HGSE Admissions Blog

As our application deadlines approach, we asked a few current students to share their experiences finding the confidence and inspiration to apply to HGSE.

Dominique Pope (she/her)

While sitting in a law school classroom, I thought to myself, “There has to be more for me.” In this moment, I had my eye on a Master’s in Education program. Specifically, HGSE called out to me. I then asked myself, “Are you sure you want to go to school…again?”

I always knew I had a deeper purpose besides the formal practice of law. When I applied to law school, I told myself I needed to support folks pursuing the law school route in some capacity. I constantly struggled with feelings of inadequacy and anxiety because I had no blueprint to this route. I was the first person in my family to attend law school. Although difficult, I know I went through this for a reason. I am discovering this reason here at HGSE.

I applied to HGSE specifically for the Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship program. This program stood out to me because I’d like to work in law school administration in the future. I was nervous about applying because I did not have experience teaching or working in a formal educator capacity. I didn’t know if that was a requirement for a Master’s in Education program even though I was passionate about education. Regardless, I took the chance to apply, and I got in! I’m very glad I didn’t allow my fears about my lack of experience prevent me from applying.

To the prospective student, lean into your uniqueness. Going to HGSE is attainable for anyone who has a genuine passion for education and serving those around them. You do not have to be a formal educator to act as a helping hand in this field. You matter and you have a place here!

Jack Anderson (he/him)

As a student coming from the most isolated major city in the world, Perth in Western Australia, the idea of going to Harvard was always a distant concept to me. For the first 19 years of my life, the idea of taking a 30-hour plane ride to move to the other side of the world to study at a world leading school like Harvard was a fleeting dream. However, at the end of my first year of university, I got a call from my mum, letting me know that my cousin had won a Knight-Hennessy Scholarship to Stanford University and that she was going to go on to work for Apple, Google and Facebook, and also build her own tech start-up. 

That was really the lightbulb moment for me where I felt the world shifted underneath my feet, because I got to see how my cousin, coming from the small city of Perth, was now going to work with the brightest minds in the world and be challenged every single day. At 19 years old I knew that going to Harvard was something I wanted to do with my life and so in December of 2019, I nervously went up to my mum and said, “I am going to be the least talented person to ever get accepted into the Harvard Graduate School of Education.”

Now to get into a school like Harvard, I knew that I was going to have to do something pretty extraordinary outside of the engineering degree I was studying. So, over the next four years, I worked to publish seven books and build out one of Australia’s largest education not-for-profits which provided tens of thousands of Australian high school students with equitable access to the education resources they need to succeed in school. 

After spending four years building out my not-for-profit, 2023 was the year that I had to apply for Harvard and the prestigious scholarships to help fund my degree. First up was the Fulbright Scholarship and John Monash Scholarship. I spent the entire summer writing the applications for these scholarships, spending probably four hours a day trying to craft a wining application. In August, I sat my interviews for both the Fulbright and John Monash, and I thought I aced both of them. Soon after, I found out I lost both.

What followed was me applying to every scholarship I could get my hands on including Harvard Menzies, O’Shaughnessy Fellowship, AAA Scholarship, Rhodes Scholarship and  Ramsay Scholarship, and I lost every single one of them. By the time December 2023 came around, I was completely crushed. I had lost all motivation to apply to Harvard, but I knew it was my dream graduate school and so I decided to put in a little bit more work to put forward my Harvard application.

I submitted my applications in late December and anxiously I waited for four months for a result. Every day in February, I hit refresh button at least 50 times, waiting to hear back from the schools and on March 1^st my result for Harvard came out. I hadn’t slept in a week because I was so nervous, and when I got the acceptance email from Harvard I was overwhelmed with joy. In the days ahead, I found out that I also got accepted into Stanford, Columbia and UPenn but at that point it didn’t matter because I knew I wanted to go to Harvard. 

In the weeks that proceeded, I also managed to receive full funding for my studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education through winning a Frank Knox Memorial Fellowship and Quad Fellowship. So, I can sit here before you and say at 23 years old, I did it. I reached my dream, a dream that my 18-year-old self never thought was possible. For anyone planning to apply to the Harvard Graduate School of Education my only advice is just to apply. Embrace the discomfort and the doubt you feel, and you too might find yourself receiving a life-changing education and opportunity. 

Martina Medina Amezcua (she/her)

Initially, I was unsure whether HGSE’s program would align with my needs. However, after researching the courses and faculty, I felt inspired to apply, particularly drawn to the Teaching and Teacher Leadership (TTL) cohort’s expertise and the opportunity to declare a concentration. Given my background in the arts, the arts and learning concentration seemed like a perfect fit, allowing me to deepen my interdisciplinary approach.

Despite my insecurities, I recognized that HGSE would offer a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. With determination, I crafted my statement of purpose, clearly articulating how the TTL program aligned with both my academic and career aspirations. After carefully preparing my resume and securing thoughtful letters of recommendation, I submitted my application in November, hopeful for a positive outcome.

When I received my acceptance letter earlier this year, I was filled with excitement, knowing that my life was about to undergo a transformative shift. In September, I began my in-person classes at HGSE, where I was warmly welcomed by the TTL cohort and paired with advisors who have been instrumental in guiding my academic journey. I quickly formed meaningful friendships, and the sense of community at HGSE was immediately evident. The university also offers a range of affinity groups, providing ample opportunities for extracurricular involvement and connections with individuals who share similar passions. As a co-leader of the HGSE Christian Fellowship Affinity Group, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with others who align with my values and aspirations, which has been deeply fulfilling. Additionally, we have the opportunity to attend student-led discussions on social and technological issues in education, where we engage with experts and professionals already working on these challenges. These discussions provide valuable networking opportunities and deepen our understanding of the field.

Since arriving at HGSE, I have experienced tremendous growth. My program courses are helping me build a solid teaching foundation, while my concentration courses expand my ability to integrate artistic skills into my teaching practices. Collaborative group projects, encouraged in every class, allow me to work closely with peers on real-world case scenarios, and develop practical problem-solving skills. Additionally, our professors invite globally recognized speakers who share diverse educational perspectives and practices, broadening my understanding of education in powerful new ways.

If you’re unsure or anxious about applying, I recommend writing down how HGSE could help you become a better educator and why this program aligns with your goals. For me, this was the only program that offered the combination of support, depth, and interdisciplinary approach I was looking for. I wanted to thrive as both a teacher and an artist, bringing these perspectives together in my work. I’m sure you, too, have unique strengths to explore here at HGSE. With so many courses to choose from, every class will enrich your purpose and help you grow. You will find incredible learning opportunity. I could go on about the fantastic opportunities at HGSE. Still, the main point is this: HGSE is the ideal space for educators ready to make meaningful, transformative changes in education.

Calvin Reddick Jr. (he/him)

When I first considered applying to the Ed.L.D. program at Harvard, I had significant doubts. With 25 years as an educator, I had accumulated a wealth of experience, but I questioned whether I was “Harvard material.” I struggled with imposter syndrome, wondering if my background was too different from the academic history of other applicants. I feared that my practical experience would not be valued in a program aimed at shaping the next generation of educational leaders.

Another major concern was my role as Executive Director of Turnaround Schools in Jacksonville, Florida. I had dedicated years to transforming struggling schools, and I was seeing real results. Leaving a job where I was making an impact to pursue further studies felt like a risky decision. With just five years left until retirement, I questioned whether it was the right time to step away from my career. At 50, returning to school full-time after 15 years since earning my master’s degree felt daunting. I worried about keeping up with the rigorous academic pace, especially after so much time away from the classroom. Balancing a demanding academic program with family responsibilities was another challenge I faced.

What ultimately gave me the confidence to apply were the people around me—my family, friends, and mentors. They reminded me of my determination, experience, and leadership skills, assuring me I had what it took to succeed. I also spoke with alumni who had completed the Ed.L.D. program, and their stories of personal and professional transformation helped me see how the program could complement and expand the work I was already doing. Attending the HGSE Open House and “Find Yourself Here” events were a turning point. These events allowed me to connect with current students, faculty, and alumni, all of whom emphasized the program’s value of diverse backgrounds and practical experience.

One of the most powerful moments during these events was seeing People of Color who looked like me among the students, alumni, and faculty. It helped me realize that Harvard, often seen as an exclusive institution, could be a place for someone like me. This visibility reinforced the idea that diversity is about more than representation—it is about creating space for people with different lived experiences to thrive and contribute. I left these events feeling confident that my voice, my experiences, and my perspective would be valued at Harvard.

These conversations and moments of connection helped solidify my decision to apply. I realized that the Ed.L.D. program was not just for traditional candidates—it was for leaders ready to take their impact to the next level. With the encouragement of my mentors, I set aside my fears and embraced the opportunity for growth. My strategy during the application process was to simply focus on my unique strengths and experiences. I knew the program sought leaders who could make a real-world impact, so I highlighted how my career aligned with the program goals. I embraced the idea that my journey—challenges and all—was exactly what Harvard needed: diverse, experienced leaders who could contribute meaningfully to education.

In closing, for prospective students feeling unsure or anxious, my advice is to embrace uncertainty—it’s part of the journey. Reflect on how your experiences have shaped your leadership and personal growth. Reach out to students, alumni, and faculty to better understand the community. Trust that your perspective matters. Harvard values diversity of thought and experience, so if you are passionate about making a difference in education, take the leap. This could be the place where your next chapter begins.