queenleblanc

I should also add, last spring when I started looking at applying to SLP programs I knew nothing about any of this and Longwood was the only program for pre-reqs besides ECU I found. If I had known about Utah State I might have gone that route, but from what I have read from current USU students, I probably would have contacted my former profs from undergrad or my first masters for the LORs, it seems like the interaction isn't strong enough with USU online for maybe the best LORs from what I read, although this is only my initial impression, I could be wrong. My only issue is that I completed these two degrees in 2006 and 2007 respectively, so I needed more current LORs.

When this summer is done, I will have completed language development, biology plus a lab (local community college for cheap), phonetics, A&P, intro to audiology, artic disorders, neural processes of language, and aural rehabilitation. I started at Longwood university online, it's basically a formality of a application and you're in for the pre-reqs. They don't offer all of those courses, so I had to look at Utah State for artic disorders, and Alaska for neural processes. They have all been online. I love the Longwood classes- there is a bit of self-motivation you have to do, but I have had some good classmates and good professors along the way. The exams are not proctored with Longwood, but they are definitely hard- I feel like I have learned SO much along the way. Compared to an in-class experience, there is some lag time on getting questions answered through blackboard, but totally worth doing since I work full time. The Alaska class is considered e-live, which means I have to show up online from 4:30 to 7 Alaska time, which is 12:30 on the east coast, but its only once a week and since I am a teacher, I opted to take this class during the summer. I only have to take two Thursdays as half days of work, and the rest is all during my time off, thank goodness. Caution, look up tuition rates if you have a choice between multiple universities. USU and UAA do not charge out of state rates for these classes. Longwood out of state rates boils down to $1903 per course, which isn't ideal, but I really have enjoyed my courses and connected with professors who were more than happy to write my LOR's, so I feel like it was worth it for the four courses I have take there. Taking pre-reqs at multiple universities is not the easy route, but there just aren't a lot of options to get all of the courses I needed for my target university or the others on my application list... I would have done all of my pre-reqs through ecu's program since it was my target university last year when I started looking, but I missed the deadline to get a spot last spring (march 1st), the waiting list was over 140 long just for the pre-reqs.

Have to agree with this... If I went by results on TGC for who is going to ECU or who has been accepted to ECU on campus this fall, I would think I am in a class by myself, LOL, because all of the posts on the results board are for the distance program. It seems like there aren't as many NC or SC residents or applicants posting on TGC as I would expect. USC did state that they often do pull from the wait list because these "cream of the crop" applicants usually get accepted multiple places. Holding out hope for jmarti that your wait lists, or your "waiting to hear" schools come through!

Ack! Locked my car keys in the house on my way out the door to work this morning.... The keys I grabbed are to my hubby's truck and its only the key fob so I can't even drive it.... What a way to start the day! And its COLD outside! Waiting for hubby to get home so I can get the right set of keys... Thinking of all of you who are still waiting to hear... Hopefully today will be a big day for you as far as hearing back, or making a decision!

Yeah, my iPad makes typing difficult... Sorry for the typos.

I don't know if a PhD is something you want to consider, but there are rankings from The Chronicle of Higher Ed that in my opinion are more thorough than the US News survey cards. For example, ECU is like #131 in US News, but #6 in the Chronicle of Higher Ed, which focuses on research, which I remember you mentioning on another post. So, don't always trust US News, as its methods are VERY flawed (I tried to start a post on this subject like last week and no one bit). One thing to look at to find your fit- it takes time, however- look at course schedules to see what professors teach which of the masters courses and who advises theses. Ten, look at their research interests. Just because there is a Cochlear implant lab doesn't necessarily mean that as a masters student you will have the chance to work in it or work with that professor, unfortunately. At the school that I was honored to be chosen for admission (and. I am still in a state of shock!), all of the profs teaching the masters courses are also the masters thesis advisors, and their research interests match every single interest I stated in my SOP and have additional related topics that I would like to learn more about. You have to look for the visitors access to the course scheduling system, but most schools offer that, it just takes time to find it (or hack it, as the case may be, LOL).

The USU Facebook folks were talking about this a few days ago, and I think as long as it was a pass, the general Ed grade minimums were up to each university. Some people took chem as pass/fail, I think, but I could be wrong.

On most schools websites where I looked last Fall, general Ed pre-reqs were recommended to be a C or better, and CSD pre-reqs needed to be a B- or better.

If anyone is going to ECU for the fall and still needs to take a prereq like Aural Rehab, it is offered this summer and all you have to do is submit a non-degree application (another $70 fee) and tuition is only $212 per credit, not bad! I have to take artic disorders (USU) and I am opting to take neural processes at UAA even though it is not required for this years entering class, it is required for next years class, so I'm going to take it anyway. The UAA class is e-live and you actually have to show up online during class time, I think it is Thursdays from 4:30 to 7:15 but that is ALASKA time, so more like 12:30 on east coast time. Ps, I hope to meet anyone going to the admitted students day on April 12th!!!!

At the time I submitted my applications, I had already completed my general Ed requirements (sciences, math, etc.) and completed three of my SLP pre-reqs. Depending on where I got accepted and chose to attend, I had three to five pre-reqs to complete as of January. I am taking one class during the spring semester, and I am taking the final two required classes this summer. Most programs basically state that you need to have at least some of the pre-reqs completed at the time you apply so they have an idea of your performance in CSD classes, and all of them require you to send final transcripts before you enroll in the masters program. They could make you defer admission or re-apply if you dont complete the required coursework by August. More competitive programs may state that you pretty mch need to have all pre-reqs completed because your app is being compared to people majoring in CSD with a lot more background, and basically having the pre-reqs all done gives them a more compelling reason to look at your application. I did not have enough completed at the time of applying for UNC CH, as I had three more to take if I got in there, so I know that was a reason I didn't make the cut even though I went there for undergrad and a previous masters degree.

What's wrong with driving safely, for the sake of other motorists on the road? You can also invest in books on tape/cd or as downloads for your iPod. Honestly, a commute is just that. Now if you are not always the one driving, and you have the opportunity to be a passenger, then study, work on flash cards, read, etc...

I also gave up my offer at Appalachian State, as well as my funded offer at Western Carolina, hopefully someone benefits!

Personally, I think it is in poor taste to accept one place in hopes of hearing from your top choice, and is probably limiting your second choice university from getting students who actually want to go there. Ask yourself, "do I really want to go to u of T no matter what? What if I don't get in there, could I be okay with reapplying next year?" Also, have you contacted U of T to let them know that you really would like to go there, but another university has offered you admission and you have to do something with their offer by a certain date, etc. etc.? If you can push them at all, I would do that to avoid the sting of confirming then refusing acceptance, on your record in what could be a small or even a big academic circle (i dont think it really matters how big the academic circle is). If you ever want to apply to Concordia again, it is likely that this info will remain on your file, and may impact you. If you are okay with all of that, perhaps what you described is your only option, but only you can decide that.

"Hi professor ____, I would really like your advice on making improvements to my work. As I revise this document, what suggestions can you offer on where to start? I looked over the document and I do see some obvious changes, but I would really appreciate your feedback. Perhaps this would be better done in a meeting, where you can mark up the paper for me to work on." Blah blah blah. Get through this... Because as my mom always tells me when I get frustrated with people in charge of my work, "This too shall pass." You are going through the typical grad school dejection and frustration. People experience this to different degrees, and yours sounds exceptionally hard, but it is not impossible. Do what the prof wants, be happy with your quality of work, and try to move on! :-)

All good thoughts... Not sure yet! I wonder if I can find coloring pages of the brain that would be similar to the content of this book... Online search ensuing. Haha, the penny pincher in me comes out... LOL! It is saved in my cart in amazon, however, in case I do decide to get it.

Yeah, that was my thought about the help on the grade- if its useful, and something that will come in handy after the course is over as a valuable reference, then it might be worth it. I hate to buy one-time use books that just sit on a shelf afterwards. I have too many already!

I agree with the others on here -- unless I know for sure they have a D.SLP or PhD (etc) - I use "Professor ____." If I know they have a PhD (etc), I try to use Dr. ____ because I want to give them the respect of earning that title. I'm also a good ole-fashioned southern chick, and using formal titles for ANYONE you don't know on a personal level is just part of the expectation down south. Even though I'm a bona fide adult, and I have people in my church choir telling me to call them "Jane" instead of Mrs. _____, I still can hardly make myself use their given/Christian name, as we used to call it. In an academic setting, even in my first master's program, I had a prof or two that wanted first names... I just couldn't do it. I figure at a minimum, I have NO risk of offending them if I use a formal title of some kind. Especially in email or snail mail.

Similar story here -- I was on a sick day from work and got the email around 4:30/5pm as I was laying on the couch, with bronchitis. I could barely talk and had to gesture as I told my husband that I got into one of my two top choices!! Yep, I accepted the following Tuesday... it's not every day that dreams and reality actually match up like that!! And now for the obligatory ... "Ain't Nobody Got Time Fo' Dat!" (look up "Sweet Brown" on youtube, it's absolutely hilarious!)

Off topic - but you gals/guys who took the neuroscience or neural processes / neurology of speech class -- one of my optional books is the Human Brain coloring book. It's not expensive but since it is optional, I wonder if you think it's worth getting? Only about $13 on amazon, so I might get it next time my order is over $25 (for free shipping!). As a caveat, I'm also interested in neurogenic disorders (etc), so that's why I'm taking this optional course (not required as a pre-req) even though I will take neuroscience courses (etc) during the master's coursework... just trying to think this one through. And yes, I'm this thorough on nearly every course book I've had to buy... just don't want to end up with the BOXES and BOXES of books I have from my music ed career that largely went unused. -- thanks in advance for your thoughts!! :-) edited: I re-read my posts and find disconnected or incongruous thoughts. it drives me mad!!

... I'm beginning to feel like I am the only one for whom ECU is a top choice and already decided... And haven't found anyone else who says they are accepted to the on-campus program. Hopefully Dr. Cox will get our Facebook group going soon so I can meet some of my cohort. If you guys have questions about the program, don't be afraid to email her and ask, she has always been great about responding with the answers that you need!!!

Saw an acceptance posted for USF... Jmarti, anything for you yet? Been thinking good thoughts and praying for you!

I depends in the licensure requirements for your state. NC requires 60 credits. I don't know about others, but check n your department of public instruction website for what is required to get a license to practice in your state.

Academic journals to read are entirely dependent on your field. For example, I used to read music educators' journal and the journal for research in music education. I am about to start reading ASHA leader for speech language pathology, as well as a few other related research journals. I am joining a student arm of the professional organization of ASHA, which gives me another journal. You might try asking people in the chem forum for better answers! Good luck!

Make sure that if you give your two weeks or thirty days notice, that you have enough funds to live on if they say "you can go immediately". Seem companies are like that. Fnd out if your company would be like that (my husband's is, so we haven't even told them that I got into school, much less that we will be moving). He is going to give two weeks notice with the understanding that his crazy boss might tell him he can go tomorrow. So... Keep that in mind to find out on the sly if you can.

I had to face the same question -- the school I have now decided to attend will likely have a GA and research thesis grant but I won't know for sure until the summer. I got an offer of tuition remission + GA + $1k scholarship per semester at a second choice school. The factors swaying my decision -- I have had to move for jobs, but I currently own a home near the school I have selected to attend; in addition that same program has a PhD program that is a top program and is one I will be applying to in the future - attending for my MS could be a really great way to show my case for getting into the doctoral program. Additionally, the school with funding is really far away from where my husband could find a job, so my commute to school would be about an hour. For us, him having a job is essential for paying the rest of our bills (and his own student loans). So, there can be a case where taking the funded program is not always the only choice to make. Consider all of the factors at play in your situation and figure out what works best for you. I'm taking my gamble on not having to pay mortgage + rent by going to the funded school, which pretty much would have negated all funding anyway.