clmogel

Another option for students willing to apply again next year for grad school, is to apply for a job that you qualify for at the university you are interested in attending. Most jobs are open to the public, some require no experience or very limited experience. At most universities you get a discounted rate for classes, if you are an employee. Thus, you can take an extra class or two in your subject area (at a higher course level too) and up your GPA, while proving you can be a successful student at their university. Some colleges (UMD) like to keep their own students, so you may also have this advantage when applying to schools. You also get to meet department heads, professors and maybe even current students in your program of choice etc.

I have an undergrad in public health. There are very limited number of jobs you can hold with a bachelors and they are not well paying. You need a masters to apply and hold any job in that field. It's very difficult to get a job in the Metro DC area but, I know Atlanta, GA has the CDC headquarters with a few programs and internships. The field pay is average, unless you land a government job. Healthcare Administration is very difficult. Most students walk out with Bachelor's and Master's degrees with no job. This is a field where they need you to have years of experience in the healthcare field (doing any other job then management) with experience surpervising employees, before they hire you. Most people I know have landed research jobs or have gone back to school for a nursing degree. Your best bet for any of these degrees, is to talk to grad programs and ask about their job placement rates and additional student outcome data. Don't spend money on a degree that won't get you a job in the career field.

Goodluck to everyone!

Are any of you waitlisted folks applying for Graduate assistantships now or waiting. Worry that if I wait, spots will be filled.

Do schools notify on East Coast as early as tomorrow?

I'm going to try for an SLPA job or at ASHA headquarters (Rockville, MD). Looking for an employer that has Tution reimbursement. Also, thinking about volunteering at hospital or doing something in outpatient setting since, I want to start as an SLP in the medical field (and I have limited experience here and with adults).

Anyone know about Loyola University of Maryland waitlist?

Definitely, helpful! Thanks and thanks to everyone else.

I'm 100K in debt and climbing. Yeah. I've decided that since I didn't get into grad school this year, I will pursue a SLP-A job hat provides tuition remission! There are employers who do this and can help fund your grad school. There are programs that cost 25K total in-state and out-of-state. (Towson in-state, University of South Dakota out-of-state) There are more that are in the 30-35K range but, offer a large number of assistantships that give more than 4K a year or provide a tution waiver of 6-18 credits a year! (West Virginia University does this).

Wow, had no idea. Thanks!

Hey everyone, I'm getting mixed reviews about becoming an SLP Assistant. There was an article where admissions staff look at this position as a resume builder. But, I've heard first hand accounts of people who did not get into grad school after deciding to pursue SLP-A. I've also heard from SLPs in the field that some grad schools could turn their nose up to students with this...main reason being out of school for some time and not having as strong of academic reccomendations. What's the deal?! Anyone ask a program about this? Anyone an SLP-A and got accepted for grad school? What schools?

Remember CSDCAS charges a $100 application fee. The graduate school of the university your'e applying to also charges a fee on top of that. Ridiculous. I've also had CDCAS lose my transcript, twice, and had a very difficult time with them.

You'll still be in a good financial situation and much better than a lot of people.

Kate, once you get your grad degree you will come out making good money that will make those loan payments very quickly. An added 6K to 23K comes out to less than $400 month payments for 15 years or less with Federal loans. You have less loans than the average american. You go girl!

I see you applied and got accdepted into City University London? Do you plan on getting a SLP license abroad and living in London? Or can you come back to the U.S. and take Praxis and be licensed in any state with an out-of-country degree?

Sorry I meant classes! 4 classes (12 credits), 5 classes in Spring (14 credits), while take 3 classes this Fall (9 credits). I say get your post-bacc done as soon as you can, so you can get in to grad school and come out making an SLP salary to help pay down the loans. Unless your 40 hour a week job makes good money and can help you pay as you go for school.

Wow, this was extemely helpful! Thats so interesting you get rejected from the high end 100s and accepted in top 50. Could you tell me what your GRE and GPA is? What experience you have?

I'm currently a USU post back student. I took 4 credits in the fall, 5 credits this Spring, and will take 3 this summer. I worked 15-25 hours a week with about a 5 minute commute. The first semester classes are easier and more manageable. The second semester is very difficult. A lot of time consuming work (group projects, papers, researching and setting up observations etc.) There are people who work a 40 hour a week job and have a family. I honestly don't know how they do it. I would think long and hard about it. You could always see how first two weeks go and then make your decision. Or ask if you can work part time hours at your current job? I would take a look at your commute, talk to your boss about any flexibility he/she could have. You will need to go take proctor exams that will take sometimes more than a one hour lunch break. There are places open on Saturdays. Hope this helps.

How much weight should I put on US News rankings? Im thinking of applying to schools no greater than a 185 ranking. Anyone currently attending schools below 185 Rank? Could you tell me your experience?

Went to JMU for undergrad, great school and program Currently in a distance post-bac program (USU) and I love the flexibility. I've been able to take 12-14 credits and semester and work 15-25 hours a week. JMU will also be great in finding you a student in the current program to talk too.

I got very low scores. I'm planning on retaking them again but, I'm not great at standardized tests Verbal 147 Math 144 Writing 3.0

What programs give in state rates to out if state students for meeting a qualification? What programs offer other types of tuition waivers?

Which schools do not have cutoffs, do not put much weight on GRE scores, don't require them?

60-70 are they crazy? Anyone else?

Do you have any reccomendations for schools with funding on the East Coast?