We’re glad that you're thinking about becoming a corps member. To prepare for our admissions process, we advise you to learn about our selection process and what we are looking for. To help you do your best through the application and interview(s), we offer the following preparation tips.

The Application, Resume, and Letter of Intent

The Online Application

• Learn about our mission and think about how it relates to your interests. You can attend an online event or sign up to receive more information.
• Start by reviewing the questions on the application so that you allot enough time to complete it.
• Have your transcript(s) at hand to enter your cumulative and yearly GPAs from your undergraduate work.

Resume

This is your first chance to show us how you stand out. Your resume should highlight your:

• Academic achievement, including degrees, majors, minors, cumulative GPA, as well as academic achievements, such as a thesis, participation in an honors program or awards.
• Work experience/leadership activities, including employment, leadership roles in campus organizations or professional associations, athletics, volunteer work, or other leadership experience. We recommend concisely outlining your leadership positions, with a brief overview of the nature of your role, the size of the group or team you led, and any specific, measurable achievements or awards.
• See an example of an effective resume for college seniors
• See an example of an effective resume for grad students and working professionals

Letter of Intent

• Outline your letter of intent before beginning to write. You should thoroughly answer the questions with a logical response.  
• Use correct grammar and avoid errors.
• Check out ETS Proofwriter to receive instant feedback on certain aspects of your writing, including grammar, mechanics, style, and word usage. Note that ETS Proofwriter does not use our rubric for assessing the quality of the letter of intent.
• Revisit our writing proficiency standards and proofread accordingly. We will purposefully evaluate your writing ability because most corps members are required to pass district certification exams in reading and writing skills.

The 30-minute Phone Interview and Online Written Activity

• Discover who we’re looking for and learn about our approach to finding people who can best serve our students.
• To ensure you are confident and relaxed, be prepared and ready at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled interview; use a landline if possible (to avoid issues with cell phones); and find a quiet place for the interview.
• Keep your resume in clear view and have a pen and paper ready for notes.
• Do a mock interview with someone and record it. This will build your comfort with interviews and help you to hear how you sound on the phone. Practice speaking slowly and enunciating clearly.
• Complete the required Online Written Activity as early as you can – a last-minute effort could hinder your ability to perform at your best.

The Full Day In-person Interview

• This is another opportunity for us to learn about you and your interest in us. Once again, you should check out who we’re looking for.
• Follow the provided instructions for the sample five-minute teaching session and practice in advance.
• Teachers are community leaders entrusted with the welfare of children, so we look for professionalism from all candidates. With that in mind, you should strive to be professional throughout the interview process, which includes:
  • meeting interview expectations, such as reviewing pre-reading materials
  • making arrangements to start interviews on time
  • dress professionally