ImpulsiveNixie

I say UA!!! I am biased though.

Kate - the peer support is amazing. So far, there is a good group of cohort that will be welcoming. In regards to transportation, there is a really great trolley and bus system but I wouldn't recommend being in San Diego without a car. You are going to love SDSU. I just sent my decline letter two days and it was the hardest decision ever. Thankfully, I know I am off to somewhere just as amazing.

SDSU all the way. They have an amazing program and the faculty/staff are beyond supportive.

Bump

My kind of supply list. I will be adding comfort food though. Oh, and I don't think I will be needing snow boots for the heat I am about to endure.

I hope to goodness that you aren't playing an April Fools joke! Congratulations!!!! Where are all the spirit fingers at!

I think that this is one of my favorite reasons for being in the SoCal regions. My undergrad classes were full of diversity. The schools here take encourage cultural/gender differences and shape their programs around that environment. Another thing I enjoy about the program here is there are quite a few eastern European students within the program. They provide a totally different perspective and it shows that the picture of cultural diversity can also become quite stereotyped because it didn't fit my assumptions. While I don't think they would just let you in strictly because you were ethnically diverse, I think that if you play that to your strength it will make you a strong candidate. I have lived in many different parts of the country and I have learned that some areas embrace it more than others. However, I have notice the field of speech pathology has come a long way. I can tell in the research articles and books that I have read. We had few professors in our programs illuminate that there have been changes but cautioned that there still needs to be more. One of the best things I have learned in the southwestern region is the difference between dialect and disorder. It is a common misconception that the research/clinical community trying to fix. There is wonderful research on the ineptitude of standardized tests used for diagnosing and embracing the many different dialects of American English (like African American English - AAE - and Spanish American English). If you are concerned with diversity. Look at the research and faculty. Look at whether or not they have established bilingual programs. Look at the region of the country. Look at the cities (metropolitan vs rural). All of these areas contribute to a programs cultural influences.

Awesome awesome awesome! Awesome!

It depends on how efficient you are with your time and how highly you regard your free time. Keep in mind, some programs don't allow you to work a second job. While I know there are exceptions and it has been done, it is rare and usually not recommend. A good friend of mine in the program tried to work through her first semester and quit (her job) within the first month and a half. This was because, while she could manage both, it was not worth the stress. The weekends are a nice way to: 1) destress or 2) catch up. Sometimes you are not to know what you need the weekend for until its there. Good luck if you do though.

If I were you, I would look into the CA schools that you are applying to and see if you actually like the programs. CA schools are some of the most competitive in the nation due to the location and the cost of tuition. So, you want to keep that in mind too. Here is what I know about some of the schools you mentioned: SDSU - a long shot because of your drop in GPA but with your extracurricular activity and GRE your chances might increase. They will give you a broad experience and have amazing research. They have a bilingual certification and there are plenty of opportunities to get placements anywhere due to the programs reputation in the community. San Marcos - a school based program. So if you want a straight school experience this is not a bad program to go to. Loma Linda - a private college so the cost is through the roof. They do this special "student learning" experience where the students actually teach themselves through articles and books. This is done with a facilitator but its still kinda weird. Another problem you may face with the university is getting placements in the state. I will admit this is a rumor but apparently there is an affidavit that you sign saying you may be willing to go out of state for placements. Redlands - another private college. They are, from what I hear, a good school though. San Francisco - I have never heard anything bad but I don't know too much about the program. Chapman - there is no problem applying to a school that is recently accredited. The only problem would be that their clinical experience is not fully established. There is no problem in applying to out-of-state schools that fit what you are looking for and will give you the experience you want.The main questions you have to ask yourself (then the university) are: What kind of clinical experience do you want to have? What kind of placements do you want? Do you want the university to have its own clinic? Do you want to start getting your clinical hours immediately? Do you want the program to have research opportunities (it has been shown that colleges with a heavy research community are more likely to place a great emphasis on evidence based practice)? Also, look at programs with a GPA cut-off and look at the average GPA accepted. I am not trying to be harsh but your GPA has dropped since you have been in the CSD major and that may look unfavorably. In regards to that, talk to a CSD academic adviser and see what they recommend to help you improve. You have the right mindset. You are getting involved in all the right places. You just need to put the rest of the puzzle pieces together. Study study study for the GRE. There are many people that recommend Magoosh. I didn't become aware of the site until the end of my studying but I did use a variety of different books (Kaplan, Princeton, Cliffnotes, ETS website). I spent approximately 2 hours a day studying for a month and a half. I took the weekends off to give my brain a break. I switched it up daily and timed myself frequently towards the end. Take it over the summer. If you aren't taking too many summer courses it is the best time because you won't be as stressed. Good luck!

I agree with with this. My first stab at the GRE I took a course and it was a waste of my time and money. My next go rounds were successful based on me approaching the test study through techniques learned in the text books and not the ones in the course. While the course may have benefitted many, my style of learning and the tools I needed for success were fundamentally different. Another point I disagree with is the "undergrad" institution matters... I have actually spoken to quite a few people who sit adcom at some top schools in our field and they flat out said they didn't consider the undergrad school. So while I would say that some schools may look at the undergrad, not every school at the top does. I also come from these so-called nationally ranked schools. I agree with point number two to an extent. I feel like my age/experience has made me successful and in my statement I made sure to capture why that experience will make me an amazing clinician and why it will allow for me to be successful in their program. However, I don't think it puts anyone at a disadvantage if they know how to sell themselves in a statement. I have watched three graduate program cycles and I have seen a lot of success straight from undergrad (ie the 22 y/o applicant). References and statements - I agree. They definitely sell the candidate. My references sold me for sure! Ultimately, it all comes down to "fit". Do you fit the mold that they are looking for that year? And as Mango said we are not adcoms... Every year they look for something different and something the same - whatever that may be.

OMG!!! I loooooove the Blue Bell Ice Cream factory. My Dad took me when I was little (he lived in Dallas) and it was so much fun. PS! Congrats on NAU! It is amazingly beautiful up there in Flagstaff. It's a beauty like no other.

Hence my previous comment. Hehe. Seriously though, good luck on your midterms. I don't envy you (although I am jealous you are almost halfway done ).

That sounds like a horrible idea. I want to keep my mind off of school for as long as possible. I know it's going to be hell enough for the next 2 years. I don't need the reminder yet.

WTH?!? Did the admin accidentally write something wrong.