skeener687

As a current SLP grad student (halfway there!), I would like to share what I have found to be important purchases over the past year:
Laptop (an obvious one, but seriously invaluable. I bought a MacBook Air and have had no compatibility issues, although I did purchase a student subscription to Microsoft Office. The Word Notebook feature that someone mentioned is great!). Games! Our clinic has some, but it's not uncommon for pieces to be missing or things to be broken. It's nice to have my own. I wouldn't spend a ton of money, but if you can get them cheap or here and there (BNJ2017 has the right idea!). A few popular ones: Pop the Pig, Gooey Louie, Cariboo (no longer available, but sometimes you can find them at yard sales or thrift stores), Jenga, Headbanz, etc. The best games tend to be those that can be modified for whatever purposes.  Books for collecting language samples: A Porcupine Named Fluffy (two copies, one to read and one to cover with tape), the Frog books by Mercer Mayer, Doctor De Soto (two copies), etc. I bought the books used in the SALT databases. Although we can check them out, they are relatively low price and nice to have available at any time. Plus I have kids, and they like them, too. Files/folders. I was always one to use binders, but now I find that files/folders make things much easier and less bulky. I make a file for each client in which to keep data sheets, protocols, notes, etc., and a folder for each class. When the quarter is over, I shred the client documents that don't get placed into the client's clinic file, and I place the syllabus and other important papers from class in a binder for reference and safe-keeping. Clipboard that has storage for papers. If you're extra cool, you'll get the one with the separate compartment for pens. A watch. You can use your phone, but I find it easier (and less distracting to kids) to use a watch to keep track of time. Timers are also a great idea, if your clinic doesn't have them (or you want your own). A small flashlight for oral mechanism examinations. Your phone's flashlight will not cut it. Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology: A Resource Manual by Kenneth G. Shipley and Julie G. McAfee. Expensive, but worth every penny! It's like several books into one. It has so much information and includes pages for copying to use in your assessments. Sharpies and dry erase markers. We have whiteboards and markers for use in clinic, but the markers don't always work. I can never find a Sharpie when I need it. (I must confess that I haven't bought markers; I borrow from others :/ They're on my "To Buy" list). Red wine, craft beer  Also, there is NOTHING lame about a wheeled backpack/bag. Many people have them, and they look professional. For voice recorders, most people use their phones (or laptops in class). I guess it would depend on your school's policy about recording clinic sessions. This may be a very individualized list, however, I hope it gives you an idea of the things that you may need in grad school. Good luck to everyone! 

As a current SLP grad student (halfway there!), I would like to share what I have found to be important purchases over the past year:
Laptop (an obvious one, but seriously invaluable. I bought a MacBook Air and have had no compatibility issues, although I did purchase a student subscription to Microsoft Office. The Word Notebook feature that someone mentioned is great!). Games! Our clinic has some, but it's not uncommon for pieces to be missing or things to be broken. It's nice to have my own. I wouldn't spend a ton of money, but if you can get them cheap or here and there (BNJ2017 has the right idea!). A few popular ones: Pop the Pig, Gooey Louie, Cariboo (no longer available, but sometimes you can find them at yard sales or thrift stores), Jenga, Headbanz, etc. The best games tend to be those that can be modified for whatever purposes.  Books for collecting language samples: A Porcupine Named Fluffy (two copies, one to read and one to cover with tape), the Frog books by Mercer Mayer, Doctor De Soto (two copies), etc. I bought the books used in the SALT databases. Although we can check them out, they are relatively low price and nice to have available at any time. Plus I have kids, and they like them, too. Files/folders. I was always one to use binders, but now I find that files/folders make things much easier and less bulky. I make a file for each client in which to keep data sheets, protocols, notes, etc., and a folder for each class. When the quarter is over, I shred the client documents that don't get placed into the client's clinic file, and I place the syllabus and other important papers from class in a binder for reference and safe-keeping. Clipboard that has storage for papers. If you're extra cool, you'll get the one with the separate compartment for pens. A watch. You can use your phone, but I find it easier (and less distracting to kids) to use a watch to keep track of time. Timers are also a great idea, if your clinic doesn't have them (or you want your own). A small flashlight for oral mechanism examinations. Your phone's flashlight will not cut it. Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology: A Resource Manual by Kenneth G. Shipley and Julie G. McAfee. Expensive, but worth every penny! It's like several books into one. It has so much information and includes pages for copying to use in your assessments. Sharpies and dry erase markers. We have whiteboards and markers for use in clinic, but the markers don't always work. I can never find a Sharpie when I need it. (I must confess that I haven't bought markers; I borrow from others :/ They're on my "To Buy" list). Red wine, craft beer  Also, there is NOTHING lame about a wheeled backpack/bag. Many people have them, and they look professional. For voice recorders, most people use their phones (or laptops in class). I guess it would depend on your school's policy about recording clinic sessions. This may be a very individualized list, however, I hope it gives you an idea of the things that you may need in grad school. Good luck to everyone! 

This is terrible advice. It is only advisable to leave out information about your past if it is irrelevant to your application, like your high school work experience at Pizza Hut. Being dropped from a program due to unsatisfactory academic progress is COMPLETELY relevant and cannot be omitted. I can almost guarantee that leaving that information out, rather than being honest, would not work in your favor. Also, how is the system flawed? Honestly, do you think someone who was given a spot in a competitive SLP grad program and couldn't cut it deserves to have their slate wiped clean, to be on equal footing as every other applicant? I'm not saying no one deserves a second chance, but that person needs to work even harder to prove him or herself as worthy of an acceptance!

This is terrible advice. It is only advisable to leave out information about your past if it is irrelevant to your application, like your high school work experience at Pizza Hut. Being dropped from a program due to unsatisfactory academic progress is COMPLETELY relevant and cannot be omitted. I can almost guarantee that leaving that information out, rather than being honest, would not work in your favor. Also, how is the system flawed? Honestly, do you think someone who was given a spot in a competitive SLP grad program and couldn't cut it deserves to have their slate wiped clean, to be on equal footing as every other applicant? I'm not saying no one deserves a second chance, but that person needs to work even harder to prove him or herself as worthy of an acceptance!

This is terrible advice. It is only advisable to leave out information about your past if it is irrelevant to your application, like your high school work experience at Pizza Hut. Being dropped from a program due to unsatisfactory academic progress is COMPLETELY relevant and cannot be omitted. I can almost guarantee that leaving that information out, rather than being honest, would not work in your favor. Also, how is the system flawed? Honestly, do you think someone who was given a spot in a competitive SLP grad program and couldn't cut it deserves to have their slate wiped clean, to be on equal footing as every other applicant? I'm not saying no one deserves a second chance, but that person needs to work even harder to prove him or herself as worthy of an acceptance!

A lot of SLP students are introverts! In fact, I read an article recently that talked about why introverts make great SLPs. I am an introvert, along with several others in my cohort. It is not uncommon, and it doesn't mean that you can't interact well or connect with your clients. If anything, we have lots of patience and good listening skills !  
I applied twice, and I feel like getting more experience helped set my application apart the second time around. Even if it wasn't strictly the experience on paper that helped, it certainly gave me a greater understanding of the profession and prepared me for grad school in ways my classes didn't. I recommend volunteering at a hospital or other medical setting, if that is your interest. If you want to tutor, sometimes local libraries look for adult literacy tutors. If not, they might be able to steer you towards something else. Be proactive and look everywhere; make phone calls, ask professors or current grad students about opportunities, etc. It might take going out of your comfort zone, but it's good practice for networking and so forth. I also think you should join your school's NSSLHA. Whether or not your cohort likes you shouldn't hold you back from the benefits of being in the organization, and some people might just become your friend. In grad school, I've had to work with people I might otherwise have never talked to or assumed would want to be my friend, and it's been an awesome experience. I've found that we tend to have a lot more in common than we might initially think!
I agree that the nerdy interests come in handy. Some clients surprise you with the things they are interested in! And kids looooove it when you know about something they like (e.g., MINECRAFT, lol).
Whatever you do, don't hold back or be modest! Put it all on there! Observation, learning ASL, etc. I think with your stats, you definitely have a shot.

As a current SLP grad student (halfway there!), I would like to share what I have found to be important purchases over the past year:
Laptop (an obvious one, but seriously invaluable. I bought a MacBook Air and have had no compatibility issues, although I did purchase a student subscription to Microsoft Office. The Word Notebook feature that someone mentioned is great!). Games! Our clinic has some, but it's not uncommon for pieces to be missing or things to be broken. It's nice to have my own. I wouldn't spend a ton of money, but if you can get them cheap or here and there (BNJ2017 has the right idea!). A few popular ones: Pop the Pig, Gooey Louie, Cariboo (no longer available, but sometimes you can find them at yard sales or thrift stores), Jenga, Headbanz, etc. The best games tend to be those that can be modified for whatever purposes.  Books for collecting language samples: A Porcupine Named Fluffy (two copies, one to read and one to cover with tape), the Frog books by Mercer Mayer, Doctor De Soto (two copies), etc. I bought the books used in the SALT databases. Although we can check them out, they are relatively low price and nice to have available at any time. Plus I have kids, and they like them, too. Files/folders. I was always one to use binders, but now I find that files/folders make things much easier and less bulky. I make a file for each client in which to keep data sheets, protocols, notes, etc., and a folder for each class. When the quarter is over, I shred the client documents that don't get placed into the client's clinic file, and I place the syllabus and other important papers from class in a binder for reference and safe-keeping. Clipboard that has storage for papers. If you're extra cool, you'll get the one with the separate compartment for pens. A watch. You can use your phone, but I find it easier (and less distracting to kids) to use a watch to keep track of time. Timers are also a great idea, if your clinic doesn't have them (or you want your own). A small flashlight for oral mechanism examinations. Your phone's flashlight will not cut it. Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology: A Resource Manual by Kenneth G. Shipley and Julie G. McAfee. Expensive, but worth every penny! It's like several books into one. It has so much information and includes pages for copying to use in your assessments. Sharpies and dry erase markers. We have whiteboards and markers for use in clinic, but the markers don't always work. I can never find a Sharpie when I need it. (I must confess that I haven't bought markers; I borrow from others :/ They're on my "To Buy" list). Red wine, craft beer  Also, there is NOTHING lame about a wheeled backpack/bag. Many people have them, and they look professional. For voice recorders, most people use their phones (or laptops in class). I guess it would depend on your school's policy about recording clinic sessions. This may be a very individualized list, however, I hope it gives you an idea of the things that you may need in grad school. Good luck to everyone! 

As a current SLP grad student (halfway there!), I would like to share what I have found to be important purchases over the past year:
Laptop (an obvious one, but seriously invaluable. I bought a MacBook Air and have had no compatibility issues, although I did purchase a student subscription to Microsoft Office. The Word Notebook feature that someone mentioned is great!). Games! Our clinic has some, but it's not uncommon for pieces to be missing or things to be broken. It's nice to have my own. I wouldn't spend a ton of money, but if you can get them cheap or here and there (BNJ2017 has the right idea!). A few popular ones: Pop the Pig, Gooey Louie, Cariboo (no longer available, but sometimes you can find them at yard sales or thrift stores), Jenga, Headbanz, etc. The best games tend to be those that can be modified for whatever purposes.  Books for collecting language samples: A Porcupine Named Fluffy (two copies, one to read and one to cover with tape), the Frog books by Mercer Mayer, Doctor De Soto (two copies), etc. I bought the books used in the SALT databases. Although we can check them out, they are relatively low price and nice to have available at any time. Plus I have kids, and they like them, too. Files/folders. I was always one to use binders, but now I find that files/folders make things much easier and less bulky. I make a file for each client in which to keep data sheets, protocols, notes, etc., and a folder for each class. When the quarter is over, I shred the client documents that don't get placed into the client's clinic file, and I place the syllabus and other important papers from class in a binder for reference and safe-keeping. Clipboard that has storage for papers. If you're extra cool, you'll get the one with the separate compartment for pens. A watch. You can use your phone, but I find it easier (and less distracting to kids) to use a watch to keep track of time. Timers are also a great idea, if your clinic doesn't have them (or you want your own). A small flashlight for oral mechanism examinations. Your phone's flashlight will not cut it. Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology: A Resource Manual by Kenneth G. Shipley and Julie G. McAfee. Expensive, but worth every penny! It's like several books into one. It has so much information and includes pages for copying to use in your assessments. Sharpies and dry erase markers. We have whiteboards and markers for use in clinic, but the markers don't always work. I can never find a Sharpie when I need it. (I must confess that I haven't bought markers; I borrow from others :/ They're on my "To Buy" list). Red wine, craft beer  Also, there is NOTHING lame about a wheeled backpack/bag. Many people have them, and they look professional. For voice recorders, most people use their phones (or laptops in class). I guess it would depend on your school's policy about recording clinic sessions. This may be a very individualized list, however, I hope it gives you an idea of the things that you may need in grad school. Good luck to everyone! 

As a current SLP grad student (halfway there!), I would like to share what I have found to be important purchases over the past year:
Laptop (an obvious one, but seriously invaluable. I bought a MacBook Air and have had no compatibility issues, although I did purchase a student subscription to Microsoft Office. The Word Notebook feature that someone mentioned is great!). Games! Our clinic has some, but it's not uncommon for pieces to be missing or things to be broken. It's nice to have my own. I wouldn't spend a ton of money, but if you can get them cheap or here and there (BNJ2017 has the right idea!). A few popular ones: Pop the Pig, Gooey Louie, Cariboo (no longer available, but sometimes you can find them at yard sales or thrift stores), Jenga, Headbanz, etc. The best games tend to be those that can be modified for whatever purposes.  Books for collecting language samples: A Porcupine Named Fluffy (two copies, one to read and one to cover with tape), the Frog books by Mercer Mayer, Doctor De Soto (two copies), etc. I bought the books used in the SALT databases. Although we can check them out, they are relatively low price and nice to have available at any time. Plus I have kids, and they like them, too. Files/folders. I was always one to use binders, but now I find that files/folders make things much easier and less bulky. I make a file for each client in which to keep data sheets, protocols, notes, etc., and a folder for each class. When the quarter is over, I shred the client documents that don't get placed into the client's clinic file, and I place the syllabus and other important papers from class in a binder for reference and safe-keeping. Clipboard that has storage for papers. If you're extra cool, you'll get the one with the separate compartment for pens. A watch. You can use your phone, but I find it easier (and less distracting to kids) to use a watch to keep track of time. Timers are also a great idea, if your clinic doesn't have them (or you want your own). A small flashlight for oral mechanism examinations. Your phone's flashlight will not cut it. Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology: A Resource Manual by Kenneth G. Shipley and Julie G. McAfee. Expensive, but worth every penny! It's like several books into one. It has so much information and includes pages for copying to use in your assessments. Sharpies and dry erase markers. We have whiteboards and markers for use in clinic, but the markers don't always work. I can never find a Sharpie when I need it. (I must confess that I haven't bought markers; I borrow from others :/ They're on my "To Buy" list). Red wine, craft beer  Also, there is NOTHING lame about a wheeled backpack/bag. Many people have them, and they look professional. For voice recorders, most people use their phones (or laptops in class). I guess it would depend on your school's policy about recording clinic sessions. This may be a very individualized list, however, I hope it gives you an idea of the things that you may need in grad school. Good luck to everyone! 

I bought one, too! I just got it last week, and it's great. It's so much better than my old one! The perfect size, with the right setup. Love it

I bought one, too! I just got it last week, and it's great. It's so much better than my old one! The perfect size, with the right setup. Love it

I think this is actually very common. They probably come to expect at least one withdrawal from each program. I know someone who was accepted from a wait list in August last year, from what I assume was a withdrawal from that program. I think you should inform them by email or letter, or even contact the director directly to explain the situation to him/her and see what should be done. Just don't put it off!

I honestly believe that Spanish would be much more desirable, given the large number of Spanish speakers in California (and other parts of the country). However, if you plan to specialize in working with specific populations where knowledge of ASL would be beneficial or essential, it would probably be best to take ASL courses.

Btw, I was accepted to three grad programs, and I have never taken a single ASL course (although I would love to). I am fluent in Spanish, however.

I honestly believe that Spanish would be much more desirable, given the large number of Spanish speakers in California (and other parts of the country). However, if you plan to specialize in working with specific populations where knowledge of ASL would be beneficial or essential, it would probably be best to take ASL courses.

Did you know you can buy the whiteboard material at the Home Depot? You can save money and personalize your own whiteboard!

Congrats twinguy7 and daisynic!!!!

I got accepted to CSULA! My very first acceptance! This is my second year applying, and my hard work has finally paid off! Good luck to everyone still waiting!

Congrats, caterpillar! I remember seeing you on here last year when I would read but never post. Glad it worked out the second time around!

Hi!
 
I feel ya! I was wait listed last year and didn't get in, so I am in the same boat. I feel much more prepared this time around. I've been volunteering in the speech department at a rehab hospital, and I have learned so much about the profession beyond what I learned in my coursework. I have a much clearer picture of what I'd like to do as an SLP and what I'm looking for in a grad program. I've also gained other experience that has helped make me more qualified. I've just been trying to stay active in the field and learn as much as I can. I am retaking the GRE, although I think my score last year was good, except for the AW. I have a difficult time writing under time constraints!
I was also nervous about my LOR's, so I made it a point to ask professors with whom I took multiple courses. I also brought up papers or projects that I did well on in my classes with them. I definitely feel more confident about my letters this year compared to last year! I feel like I made somewhat of an effort to get to know my professors over the last year, and I have more to show on my resume. I don't think it would be bad to ask your employer or an SLP for a letter, although some schools prefer strictly academic references. Perhaps you could ask the schools? I have heard that question asked at information sessions, so I'm sure they hear it often. When you visit the departments, I would recommend asking questions related to your interests and what they have to offer. I would also recommend researching the schools and asking questions to clarify or learn more about those particular aspects of each program that interest you.
I have talked to quite a few people who did not get in the first time they applied, but had success the second time, so we can do it!