midnight

Well, it ain't over till it's over, and look at all of the acceptances you've gotten. You have amazing options!

I just googled "MSW post-bacc." Good luck!

Perhaps something like this program? http://extension.berkeley.edu/spos/psychologyprofessions.html It's made specifically for career changers, which I have no idea if you are, but post-bacc certificates are usually a good (if not only) way to boost your GPA, get up to speed with current field trends, and review/refresh what you previously learned.

maelduin, my husband is considering forestry as well. He has a CS degree and is currently a software engineer, so it would be a different path for him, too. I suggest looking at program sites to see what sort of prereqs (if any) they require, their strengths, current research and field opportunities, etc. Since you already have a chem background and have received credit for calc, you're probably fine, though it wouldn't hurt to show initiative with other relevant coursework or volunteer work as iowaguy mentioned. I think a class from a local college or accredited online program would be better than Coursera or equivalent; however, a course or two may be altogether unnecessary if you can find find some solid hands-on, in-depth volunteer opportunities.

Can anyone tell me about the parking situation at UVA or close to campus? I'm likely going to be commuting, and I'm really worried that it might be like my alma mater (another VA state school that had a horrific parking situation where students often couldn't find spots and would be late for class or miss class altogether!). Thanks for any input.

WTF? That is evil!

The general rule seems to be that if you can succeed with Manhattan, you will succeed on the actual GRE. I have limited experience with their materials, but my husband took their free practice test, and it seemed mostly in line with the real thing. For verbal, you may want to vary your study materials just to get more exposure to different vocab words.

If you're OK with books instead of online tests, I can't recommend Barron's Six Practice Tests enough. It's cheap and available at Barnes & Noble, so you can look through it before buying or even do the tests in the store.

I think you should stay the course and focus on your psychology classes. You could boost your 3.4 psych GPA significantly by earning all A's for those last 16 credits, and it will only be beneficial for your app to show an upward trend in your grades, especially in upper-level coursework. Psych is a highly competitive field, as I'm sure you know. There are no guarantees even with a 4.0. But if you work hard and follow the advice from the others here, I truly think you will better your chances. Also, if you haven't already, ask people on the psych forum what they think. Check the results page to get a general idea of the kinds of stats accepted applicants have. Start researching schools and see if there are potential POIs and programs that match your interests--fit is very important. Good luck!

Agreed! I personally don't think it's unethical, but I could see some people believing that they were essentially reneging and feeling uncomfortable doing so. They shouldn't, though, because it ultimately means someone else more than likely gets the chance to attend that school, which is a good thing. ETA: cahurt, are you an in-field or out-of-field applicant? I noticed your MSW schools as well and am just curious. I've also considered social work as a career option.

This little guy ended up on someone's porch:

Though turning down a school after putting down a deposit is not ideal, I don't think you should stress over it if it happens. The school you turn down will pull from the waitlist to fill your spot, and you should go wherever you think is best. Judging from past years' results, I don't think it's too uncommon. I know it seems rude or even unethical, but I believe schools accommodate for it.

Have a great time, OT (I refuse to call you "toothbrush" )! Are you just hitting up UM this week or doing a tour of all your Midwestern schools?

Oh god, what?! That sucks! And sorry, didn't mean to put a spotlight on a rejection, especially when you received an acceptance to Vandy today, which is really all that matters! Congrats again!

Well, honestly this just strengthens my earlier hypothesis about schools, strong applicants, and yield! Anyway, you have fantastic options and likely more to come. I was just shocked to see that in your signature.

katieliz, you were rejected from ASU?! I'm sorry (and stunned).

That is a bittersweet decision. Congrats to you for having some great options! I suppose it's important for you to consider if you're ever going to pursue a PhD since ranking and reputation seem to matter quite a bit for that purpose (or so I've read again and again).

CONGRATS, EIHPOS! That's awesome!

Yes, I agree. Bottom-line: I'm not on an adcomm, so whatever I say is obviously nothing more than speculation. But admissions can be bizarre and controversial, and I really do wonder what goes on and why. I guess the only thing I can safely take away from this entire experience is there are no guarantees.

Wow, I didn't say that to offend anyone and apologize since I clearly did. I'm talking about yield and stats for these schools. I certainly don't think App State is a bad school or that only weak students get in there, but I do think admissions is a game, and I do think some schools might try to save face in regard to numbers. I could very well be wrong, but I've seen some erratic decisions across the board in undergrad and grad admissions, not just in SLP programs and including more competitive schools. I've been posting here religiously for two months and would not purposely try to denigrate any school or applicant here. Edited because I'm not able to articulate myself the way I would like to without sounding offensive and defensive. Sigh.

You were probably waitlisted because they assumed you would turn them down based on your stats (I mean, if you got into Chapel Hill and JMU...), but they didn't want to lose you as a potential student just in case you were serious about attending.

Yeah, my laziness and being woefully out of practice are what failed me the most, so I likely could've achieved more with a better attitude and more focus. I'm relieved that I've already gotten into one school. I don't think my Q score will necessarily affect my chances at the school I'm waiting for, but I maintain that it's best not to let the GRE be a detriment in any way. It's nerve-wracking knowing that it's the weakest part of my app, even though I exceed the school's aggregate minimum.

I've heard nothing but great things about both programs. I think you should visit them if possible, but I'd personally go with whichever is significantly cheaper. Then again, I think it also depends on where you want to live once you graduate. Vanderbilt is highly esteemed throughout the South and has a great alumni network, which could be advantageous even though prestige doesn't seem to matter as much in the SLP field. (Not that UW doesn't have a good reputation or network!) And I assume (could be wrong) that the cost of living in Nashville is much less than Seattle COL.

Don't give up hope until you receive concrete information!

I like the PR book, too, clydeyo! And I think everyone who's applying to SLP programs should take the GRE very seriously, especially if a school lists cutoffs or score preferences. Admissions are so competitive now, and while the GRE is only one component of an application, it's a frighteningly easy way to weed out people.