Jennszoo

I think I am the oddball in that I am only applying to 2. I have a husband, kids and a mortgage and am not able to relo, so I had to choose the 2 closest schools to me that I can commute to.

Are these on the current GRE or not? They werent on the 800score.com tests I took but I just did the Powerprep test and they were on there. I was under the impression that the 800score tests were more up to date, but I would def prefer those types of questions to be on the test because I do much better with them. And if they arent, why does Powerprep still have them? Seriously folks, at $150/pop they cant even bother to update their prep software? That annoys me.

I was afraid of that. Pretty much means I need to reschedule today since the test is weds. I feel fine now, but who knows how I will feel tomorrow or into next week. Sigh. I think I will take my chances and shotgun the TamiFlu if I do catch it. Thanks for the info.

Trying not to stress but my GRE is Weds, my son is knee deep in H1N1 and I seem to be going from "mild head cold" to downhill fast. If'n I actually get the flu, I cant imagine I would be in any way able to take the GRE. I wonder what happens if I have to reschedule. Am I (potentially) screwed?

Sorry if this is a dumb question but what exactly is a writing sample? I am applying to 2 schools, one wants an SOP and one wants a writing sample. No mention of an SOP from that school. I dont have any academic writing (graduated 13 yrs ago), I could probably write an article regarding my current line of work and get it published by one of the non profits that I work with (in their newsletters, etc) but its not even close to related to my future program (childbirth vs. speech language pathology). Or do you think they are looking for something more SOP-like since they dont specifically require one?

Are GRE scores something they consider when you apply for an assistanceship? Just curious.

Yeah I cant imagine they could put anything in a 3hr course that you couldnt get from reading online for free - test structure, whats included, scoring info and maybe a sample test.

I'm taking GRE on the 18th and once I cross that hurdle, I plan to get the rest done by Dec 1st (app, SOP, resume, emails for LORs entered). I have transcripts from 2/3 schools (its a self collect process) and the 3rd school sent email conf, so that should come any day. I will probably make an appt to tour the dept around mid Dec and hand deliver my portion of the app at that point. That's for choice #1 that has a deadline of 1/15. Once that one is in, I'll send everything to choice #2 which has a 2/5 deadline and seems less intensive of a process. I thought we enter the school code for the GRE and they get the report automatically from ETS, no?

Well that was just the last sentence, my full last paragraph is: I dont love it. It does sound cover letter-ish. Blech. But I am on draft 2 of many.

How did your practice tests jive with the real scores? I am sort of expecting around a 50 pt drop on test day, because my stress level will be higher and because I havent been doing the AW with my practices, so I expect some fatigue after an hr of writing.

yes this program does interviews. i guess i was thinking it was sort of like a cover letter. "Look at me, aren't I awesome for you?" joro, thanks, I will search.

Is something like this appropriate?

The main school I am applying to does the online app, SOP and LORs and I am supposed to gather the rest (transcripts, gre scores?) and submit it all together. I might end up handing it in person. I havent checked the process for my backup school.

I'm in the application stage. I have an elementary aged son, a preschool aged daughter and a 1yo. I currently stay home and work very PT so I am daunted by the idea of paying for school and childcare. My program is 3 yrs, the first being mainly classes to catch up because I have the wrong undergrad, the second (when my middle will be in kindy) will be 1/2 classes, 1/2 clinicals. The 3rd will basically be full time clinicals. Once I graduate my kids will all be in school FT and I hope to work in a school, so life will be great then. Its just the next 3 yrs that I worry about. I hope to get an assistanceship, which will help with the $$ but take more time from the kids. I've also considered on campus childcare for the youngest, so I can at least see her a bit more if I have long days at school We'll see how it goes. My kids are all in bed by 8ish, so I definitely plan to use the evenings for study and what time between classes for the kids. Its my husband who might not see me for 3 years. Oh and relo is not an option, so I am limited to the 2 schools that offer my program that are within commuting distance. One is 45 mins w/o traffic, the other is 1hr15mins w/o traffic. Considering that each only take 20-30 people/yr, I am pinning a lot of hopes on small chances.

I graduated with my BBA in 1996. I have also been out of FT work (caring for children) for 4+ yrs. I will be getting LORs from my old boss, 2 of the organizations I have volunteered/worked PT for and one of my sons teachers (he is special needs and the degree program I am applying for is related). I just cannot think of anyone at my old Univ that would know me enough to write a LOR after all this time. Is anyone else in the same boat with no academic LORs? Will it kill my app dead?

I'm 36 and applying for next year, so I'll be 37 when I start. With 3 kids. I dont know what I am thinking. By the time I finish, I will be 40 and starting a new career (as a Speech/Lang Pathologist). I can only hope my life experience will benefit my application and future job prospects. But I tell myself that old adage that I will be 40 in 3.5yrs whether I go to grad school or not. I feel old.