15. The deadline for receipt of applications for Regular Decision is March 15. Applicants must submit the following information:

A completed Application for Graduate Admission (available from the Graduate Studies Catalog, the Holt School website, or program brochure)
Official transcripts of your academic work from each college or university that you have attended, including Rollins College (if appropriate), regardless of whether or not coursework from one institution is listed on another school transcript
From all applicants not currently holding a Masters or doctorate degree, a current (within the last five years) official test score report from either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Millers Analogies Test (MAT)

Note: Acceptable scores are listed in the current graduate catalog. Applicants with a masters or higher degree from an accredited college/university are exempt from the admission test requirement.

Three letters of recommendation on forms provided by the Graduate Counseling Coordinator (Phone: 407-646-1568; address below). Select professional and/or academic supporters who know you and can appraise your ability to pursue a graduate degree in this area.
A statement of three to five pages clarifying your expectations from graduate work. This essay should be typed and double-spaced. Please address the following questions. Note: Clearly identify each question in your essay - by number or by retyping the question - and answer each individually.
1. Why is the Rollins College Graduate Studies in Counseling program a good fit for you?
2. How does the program align with your career goals?
3. How would people who know you well describe your interpersonal style? Please be specific.
4. The Rollins Graduate Studies in Counseling program is known for valuing diversity and social justice for oppressed groups in terms of race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, spiritual tradition, ability, etc. Graduate students are expected to self-evaluate and resolve any values that they hold that perpetuates discrimination and marginalization of oppressed/minority groups, as such values, rigidly and inflexibly held, can prevent students from performing the behaviors and competencies expected in our program and in the profession of counseling (Mintz et al, 2009). How will you begin the process of reflecting on and addressing any attitudes, beliefs, assumptions, or feelings that may negatively impact your ability to work with a client or a colleague holding an identity or social location different than your own?
5. Counselor wellness and psychological fitness are crucial to effective counseling. Discuss your current practice of self-care or wellness and how you believe this practice might be useful to you in a demanding graduate program and in the mental health counseling profession.
A current resume reflecting any paid and/or volunteer experience.
Students who have earned degrees from non-English speaking institutions should submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A score of at least 550 (paper test) or 213 (computer test) is required on the TOEFL for admission.
Students who are not American citizens must demonstrate appropriate permanent resident or visa status. Only full-time student status qualifies students for an F1 Visa.
Submit the non-refundable application fee (specified in the current Graduate Catalog ) payable to Rollins College. Personal check, money order, VISA, or MasterCard are acceptable payment methods.

Application for Admission

Mail your completed application materials to:

MAC Graduate Coordinator
Rollins College
203 East Lyman Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789

Phone: (407) 646-1568/FAX: (407) 975-6430
E-mail: GraduateCounseling@rollins.edu