gradskoolshmadskool

I went to school here for 6 freggin years.  It was really fun.  A lot of canadians go there so you'll never feel out of place or feel like you can't relate.  Because the school is one of the top 3 research schools and it's more affordable compared to UM and MSU, the student population is growing each year.  The school gets quite a bit of funding however they also provide a lot of support to students.  The school is constantly upgrading, every university president that's been there when I was there have been good.
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The english department in my opinion has always been good.  They offer a lot of help to people like me who was a horrible writer.  I liked all my teachers, the key is to be down to earth.  They have a lot of different English classes with a lot of sections.  So you shouldn't have a hard time finding a TA position.  From my experience, as an outsider looking in I can say English majors here take their craft seriously and because it's a more diverse international community, you'll have different perspectives.
 
There are also many venues like museums and independent book stores that promote up literary work from students.
 
Don't worry about safety, though I must tell you whether you're in Detroit, Chicago, LA, or New York, you need to be aware that all major cities are dangerous compared to suburbs.  They have good and bad areas.  People come to Detroit acting like they're in the suburbs and then complain about the city when something goes wrong.  Use street smarts and be nice to everyone.  I've lived in the city for 15 years before actually going to WSU for 6 years.  Nothing bad has ever happened to me considering I have done a lot of partying til 3am.  Especially considering a lot of the parties were in the old warehouses.  Additionally, WSU has the one of the best and well known campus police departments.  If something ever goes wrong around campus, you called WSU police instead of 911, Detroit police take too long to respond sometimes.
 
WSU is mostly a commutor school with a grow population of on campus students.  A big hipster community and growing biking community.  People who come to Detroit always tell me that they didn't realize how big techno is there.  I don't see why you wouldn't like Detroit, as an English major Detroit has one of the biggest art and literary communities.  There is so much inspiration and these people move into the city because there's more freedom to express yourself and your craft here compared to major cities that are more regulated and expensive.  Lots of cool new unique and small businesses are popping up.  Eastern Market is still held as one of the best European style farmers markets in America.  Downtown and Midtown Detroit doesn't have too many grocery markets so Eastern Market is where you want to do most your grocery shopping.  You also will not have a shortage of events to go to year round, and the surrounding cities Royal Oak and Ferndale are really fun.  Additionally, micro breweries are big her I think anyone would like WSU if they take advantage of what the community offers but I have seen so many that just stay on campus, do homework, and stay home.  Good luck!

That is way better than I thought it was going to be, actually. Not that I'm saying what you're doing is easy, it's just that I thought it was going to be even harder.

Need help deciding.  In state tuition @ Western vs out of state Wisconsin.  #35 rated school (Western) vs #2 rated school (Wisconsin).  
In the long run will it make a difference?

Hey there!
I'm an African American male with cerebral palsy pursuing SLP. I attend the University of Pittsburgh, and like many of you, this field has such a personal effect on my life. This application season seems more daunting and stressful than prior years, for applicants are even more qualified and engaged in research, volunteerism, academics, NSSLHA, etc. Nonetheless, I've read and heard from various professors, clinicians, colleagues, and sites that diversity is key in expanding the profession and making it more comprehensive on all levels. Most SLPs tend to be Caucasian women and in general, 90-95% of SLPs in the U.S. are women, so how much more can this field become diverse? Also, what are some efforts we as aspiring speech pathologists can do to make the field more diverse in terms of gender, race, and ethnicity? Lastly, on a more personal note, I'm applying/applied to such schools like UNC, Vanderbilt, Temple, Maryland, Northeastern,Penn State, and Bloomsburg. How much do big name SLP programs take into account diverse applicants, and should this be a main priority or simply to admit the best qualified candidates?

I visited WMU and I loved it. The faculty were welcoming, the facilities were impressive, and I've been told from a student in the program that the clinic sees such a wide variety of comm disorders so the exposure and experience is great. Good luck in making your decision.

I'm very familiar with WMU and the area, and in my opinion compared to all the other schools in Michigan you mentioned, it's by far the best. The building where all your classes will be held is super modern and beautiful, and a 2 minute walk and you're at their clinic, which is very impressive. As GVSU is such a new program, there are many issues....good luck making your decision, I know it's a lot to think about! 

Thank you so much, I really appreciate the input!!!

Hi! I can tell you what I know about GVSU and WMU.
 
I currently go to GVSU. I did undergrad elsewhere, but I am taking a year of prereqs. I have heard that the grad program has had trouble finding clinical placements for everyone in the area, and some people have to drive as far as an hour and 45 minutes to clinicals. However, a girl I know at another school says that some students there have to do the same thing. It just depends on the year I guess. The grad students at the interview day said they like the program a lot so far and didn't seem to be too upset about having to travel for clinicals. They said it's very intense, and they really don't feel like they have a life outside of school, as GVSU crams everything into 4 semesters. But I don't think any of us will have much of a life during grad school no matter where we go. Personally, I have liked going to GVSU. I like most of the faculty! It's a brand new program, which you probably know, so I'm sure there are some kinks that they have to work on in the coming years.
 
WMU is very well-established and the SLP program has a great reputation. I know a girl who is currently in the grad program, so I've asked her some questions, but I have not had a chance to visit, and I'm not sure I will be able to by April 15. She has loved WMU and said the faculty is helpful and approachable. The nice thing is that they have an on-site clinic, which I hear is extremely nice! Clinicals in the first fall, spring and both summers will be at the on-site clinic. Your part-time practicum will be off campus, and then you can do a full-time practicum wherever. The girl I know is doing hers in Chicago. That's all I really know about it, I hope it helps. I know absolutely nothing about the other MI programs you mentioned!

I've been accepted to Western Michigan University, but I don't know much about Kalamazoo or even Michigan. I'm particularly interested in the cost of living. The farmer's markets look pretty promising. Does anyone know how pet-friendly the city is (I've got two labrador retrievers)? Any information would be great!

Gosh, I love this city so very much. Great social/music/religious/academic/art scene. For apartment finding, check out the Twitter account d:Hive Live -- they update their feed with new apartments regularly. 10 years ago, Midtown was the safe neighborhood. 5 years ago, you could live in Corktown/ Downtown. Now folks live in Eastern Market, New Center, Woodbridge, North Corktown, Brightmoor (with a car, of course), Riverfront, and in the Villages. We walk downtown on Woodward and side-streets at night to go out/ get late-night food/ etc. Great cafe culture here.