HopefulGrad2017

imjustagirl8, it might be best to speak with the department at the SLP school you are thinking of attending. They could give you specifics on how old prereqs can be. Some schools might be different. I just had a tour of University of Northern Colorado and met with an advisor of the SLP and Aud programs. She was very nice and helpful. Showed me around the building that they have all their classes and hands-on experiences with real-life clients that come to their clinic. I am still in undergrad, thinking of transferring in the fall to do my final two years in SLP. I voiced my concerns being a "mature" student with kids and unable to move for grad school. She was completely upfront with me how competitive it is. But also gave me options if I pursue SLP and do not get into grad school the first round. They offer one extra course with a mentor for a SLPA certificate. At least here in Colorado they are in high demand. Many students also get a master's in special education. Some come back to do their SLP masters, others do not. Just ways to boost your resume and look even better. You want to look good on paper (she suggested 3.5 GPA and better), but also stand out and show your commitment to the field. To prove yourself, so to speak. I really thought that after I spoke with her I would realize this dream was too hard and change my mind. But now I really want to go for it. I loved the campus and everything she showed me. It was so exciting! I really am a hands-on learner. I just wanted to try out everything instead of just looking. And I never considered it before, but the Audiology program sounded interesting as well.

Thanks SpeechyK! That's very helpful.

How do Grad schools look at getting an online bachelors or a post-bac online? I have not finished my bachelors yet, so I could transfer to a school like Utah State and finish it, saving time and money not doing a post- bac (if I ended up getting an online degree in something else. I like online schooling because of working and being a mom, it works for me). But it is harder to get into grad school? The one thing I worry about it not having the hands-on, working in clinics, etc for your classes. You can always do volunteer work, but I wonder if the experience would be as good.

I actually just posted a similar topic. I am in my late 30's and a career changer. I live in CO and cannot move for grad school either. I have two kids, 11 and almost 8. It is definitely a challenge trying to figure it all out.

I am not in any position to move to go to grad school. My husband has a good job here that supports us, and we have two kids. I live in Colorado, and the only schools near me are University of Northern Colorado, CU Boulder and the University of Wyoming. I have done some searches about these schools, but would love to hear from anyone attending or anyone that recently applied to these schools. How competitive are they? Anyone in my position that could only apply to a few schools because of not being able to move? Is it foolish doing this? And no, I don't have any stats to post. I am at a community college right now, have about 64 credits (about 20 are 15 years old, I am a second-career student) planning on transferring to a university in the fall. I have a 3.84 GPA now, but no CSD classes yet. But I have been taking classes such as Bio, Chem, A&P, Stats, Psych, Calculus, English. All As. No GRE taken yet either. I understand it's difficult to figure out how I will do in a Speech Pathology program, or on my GRE. But I really don't want to transfer to a SLP undergrad program if I have little or no chance of getting into one of three grad schools. Also, I know both Colorado schools have a SLPA certificate. How much of a difference is that when applying to grad school?

I have to admit this is my biggest worry. I am taking classes at a community college now, and planning on transferring to a 4 year program in the fall for SLP. And I worry about not getting into grad school. This isn't a major that transfers into other jobs well. And I know I don't want to be a teacher (I actually don't want to work in the school system if I become an SLP). And that makes me nervous that I should major in another field that has more opportunities if I can't get into a Master's program. Problem is, there is no other career I am as interested in.

That is a great blog! I'm in my undergrad and looking at where to do observation hours, and this is extremely helpful.

Congrats to everyone that got in! I'm definitely following this thread. It gives me a lot of insight on applying for grad school (when I get to that point).

On that note, would you have to list a private technical college you went to that has nothing to do with this degree? Right now I am a vet tech. I went to tech school in 1999, got an AAS. And since it was a private school, no classes transfer (not general ed classes like English, math, chemistry, micro, etc). And it doesn't affect my current GPA. So would that be relevant? I did do excellent in the classes if they want to look at my grades.

That's great advice, thank you! I didn't think about ASHA having general ed requirements as well.

I'm definitely checking into the schools I am interested in now. Thanks!

These are some great sites, thanks for sharing!

Thank you, I appreciate your responses! This will be my first bachelors. I have an associate degree in veterinary technology, and another 3 years of college before that. But that was over a decade ago and many of my science and math classes are expired. I am actually in Colorado, so not near Chicago. It's just difficult for me to work and go to classes full-time because I am practically a single mom (husband is a truck driver, so never home), and I have two little kids. I can either work OR go to school while they are in school. I can't afford childcare to either work nights or go to school at night. But you gave me some things to think about, thank you.

I would like to know if grad schools prefer students to have an undergrad degree in Speech pathology or communication disorders over other degrees? Or does it only matter that you do the require pre-reqs? I really need to keep working and can't do that if I have to do a bachelors in SLP. I'd prefer to do it in something I can mostly do online, then take the prereqs (I can also take those online). Perhaps earn my SLPA before applying to grad school. Anyone else earn their undergrad degree in another field? What was it? I am also worried if I major in SLP, what if I don't get into grad school? It's such a narrow field of study, there isn't much you can do with it. But if I earn a different degree, and don't get in, I can still get a job or earn a Master's in another field. Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated!