nata25

GUYS. I just got off the waitlist at U of I! I thought I was already done for and was literally in the process of registering for more prerequisites for next fall after giving up all hope. IT IS NOT TOO LATE FOR YOU! Keep your hopes up!

I have no idea about "official documents" (I didn't use any), but your experience with an audiologist can certainly be mentioned in your resume, personal statement, special interests, etc.

I went to India for a month and it was amazing! Do it!

I know I should get more prereqs done online (I only have 3) but the idea of teaching abroad is kinda tempting. Anyone know anything about the experience or whether or not it is valuable for getting into grad school?

I'm going to have to agree with you, sayjo. Just because we choose an undergraduate major because we think it is appropriate at that time does not mean we are bound to it forever, nor should we be. People with knowledge and experience in different areas can work together to attain a much higher efficiency and problem-solving creativity in a specific field. I am sorry if you feel that out-of-fielders are stealing SLP spots, greyhound111. But the truth is that people change majors, jobs, and careers all the time. Hardly anyone ends up where they predicted 10 years ago. We all just want to do what's best for us and the potential people we can assist.

I had 120 observation/interactive hours with an SLP and my GRE score was above 300. I spent many hours checking what was required for each program, as I am sure you did, as well lol (they don't make it easy for us, do they?). I am guessing that I did not have enough prereqs done at this point.

I made sure the schools I applied to had an extended option for out-of-fielders. Sorry to hear you have not had success with this yet, either.

But you got in SOMEWHERE! I am sure having several courses completed was to your advantage. Congrats on that!

I did a lot of research and made sure the schools that I applied to offered the extended program option.

I have a BA in psychology (not in communication disorders). At the time I applied to grad programs in the fall, I only had one SLP prerequisite completed, but I had a semester-long internship with an SLP in a school, experience tutoring a bilingual student and some other relevant experiences. I knew how competitive admission was, but I felt like I might stand out because I had a different undergrad major and could bring a different perspective in. It seemed like some of the university websites "welcomed" and "encouraged" people with other backgrounds to apply for this reason. However, after not receiving admission anywhere so far, I am doubting that claim. Of course it might just be that my GPA and GRE were not as high as others, but is it also possible that since this year was SUPER COMPETITIVE the school's just decided that if you didn't already have the courses, you're not going to get in? I am wondering if other people with different undergrad majors have experienced this? Or, if you have a different major and DID get accepted, did you have a lot of prereqs. done? Did you have really awesome scores?

@deerye525- I realize that you have already applied and are awaiting admission. I sincerely hope that a school gives you the opportunity! My advice about not applying was directed toward others who are deciding what to do about post-bacc courses. Just wanted to make that clearer! Best of luck to you!

I just graduated undergrad in December with a BA in psychology and only had one SLP pre-req under my belt. My undergrad did not offer any comm. disorders courses, but I liked the school and still loved psychology so I stayed. I am currently taking two online SLP prerequisites during my free semester and plan to take more. However, I tried my luck and applied to grad programs in the fall anyway because a lot of programs seems to appreciate diversity. I haven't been accepted anywhere, though, and my other stats are pretty average compared to everyone else. So basically, my advice would be to take as many pre-reqs as possible before you apply so that they don't have a reason to second-guess your capabilities. I had a semester-long internship with an SLP in a school and she even wrote me a LOR, but if you don't have the courses to back up the intent, it may not get you anywhere! Just my experience.

Good to know! Thanks!

I'm wondering if anyone can shed some light on this...? As I look at the plans of study for some grad programs, it lists 5 or 6 courses per semester. This seems like A LOT. In undergrad, the typical course load was 16 credits, which is about four courses. Is each course for grad school more "simplified" (aka less material than an undergad one), and therefore it's the same amount of work overall? Or is it really like taking 20/24 credits worth of classes from undergrad?

These posts are very helpful. I would never have thought of some of these on my own until it was needed. Hopefully someday I will have a reason to obtain/use these materials (by getting accepted!)....

I'm pretty sure I was not accepted to EMU this semester (haven't heard anything from them yet) so I would definitely be interested in applying for the winter. Did you think admission was more or less competitive that way?

I am taking two CSD courses online this semester with no other commitments, and I am personally glad that I have so much time to put into these classes. I have never taken any CSD courses before, and if I was handling this brand new material along with other things, I might be overwhelmed! That said, the courses have not been difficult. I think it just depends on how much you are willing and able to handle and how quickly you need the courses done by.

I haven't heard anything from them, which can't be good :/

I took guitar lessons for five years and then was a guitar teacher myself for beginners and children!

I definitely have thought about how I am going to write to the people who wrote me letters. I was hoping to send them a hand-written thank you note with information on where I will be attending next year and something like "couldn't have done it without your contribution and support!"...but it looks like that thank-you note is going to be a little less exciting...

Oh my gosh! Was this recently?

Thanks for your input sayjo. I guess I'm a little more optimistic now? I sure hope they let us know soon! At least you have lots of other options to consider!

Agreed. I'm way too obsessed with checking it and it probably stresses me out more than not having it at all!

Has anyone else not heard a decision from SIU Carbondale? There are only two posted acceptances this year so far, yet someone posted that they got an email from SIU saying all acceptances were already sent out. I did not get that email! Pretty confused... This is one of only two potential options I have left for grad school in the fall. I am hoping this doesn't mean I can expect a rejection :/. When did you hear from them about a decision? Did you receive the email saying they were done?

So far, I have gotten three rejections and two waitlists. I am still waiting to hear from two schools, but I am really disheartened at this point. I'm pretty sure having a degree in another field and only having a few prereqs done is a huge culprit. Why can't grad schools be more upfront about needing to have all those prereqs?! They talk about how different backgrounds/majors are an asset to their classes and bring diversity, but it sure isn't looking like that!