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First of all, what do people think about applying to schools in different parts of the country than where you live? How easy is it to find a job in a different area than your school, if need be? Secondly, do most people visit schools before they apply? This seems like it could get very expensive. I've noticed that a lot of schools are starting to have only one or two "visiting" days and otherwise, they won't see you. However, if you live on the east coast, for example, and you're looking at two schools on the west coast with visitation days two weeks apart…how are you supposed to visit? That would cost hundreds of dollars.

Hi! Long story short, I spent two years in pursuit of a completely unrelated degree before I realized I wanted to switch my major to speech pathology. This decision also required me to transfer schools. This fall I am taking classes locally, and I will not be at my new school until the spring (so I have to wait until then to begin my SLP coursework). I need some advice from people who have been through the process of applying to grad schools! Here's my dilemma: 1) I could finish my degree in three regular semesters (and one summer session) after arriving at my new school. This would allow me to graduate "on time," save money, and start graduate school in the fall. However, that's only if I am accepted to graduate school for the fall. Would this be too rushed and crammed? Would graduate schools be wary of accepting someone who completed their undergrad in such a short time? I am not too worried about my GPS--I am a very hard worker and a good student. However, I know how competitive it is, and I'm worried that other students will have had much more time to build their resume. 2) If I do not take a summer session, I will finish my degree four semesters after arriving at my new school. This means I would graduate in December, and my class schedule would be a little more flexible and roomy (I could take a few extra classes, etc.). However, from what I've seen, most graduate schools begin in the fall. Is this true? If that is correct, then this plan of action would delay me a full year, because I wouldn't be able to start grad school for another semester. I'm mostly worried about time and money here. If plan #1 is feasible, does it make sense to delay myself another year and pay for an extra semester? On the other hand, this would allow me a semester off, which I'm assuming I could use to build my resume. I welcome any advice!