Jolie717

Well - you and I have the same scores, but different majors! I'm still debating too. But it's my low AW I'm not happy with. I'm convinced I could get above 160 quant if I retake as I didn't have time to review all of the math. However a high quant is not necessarily needed in my field (speech and language pathology) so I'm still on the fence. I feel like AW is the area we have the least control over, but since I did zero to prep for it maybe that's a bad excuse. Sigh...

It's hard to say - I'm waiting to hear back from them. On ASHA's EdFind Purdue only lists ranges for their Masters program (my scores are within their ranges) - they don't list stats for the PhD programs. UW Madison and University of Utah don't list their ranges at all. When I look at the stats of those admitted into these programs on the results page (mostly masters only) there are plenty of AWs of 4 but many are higher too. However it's impossible to know whether these scores are truly representative of all students admitted.

I'm applying to Speech and Language Pathology programs. While I know I could get my quant score up, I wouldn't re-take the GRE for that alone. I'm mostly wondering if it's foolish of me to spend time and money trying to improve AW - I haven't heard of many people retaking for this section at all.

While I am not particularly surprised, I am disappointed by my AW score of 4.0 (just found out today). AW was the one area I did not practice at all as I was more concerned with my verbal and quant scores. However, now that I have decided to add some combined MS/PhD programs to my application list, I am wondering if my current score will hurt me. I am a decent writer when I have time to compose my thoughts and/or have knowledge on a topic. But timed "surprise" topic essays are apparently not my friend. If I decide to retake I will only have six weeks to prep. I am pretty sure I can get my quant score up in this time as well considering I didn't spend much time reviewing the math I haven't seen in years (OK - 2+ decades, lol). If it makes a difference I am a full time student (senior) and I would need to still maintain my current GPA, work 16 hours per week, spend time with my sons and hubby and study for the GRE all at the same time. Again. Ugh. Thoughts? Does anyone have experience raising AW in a short period of time?

While I am not particularly surprised, I am disappointed by my AW score of 4.0 (just found out today). AW was the one area I did not practice at all as I was more concerned with my verbal and quant scores. However, now that I have decided to add some combined MS/PhD programs to my application list, I am wondering if my current score will hurt me. I am a decent writer when I have time to compose my thoughts and/or have knowledge on a topic. But timed "surprise" topic essays are apparently not my friend. If I decide to retake I will only have six weeks to prep. I am pretty sure I can get my quant score up in this time as well considering I didn't spend much time reviewing the math I haven't seen in years (OK - 2+ decades, lol). If it makes a difference I am a full time student (senior) and I would need to still maintain my current GPA, work 16 hours per week, spend time with my sons and hubby and study for the GRE all at the same time. Again. Ugh. Thoughts? Does anyone have experience raising AW in a short period of time?

I think it depends on the school. Sorry - not that helpful, I know. But I was looking up what the expected GRE range was for Ivy League grad school programs (bio, chem, physics, math etc) and even the least math-dependent among them (bio supposedly) still had fairly high minimum quant scores. As do most of the top-ranked SLP schools, but to a lesser extent. Edited to add: PS: You said your score is due to not having taken a relevant math course in a decade - so are you planning to study and re-take? In my experience quant is the easiest score to raise.

Ha - I do too now depending on the applicant. GVS tends to look at the "whole package" rather than setting specific limits. The program length is also shorter than most - if I could relocate my family (and deal with out of state tuition) I probably would! All three of my sisters ended up in Michigan for school (or in my oldest sister's case, her hubby's work) and I loved visiting. The main drawback to relocating for me (aside from expense and inconvenience) is that we likely couldn't afford to move back to our neighborhood later, as our rent is low due to rent control and living here for over a decade. Decisions decisions!!!

Totally agree about the "validity" of the GRE here. In fact studies have shown that it is not an accurate predictor of student success in grad school in many majors. Both in terms of grades and performance of grad students as judged by their professors. Top that off with ETS' own admission that their GRE test is biased against women, minorities and the socio-economically challenged? Really???

You are absolutely correct in saying that there should be SLP Masters programs that are challenging - in fact, the majority of SLP programs should be. However if you really want to be intellectually challenged I would venture that a combination MA or MS /PhD might be a better fit for you. If I were 5-10 years younger, that's what I would be pursuing. Especially given the shortage of PhDs in our field. That being said, I'm confident you will find a Masters program that is a good fit - you have great stats from what I remember and an obvious desire to learn. Make that shine through in your new apps!

That's been my trend too - my math score increases with each practice test I take but verbal stays roughly the same.

Well now that you've elaborated it certainly doesn't sound like a program I would wish to be in either. I know there are plenty of challenging Masters SLP programs out there - maybe you would be better suited working in a hospital setting as an SLP? And if you thrive on academic challenge - why not consider a PhD program? I'm sorry I can't offer advice as to transferring - I assume you have to stick it out through the end of the semester at least, right? I would focus on finishing out the semester as strongly as you can. Maybe get in touch with some of your letter of rec writers and ask their advice - I assume whether or not you are treated as a transfer or a new student you will have to get apps in soon if you want to start classes next Fall in a new program. I noticed that your current school's ranking is too low to even be published on the U.S. News list - I don't think rankings are everything but they do mean something. So I wouldn't lump all SLP programs into the same category as your current one. I have several friends who hated their first university experience and transferred out as well - you certainly aren't alone!

Interesting - I never knew that! Seems strange, though. At any rate, I think the point my professor was making was that they do look at the whole package, not just the GRE score and they don't have a specific cut-off. However other programs are like the one Rose Garden mentioned where your app isn't even looked at unless you are at or above a certain score.

So I am assuming that the three programs you applied to all require the GRE? Do you have time to study for and retake the GRE? At any rate, one of my professors mentioned that they had admitted someone who scored around a 240 on the GRE. I'm sure this person was the exception to the rule, but it does happen. Good luck to you - I hope it works out.

Putting the 2nd year students' practice Praxis aside, as well as your classmate who just had a baby, what specifically do YOU not like about the program? In in my previous degree, most of us failed our first practice board exam - that's why it was "practice." In our specific degree, what was tested differed significantly from what we learned in our clinical practice. So we all had to learn how to take the test the way they wanted us to take the test. Just like any other type of test, especially standardized, there is a method. You practice and you get better. What is your school's *actual* Praxis passing rate? That is what I would be more concerned about. As far as having a baby - I did that during my previous program but timed the delivery for my winter break. It was still very, very difficult to return to full-time classes 7 weeks post-delivery, so I can imagine that having a baby during the semester will definitely pose some major challenges. I don't condone the way your professor spoke to your classmate, but can certainly understand the professor's concern.

I'm guessing OP meant University of Washington in Seattle, not Washington University in St. Louis. I think even those with great stats can be just as nervous as anyone else. I'm nervous because I will likely only be applying to local CA schools. I have the stats and experience, but because I also have a job and a family I am limited as to which schools I can realistically apply to. I also have read about some applicants here on the forum who had seemingly stellar stats that did not get into grad school on their first try. I imagine we will all be on edge until we have confirmed acceptances in hand!

Just a quick heads up, lol, and I'm sure it was a typo, but don't use "spurned" - use "spurred" in this example.

This list was compiled by another member - OverCaffeinated - hope it helps. no greuni of wisconsin river fallscentral oklahomatexas state universitycalifornia state - east bayloma lindanova southeasterncolumbiamercy collegeseton hall uniwest texas a and mbritish columbiauni of washingtonbrooklyn?california state fullertonfontbone

I seriously doubt the actual difference between the scores matter. I believe my school raises an eyebrow at quant scores less then 150 though, so the schools that are really highly ranked might have a higher cut off point. Are you applying for next fall? I've forgotten sorry! If you've narrowed down your list you could just contact the departments and ask their opinion. I haven't taken math in so long that I have a similar gap - so I'm planning to hit the books hard and focus more on math than verbal before I take the plunge!

Are the power prep tests you mention the same as the two "free" tests that we get from ETS, or something additional that you have to buy?

Here is a list compiled by alissavar - scroll down to the second block for schools not requiring the GRE:

What made you decide to switch to SLP? How was your undergrad GPA? Competition for grad school spots is extremely tough. While there are programs that don't require the GRE, it might be tough to find one that also allows for an out-of-fielder with no post-bacc work completed. Also are you flexible as far as moving? I've heard Canadian schools are tougher because they have even fewer programs than we do in the U.S. I've never heard anyone mention programs in Mexico - so not sure about that.

Well that sucks about your classmates - if anything, it's their loss. But then again, if you look unapproachable (and you might, to them) then people won't approach unless *you* make the effort. And not sure if this applies in your area, but if you don't look sort of "preppy and mainstream" in interviews and in class, this may affect how interviewers/professors view you as well. I used to have four different hair colors in a year, but when I started SLP I switched to one and took all of my (nine) ear piercings out. And this is in California, where people are fairly liberal. Sigh. Not fair, but it is what it is. I also had to work harder at making SLP friends as I am an "older" student, ha ha. At any rate, as the previous poster said, observation *definitely* counts as experience. Find a way to work it into your SOP. Discuss a client or a specific therapy session you observed that really resonated with you in some way. Maybe mention (if you feel comfortable) that you are more introverted but that such and such an experience really drew you out of your comfort zone. I would be willing to bet that half or more of our professors are introverted and would most likely identify with others who are introverted. (Not saying you are introverted necessarily since I don't know you, but just in case you are). Your stats are are fantastic - I don't have the time to compare them to your schools, but can assume you did and am guessing yours are higher than what is expected. BTW it's funny you mentioned Dungeons and Dragons - one of my professors was into it when he was younger and he came across a client who was obsessed with D&D. He managed to get through to him and help him in therapy because of this common interest. So you never know what random skills you possess may come in handy some day. Keep your chin up!

Ha - now I'm resurrecting, lol. I wouldn't think it would matter - all of us have to pass the same exams etc. Kind of like how a doctor of osteopathy (DO) has a different title than an MD, but still has to pass the same medical board exam and has the same privileges practicing medicine. That being said, you might not be able to count on a full time position in a top notch hospital if your chosen school doesn't have a strong medical emphasis - at least initially. The SLP I work with (at my small hospital) started there within a year or so of graduation - and she is the head SLP. So you may have to start small, but honestly I wouldn't stress as our profession is one that offers an incredible amount of mobility. I have a friend who has worked as a travel SLP, then as a hospital SLP and now she works for a school district. This is one of the things that excites me about our field: high demand coupled with the ability to move around in the field should you want to.

Have you tried shadowing an SLP or have you looked for ABA therapy jobs? What about volunteering at centers for those on the spectrum? Also, why do you think your classmates "steer clear" of you? And you say you've applied and tried and tried - have you applied in person or just online? Any interviews? Sorry for all the questions but it may help with answers...