*Quinn*

Just found out I didn't make the cut this round. I am not surprised given the level of competition, but I am disappointed. Congratulations to all you who have been accepted and thank you for sharing your advice and experiences. It really meant a lot to me to know I was not alone, and I think it helped to soften the blow because I know it's possible to get accepted after multiple attempts. This was my first and only application attempt, but it won't be my last! I am going to find ways to strengthen my application and reapply for the spring term. Best of luck to everyone who may still be waiting!

Congratulations twinguy and danielle!!!

Yep, the lack of standardized pre-reqs does complicate the application processes for us non-COMD background students. I think many applicants choose a post-bach program before applying to grad school, but that doesn't really appeal to me as a plan A because of the additional time and financial expense it requires. There are a few grad programs that will accept students with other undergrad degrees along with those coming from within the field. These grad programs allow you to complete the pre-reqs as a grad student, (the ideal option for me), instead of forcing you to go through the more common leveling program(s) first. (I wish ASHA's edfind had a search option for this!) IF the pre-reqs were standardized across the schools, I think the leveling programs would be more appealing. Sorry I'm not able to provide any more help; you're certainly not alone in trying to figure out the best way to get all the pre-reqs covered. Best of Luck to You!!

Hooray daisynic!!! I am so very happy for you!! Congrats!

Congrats twinguy!!! That is wonderful news

This is a great thread! Thanks for sharing all your SLP related resources and more!! I've been looking for the next good book to start (I'm impressed by those of you who read multiple, but I tend to stick to one at a time). As an out-of-field applicant, I have sometimes felt a bit lost trying to gather info on my own so this is really helpful. I haven't read it yet, (and warning: this does fall under the more academic/text genre vs. the literary novel, but someone in another thread recommended Survival Guide for the Beginning Speech-Language Clinician by Susan Moon Meyer.

It is certainly possible, but I don't think it's quite that straight forward. I read that the mutual recognition agreement does not mean reciprocity of certification. All of the participating countries do have at least similar requirements, but they are necessarily equivalent, so there may be some additional requirements needed before you could practice abroad. This still sounds like an amazing opportunity and the extra steps are probably worth it so don't let the "fine print" dissuade you if you're really interested! http://www.asha.org/Certification/Mutual-Recognition-Agreement-FAQs--General-Information/

Congratulations lgwslp!! That's wonderful news!

Jennifer, I'm sorry it didn't work out for you this time. Though, I am glad you're not giving up -- I'll be retaking my GRE too if I don't get in, and if it helps you, we could become study buddies! Also, good luck on your upcoming interview with Loma Linda! Best wishes to you!!

tristannecaroline, I just started skimming through the link you shared... Its awesome! Thanks for sharing and good luck at UTD when you start!!

Hello Everyone!! I've really enjoyed learning more about you all and your interests. There are good people coming into the realm of SLP and I wish the best to you all in your endeavors!! My name is Quinn, (oops! I didn't use a pseudo name for my account), and I am 25 years old. I studied Anthropology and Neuroscience at Loyola U in Chicago and discovered SLP along the way. I like to think of myself as someone who does not scare easily, but applications do terrify me. That being said, I finally mustered up the courage to apply (good since I may have to do it again! - I understand many on this forum have applied multiple times). Since graduating from Loyola, I moved back to Dallas where I am originally from, and I juggle a lot of odd jobs- mostly in child care working as a nanny. I enjoy swimming and I just started some yoga. I love to travel and would love to do more- most family summers were spent backpacking in Colorado and New Mexico. I studied abroad in Ireland (so beautiful!), and visited some of Scotland <3 and France. Learning about other cultures, people and places is so much fun! In college, I did some work with a refugee organization that paired me with a Bhutanese family, and we still keep in touch today, which is difficult considering the distance and language barrier! Also in college, I worked as a lifeguard at YMCA and ironically, the only time I've had to provide CPR was not at the pool, but at a church while visiting family. @Creigh and Mari - I am totally with you on being irritated when people use the "r" word offensively. I try to point it out in a way that doesn't in turn shame the offender(s) because usually their use of the word is due to their own lack of experience with downs syndrome and therefore an impersonalized and uneducated idea of what it means... no excuse really, but I want to give them the benefit of doubt and a chance to understand first. Still, I usually end up with dirty looks and am also called a PC police... Glad to know there are more of us out there trying to change this! @Karissa - I think we have some common experiences I also started babysitting at age 11 and feel as though I have helped raise so many children, (I hope that doesn't sound too presumptuous, but it really can feel that way with how much parents can come to rely on us). Its been a wonderful experience, and I can hardly believe that some of those kids are starting college now! Many of my friends live far away too so I can relate to your pro/con description. @Ben - you're a harpist!?! That's awesome!! There are so few! I wish I could say I played too, but its always just been an idea of mine. How did you get started? @Ayelet - I bet you will offer amazing music/slp therapy sessions!! I am also interested in brain/language/music connections. I too want to learn more on sign language as I don't have much experience either. The music is more of an appreciation I have since Im not a musician. I have a violin, but I have to admit that I haven't had lessons since middle school so I'm not very good- but Iove it anyway

Thanks for the advice Toonces, and the added info wishingwishing and tex_hart!! I am relieved to know that I can apply again soon if it doesn't work out this time. (but I REALLY hope to get in this term!) I knew applying for grad SLP was going to be competitive, but I don't think I quite realized by how much! --sometimes I feel a bit out of the loop coming from out-of-field... aside from ASHA's website and the program site, does anyone know of other helpful resources for interested pre-SLPs? Really, anything SLP related such as good books, articles, or websites, ect. - Im craving to learn!! LOL

Thanks daisynic!! I'll definitely look into that if it comes down to it... for now, Im keeping my fingers crossed that I'll get accepted in Fall 14' Good Luck to You!!

Congratulations Toonces!! I bet you are super thrilled! This is my first application attempt, and I'm still waiting to hear back. It's good to know you kept at it and succeeded! It gives me hope too, like it does for daisynic. Only, I don't think I can reapply for spring term if I don't make this cut since I'm coming from out-of-field... am I right? / anyone know for sure?

I've taken a few pre-req courses for credit online through Ohio State University. I'm not sure if they have the class you need, but you could check it out. They offer online SLP courses during summer sessions, and you can enroll in classes without having to go through a full leveling program. http://sphs.osu.edu/events/2014-summer-institute-speech-and-hearing-science-distance-learning-courses Hope this helps!! Good Luck!

Hi Julie, Congratulations on your early acceptance to UTD!! I am still waiting to hear back, but if accepted I will definitely attend in the Fall or Summer if given the option. I also applied as an "out-of-field" student and UTD in my no.1 choice. I live in the Dallas area now, and I think you will have a great group of peers based on my experience meeting some friendly people in the program. Welcome to Texas this summer! Cheers, Quinn