1. Explain a critical problem and a possible solution in education. (Sample problem areas: Administration, funding, policy, standards, technology, teacher preparation, student achievement, urban education, motivation, school violence, assessment, 21st Century skills, subject area curriculum, tablet technology, social networking, international education, middle school and secondary education, etc.) (400-600 words total)
2. Explain at least three behaviors or attributes that have contributed to your success as a student. Provide personal examples. Explain two specific areas that you would like to improve during your graduate studies. (400-600 words total)

Essay topics are included below for your planning purposes; however, final submissions must be included in the UniCAS application system as one document to be considered. Emailed or mailed essays will not be accepted. You will also need to submit your vita, which includes your education, job experience, and any professional presentations, publications, grants, professional certifications/licenses held and participation in professional organizations. Essays must be written with appropriate APA formatting and citations.

1. Successful applicants to this program indicate a reason matched to a need for earning this professional certificate. Explain your views regarding the match you see between your reason for wanting to earn your STEM Certificate and the need for earning one (1000 word limit)
2. Successful applicants to this program come with a set of professional and educational experiences that “set the stage” for learning. OUR GOAL is that your learning in the certificate program will advance your own career goals and will contribute to the learning of your students and to peer faculty members at your school. Describe your professional and educational expertise that you bring with you to the STEM Certificate at Texas A&M University and your goals that you will have achieved when you are finished. (1000 word limit)
3. In dealing with humans we all experience time commitment issues and barriers we need to recognize, plan for and address. Describe your barriers to participating in a certificate program where you will participate in two graduate level courses during the first summer and two courses during the fall semester and how you will overcome each. (1000 word limit)