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I would look at Distance Education programs versus Online programs. I'm currently attending the University of South Carolina Distance Education program, and we get all the same content as the on campus students. We have to watch lectures from the professors each week, just like on campus. We have the same assignments and proctored exams. We still have to do the graduate research project required by ASHA, and we still have to go to campus for several weeks to complete practicum. The only difference between us and the on-campus program is that we watch lectures on our computers and TVs rather than sitting in a classroom so that we can still work. Online programs are much different as it is pretty specifically "online" and is run very differently I believe. Also, like somebody mentioned above, an employer won't know the difference between a Distance Education program and an on campus program unless you make them aware of it because you get the same degree with both.

I imagine you would have to apply into another program, get accepted, and start from the beginning of the program as a new grad student would. A lot of programs are different, though, so I could be completely wrong! I have no idea if this is the case. I've never met any transfer SLP grad students.

I have to take one this summer too. All of the ones I found were in that 800-1000 dollar range. It's absolutely ridiculous! I'm taking mine through Southwest Minnesota State University because it's the shortest one I could find (less than 30 days).

ENFJ I get the same thing every time...

Absolutely! I worked as a CNA all through college and throughout this year (although I am an SLPA, too). Every single one of my professors stressed volunteering and/or working in a facility where you can have exposure to those with speech/language disorders. They suggested the CNA work is a great position, and they're completely right! Although you don't work with anything speech, you work with a TON of people who receive speech and language services. Not only that, but it gives you some exposure to a completely different population than most get elsewhere (daycare, paraprofessional, SLPA, etc). It's truly a great experience, and it'll look great on your apps! Also, if you're ever interested in hospital and/or long term care, you may have an "in" by working there. CNA pays pretty well, too, so that definitely helps! I would suggest that if you do work as a CNA, you volunteer with a different population so your resume stresses your exposure and ability to work with all ages, disabilities, etc. I say go for it! Hope this helps!

I'd suggest researching, researching, researching. Start finding less competitive schools (there are a list of them on here) and see which of those offer spring and summer admissions. Just because there aren't as many applicants doesn't mean it's not a great school. Usually, it just means it's not in the most exciting location. Email the schools you're interested in (that offer spring admissions), give them your stats, and tell them what you're doing to better your application at this time. I directly asked them if I would be a competitive applicant or not. Actually, most of the schools were really awesome about it. They told me right away (and very directly) what their stats were the last cycle, if I would be competitive and why, and what I can do to become a more competitive applicant before the application cycle begins again. I'm not sure how you did on your GRE, but I'd suggest retaking that and studying, studying, studying. Many people on here have said it helped them (and they got great scores, too). Also, do some volunteering, and get some related work experience during your time off. I took a year off because I didn't think my application was strong enough, but I think my experience being an SLPA, volunteering through MN reading corps, etc. really helped me to get accepted and waitlisted at my schools. I say this because my statistics really aren't that great either (3.65 GPA, 150V and 159Q). Also, in the process of emailing all these schools last fall, I learned that many of them prefer people who have had a year or two off because they're more likely to be matured and ready for the next phase of their schooling. Obviously this doesn't go for all schools, but it's very common. Good luck!

I only started my bachelors with 24 AP credits, too, but I just applied into a program that would allow for me to take 21-24 credits per semester in order to get my courses done in a three year span. I also worked full time and was able to pull it off, so if you don't plan on working, it probably wouldn't be that hard. You can easily complete your undergrad in three years and your graduate degree in two years following Good luck.

Most schools only go through their waitlist, as trejsi said... but I saw at least one school on the forum last year where somebody posted and said they were rejected then accepted, so it's definitely possible. It probably depends on the school and/or how small the cohort is once they've gone through the entire waitlist. I doubt it happens often... but again, still possible.

The schools I talked to said it's entirely possible to get accepted at the last second, but not very common. A majority of people accepted off the waitlist will know before May 15, and a small portion up until June 15. People definitely still get accepted after that (if somebody ends up dropping out at the last second), but it's not very common. Still, May-June is still a VERY VERY long time to wait!! I can only wait until the middle of May as orientation is the 16 and classes start the second day of June... I think I'll have a little relief once I can't turn back. Until then, it's just the waiting game.... AGAIN!

I've already accepted USC, but am waiting on at least four waitlists that are close to home, much cheaper, and a year shorter. Even will some funding, distance ed is pretty expensive. It'll still be great to attend since I can stay home... and work... but I'd rather be close to home and attend a shorter, less expensive program. I'm just hoping I know soon so I can start moving forward with whatever school I end up going to.

I agree with this. If there are two students with the same stats, they're going to choose the one from their program (since they already know they can succeed in the subject). However, not all schools pick a certain number of their own students. My undergraduate institution weighs everybody equally. Actually, last year, they only gave 3 spots to their own students out of 20. If you work hard, have good stats, and write a good letter/get good references, you should be able to get into at least one school. Just search, search, search. Find which schools best fit your interests, and which schools are most likely to accept you based on past stats, etc.

Just send a pm

I'm also going distance ed, but it's so expensive right now! Just curious which program you're talking about.

I dont really know anything about this program, but I looked into it yesterday just because I hadn't heard of it before, and I think their deadline isn't until June 1st.

There is a thread for "spring admissions" that shows all the summer and spring admission schools. There's a fairly good list on there.

I took a year off and worked as an SLPA. It gave me GREAT experience, and I was under an amazing SLP who taught me so much more than I ever expected! I'd definitely suggest that if it's an option. If not, I also looked into doing Americorps, and this is a great option. Pay really isn't very good, but you get a pretty good tuition award and a biweekly housing amount. They're both great options Good luck!

Now you have some big decisions to make! You get to CHOOSE where you want to go. Great feeling, isn't it!?!? Is there one that you're leaning toward more so than the other?! Oh, and CONGRATS!!!

Hi! I'm not really an expert on switching majors because I've known I wanted to go into speech since high school. However, when I was in college, I lived with a nursing student (already in the nursing program). I would have to say that as an undergrad, it's probably fairly similar to the nursing program in terms of difficulty. We spent hours every day studying, writing papers, doing group projects, etc. in the library, and it never seemed that one ran out of homework/things to study any sooner than the other. We didn't have a lot of free time because both of us worked full-time, but if you're not working much, you should have plenty of time to relax and enjoy yourself still. However, I know that grad school is much, much more difficult that undergrad. There is a lot more time spent on class work (whether it's projects, researching, writing papers, etc), and you have clients on top of that. If it's something you love and you're willing to take the time to study, learn, plan for clients, etc. you will be just fine As far as the GRE goes, definitely study! I was near the top of my class, but I didn't study for the GRE, so I came out with a 150 and 159 (not very good scores). A lot of my classmates who studied saw the terms they studied on the test, and they did very well (160-167s). If you don't have a great score, be sure to look into other schools that would more likely accept you. Also, make sure you have a solid resume. If you have time to volunteer, do it. If you can find a job somewhere that will help you learn more about speech, take it. I decided to take a year off before applying because my resume hardly had anything on it. I worked full time during undergrad and never had the time to volunteer, job shadow, observe, etc. I volunteered at three places and worked as an SLPA during my year off and actually got accepted and waitlisted at more schools than I planned (especially considering my low scores). As the person said above, always have a plan B. Sometimes things don't work out the way we plan, so be sure to have something planned in case you don't get in your first or secnod years applying.

The University of South Carolina!!!! looks like it has both the campus and MCD distance students! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1410213402573220/

I think it's really dependent on the state. I applied for SLPA positions before I completed my bachelors degree (knowing the school wouldn't need me for a few months until the next school year began) and did my 100 hours over the summer with ESY, etc. The school that hired me helped me to get my 100 hours in before the school year began. The 100 hours are pretty flexible, too. The guidelines are all on the ASHA website and stated in that state's guidelines.

The SLP grad students I know say definitely more group projects, research projects/papers/etc than anything else.... and a lot of time spent on preparing for clients. I'm sure it's very dependent on your school, though.

You have great numbers, so I'm sure you can get into many schools if you reapplied. I completely understand, though! Most online program are going to cost that. I chose to take the online program that offered me admissions (even though I was offered admissions to on campus programs) because it's much more convenient for me, and it allows for me to work while going to school, choose my practicum settings, and stay near my family. I'm going to be taking about that much out in loans, and it's a SCARY feeling! However, if online is what you want to do, you're likely going to end up taking that much out in loans a year from now, so I say go for it. You'll start your career a year earlier and make an extra year's salary more than what you would if you waited a year. It's totally your decision. That was just my logic.

I would agree with the post above. It's best to talk directly with the schools you're interested in and ask what they're looking for and what you could change on your application to be a stronger applicant. I have no idea where you applied, but I would also considering applying into some "less competitive programs." I applied to my top choice school, but I also applied to a few safeties. These aren't necessarily guarantees, but they might be a better match for your statistics (gre, gpa, etc). There's not a whole lot you can do about your GPA, but if there's one or two classes that are really pulling that number down, maybe think about retaking them. If your GRE isn't very strong, you might consider retaking that, as well. I had very average scores, but I would have retaken it if I didn't get accepted this year. If you study, especially the verbal section, you can basically memorize some of the vocabulary they're going to throw at you. I would definitely keep at least two letters from professors, as a lot of programs are looking for proof that you'll succeed in their graduate program. I chose to have three letters written from professors, and one from my current supervising SLP (I'm an SLPA). Definitely keep in contact with those professors who are writing you letters and tell them everything you're doing to improve your application, as well. If they see how hard you're working to be a stronger applicant, they will likely put some of that information in the letters they write for you (and possibly give you higher ratings). Read through your personal statement, and have others read it. Ask questions about what to add and remove, the tone for this particular audience, etc. Also, make sure the personal statement is specific to each school individually. I used the same statement, but changed two paragraphs to fit what I liked about that school, which professors I'd like to learn from and why, the reason I want to attend there, etc. (In much greater detail than my friends and classmates did). I honestly think this helped, too. A professor told me that many graduate schools actually prefer students who have taken a year or two off. These students have had much more time to mature and focus on the importance of graduate school, and they tend to do better (her words). She also said this was because many students who have had a year or two off have had some real experience in the field (if you're a volunteer, SLPA, etc.) and tend to do better and need less direction in practicum experiences. I'm not sure how much help this will be, but hopefully it can give you a few ideas on what you should do

Right! They said GAs may be offered more money after the 15, so that would be great! Good luck You two will figure it out either way (PSU, SJSU, UCA)!

Congrats to your husband and YOU!! I haven't accepted yet, but I think I'll be accepting next week (unless I get off a waitlist before then)! Congrats again! Now you can start planning!!