CBG321

Hey I haven't applied anywhere yet, so sorry for crashing the post. I just wanted to point out that it seems like you cast a pretty wide net in terms of number of applications and "competitiveness" of schools. It seems like a wide range of hard to get into and good chances as well. I know this is probably impossible right now and will most likely feel the same way in the future, but I would relax at this point. You haven't gotten a single rejection or any news so considering it is barely March don't stress yet! No rejections is good news think of that for the time being

So I'm assuming you are applying to extended Master's programs that include the extra communication disorders pre-reqs that you'd need for grad school? I'd say definitely get some directly related experience. The extended Master's programs are more competitive than the already crazy competitive typical Master's programs. Not saying that to scare you but if any of the competition has directly related experience a program will probably be more interested in that? Although your grades and double majoring will probably speak highly towards your academic abilities. I haven't heard of many people getting into programs without experience in the field, or coursework. So i'd try to do one of those! Have you considered a Post-bacc program? That would allow you to apply to all universities. You can even take the classwork online. Good luck!

I second what all the above posters have said. Another thing that has helped me narrow down my list (I'm still in the headache inducing process!) is to look at the coursework offered at the Graduate level. Looking at those lists has helped me figure out which programs seem more interesting to me. I personally don't feel I will go the hospital route so programs with a ton of Aphasia, Neuro-anatomy, medical type classes don't interest me as much. Programs that have classes that correspond more with my in-field interests are the ones that are staying on my list. Hope that helps, once I kind of narrowed down which states I wanted to cast my net this has been one of the best ways i've found to really decide between each place. Oh, and tuition...they want to rob us! I guess we will get a return on that very important investment though haha

Plan B's are a difficult choice when you already know what you really want to be doing. That being said SPED is very emotionally and physically draining if it is not in your heart of hearts something you would genuinely be interested in pursuing if Comm Disorders was completely off the table. I think although it might be tough, it would work better if you found a 2nd choice you would do IF you never became an SLP. Doing it as an in-between to gain experience is commendable on an aid level but if you are trying to teach, it would kind of stink for the kids if your heart wasn't 100% in it. That being said is that the ONLY population that got you interested in speech in the first place? If not, maybe go work in a hospital if that is the population you're looking for or take some classes in sign language and become an interpreter. I think it's more rare for people to go that route which might make you stand out better for future applications! I hear a lot of people trying to get into SPED as a back up so I'm not sure (depending on each state) that doing so benefits future applications. And you can volunteer with that population while working at a "desk" job which also shows how dedicated you are to getting into a program! That being said if your heart is interested in that population, that is fantastic! Good luck and hopefully you won't need that plan B to begin with!

Just clarifying my response was info taken from professors and grad students at public universities with on site clinics. Schools that only trust their own Phd faculty to be responsible for grad students, so for that specific group I am trusting what they told me. So at those specific schools there is a direct relationship with the shortage of slots. It is of course correct that finding outside placements is also an issue for programs that offer one or both. Something we can all remember during the application cycle I suppose.

I didn't know you needed a master's first that does seem like a roadblock how annoying!

I'm confused, you seem to have more background than the majority of people in my program. Apply to schools that don't need the GRE if you do poorly and if you do great, everything else seems right in line! And I agree your SOP is the only real wild card it seems like, so go get it edited at a writing center and get people you trust to review it and make sure it shows your passion.

It is a mixed bag like the other poster's have said. I will say (biased since I am one) that some schools appreciate the life experience and different backgrounds that post-bacc students can offer. This isn't my background but a SLP with an undergrad degree in Psychology or childcare has that background which is amazing PLUS post-bacc coursework etc. I'm not negating that there are a large amount of overqualified/qualified people in both categories working their butts off! But here is what is the major breakdown. Post-bacc's mean extra money for the university and all they have to do is increase their class size. They get extra tuition with no extra cost. Master's Programs are extremely expensive and cost universities so much money to run. They also cannot increase cohort size or class size due to PhD shortages nationwide. Each professor has classes to teach along with research (sometimes) and also have to contribute to clinical training and observation hours. Graduate students are not allowed to work with clients without a PhD with them watching them and guiding them. (exception being CFY). Each student has a PhD professor assigned to them to watch their clinic hours and mentor them. You wouldn't be getting a quality education, and the poor Professors would be burnt out if they started adding extra Master's students to each program just b/c they need them in the field. So long story short, until they have more PhD Professors class sizes will remain low. I am equally bummed out, but having this explanation finally explained to me after wondering why the situation stunk so much helped me at least realize they weren't being jerks on purpose! And glass half full, you won't have to fight for a job once you get a Master's which sounds pretty great and unique to me! MASSIVE perk!

Thank you!

I hope most schools don't have people like that on their admissions committees that is such BS! Glad I wasn't planning on applying there anyways. These programs really aren't doing anything for their students lately. They aren't going to fulfill their growing PhD shortage by not letting anyone into graduate school. Those ppl could later come back and be PhDs. Just frustrating for all of us to be told do absolutely everything and then people like that discourage it! Just got to hope not every school has that awful attitude towards applicants. I say put them on I feel like schools should appreciate your efforts!

This is all great advice everyone! I definitely plan to ask schools what kind of letters they prefer since each program looks for different things. I should clarify phd vs adjunct professor with a masters. My school has a lot of adjunct professors that come teach us after work

All great information! Thank you every bit of advice is always helpful

I think Fullerton is pretty strict about those 8 grades being available at least by the time the application is due. I know they won't let their own students apply until that number has been met. Calling to check is always best though, although I think their director only responds to emails so try and email them instead!

I'm actually going to go ask two of my Professors in person (casually since i'm not yet applying) what they prefer but wondered what past-experience has dictated. I was always planning on asking in person but have read a few things online about sending a letter or email which I thought seemed less professional but wanted to check and see if anyone had experience saying this was the proper ettiquette. Also anyone know if it is better to choose all PHD's? A friend of mine thinks letters from PHD Professors hold more weight when the application commitee sees that. True or false? Thanks

Hi i'm in a post-bacc program currently. I don't know of any students who already have a comm disorders degree being allowed in. At least I don't believe that is common. You most likely already have the classes done that are offered in most post-bacc programs. Those programs are geared towards people with completely different undergrad majors. If you want to get some useful school experience I would say either take some classes online at Utah state that could be helpful that you didn't already take and get A's in them perhaps taking sign language or spanish at a local community college would help too. That way if you become proficient it would be an asset and set you apart on applications. Getting a SLPA certificate (idk if it is a certificate) could perhaps give you more job experience that would help out. Although i've heard mixed reviews on whether SLPA experience aids Grad school applications. Maybe go to your Alma Mater's career center or meeting with someone in the communications department could give you better advice on what to do in your current position? Best of luck!

Thanks!

Hi spursnpearls, I'm looking into Fresno as well, and their website is a little vague compared to some other schools. When I googled Fresno state & Grad Cafe you popped up as starting there this semester in another post (congrats). I know you'll be super busy your first semester, but wanted to see if after a few months you can give some first hand-insight on their program.

It gives me a ballpark! Thank you

Hi hope your apps went well! This is off topic but do you know the stats for Fresno state? They aren't listed on ASHA's website, the amount of applications vs. amount of spots? Just curious if anyone already knew so I can keep one question out of their inboxes!

Hi I know this is kind of an old topic but would either MMR218 or danielle90 be willing to give a first-hand update on your UNM experience after your first semester. Have your experiences been good and did you see any of the negatives the other users posted about? I know you are both probably very busy in your program but never hurts to ask!

Yeah I know lol, she said he was definately biased against online master's programs but i'm not sure how common that biasis is or isn't!

Thank you so much everyone for the responses! So what i'm gathering is the main thing across the board as we've been told a bunch is GRE score and GPA. Then after you pass the grades/gre bar, they may or may not look over your relevant experience depending on the school? I can apply to volunteer at a children's hospital with their SLPs starting in the summer (i'm applying to grad school Fall 2015) I can either keep sending out feelers now and try to get an extra 4 months on that CV or just relax and focus on grades and wait until summer having about 4 months of direct experience when sending out those applications. Thanks again everyone!

I have heard from one slp working in a school that her boss would automatically throw out online masters degree resumes over people who had gotten an in person education for their masters. It might not be the case everywhere and Canada may not care as well due to understanding you have less local options. I hope someone on here can give you an opposite review! Also maybe your clinical year can offset the online degree and make you more appealing to any nay Sayers.

Thank you for the information! I appreciate the response!

Nobody has any advice or stats to offer? Just trying to bump. I'm having trouble finding a regular volunteer position with any slp's or hospitals