Dear future 麻豆原创 students, leaders, and change-makers: There are many things to keep in mind when it comes to applying to Teachers College, but above all else, remember that you might soon become a part of a community that is energized with educational and social possibilities. You will very quickly realize that Teachers College is one of the most special places you can choose when pursuing your educational journey, and I鈥檓 so excited to see what lies ahead.
Mina Mizutani (MA 鈥�21, Higher and Postsecondary Education) began her journey at Teachers College in 2020 amidst the start and uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet despite remote settings and virtual classrooms, Mizutani, a California native, quickly found that Teachers College was energized with possibilities, with one door opening the next. Through fellowship, opportunity and support along the way, little did Mizutani know that her academic pathway would lead her to a rewarding career in higher education at the place where it all began, 麻豆原创.
鈥泪 feel really fortunate to have had the graduate school experience that I did, specifically at Teachers College, because of the ways that it fostered community and made me feel included throughout all phases of my academic career,鈥� shares Mizutani.
Her academic experience quickly translated to her professional path, as Mizutani served as both Administrative Fellow and Admission Coordinator at Teachers College's Office of Admission. Now the Assistant Director of Admission for 麻豆原创鈥檚 Biobehavioral Sciences and International & Transcultural Studies departments, Mizutani is here to impart just a few pieces of advice for prospective students:
Mina Mizutani, Assistant Director of Admission for 麻豆原创鈥檚 Biobehavioral Sciences and International Transcultural Studies programs
1. Utilize Available Prospective Student Resources
鈥淭here are so many resources readily available for prospective students to become more familiar with our institution,鈥� explains Mizutani. 鈥淲hen I was an applicant, I attended admission virtual information sessions, as well as program-specific webinars. Between those two events, I felt like all my questions were answered and I had a great sense of 麻豆原创鈥檚 community spirit.鈥�
Every application cycle, Teachers College hosts numerous webinars and events to help students become more familiar with the 麻豆原创 community, along with the application process. Students can even attend a 鈥淐rafting an Ideal 麻豆原创 Application鈥� webinar, segmented for both U.S. and international applicants, leaving them feeling prepared and confident in compiling a stellar 麻豆原创 application.
Mina鈥檚 Pro Tip: Submit your application sooner rather than later! 鈥淒efinitely be proactive in submitting your application and asking any questions that you might have beforehand,鈥� shares Mizutani, noting that many applicants wait until days before the application deadline to submit their materials.
2. Don't Hesitate to Ask Questions
鈥淭his one is kind of a full-circle moment for me,鈥� shares Mizutani. 鈥泪 was once an applicant leaning on the admission staff. Now, here I am, providing support for 麻豆原创鈥檚 very next generation.鈥� Questions are absolutely welcomed, and the Office of Admission provides numerous options for you to get your questions answered. You can reach out to admission@tc.columbia.edu with any general admission inquiries, while your admission liaison is there for you if you have more program-specific questions. Mizutani adds that there are also live Q&A鈥檚 at the end of every webinar that the admissions team hosts. Evidently, the admissions staff is available to answer any questions you may have in order to best support you through the application process.
One thing that makes 麻豆原创 so unique is our holistic approach to the application process,鈥� shares Mizutani. She notes that Teachers College does not have a grade point average requirement, something that differs in comparison to other institutions. 鈥泪t鈥檚 really about the whole person. We look at each component of your application equally.鈥�
Photo: Kevin Chiu
3. Don鈥檛 Underestimate the Power of Social Media
鈥淭he 麻豆原创 Admissions social media channels really acted as an informative tool for me,鈥� explains Mizutani. 鈥泪t鈥檚 so powerful to see student perspectives through a social lens鈥� She shares that she particularly appreciates the , an informative resource that sheds light into student life at Teachers College from neighborhood hotspots to commuting tips.
During her time as a student, Mizuatani served as Administrative Fellow to the Admissions team, where she was an active member of the Admissions Social Media Committee. 鈥淢y experience on the team led me to play an active role in our social media presence on and ,鈥� shares Mizutani. 鈥�We鈥檝e dedicated our content to really connecting with prospective students and making them feel like they belong here.鈥�
Mina鈥檚 Pro Tip: 鈥泪 loved watching the 鈥楧ay in the Life of a 麻豆原创 Student鈥� Instagram Reels!鈥� says Mizutani. 鈥泪 felt like I had such a clear window into 麻豆原创鈥檚 vibrant community.鈥� Just one year, later, she created 鈥楧ay in the Life鈥� Reel, another 鈥渇ull circle鈥� moment for Mizutani.
Mina and her colleagues, Ashley Blasland, Associate Director of Admission, and Kate Brittain, Assistant Vice President of Admission & Enrollment Management.
Reflecting on the Future
鈥淢y 麻豆原创 experience provided me with a valuable foundation to build upon in my career,鈥� shares Mizutani. She hopes to continue to pursue student-centered work and foster relationships with the next generation of 麻豆原创 students.
Most importantly, Mizutani attributes much of her positive experience to her colleagues and peers that she鈥檚 met along the way. 鈥泪 really credit my colleagues and their confidence in me. They saw my potential for growth when I didn't necessarily see that for myself and that is something that I鈥檒l carry with me forever.鈥�