lisa19

Not applying to any of your schools, but one of the main differences between the two schools I've been accepted to is the courseload so I wouldn't assume all programs have the same. Some programs require more classes than what ASHA requires.

Thanks for sharing that! Just to clarify, that was said by someone else. I always hate talking negatively about a program, so if anyone has any other insight please let us know!!

I'll shoot you a message!

Are you attending the admitted students event? I only think current students and faculty will know about intensity of readings and time management with clinic. They will also be best to answer about whether the environment is supportive or competitive. I know MGH has plenty of research opportunities but I can't say if that exposure takes away from clinic or not. When I visited back in the summer I got a really supportive feel from the faculty.

I've gotten the perception that those who are interested in medical will get more opportunities at MGH than other programs, but it's not strictly medical where it would be too much for someone who wants a more broad education. I'm hoping the admitted students event will make that more clear. I'm interested in the ASD concentration, and I believe that includes getting one of my externship sites at a school with children with autism. I'm worried about all the extra classes I'd have to take, but students have reported that it is challenging but definitely doable, and that time management is key.

I've heard it's actually easier to get the TSSLD after you get your Cs because you'll already be a licensed SLP at that point. I also know that you need to have SLP experience in a school setting, although I don't know if there's a minimum length of time for that. I believe this would be the way you'd do it, although I'm not totally positive. http://eservices.nysed.gov/teach/certhelp/ReqDetailDescription.do?cpcId=3&detailType=CERT_PATH&hidId=52 This is definitely something I need to consider as well. I will do more research on my own and post back if I find out anything else! Edit: I found this as well http://speechpathology.livejournal.com/292862.html - it provides a lot of information but also confuses me even more. :/

I agree with what LuxAurorae is saying - we all have different factors and interests so it's good we're talking things out but it's important we make decisions for ourselves. However, it sounds like everyone has amazing programs to choose from and will get a top notch education no matter what. It is also nice knowing that if we all chose MGH we already have a supportive network right here! Also for the people who want drinks after lol.. maybe it'll be easiest to just pick a bar nearby and agree to meet there afterwards? I imagine we'd all stay til the end anyway - right? We should discuss location over message though since these forums are public haha

Bay Area

It's a huge decision we have to make! I feel like it's so different than when I was choosing where to go for undergrad. At the admitted students event I need to find out more about the reason and benefits of taking additional credits, then I can make a more informed decision about where to go. I'm also still waiting on Emerson - ugh!! And I am so down for debriefing drinks afterwards haha

When I was doing research for where to apply, I could find barely anything about this program. Take everything with a grain of salt, but I made a post on a different forum asking the same question as you and someone replied that students need to find their own clinical placements. I called them during the summer to arrange a visit and they just said they don't do them during the summer, which seemed a bit strange to me.

I went to an open house back in October and the faculty representative said they want 165 on each section of the GRE which was a bit nuts so she may have misspoke but when people asked to confirm she stuck by her statement so who knows. The program seemed strong but there was nothing I learned that made the program unique in comparison to other NY schools. If you are thinking of applying for the spring, they said that they can only accept people for the spots that are available which varies each spring. No idea what those numbers are though. Thinking about location itself, the St. John's campus is nice and is accessible by public transportation.

Has anyone else still not heard back yet?

LuxAurorae, no offense taken! Sometimes on grad cafe the topic of NYU's reputation will come up so I just wanted to address it from my own perspective. I don't have a preference towards medical SLP, but I don't really have a preference towards anything at this point. I definitely have my interests but nothing I'm set on for life. I do like how MGH has an ASD concentration, and I still wouldn't pass up the medical opportunities MGH offers. I like how it has a medical emphasis but still prepares you to work in any setting. I very well could see myself working in a hospital, but I also would be interested in a school setting. I'm also open to a variety of populations. And yes there are many pros to staying at NYU! I have great relationships with the faculty which would only strengthen. I also currently do research at NYU and would be able to continue that if I stayed. I have work connections, friends, family, the option of commuting... the list goes on. That should be a new thread in itself because I'm sure a lot of us will be making the decision of staying near home or moving somewhere new.

Erica, I completely see where you're coming from. I've had 3 credit classes that were much harder than 4 credit classes. But a 20 credit difference has to mean something. Another thing that's frustrating is that some of the required MGH courses are ones that I've taken in my undergrad. I could always use the refresher, and I'm sure they go more in depth at the graduate level, but it would also be nice to not have to take them if I go to NYU. You're definitely right though that's not an easy question to answer. LuxAurorae, I'm actually an NYU undergrad, which I believe is one reason why I'd have to take such less credits if I continue for the masters. That's also another factor in my decision between the two schools - do I stay at the school that's familiar to me or branch off to something new? Pros and cons to both, and that's a whole other conversation. Just to speak on behalf of my school, NYU is one of the top in the country for it's Tisch School of the Arts, Stern School of Business, and Law School. So I agree with you that NYU gets a ton of hype. Is it's SLP program on par with Stern? No - but they still have a great SLP program nonetheless. But I agree that it does not deserve the same kind of hype that other NYU programs get. And I also agree that they charge wayyy too much money. That's one reason I'm hoping I get into Emerson - I think it's less credits than MGH and cheaper than NYU! But because I still haven't heard back I'm not expecting good news. Ladyinwaiting, as you have probably figured out if you read the paragraph above, I have sat in on NYU classes for the past four years but that's an excellent idea and I'll definitely see if there's a way I can do that at MGH.

Yes! I definitely will once I hear back from Emerson. I can't believe it's taken this long! NYU and MGH are about the same cost. The biggest thing I'm unsure about is that MGH requires a lot more credits than NYU. So it's deciding if I want more "bang for my buck" and to learn as much as I can, or if I want to have a lighter and potentially less stressful time by going to NYU. Both programs will take me 6 semesters so that must mean less credits per semester at NYU. NYU requires only 53 while MGH requires 69, 72 if I want the ASD concentration which I will probably do, and then I know I'll have to take a chem or physics at MGH because they won't accept my astronomy. NYU will accept it. How do you guys feel about the number of credits required at MGH? Is it more than other programs you applied to?

I'm already having trouble deciding between two schools, so I can't imagine deciding between four!! I really believe that visiting the programs helps, and I think a big factor in where I choose to go will simply be my instincts. I would find out if BU or MGH can get you into the Boston Children's Hospital.. and Vanderbilt's Children's Hospital sounds perfect for you! $80,000 is a huge amount of money though, and any of the schools you choose will give you a great education. Even trying to think of advice for you is confusing! Will you have a chance to visit San Diego State?

Now I'm on spring break so I have NOTHING to do except refresh my email over and over again. Ughh mheroux92 - I agree! I can't wait until graduation where we can all just say what our plans are lol s.k.smith65 - Having a Jan 1 deadline (and another on Jan 6) was certainly stressful! It's so hard to do things during the holidays when schools are on break. I was also out of the country so that made things super difficult. That's such a shame what your professor said - you are totally right about different personalities required in such a big field. Good luck, I hope you hear back from a school today!!

I'm not sure yet - going to wait until I hear back from all my schools and also see what financial aid looks like! I never really had a top choice, all the schools I applied to would be wonderful to attend. But I will be attending the MGH info session. I feel that I really need to visit a school before I choose to go there so it's important to me that I go. Plus I love Boston and will take any excuse to go up there! I bet if you go, you'll get a lot of your questions answered. The description says alumni will be there so you can see where they (and their former classmates) are working now. I think MGH has a great reputation with people in health settings (especially those who work in hospitals). When I tell people who aren't in the field about MGH I have to explain it, but when I tell my pre-med/nursing friends - they've usually heard of it! It's one of the top hospitals in the country. I'm also in the same boat as you about commuting - if I go to NYU that gives me the option to commute and save money. But the commute is 1.5 hours and I may end up renting an apartment anyway. If I go to MGH, that's guaranteed apartment renting for two years. I'm really going to trust my gut after attending both the admitted student events, and I'm still waiting on potential scholarship from NYU.

I'm curious what you guys think about how MGH's program is more credits than other programs? As of now I'm choosing between NYU and MGH - the cost is about the same so one thing I'm factoring in is if I want more "bang for my buck" and to learn as much as I can or if I want a program with fewer credits which will probably mean less stress and a lighter course load. Does anyone else have a similar situation or any opinion on this?

Your best bet will probably be to talk to current students, alumni, and faculty from the program. I can't say for sure, but I imagine if you get the concentration in medical SLP (or even adult neurogenics) that should help your chances of getting a job in a medical setting. I'm also in NYC and the thought of moving to Boston both excites and scares me!!

Already a thread for this!

Just saw my decision - the letter is on the apply yourself site. Didn't get in but wasn't expecting it!

I haven't heard yet, but last year they started notifying 3/14 so could be end of this week or early next week!

Called again because the anxiety was just too much lol. They said my application is still under faculty review and they'll release the decision as soon as they get it, but they can't give me any sort of timeline as to when that will be. Thinking it would come today definitely had my anxiety levels up, so I'll just try to forget about it and when it comes, it comes. I hope at least some of you will hear back today!

Hi! I don't know anything about Adelphi, but I am currently living in NYC. I think if you were to live in NYC, Queens would be your best bet as it is closest to Garden City and you are more likely to find cheaper rent. Manhattan rent can be very expensive and the commute would be quite a distance. I think the only reason you may want to live in a borough other than Queens is if you have something else already there (significant other, job, etc).