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South Dakota is typically the first or second week of March. They are currently on Spring Break though.

I think the GRE is a terrible indicator of one's predicted success in grad school. Unfortunately, some schools weigh GRE scores heavily into applications, while others do not. In terms of graduate assistantships, they are typically awarded based on merit (i.e. GRE scores, GPA).

I'd say it's definitely worth retaking, especially if you are going after a GA position. Increasing your scores will make you more competitive against other applicants and landing a GA position could save you thousands of dollars in tuition. I took the GRE two times, getting a 3.0 the first time on AW. The two essay questions I had were unfamiliar topics. So for my second GRE, I studied the expectations and tips for AW, which helped me get a 4.5. It is a huge percentile increase, and I know you could easily do it. Don't worry about breaking 300 a second time, you will be more familiar with the test environment the second time around should you choose to repeat the test. Good luck!!

To give you some further insight, I'd rule out the length of schooling factor. From what I know, SLP programs are usually 1.5 years on campus leading to graduation. Following graduation, you complete a CFY (9 months at minimum I believe, but I am not sure). So combining the schooling + CFY year, its looking to be 2.5 years total. Even though graduation comes before CFY year, you are still supervised by licensed SLPs during CFY year. For AuD, it's 3 years on campus + externship year = graduate in 4 years. HOWEVER, there are actually several AuD programs that are accelerated resulting in 3 years total (on campus + externship year). Those programs include, but are not limited to, Northwestern (Chicago), Pacific University (Oregon), and Indiana University in (Bloomington, IN). Just something to consider. Best of luck!

Which USD are you referring to?

d If you have any questions regarding the programs at JMU, Univ. of Minnesota, or Syracuse, let me know! One of them is my undergraduate institution and I've visited all three programs when I applied.

There are two main ways to determine funding availability. When you are offered admission to an AuD program, the acceptance letter will explicitly state if you've been awarded funding or are being considered for funding. If the acceptance letter does not discuss funding at all, then it would be appropriate to contact the audiology department to inquire if funding is available for AuD students. When I applied in 2014, my program offered a graduate assistantship in my acceptance letter. On the other hand, the other three programs did not, but I remember one or two of them indicating that merit-based scholarships were still being decided at the time of admission. Another easy way to determine funding is to look at the university program's website. Some AuD programs will say directly on their AuD website (usually in the tuition section) if graduate assistantships are available for students. My undergrad's AuD graduate program offers funding for all 6 students. My actual AuD program offers all 5 incoming AuD students a graduate assistantship for the first year. Within my cohort, all 5 of us were fortunate to have funding all three years. Some of us had GA positions within the department all three years, and some had non-audiology department GAs on campus. Regardless, we all got the same tuition reduction. I did not know my AuD program offered funding until my admission letter. To sum it up, I'd say the best way to go about funding opportunities is after you have been admitted... you'll know via letter. If not, ask the department directly or look at the university's graduate school website to determine if GA positions are available.

To the AuD Class of 2022 , I am an AuD graduate student who will be graduating this May. Yesterday, I had flashbacks of TheGradCafe as I was reviewing my graduation paperwork. I remember being in your position waiting to hear back from AuD programs. My AuD program experience has been fulfilling as it encompassed quite a few surprises along the way. Thus, I really felt that is was my duty to share some of advice as you are in this decision making process of which AuD program to attend. For starters, rankings of AuD programs only mean so much. Please, please, please do not commit to a program primarily because of its ranking. There are plenty of smart and wonderful audiologists who come from highly-ranked programs as well as low-ranked programs. What makes someone a good audiologist stems from your dedication in graduate school is 1) learning the foundations and course material effectively, 2) clinical skill development, and 3) and your interpersonal skills. There is no doubt that a highly-ranked audiology program is a wonderful opportunity that will provide you a fantastic education! But also consider the other programs. Should you be in the position with multiple offers from AuD programs, I recommend the following when making your decision: 1) Curriculum - AuD programs have the same general coursework to cover the different areas of audiology. However, each program will have professors who specialize in specific areas (i.e. cochlear implants, auditory processing, electrophysiology). If you have an idea of what area you are interested in, be sure that the program has it. 2) Clinical Rotations - Does the program offer a variety of clinical settings for you to rotate through? Clinical settings usually vary from in-house university clinic, VA hospitals, children's hospitals, ENT sites, private practices, etc. Will this program provide you a good variety prior to your 4th year externship? 3) Cohort - How big is the program's class size? AuD programs usually range from having 5 students to 25 students! Do you feel that you'd be more successful in a smaller or larger class? I am in a cohort of 5 students, and I loved it. I was able to know all my professors within the first semester and had access to them as needed. However, being in a larger cohort may be beneficial in other ways. You can find certain people that you can have study groups with along the way. 4) Accreditation of Program - AuD programs go through an accreditation process every so often. The CAA overlooks each program and ensures they are following the rules and regulations and also making sure the student outcomes (below) is meeting standards. You do not want to attend a program that is unaccredited. If you are interested in a program that is currently on probation, I'd consider learning the reason for probation. Sometimes it is a minor error that can be fixed easily or maybe it's worse. Check this website as it provides a listing of results per program - http://www.asha.org/eweb/ashadynamicpage.aspx?site=ashacms&webcode=caalisting&caacat=all 5) Student Outcomes - Each AuD program is required to post their student outcomes on their university website. This includes graduation rates and Praxis pass rates. The Praxis is a national standardized test that AuD students must take at some point in the program - each program has their own rules of when to take it. This standardized test is a multiple-choice exam (~120 questions in a 2-hour time limit). Passing this exam allows you to become certified by ASHA and grants you the Certificate of Clinical Competence. Seeing the graduation pass rates and praxis pass rates on the AuD program's website can tell you if the program's academic curriculum is strong in preparing students for success. 6) Finances/Tuition - I saved the best for last. When I applied to AuD programs, I was fortunate to have an opportunity to attend several programs. Three of the programs were well-known universities, and the fourth was not. However, the fourth program was the only program to offer me a great graduate assistantship/tuition reduction. At the time, I was naive and faced the dilemma of "attending an lesser known school" that would "lessen my chances for a competitive 4th year externship and job opportunities post graduation". IT WAS WORTH THE RISK! I am graduating with no graduate school debt, finishing up an externship at a prestigious institution, and have a job offer four months before graduation. I am sharing this to prove the point that a low-ranked program does not limit opportunities and tuition/costs should be seriously considered. An audiologist's salary has quite a wide range. Why put yourself in greater debt in one program when you will earn the same doctoral degree at a cheaper program?! I hope you all have a very successful admissions process. The opportunities you may be given during this process is what is meant to be. Just trust the process and research each accepted program fully before making a decision! I emailed professors and current students of programs to ask questions. This helped tremendously before making my decision. Although graduate school may seem like it will be a lifetime, the next four years will fly by. It feels like yesterday that I was on this website waiting for admission results. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

Exactly what I did. Very much worth it in the long run!

I thought I'd share some insight as I am currently a 2nd year Au.D. student. First off, congratulations on your acceptances! When I applied to a handful of audiology programs, they varied in terms of rankings and tuition. However, they were quite similar in curriculum and somewhat similar in clinical experiences. I'm assuming that the list of schools you applied to were all considerable choices meaning that wherever you would be accepted, you would likely attend. But, maybe not! At least in my case, I told myself... if I get into any of these 7 schools... I would enroll, but at that point of the selection process, it came down to finances. And that is exactly what happened. Of the 4 schools, only 1 offered significant tuition reduction and a graduate assistantship. My answer was right in front of me. But it wasn't an easy decision. The program came with a lot of sacrifices. It meant several things: 1) I had to move from the East coast to the Midwest, 2) I left my family (I am young and single, but it is still hard!), and 3) I experienced culture shock of a small town. Deep down, I really wanted to attend the University of Tennessee or Syracuse.... both programs that are at big name schools with solid reputations and higher rankings.... but also came with an unrealistic price tag. I don't want to make this long, but I chose a program in the Midwest that has a low "ranking" but one of the many things that I learned in graduate school is that rankings only mean so much. I've talked to my professors about the rankings, and they are influenced by research publications, etc Although it took me a good portion of first year to adapt to the Midwest lifestyle, I wouldn't do it all over again at another program. I am in a small cohort allowing me to get a lot of interactions with my professors and clinic supervisors. The curriculum and clinical rotations are so diverse that I truly consider my program a hidden gem. I came from a large university (undergrad) on the east coast that has a reputable AuD program, but my program definitely offers a variety of clinical experiences. My point is, don't make a decision without considering the lower ranked programs on your list. I was heavily concerned about rankings when I was deciding where to go that I was THIS CLOSE to taking a gap year and reapplying the next term. Now that I am in my 2nd year, that would have been by far the worst decision I would have made... It was a blessing in disguise that I ended up where I am now. Also, when you look at the AuD programs you got into, it may help to find out where the professors got their AuDs from because mine earned theirs from top 10 audiology programs. That statement right there goes against my argument that rankings shouldn't matter so much, but... I will be applying for 4th year externships this upcoming September... (HOW.... does time go so fast?!). I am confident that my personal experience, knowledge, and clinical skills will help me land an externship of interest. Also, I am proud of the AuD program I am representing. Previous students of my program have landed stellar externships at competitive places all over the U.S. Trust me, do not let ranking of program fool you! While it can certainly help you with opportunities, lesser ranked programs won't prevent you from opportunities. You will figure it out. Just take your time, don't hesitate to e-mail the programs (where accepted) and ask to talk with professors and current students about their experience Go with your gut! Good luck!

SO TRUE about apartment hunting! Also, I contacted current students in the programs I'm interested in and they gave me such detailed responses about their program, what they like, don't like, etc. I really recommend it! It helps make your decision process easier.

Yeah that is a valid point regarding quality of jobs. I do think that wherever you go, you'll have good chances of landing jobs in that specific region/area, too. I guess now you just have to pick which program is more fitted for you. And yes, it is crazy how decisions will be made very soon! So exciting

Honestly, names are names. Yes, schools that are higher ranked could have more connections, etc. for employment. But, if you look at a program's website and it says 100% job rate, then it is worth going to the school that is less ranked. Personally, I'm choosing a school that is lower ranked because of funding. I'd rather not be in as much debt. It isn't worth it. You just have to weigh out the pros and cons and if funding is important then go with the program that offers more money. You'll figure it out :-)

Got into Syracuse! Anyone else hear back from them? Funding doesn't seem likely..

I spoke with the admissions director at Pacific University. She told me that the first interview round was yesterday and the second one will be March 22. She said that decisions should be sent out on March 24... would be cutting it close with your decision. I think you should call UNC and ask them for an extension? Or call Pacific to verify when decisions will be sent out.