[Need advice... please! :)]

If you're in a hurry to get your Master's, why not take all your post-bac courses this fall/next spring and try applying this winter to less competitive programs? If you don't get in anywhere for next fall, work as a SLPA for a year or volunteer and maybe take some electives while you try again. 

 

A lot of post-bac programs don't have competitive admission or require application months in advance. I decided to do mine a couple weeks before classes started. If you can't find a program like this in your area, there are a few online options.

 

 

I think the most important thing is your GPA then GRE and then experience. I would suggest you to do post-bac program. You don't have to waste $$ for SLPA. You already have BS degree, take CBEST and get substitute teacher job in school. All they look for experience with kids. Apply lots of schools you will get job even for teacher aid if $$ is an issue.

Good Luck!!

 

 

I think your option 2 is the best bet. While grad schools really like to see a well rounded application (including lots of volunteering esp. in populations of people that SLPs serve), you definitely want to have the highest GPA you can get and great GRE scores as well. If those don't meet their minimum requirements, then chances are they may not even bother to look at your working experience as an SLPA or whatever else you have going for you. I think getting some great volunteering experience or shadowing an SLP will look just as good on your resume along with a high GPA, GRE scores, awesome LORs, personal statement etc. I do know of several people who did not get in to grad school when they applied as seniors and even after working 1, 2, even 3 yrs as SLPAs it still didn't happen for them. Of course that's not saying it's not helpful to do that, but if you're wanting to fast track then I say stick with taking classes and boosting your GPA, hardcore studying for the GRE and any extra time volunteering/shadowing/observing. Hope this helps!

 

Hippopirate, dial1010usa, Missthang,

 

THANK YOU for your replies!

I will be taking some prerequisite classes this fall at a local community college (anatomy, statistics, speech).

I plan on studying for the GREs as well and take the exam soon (to be able to apply for grad schools/post bac programs for next year!)

I will also try to work/volunteer/shadow in my spare time!

 

Thank you for taking the time to reply!

[Need advice... please! :)]

Hello all! Looking forward to receiving some advice and hearing some words of wisdom J

 

Here is my current situation-

 

I graduated last year (June 2013) with a B.S. in Anthropology.

However, I graduated in 3 years… and didn’t have that extra year to boost my GPA, so my GPA is pretty low. (3.21 cumulative, 3.57 major GPA)

With that being said, I know how competitive it is to get into Master’s programs.

Also, I realize that I do need to complete a post-bac program/leveling program since my undergraduate major was not in Speech Pathology.

I haven’t taken my GREs yet, but I plan on studying and hopefully getting a good score!

 

I thought that it would be a good idea to get my license as a SLPA, work for a year or two, and then apply for Master’s (hoping that my work experience would level out my low GPA…).

However, the class that I need for the SLPA program (it’s the prereq for other SLPA classes) is full and this class is offered only once a year.

 

I would like to get into a Master’s program as soon as possible!

Would you recommend:

1. Getting the SLPA license, working for a year or two, then applying (Hopefully I would be able to get my SLPA license by next year)

2. Volunteering/Interning, Studying and taking the GRE, applying for a post-bac program for next fall, then applying for a Master’s

 

I have considered online post-bac/leveling programs as well, but they seem to be so expensive and I think I would learn better while learning in person.

 

Do you have any other suggestions/advice?

 

Thank you so much!!!