pinkorchids

Let me know if you guys know of any programs that... -Are less-competitive in general. -Don't require ANY letters of recommendation. -Don't require letters of recommendation be from professors. -Focus more on relevant to the field work and/or volunteer experience (over high GPA/GRE). Distance learning or on-campus, ANYwhere in the USA! Doesn't matter. TIA

So here I am recently graduated from undergrad, and I received rejections from all the programs I applied to. I met minimums for all of these programs but did not have a "competitive application". I was fully aware that my application lacked competitive aspects, but was hoping for a shot in the dark. That being said...I am here looking for any honest advice! I wold particularly like to hear from anyone that has had to apply more than once before receiving an acceptance. Being an SLP has been my dream for so many years and I just can't give up the first time around. My stats: Undergrad degree B.S. in Com. Sci. and Disorders - 3.475 GPA, ~3.7 GPA in my classes for the major. Dean's list 4 semesters, President's list 1 semester. GRE - 147V, 147Q, 4.5W No volunteer/shadowing or research experience. My only extra-curricular was being a NSSHLA member for senior year. I worked my entire college career to support myself (full time for a year and a half of being in the major). I was a manager at my job so have a lot of leadership and people/interpersonal skills from that. Because of my demanding work schedule I didn't really have time for volunteering or research opportunities. My plan as of now is to find a job somewhat related to the field...looking at special needs clinics, nursing facilities, maybe something in the school system. I also plan to being shadow SLPs in different settings. Conveniently, I am a local to where I attended undergrad and plan to stay in the area. I think this will be beneficial because I can continue to keep in touch with professors and get to know them better so that I can get better letters of recommendation the second time around. I will take the GRE again to raise my score. The first time I studied maybe 2 months before, this time i plan to study longer before taking and utilize more study tools. Any advice? Do I have a shot if I can get work and volunteer experience, and raise my GRE score? Any suggestions or comments are welcome! Thanks a bunch!!!