virginiarunninggirl

Applying to ODU and a few other distance learning programs. UGPa, not sure how it will be averaged between two schools. Post Bac-3.5, 12 hours of graduate work Health Science-3.4, Starting pre reqs in January. GRE V 154, Q 143, AW 5 EC Tutored a child with speech delays, Shadowed in hospital and school setting, tutored homeless teens, CASA training, volunteered at therapeutic horseback riding facility for a year (kids were emotionally disturbed, physically, mentally challenged and some were in autism spectrum, worked with children with autism for a year, 5 years experience teaching high school, two years as a subsitute teacher for all grade levels, three years preschool teaching assistant, taught First Aid/CPR, Three years volunteer experience with three different Junior Leagues. Taught English in China. Worked in Australia.

Here and now, I understand your predicament. I think that brick and mortar universities are the best. That being said, I am not willing to have a long distance marriage, so I am limited in the graduate programs I can apply to. I am applying to a couple of online universities as well--but would have to consider if they would be worth it, or if I could later transfer to a brick and mortar school. The program I am applying to is super competitive, so I have to remind myself that if I don't get in, I do have my teaching credential to fall back on. For me, doing the next best thing is not what I want, but it is a personal choice. I was worried about a gap in my resume as well, as we moved midyear and teaching was not an option. I filled the time with writing a novel and doing volunteer work.

Enjoying reading these post. I am a non traditional student applying for Speech Pathology. I was a high school English teacher. My husband is in the Navy, so my teaching credential is not as portable as we initally thought. That being said, if I don't get into school, I will work on getting it transferred, or apply for a different program. Those of us that have work experience know that GRE scores and GPA only tell part of the story. Like some other people that posted, I also have lived and worked on two different continents, traveled to four continents, and lived in six different states. It would be nice if admissions committees placed some value on those experiences.

Is anyone applying through the CSDCAS system? I have a ton of questions about some of the questions. 1. Presentations--while I know they are interested in stuff in field, I have given a ton of presentations to large audiences. Should I include those? There were related to teaching First Aid/CPR and other safety topics. 2. Employment vs. Teaching--I put my teaching experience in the employment section and my tutoring experience in the teaching and tutoring area. What have other teachers done? 3. Hobbies--Can we put athletic accomplishments? 4. The next in Junior League for volunteer work. Through Junior League I have worked with tons of groups that focus on women and children. Right now, I have all that volunteer work under the different Junior Leagues I have been involved with. Just wondering if that is correct. 5. Where do you put shadowing? I have some hours and I plan on getting more before I turn my application in. Thanks for any advice.

Thanks, I have quite a bit of volunteer experience around children as well. Including non-verbal children, emotionally disturbed, etc... I would like to think that my actual work experience would count more than grades that are fifteen years old. My husband is in the military, so I am applying to ODU and a couple of schools that offer an online option. Moving away is not an option. We are doing fine financially, so there's no reason to put that burden on our marriage. Fortunately, I have my teaching credential, so if I don't get in, I can take the steps to get that transferred to where we are living (a long process, so I am told). I am also taking pre-requisite classes at ODU this semester and I will be looking for places that I can volunteer. Has anyone had any luck calling clinics and asking to volunteer? Also, where do you put shadowing experience? (I am using the CSDCAS website). Has anyone put athletic accomplishments in their application? There is a place to put "hobbies." I completed a full Ironman triathlon, which I'd like to put as it shows extreme self-discipline and might be something unique--maybe? One more question--I am revising my first novel and it was that novel that led me into Speech Pathology. My main character had a stroke and I had to do heaps of research regarding his inability to speak. Not sure where to put that in the application, or if it is just something to talk about in my personal statement. NCAR823, what were your GRE scores? How is your application coming?

My most recent school experience was eight years ago! Most of my professors have left. All accept one and I'm not sure she remembered me enough to sing my praises. I find it odd that they want professors even for non traditional students. I am in no way knocking what anyone is saying--the research is there. It just seems backwards. My recommendation letters are from former employers, while none of them are Speech Pathologist, they are in education--which is the area where I hope to work as a Speech Pathologist. The letters, as far as I know, show my work ethic, ability to function in a fast paced and ever changing environment, and my passion for the students that I taught. Hopefully, that counts for something.

I have a feeling I am about to make many of you feel GREAT about your acceptance chances. My undergraduate GPA was a 2.3. I did go back years later and get a teaching credential and I have above a 3.5 GPA there. In addition, I have 12 hours of Graduate classes (health) with above a 3.5 as well. GRE scores are subpar as well--154 V, 143 Q and AW-5. Hopefully, they will look at other things. I have excellent letters of recommendation from former employers. I have worked with kids that are in the Austism spectrum, tutored a child that had speech delays, shadowed Speech Pathologist, and have heaps of volunteer experience in every community I have lived in. I have six years of experience teaching, (ESL, English, Writing, AVID) seven if you count substitute teaching. I have work experience in Australia and China.