queenleblanc

According to this loan capitalization calculator for student loans, if you make no payments and allow the building interest to capitalize (full deferment)- after 12 months the balance will be 53507.99; ten year repayment puts the total at $73892 total by the end of repayment. If you at least pay some interest each month, it looks like only 3400 in interest must be paid, for a total of $69048 total by the end of repayment. So if you can afford to pay some interest while the loan is deferred, you could save up to 4k for each 50k borrowed. Here is a good online calculator to see what the loan capitalization will be at they'd of your time in school. There are other loan calculators on this site if you want to get on estimate on how much your repayment will be for however much you need to borrow. http://www.finaid.org/calculators/scripts/interestcap.cgi

If you are talking about federal student loans, the interest compounds daily. If you enroll in the PhD program within six months of graduating from the MA, your MA loans stay in deferment. If you can at least pay an interest-only payment on the MA loans while they are deferred during your PhD years, you will save thousands in interest down the road.

The university health plan, which in my university you either waive out or you're in, is actually way better than my current employer plan right now. There should be a way to find out what exactly it covers through the campus health website. Mine covers medical and vision while dental is separate. My medical coverage is pretty awesome. The copay to see a physician, or a specialist, is the same. The only difference is the cost of the visit- fully covered with regular physician, and 80% covered with specialist (like my foot doctor for an ongoing foot issue). I also don't have to pay as much for urgent care, and more of the ER visit would be covered as well. Vision is fully covered, which is crazy good! Currently, I work as a teacher (state employee) and the state covers part of the health insurance cost, which to my estimation, is about $5000-$6000 per academic year. The cost of the university health plan? $1471 per academic year. Dental is less than $500 a year, and that covers two visits plus x-rays and more, and lots of dental work that may be necessary. I dont like to gamble with my teeth, we only get one set! Pretty freaking amazing uni health plan! if you are a doctoral student and have a Ta stipend (whatever they are called), the health insurance is included at no extra cost because the university pays you like an employee. Out of pocket, private insurance, would run close to $200 or more a month at least, and the coverage is not great, there is a it more to pay for when you go to just a regular physician. I don't know about you guys, but if you think the university plan is terrible, compare that what a lot of employers offer. Vision, dental, etc, is usually separate and very expensive. The plan at all NC public universities just can't be beat.

Check out the SLP forums! Lots of us in there, as well as a discussion specifically devoted to TX schools. http://forum.thegradcafe.com/forum/95-speech-language-pathology/

Thanks, slpf13! Hubby is out of town for work tonight, so I'm going to get some food, pour myself a cosmo, do some studying... wait, probably should do the studying first, LOL! What a long day at work it has been!

Off topic, but maybe those of you who already committed to a school can relate with me or give me some mental comfort? (summary: STRESSED beyond control... trying to take it one day at a time, but dealing with spouse's job hunt, moving, budget adjustments, feeling like the grad school thing will somehow fall through... ) I feel like life is tumbling out of control in many ways. I am on my 6th year teaching, decided to go back to school for SLP, a new passion of mine, but going on campus (complete change of lifestyle). I even called the graduate school yesterday just to make sure that my registration / confirmation of attending this Fall has been processed. As soon as I had confirmation from my prof that I am going there in the Fall, I made the decision known to my principal and promptly submitted the "taking a sabbatical / continuing ed" resignation paperwork so that they can recruit someone to come fill my shoes at this little rural school (hard to find people who want to come here). Things are working out on that front, so I feel good about it. But now I'm literally freaking out about the "what ifs" -- what if my grad program hasn't really processed my enrollment? what if they call me in a few weeks and say they gave my spot away because I didn't complete some kind of online script to enroll / confirm registration? what if they call and the program is completely cut by the state budget in July? what if I am left without a grad school and without a job come August? AGH!! I won't feel peace about resigning at the end of my contract (teacher) until I see "registration" or "student detail schedule" on the student data online showing what classes I'm taking and ENROLLED in for the fall... I confirmed with the professor on March 12th, via email twice since then, and again last Friday on a department visit/tour. I also called the graduate school yesterday to verify everything. Just growing SO anxious. I know it's going to happen, somewhere deep down, but since I turned down the other three programs where I got an offer of admission, one of those being a funded offer, I'm thinking in the back of my mind "what if this dream program falls through????" I also have to take 3 summer classes... 1 at UAA, 1 at USU, and the last one as a non-degree stud with my Fall program... I'm registered for the first two already, but my Fall program is REALLY dragging their feet and tuition / fees are due by May 6th (and it's also the first class calendar-wise to start in May) ... this is coming up SOON!!! On top of it all, my course this semester - intro to audiology - is in its final two weeks. I'm freaking out a bit about that as well. There is one module left, plus studying for the final exam. I have a few classmates who will get together with me via skype this weekend to go over the material for the final but that adds more to my to-do list between now and Saturday as well... UGH! And of course since I'm a music teacher, my schedule with the end of the year only gets worse - final pk through 2 concert, EOY awards, 5th grade graduation, field day (I'm the DJ), the k-2 dance and the 3-5 dance (I'm the DJ and announcing the event for both), pressured to give money I don't have to a cause that I don't care about by a principal I'm leaving in June... and at the same time, trying to sell my townhouse (even though it's near the grad program, we want to be closer than a 35 min commute), looking for potential apartments in the event that it sells soon, packing up our rental house, finding my husband a new job in the new area, preferably in June so we can cut out our second housing expense for our current living location for jobs.... yeah, stressed is a word, might describe it a bit... UGH! GIVE ME THE CHOCOLATE!!! (and maybe a martini.) Okay, had to get that out there. Help me feel better. (ETA the summary for those who didn't want to read the whole post)

I am moving for a masters program and my hubby had to get on board with it, and the possibility that I want to pursue a PhD afterwards whether at the same place or somewhere else that we have discussed (for when that application also comes in 2014). We are moving, together eventually, but it may be just me at first. He may have to hang back for a few months until he finds a new job. I know what you are going through... At first he was extremely supportive, but now the anxiety has set in re: finding a job in a new city quickly, what we will do if he doesn't find one, cutting our budget back to accommodate our bills but not take too much in loans... Etc. just remember how much of a change this is for the spouse. It is like forced moving, in a way, and while they say they want to, and support you- that concept takes a bit to realize internally. Best of luck to you!

If the reference is a printed journal, even if you somehow have online access to it, you do not have to put the URL, especially if it cannot be used to verify the source by an outsider reading your paper. Reference it like a journal article or whatever it is. I wouldn't worry about the URL unless it is a webpage with potential to change content (and include access date in reference)... Especially n your circumstance, the URL is only accessible by people at your specific library or program.

Ack! iPad down voted someone! Whoops! Someone correct that with an up vote! So sorry!!!!

Very cool! Congrats on deciding!

"To thine own self, be true" ..... This line might be cliche, but it is poignant for a time like this. You have a big choice to make. Ultimately you probably have a feeling about where you really want to go. Maybe you have a feeling about a school that would be a great choice, but you aren't as sure about. Make a list, consider all of the factors that set each school apart from the other, and figure out a way to separate your choices.. Once you do that, you will find clear bonuses and setbacks for each school. Depending on your program, you will be looking for different things- research fit, university location, course sequence, assistantship opportunity, scholarship or stipends, etc. If you have a place in mind, but feel guilty about turning another down, thinking that you might be making the wrong choice, just remember that whatever choice you do make IS THE RIGHT CHOICE. You will always look on the outside to those other opportunities and wonder, but eventually you have to find something that makes you want the school you decide to attend. Focus on those positives, and... "To thine own self, be true." Hope that helps. You will be happy and all of this will eventually fade into the distance when August comes 'round!

NC license requirements to work in schools are strict- sixty credit hours or more, etc... But you can easily transfer your certification to any other state with the reciprocating license agreement (at least thirty states in that agreement) once you earn your masters and even before you do your CFY. Once you have your C's you can work in pretty much any state, no worries. I love Chapel Hill. There are a ton of varied clinic placements, the medical is second to none, and you can get GREAT medical placements if you want them. Also the school district of Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools, and even Orange County Schools, are becoming one of the most respected school districts in the whole southeast of the US. Parking is horrendous, the professors think very highly of their program, etc, and it sets you up for whatever you want, whether you just want to work as a clinician, go for PhD, research, etc. PM if you have specific questions about Chapel HIll! I did my undergrad in music and my teaching masters there and loved it. :-)

You are going to love Chapel Hill... Or Chapel Thrill, as we lovingly called it! Congrats on all your choices!!

Apologies in advance for typos on the iPad. Ugh!

I also did music performance (see my signature) and am now going in the Fall to ECU for speech path. After reading your post here are my thoughts: if you want to eventually pursue any other degrees in SLp, like a doctorate or a PhD, then where you do your masters MIGHT matter. You will probably be able to get better recommendation letters from school 1, as they already know you to some degree. Another item is that your moving expenses will be nil. If you really want a change, or a potential to do some research, you might consider school 2 just because it will give you a fresh perspective, new faculty on which to make a new impression, and give you. Chance to explore another city, another university, maybe more musical performance opportunities on the side if you wish to continue that area of your life. You also said school 2 is is in a bigger city?.. That could be another appeal in and of itself, more clinical opportunities as far as variety, etc. Paying back the loans as an SLP is no big deal, because our employment rate is so high and the pay is well compensated for the level of training. Also, a lot of schools offer scholarships for your second year, so there woulds be potential for funding later on if you aren't offered anything for the first year. Considering the idea of no loans is VERY appealing... I also turned down a tuition remission plus scholarship offer to a university that I wasn't as passionate about attending. Nothing negative about the program, but just needing the positives of the program I am choosing to attend. I also want to eventually pursue a PhD, so choosing ECU sets me up for applying to their PhD program and give me great research background for applying elsewhere. I also connected personality wise with the faculty, and they are ALL researching areas that I am interested in- going to narrow downy interests and pick my thesis topic during the first semester, but I could literally see myself working with ALL of them depending on which direction I go- voice disorders, dysphagia, aging and speech recovery post-stroke, TBI, etc. Don't know if that helps you, but considering we have similar backgrounds, I thought I could help. Best of luck with your decision, and please come back if you have any further questions, or PM me if you would like!

I looked up Nevada state... The cost is appealing for sure but the deadline to apply was March 1st from what I saw online during my search at lunch today. Yay for finding classmates for the artic class, slptobeweee! Who knows if we will even be in the same section on canvas, but I am glad I at least won't be the only one in the class! ;-).

Everywhere I got in, with the exception of Appalachian, had an April 15th deadline to accept. app State had a two week deadline, march 22nd. Most of the others on here I think have to decide by today (end of the business day). Best of luck to all of you guys who need a wait list spot to come through!! :-)

You can get up to 20,500 per year for federal loans, and you can get grad plus loans (or any other) for any remaining amount up to the university's stated COA (cost of attendance). For example, I am going to East Carolina this Fall for a 2-year master's program, and 1 summer's worth of tuition. I can get up to 22,928 federal loans (20,500 from FAFSA traditional grad loans, and up to 2428 from grad plus or any other student loan arm (discover loans, sallie mae, etc). ECU's cost of attendance figure accounts for the cost of living in the area for off-campus residential, in-state students (which I will be). They will also up the COA figure to account for the 1 summer's worth of tuition and expenses (including an estimate on COL for the area for those months). So, I figure my traditional grad loan will be closer to 24k or 26k per year. (I am most likely going to get a GA and a Research Grant to help take down my overall loan amount, don't criticize my loan amount... the ROI is really good for SLP's due to the high employability - 100% - and a shortage of SLP's everywhere). If you are at any institution, whether in-state or out-of-state, you should be able to look at either the cashier's website, registrar's website, or financial aid website to find the COA. The college usually lists COA with FAFSA statistics, so you can try looking on the FAFSA site as well. The out-of-state residing off-campus figures are the ones you should look at. If the amount you THINK you will need to live during your time exceeds the total COA, then you may want to consider getting a part-time job, roommate, lesser rental rate, or any other loans you can explore. Sometimes your bank can provide graduate degree loans that are not contingent on the university's COA as it is published, you just tell them how much you need and they set the terms for repayment and APR.

Look up Wilson Acres and Tar River Estates off of first street. My hubby used to. Live there. It is nice! A dog park at Tar River Estates, very quiet community, pool, etc. good prices too. If you look up Wainright Property management... Be warned, many of their properties look like good deals until you go to check out the neighborhood, which looks sketchy. My favorites are Allenton Estates and Rownetree Woods, closer to the west side of Greenville (near health sciences campus). It is worth it to go and drive around G'ville during the day to visit apartments if you have the opportunity. It really depends on whether your grad program is on main campus or on health sciences camous on where to rent. There are some private landlords with single family homes near campus that are pretty nice, but the homes are very close together and of will find more undergrads there.

Depending on your location, there may be a local community band or even an audition-based wind ensemble you can join. Check announcements through your university's department or school of music as they often post on bulletin boards for university students to come play. Some music depts let grad students (in other areas of study) play in their university band or the non-auditioned group. Good luck, and keep playing!!!! :-)

Just an FYI you guys, USU tuition has gone up a bit. It is now 275 per credit starting with the summer session. I was expecting 262 per credit until I saw my account balance... Called the registrars office to verify the amount and the explanation given was the legislature voting to up the cost of tuition, oh well.... Wish I had taken the artic class last fall or spring when I could have saved a bit more. I has to be done.... So I eat the cost for now.

If you are looking at grad cafe in a regular computer, as opposed to a iPad or mobile device, there is a little search box on the top right corner. If you want to search the entire SLP forum and all of the discussion threads, make sure you are on the thread listing page, the type in your search terms. If you want to just search the discussion forum you see, you can also do that. I haven't always been successful with searches, mostly because people don't always type the entire word. For example, I remembered someone was talking about a neuroscience course but I couldn't remember what university, so I put in neuroscience, and of course it didn't bring up the exact discussion I was remembering, I put in neuro and it brought up too much to sift through. So for my experience, the search function isn't the most sophisticated thing... Post if you have a specific question, because I am sure someone will come on and help you find whatever you need to know~~ this is a GREAT group of aspiring SLPs!!!!

Oh scratch that, you said NJ... Let me look that up really quickly. Here is the link to the applications and checklists for both types of applications in NJ. You can do your initial license in NJ, which is the temporary license application, or you can apply to transfer after earning your CCC'S in another state. It appears NJ does compare with NY as far as the detail and the massive fees for licensing. http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/aud/aud_applications.htm I have had to look up this stuff for my teaching career, so I am used to reading the legal stuff with transferring licenses. It is a pain, but it is worth it to have your full license in that state, which some employers prefer.

Here is the NY page on licensure by endorsement. It describes how to transfer your license. It appears that CT and NY are not on the official reciprocity list, but I could be wrong. Providing that you will do your CFY and become fully licensed in CT, you just look for the licensure by endorsement info for whatever state you would like to work. At first glance, it looks like you need 2 years experience before by will let you transfer your license. http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/slpa/speechlic.htm#endo If you want to do your CFY in NY, which is also an option, you need to follow NY requirements for initial licensure on the top of the page. Definitely tell your academic advisor so you can make sure you get the required number of hours in each area listed. You CAN just simply apply to have your initial license in NY if you want, but usually YOU are responsible for ensuring you qualify. If you want to do your CFY and earn your CCC's in CT, your school (UCONN) should be your primary point for ensuring you fulfill CT requirements for licensure; it is likely your program is already set up to fulfill those requirements. Here is the CT page on initial licensure. http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3121&q=389592&dphNav_GID=1821 From what I have read, the "supervised professional experience" they are talking about IS the CFY year, the nine or so months of work you do with some degree of supervision by a fully licensed SLP with CCC'S. On a personal note, it looks like CT has a lower licensing fee... But it looks like it is easier to transfer your license to NY (didn't see a fee listed for that). to transfer license TO Connecticut, it looks to me like you have to submit all of your paperwork again rather than just a copy of your license and verified experience.