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The University of New Mexico (UNM) Master's Program in SLP Class of 2018 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1328133557215936/

If you apply to leveling track programs (3 year masters with no need to reapply after finishing the leveling work), you should be A-okay. Otherwise, it will depend on each school that you apply to.

I was waitlisted at the University of Arizona and on April 10th received an offer. I had already accepted an offer with funding from UNM, so I declined U of A, but it does happen! They do pull people off the waitlist. If you´re on a waitlist, don´t lose hope! It means the schools thinks you´re capable of becoming an SLP and wants to invest in you, they just don´t have the space yet.

I agree with @RMott that you do not need a post-bacc. I got into four-leveling master programs (including U of A) where I do not have to reapply for admission to the masters after finishing the pre-reqs, with a 3.52 GPA and a V160, Q155, and AW4.5. I had 25 hours of observation of a bilingual SLP (no letter of rec or anything though, just mention of it in my SOP). And I got full funding at one of the programs. I´m not trying to be vain, just let you know that you can do it without the time and $$$ of a post-bacc. If you have strong numbers (they don´t even have to be stellar - mine weren´t) and you can write a really strong SOP you have a good chance. I don´t think you need experience as an SLPA - in fact, it is not really a "stand out" experience that will help your application jump out. It doesn´t even seem like you´ll need observation hours given your personal introduction to the field, but they might not be a bad if you have time. Something else I did to sort of "hedge my bets" was enrolling in USU´s 2nd degree program. I had finished three courses when I applied (which also let me apply to even more leveling programs). I think this boosted my GPA and demonstrated my strong interest. Plus, if I hadn´t gone in I would already be started on Post-Bacc-Plan-B for the next year. Since I did get in, I have 3 less classes to take in my leveling track. Does that make sense? I´m not sure if I´m explaining it clearly. One other thing that I think helped me was really focusing my application and my SOP. I only applied to schools with leveling programs (obviously) and bilingual emphasis. I learned in depth about how each program was unique and the interests of the professors in the dept. I tried to include those things in my SOP and my interview. Finally, don´t underestimate the importance of good letters of rec. You should be cultivating those relationships now. Pick your recommenders wisely and strategically. I hope all that made sense and was at least a bit helpful. I´ve got more of my ramblings on my blog if you´d like to look them over. Best of luck!

I am in a similar situation and got accepted into four programs (including a top ranked one) without the post-bacc option. I don´t have time for a long response now, but if I don´t answer in in a day or two send me a personal message. You can do it!

I'm guessing that every school is going to do it completely differently. That said, something seems strange about this school where you interviewed. Perhaps there are different "pools" that they're drawing from. Different geographic areas, backgrounds, etc and they have a spot reserve for your applicant pool, but haven't got to it yet?

Hey Jolie, I'm in a similar situation (no kids though). My partner and I are moving from Mexico. I'm on the list for family housing at my uni, but like you I'm not sure of my chances of getting off the waitlist. My department put me in touch with some current students and through them, I got in touch with students living in the family housing. From them I was able to get a better idea of my chances of getting into a campus apartment (they're pretty good), and also they told me that even if I waited until July or August, I'd still be able to find some options. Obviously every city is going to be a bit different. See if you can get in touch with students at your school! I think they'd give you the best advice.

It is kind of impossible to tell; it depends a lot on where you're applying and how you're building the whole application. Also, the competition is everything. I got in with a similar GPA, but my GRE was higher. Do you letters of intent really standout? Do you have research experience? How about work or volunteer experience in the field? If you look through these forums you'll find lots of people asking the same question, posting their stats, and comparing their chances. Try reading some of those old posts to see if you find someone with a similar profile.

I think "appealing" sounds kind of aggressive and I can´t imagine it being successful. That route sounds like telling your future professors, "I think you were wrong." I wouldn´t try it. Perhaps if you word things well and express your sincere and continued interest in their program, you might earn yourself a spot on the waitlist (which can turn into admission). I agree with what the above poster said about focusing on schools that don´t preclude students with certain number of prerequisites filled or unfilled - you should probably focus on schools that openly state they are flexible and/or offer a leveling track. Best of luck!

Yeah, it's a really sad thing. Have you ever watched "RuPaul's Drag Race?" It is basically America's Next Top Model... but for Drag Queens - it's pretty funny. But, what's really interesting to me about drag in generally (and especially that show) is how it shows that what is for "boys" and what is for "girls" is really artificial / constructed by society. At least, that's what I think of when I watch it, lol.

I just declined an offer from Redlands - I hope this helps someone out!

It sounds like you've got all makings of a strong candidate! If you're on the waitlist at several schools, that's a good sign! It means that SEVEN schools have said "They WANT you as a student and they're hoping to make room for you." If you can, try to visit those schools or at least call and speak with some faculty. That might be just what you need to boost yourself to the top of their waiting lists. I spoke with a now SLP who applied in three different application cycles; I actually interviewed her for my blog. It was a journey, but if you're willing to put in the effort and take some risks, you can do it!

Go with the cheap in state school - you´re earning the same degree, same certification, same job & salary prospects.

I´m not a woman - so honestly I haven´t experienced this myself but I used to work at my universities career center and my boss (a woman) always recommended against women wearing pantsuits (especially in certain industries like business, finance, etc) because she said men (and even women) view it as power hungry, emasculating, or simply "not traditional." I could pretty easily see this being true especially in more conservative areas. Sadly there is still a lot of misogyny in our society & culture (perhaps Donald Trump´s comments about Megan Kelly are a good example).

Hi There, I'm wondering who all is planning on enrolling at the University of New Mexico for Fall 2016? I'm almost certain I'll be enrolling there (just waiting on a few details) - it might be nice to get to know some future classmates

Why would you consider doing a post-bacc program if your degree is already in SLP? I think everyone else´s advice about getting great experiences is really useful. Also, you should be very strategic about your application process. I obviously don´t know in your case, but in general I think people just pick a couple schools and apply to them. I think you should carefully evaluate your application with a harsh/critical eye to see what your strengths and weaknesses are. Then be sure to look closely/honestly at the programs you´re applying to and seeing if you´re truly a good fit. Idk If I´m anymore qualified than anyone else, but I´d be happy to help you look at your essays (as a place to start).

Thanks I´m glad you liked it!

I think this is such a great anecdote! Thanks for sharing

All accredited programs lead to the same certification and professional qualification. Smart networking and good soft skills will lead to many great job opportunities after graduation. In the long-term in the field of SLP, I don´t think rankings correspond to higher earnings or better job opportunities. As far as PhD´s are concerned, I also think that program rankings don´t have much impact. The field isn´t that big at the PhD level - what is much more important are strong recommendations from professors and solid research experience. Think about it: If you want to specialize enough to earn a PhD there are probably only a handful of other experts on that topic. They are the same people who will be selecting the future PhD students in their field. Are they going to care what the Princeton Review says about a program or are they going to call their buddy Dr. So-and-So / former thesis advisor / colleague and ask what kind of candidate you are? Frankly, I think that in many fields "rankings" are generally meaningless numbers that universities fight for to boost ego, increase application pools, and use to convince students that high tuition prices are worth it. Also, I apologize if that was a bit of a rant at the end.

I just want to make a note/clarification many people are saying "SLP´s make good money," which is generally true. But those "average" salary numbers we so often see are not "average entry" salaries - I think that is something important to keep in mind when projecting future financial scenarios. All of the clinicians I have talked to (except the ones who work for specific universities) have told me to select the school that is most affordable because the programs are virtually the same (due to ASHA accreditation requirements leaving little wiggle room). As for funding - there are many SLP / therapy agencies that will offer a $5,000 scholarship if you agree to work with them during your CFY. (5 seems to be the average, but I bet you could negotiate more). One agency told me also that no matter where I sign on after graduation, negotiate for a sign-on bonus or a structured loan-assistance plan.

I think you're making the right decision I remember one candidate who was in Perú - we interviwed via Skype. He was wearing a full suit and tie and visibly sweating. As we were wrapping up the interview, one of the panelists asked about the weather/heat. He answered that it was sweltering but that the interview was such a big opportunity for him that he wanted to look as professional as possible. It was such a small, offhand comment - and who knows if it affected each panelists' decision - but I do know that he went on to win the fellowship. As for the future classmates - I don't think they'll remember either way

I know others might disagree, but I think the more professional the better. The only way you could "overdress" would be to wear a cocktail dress or tuxedo. I'd go with a skirt-suit for women and a matched suit for men in black, navy, or gray. (Of course I think a women could wear a pantsuit but unfortunately there can be some subtle negativity associated with that - it's 100% unfair, but each person can decide if their grad school interview is the moment to take on that stereotype or not). If others look more casual, that's okay! You stand out as the candidate who really takes this seriously. Dressing more professional also makes you look older / more mature. I've interviewed scholarship candidates for Fulbright and I've never thought "Wow, she/he looks overdressed" but on several occasions I've thought (or members of the committee have said outloud) "Did you know you were coming to an interview?" or "Are you taking this seriously?" I don't share that last part to be "scary" but rather because everyone has different standards / perspectives / expectations and so I think it is best to take the conservative route and avoid any confusion.

Rzilby, I'm sorry you're having such a tough time :/ I can completely empathize with all the "other stuff" you had to to do make it through college. Those "Waitlistings" should be encouraging though! That means professors have looked at your application and said, "She is capable of being a good clinician." If they didn't think you were, they wouldn't have given you that status. I know it sucks hardcore to be in limbo, but keep the faith! Have you tried to visit or call any of your waitlisted schools? That extra step could bump you up on the list! Express you renewed interest in the program. Explain that you're honored that they viewed your application as strong enough for admission if space opens up. Find a professor with similar research/population interests and try to talk about them with him/her (maybe read one of his/her articles first). I interviewed a now SLP named Treasyri who applied four cycles before getting in. She had to make sacrifices and fight hard, but now she is a licensed SLP helping change clients lives. The full interview is on my blog, but I attached this little graphic I made to show her process. Don't get discouraged yet! It's not over until you stop trying.

Hi Cowsy! I can understand the feeling of bitterness (I felt the same when I got waitlisted at NMSU) - but being on their "first-tier" waitlist means they definitely want you! There just isn't enough space. I know it sucks hardcore, but you have a good chance of getting off that list and getting into the program - don't throw it away! Anecdote time... I applied for a job as an RA in college and didn't get it... then a few weeks later I got a phone call saying they wanted to offer me a job because someone else turned it down! I accepted the job and it changed my entire college experience - I was a great RA, won some departmental awards, etc. It was a better of 1) sticking it to whoever decided I wasn't "first string" material and 2) a way of honoring and proving right the woman who had the faith in me to offer me the spot. If they offer you the spot (first round, second round, or third!) it means you deserve it. These clinical professors are thinking of the lives of all of your future clients, there is no way they'd even put you on a waitlist if they thought you wouldn't make a good/competent clinician. Is this school your top choice? Maybe you could call and tell them that if you were offered a spot, you'd definitely accept (if that's the case!) It might get you bumped up the waiting list. Just call and talk with faculty in general could help out your spot.

@Lunalulu2 Thanks for sharing! That is an interesting question. I'll definitely add it to my list.