JFFA

I went to the open house last year and the faculty explained. Basically, they send out an invite to everyone on their mailing list, so it is neither a good nor bad sign. They sound out rounds of acceptances even after they've had the open house. I think it's silly, but I was told there that there is not logical order to the date when you hear back if that puts you at ease (topic applicants are just as likely to hear back later as they are sooner).

I did a second bachelors at USU and currently attend a grad school. I found that the location/medium of my second bachelors (which just appears as any other bachelors, no indication of online or live) didn't really impact my applications. As long as you do well in your classes, the admissions commitee seems more interested in your first bachelors and just seeing that you have all the prereqs and did well in them.

Please don't limit yourself thinking there are only a handful of programs that accept three year track students. There are actually many. With your stats, you sound like a very competitive applicant to any program. Look into programs that interest you, and I suggest calling them because many schools have a three year track program but do not advertise it well (for example Iowa the currently number 1 ranked program). Best of luck!

Your stats are pretty impressive. Of course competition is high, but I wouldn't myself stress out too much especially when, in my opinion, taking the GREs and getting more in field experience would only marginally improve your already good looking profile. My main focus would be on just doing well in those last three courses and starting your graduate applications early (it's a really long and stressful process). My personal opinion (and I sure some will disagree with me) is that you really don't need a lot, if any, in field experience to be accepted. I didn't have any aside from observations (which I did through USU too!). Don't get me wrong, in field experience can't hurt you, and, especially for those with significant deficits in some other application aspects (ie GPA), I'm sure it can be very helpful in some cases. However, a strong academic record, which you appear to have, really seems to trump all the other components. I just don't think it would be worth putting yourself through trying to find and schedule opportunities if it is that case that it would cause you a lot of stress because the hardship just doesn't seem like it's proportional to the benefit it would give your application. If you want to take the GREs again, I wound't say you're crazy, but, again, it seems to me like you already have very strong scores for speech. Your verbal score is great and your quantitative and writing scores are both above average. If it helps, I had a 4.0 from USU, GREs scores of 166 verbal, 156 qaunt, 4.5 writing (pretty close to yours), and a 3.5 first BA (English major, math minor) and got into the majority of schools I applied to (some of them being considered at the top in terms of competitiveness). Not sure what you majored in or how competitive the range of schools is that you applied to, but it seems to me from the info you have given that you have a very good chance of being accepted. Wishing you the best of luck.

Yes. I used one in addition to two from my first BA (who knew me well in person). I got into the majority of the schools I applied to (9 out of 11, across a wide range of locations and rankings). My recommender was very organized and got the letters out quickly.I told her I got an A in two of her classes, and I asked if she could write a STRONG letter and she said yes (I really had no relationship with her besides taking and doing well in her class). I sent her things like my USU transcript, my previous transcript from my first undergrad, a sample of my undergrad thesis, and my SoP. Of course I cannot be sure, but I do believe she wrote me a strong letter of recommendation and, from my experience, it did not seem to hinder me at all (if anything it helped). Unless the program requires a different source, I strongly recommend going with three academic recommendations if you have the option as opposed to throwing in a one from a boss, etc. Just my personal opinion based on all programs I've communicated with (they want to see if you can succeed at grad level work and think that academic references are a good indicator).

NJ: Montclair State University note: At the open house they mentioned the three year track is actually easier (purely statistics wise) to get into because they have less students applying for a set number of seats they reserve for their three year track students

I ended up doing prereqs while applying, but didn't have them all completed by the time I applied. I also considered coming in no prereqs, so I looked into a lot of programs that didn't require any. There are really lots of programs (like the majority have some type of option) and many don't advertise well. I'd try an approach where you look into programs you might be interested in and then contact the program to see exactly what tracks they have. You will be surprised that many programs have either a three year track or prereqs that can be satisfied the summer prior to enrollment (and who require science, social science, stats, bio just to be completed prior to graduation).

I also don't mean to be condescending, but I do suggest you look into differentiating between CCC and the degrees granted by colleges/universities. Here's some info to help you start, but probably other websites will best explain it. No schools grant CCC-SLP or CCC-A. They are not degrees. As ASHA states, they mean you are "certified." They are certifications. CCC stands for "Certificate Clinical Competence" and is sometime referred to as your Cs. (So I would double check to see that you are understanding the program you mentioned correctly, because a school cannot grant you your Cs, only ASHA does that). A school, however, needs to help you apply for your Cs and one of several steps necessary to getting your Cs is gradating from an accredited institution and, therefore, getting a degree. If you go to a graduate program in SLP or audiology, the university will grant you a masters (M.A., M.S., and even M.Ed) in SLP or doctorate (Au.D) in audiology. It is very common that both programs in SLP and audiology are housed within the same department, so perhaps that is what you heard when the program was talking about CCC-A. Of course, theoretically you could get both degrees, but I, just personally, have never heard of a combined degree program. A fully fledged, so to speak, SLP or audiologist will have credentials such as: Jane Smith, M.S., CCC-SLP or Jane Smith, Au.D., CCC-A. This indicates they have both a graduate degree and are certified. I hope that helps. Again, don't mean to be condescending, but I think there are a few big misconceptions floating around. Hopefully this clears up some for you and others. Another big one that seems to be floating out there is that ASHA has one uniform set of guidelines as to what they accepted for their biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and the social/behavioral sciences requirements. It is the the graduate school who decides what to accept, and they sign off to ASHA when you apply for your Cs that you have fulfilled the requirement.

Some good topics to cover usually include regression, t-tests, and analysis of variance. I'm forgetting some other topics too, but my point it you most likely don't need to know the whole book, but definitely quite a bit more than just a bell curve if you want to be a good clinician because to be a good clinician you must be able to interpret research. In terms of understanding test results, percentiles and bell curves are key but in terms of research they won't do much good when trying to prove your argument. Basically, you want to understand statistics enough to determine if a methods/intervention/etc that was tested is really effective. Since evidence based practice is so stressed these days, it is vital to be able to analyze other's research and if conducting your own to determine if what you are trying is a valid practice (really effective).

http://www.asha.org/uploadedFiles/Demographic-Profile-Bilingual-Spanish-Service-Members.pdf From my understanding, it is a wonderful thing, but in actuality only a small percent of SLPs are bilingual (might very a little depending upon you definition) and an even smaller percent actually provide services in multiple languages. For those who do, the majority provide services in English and Spanish. I think it is a shame that more SLPs and people in general in the US do not speak multiple languages; however, in regards to your question I would say it absolutely not NECESSARY to speak multiple languages. Note, there is also a difference between identifying as speaking multiple languages and practicing/providing services in multiple languages. That is not to say that it does not help either in terms of admission, jobs, and other personal aspects of life to learn another language. It does, some schools have special bilingual focus and some area especially are looking for bilingual SLPs. I'd think of it more as something viewed as a bonus not a handicap, and not speaking another language does not means at all that you will have a particularly hard time getting into graduate school or getting a job. Bottom line is it's great, but not necessary and sadly the majority of clinicians are do not provide services in multiple languages.

Probably you will get a lot of different answers that all have their merits, but as a very very loose guideline, at or above a the 50th percentile is a good mark aim for if you are looking to be taken seriously (ie not thrown out simple due to your scores without any consideration) at a broad range of schools. Since the 50th percentile can be seen as the average, by scoring at it or above it you will be seen as scoring at the mid range of all students who took it or as better than the majority/ half the students who took it. To my understanding, the scaled score will not change since it reflects the number of correct answers, but the percentile might vary very slightly over a long period of time as more students take the test and at different times so the norms change a little.However, the change is so small I think it makes little difference (for example, I got a scaled score of 156 on the quantitative section and over the course of a year the percentile shifted from the 65th to the 64th.) 5 is a great score on the writing (actually the 93rd percentile), and I wouldn't be too concerned if you score below even if you want to be competitive at top schools. I had a 4.5 and got into schools that were ranked highly (not that that means anything in particular). Probably below a 4, the 56th percentile, (the next would be a 3.5 at the 38th percentile) would be worrisome, but still okay at certain schools if you had strong other components. If you are looking not just to be considered, but more competitive at more competitive schools, a good (but again very loose) rule is above the 75th percentile (in the top quarter of those who took the exam). And of course, year of application, individual school, other application strengths and weaknesses and certainly field/type of program all play a role in what is considered decent to very competitive to each individual.

Scores are self reported by the schools to ASHA. Remember the scores listed don't necessarily directly correlate to competitive but can give you a good idea. The scores listed (assuming the have been both reported and entered in correctly) should represent the range of scores of admitted students (so 148 is the lowest verbal reasoning score admitted and 157 is the highest). It is entirely possible and probable that many students with above a 148 were not accepted and perhaps on a different year someone with below a 148 was admitted. It is a great place to start to get a good idea of the type of applicants they accept, but don't get too caught up on the numbers because you have no idea about the other qualities that application had. 148 does seem on the low side, but remember that it is the lowest reported score of acceptance, the mean is likely far above and something about that applicant could really have stood out. So (again assuming 148 is correct) if you have around 148, you could probably take away from this data that your score does not automatically mean you will be rejected, but it would be a reach school. If you thought the other factors in your application were really strong (ie 4.0 gpa) it would probably be a good choice to apply to but by no means a sure thing. On the other hand, say you had a 160 and strong other components, this school would probably be a very good change for an acceptance (but, of course, nothing is certain). If you doubt the accuracy, I'd try checking the the program's information to see if they list stats or contact them directly. Stats also change each year and might not be updated accordingly.

Please, kindly disregard my post then. This is the first time I started a topic, and I was watching TV when writing it and not paying too much attention. Just wanted to share some advice and good news. However, I've clearly only pissed people off with my poor lazy grammar. Sadly, I'm too lazy to go back and edit it. While I completely agree that poor grammar is a pain, you might want to go back and edit some of your older posts, your poor manners are a pain to read.

Just wanted to share a bit of advice. If you haven't been offered an graduate assistantship from your own department, look to other departments. A lot of times they are looking for students and even know slp students are hard workers so may favor them. I see a lot of posts about choosing a dream school versus one that has offered you a scholarship/assistantship but is local/ not your top choice. I went through this debate myself and ended up choosing my dream school. I decided that even if I didn't get any money, for me, personally, it was worth it. However, I also I thought might as well apply to anything I could find (GAs, TAs, RAs, etc) because I had nothing to loose. I ended up getting an assistantship from another department which covers tuition and gives a stipend. Obviously it was a gamble, so I decided based on the assumption I would not get anything. But it my point it just that just if you don't originally get offered anything, there is a real chance you could get something substantial later. The department told me that they frequently hire SLP students because they have had good past experiences with them. Even if departments don't advertise, dig around, ask a lot of people because I the worse that you can hear is not and they you're just back were you started. Hope that helps someone.

Honestly, I think you would be better of simple being open with your professors. Something like "I am applying to graduate school. I had you a few years ago, enjoyed your class and got a grade of --, would you be willing to write me a good letter of recommendation? I don't know if you remember me but I can provide examples of my best work, cv, transcript, etc. Is there anything I could or should do to make the letter more personal?" Student are often very shy about asking for letter of rec but you situation is actually quite common and professors most likely are very familiar with it. It is part of their job to mentor and yes, provide letter of rec to students. However, if you are really set on retaking a course consider the following: 1. Can you audit it? (sit in and participate but not get credit nor pay tuition, maybe a small fee depending upon unveristy) 2. If you already graduated you will likely have to reapply/go through some process even if its not to become a fully matriculated undergrad 3. Often if you retake a course, you must petition and obtain written permission from an adviser to enroll, usually students argue why the will succeed the second time, arguing that you want to get to better know a prof for a letter of recommendation when you already graduated and got a B+ is likely not a great argument (but I'm not saying they won't allow you) 4. Considering the money/time do you think the time investment is equal to the pay off? I honestly think it would be better to start off by simple asking a prof for a letter of recommendation, you can follow up or in the original message ask if they think it would help them write one if you retook the class 5. Does your department have an advisor? Can you reach out to them with this question and see that he/she thinks? Just my input, hope it helps, best of luck and do what feel right for you

Looks like I was wrong, sorry, but yay for you! Just to clarify. Aside from the prereq programs mentioned above, there are many programs that accept students to their masters program with no background but it is indeed an extended program (usually 3 or more years). However, I'm not sure this is what you were thinking of. If you apply and are accepted to these programs, you will have been accepted to a masters program and are a matriculated graduate student while taking your leveling courses, so your not really "guaranteed a spot," you are simple already in the masters program from the start. I think this route, like any, has some great advantages and some downsides. Some people think it is easier to get into three year extended masters programs, some think it is harder. It probably depends on each program and your situation (for example, at Montclair State University (NJ), statistic wise, it is easier to get into its three year extended program-mentioned at open house). Just a note, in terms of money, the extended masters program will probably (but maybe not) cost more because you will usually be charged graduate level tuition for your leveling classes. There are many of these extended masters programs out there, and some are not advertised well so ask each school if they have one even if it is not posted on their website/literature if it's something you are interested it. If you do apply, it will be just like any graduate school application process. These three year programs are far more common than programs with leveling classes were you get a postbacc/certificate/take as a non degree seeking student who will guarantee you a spot, but as people pointed out above, they do seem to exist!

You can take your ASHA requirements in the summer after applying to grad school. I did and found it didn't effect my acceptance, but to be sure check with each school. However, it can actually be helpful if you complete them prior and do well because good grades especially in a hard science (ex physics/chem) look great on a transcript even though they are not directly SLP related. I from jersey but only applied one school in the state, Montclair. They accepted me (though I picked another school) without finishing all my ASHA requirements or the second bachelors from USU ( I had 8 classes done at the time). I also hear they are one of the very few school where it is easier (simple statistics wise: less applicants/more spots) to get into if you come in with NO prereqs because they have to reserve seats for their three year students so their prereq classes can run. I've heard William Patterson is quite disorganized in regards to their application process and their department faculty, but not personally a grad student in their program so don't wanna give them a bad rep without personal experience, just passing on word of mouth. Other than that I don't know too much about other Jersey schools, sadly we're a little limited. Def reach out to faculty as a prospective student, it's in their job description to reply/promote their department as daunting as it might seem to some students. Hope that helps a little. Best of luck! ps. some schools do accept AP for some asha requirements, some do not, if in doubt ask each school before hand, they will tell you. Like mentioned above, also check credit and grade requirements (some schools are C some B, and prob a few other school have even different cut offs), and even possible course titles they will accept. I got a course entitled "society and gender in science and engineering" to count as my ASHA social science course even though in my opinion it is not a social science course. On the other hand, some school might by picky about what they consider to fulfill other ASHA requirements, the very same school has very rigid guidelines for the stats course it accepts and wouldn't accept something like a stats 101 course for the ASHA requirement"

I don't think they exist, but could be wrong. I do know that while some programs will not automatically accept you nor even give you significant advantage, they do, in a sense, "like" their own students. For example, USU always invites its undergrad comd students with a high average to apply in a mass email they send out automatically to students with a particular GPA cut off (around 3.5 I think). This guarantees nothing (students who are invited can be rejected, think of it more as a marketing/advertising thing), but does show that they are trying to recruit first pick of the top of their top students (they want their star students to go to their grad school as opposed to other grad schools). But of course, you have to be a strong applicant as with any other program. I think it also shows they have confidence in their own program and feel like they might be able to better evaluate course work on transcripts in the sense that they know exactly what a grade in their class means as opposed to an unknown school. I got invited to apply, interviewed, accepted, and offered essential tuition remission in exchange for some work by USU and attended their for my second bachelors. So in summary, no, I don't know of any schools which do this, but you may gain some slight advantage at some schools if you attend their undergrad classes and are an outstanding student not because of pure favoritism, but because the committee feels comfortable with evaluating your credentials so you can be more confident at that school than with others that your application will be give the correct value and consideration it deserves.

Yes, I used one from USU online and two from my previous bachelors and got into 9/11 schools. Schools have no way to know if they are online or not. Remember these profs also teach on campus and write letters for those students they teach in person. As long as the relationship is good (you got a good grade), the letter should be just the same quality as if any other prof wrote it. USU has a good rep in the SLP grad school circle. Simple ask the professor if he/she would be willing to write you a STRONG letter of recommendation? Profs will usually be very up front about the caliber of letter they can/will write you. Profs often asks for and it's a good idea to send things like resumes/cvs, lists of activities, personal statements, samples of work (ex papers, projects) so profs can personalize it.

They asked me things like: tell me about yourself, why do you want to go to our school, what are you looking for in a clinical supervisor, if this happened what would you do, do you have any questions for the school ( I feel like it is always good to have a few questions because it shows you are prepared, have done research, and are really interested). I never got any content questions like what is (I've heard a few people do, but I think it's not the norm, and honestly a little stupid). In general, I think they are looking to see what kind of person you are (especially in a clinical setting) and why you are really interested in their school. Best not to worry too much, just do a little prep (maybe like half an hour to an hour) writing down possible answers, questions, etc and you will be fine! It always good to test out your webcam before hand if you are doing it via internet (check to see how you appear and make sure you don't have anything too distracting/inappropriate in the background) and make sure you have any documents you might want easily at hand (resume, list of questions, list of possible answers). It's also perfectly acceptable to ask them about their admission process time frame at the end of the interview, they should tell you.

Some schools do allow you to appeal an admission decision through an official process, but it is usually not advertised. I don't know how common it is in terms of schools (technically I think you should be allowed to appeal any official decision by a school, but they can simple say no), but as for the individual school (William Paterson) I know if it is fairly rare that students appeal, but decisions do get overturned every now and again. Technically, you should only appeal if you have new information to add to you application (ei. GRE scores were not reported correctly, a grade was over turned), but I know some students don't have this type of new information and simple give further reason why they think they should be admitted. I would say this appeal process is ethical because technically all students can appeal and it is for when new information can be added to an application. As for simple talking to a professor and being admitted after without a formal process open to all, I don't think that is ethical, but I'm sure ti happens more than we would like and not just in SLP graduate admission but other admissions, jobs, and life in general. It's just human nature to be a little biased and harder to say no when talking face to face. Sometimes it can pay to be persistent. Unfortunately there's nothing you can really do as an applicant about these situations. It definitely seems unfair, but if students work hard and put time in their application process, I believe, or at least would like to believe, general those students get rewarded far more that the few cases of nepotism.

I'm glad you gave your perspective, I realize people have different experiences. My personal one completely causes me to disagree, but I respect that others have different opinions. I think the poster should just have all different perspectives. Go ahead and disagree with my disagreement, all perspectives show something : )

USU posts a list of grad schools their grads got into, check it out http://comd.usu.edu/htm/online-programs/graduation-15/2015-graduates/

"Even students with post-baccs are limited in places they can apply." Must strongly disagree with this based on personal experience. Didn't find a school I wanted to apply to that I could not. I was in the process of completing a post bacc when I applied. I applied to eleven schools all across the country, well known and not well known at all, from #1 to #154. Got into 9/11 including #1 and #154. FYI both also had three year programs. Pros and cons to whatever you decide, but to say it is absolutely a waste and a no brainier to transfer I do not agree with, especially if finance at your current school is not a problem. Being happy and successful at your school is invaluable to both your application and simply your personal growth. Wouldn't change my college major for anything and I honestly don't think I would have gotten as good an education if I had been a com dis major. College is also a time to simple broaden your educational and personal development not just a path to getting into grad school. Do not sell yourself short of a wonderful experience just because someone says you must have a comm dis major. Again not saying you shouldn't transfer and decide to pursue a com dis major, but just that all paths have pros and cons and it's not at all a cut and dry. Many many paths will get you were you want to go! Choose a path were you will be happy and successful and grow as a person. You will be a better clinician for it too!

Don't stress, I know it's easier said than done, but really as long as you keep your grades up you will be fine. It is not hard to be an out of field applicant (out of field applicant speaking, will be starting grad school in the fall, hadn't completed all prereqs prior to applying). Many slp departments have three year programs that they do not advertise, so look into that. Also be aware that you do not need to finish all your prereqs by the time your undergrad degree is done. Only before you start grad school (consider the summer after you graduate college). Some even allow one or two outstanding that you can take during your first grad school semester. This forum is a great place to start but also try asking the departments directly for a better idea on your chances and what they want if you are concerned. Do not be intimidated by faculty, it's part of their job. For a few, (not many) with big three year programs, it can actually be an advantage to come without any background because the department needs their prereq classes to run so need students (montclair state is an example) You could also take prereqs during the summer through an online programs as a non matriculated student. Honestly, I completely disagree about taking time off from undergrad. Get it done, study very had, and have fun being in college! Super high grades in any major will make you a highly competitive applicant. Far better to get high grades with a different major, than low grades in comm dis. Consider shadowing an SLP. You are young with plenty of time to gain even more passion for the field or perhaps even decide you want to pursue a different career. Many many students apply with out of field majors and many of those without any prereqs at the time of their application. My roommate was just accepted to a top 5 school and is completing the prereqs over the summer. She had none when applying. Honestly, I think it is a huge misconception that you being out of field puts you at a disadvantage. Maybe it is true for a handful of schools, but in general, it is not. It is a huge advantage that you know you want to pursue SLP now just in terms of motivation and direction. My advice, for what it is worth, is go to the school you are happy with and will do well at. Just focus on keeping those grades as high as humanly possible. Above all (major, passion, volunteer, infield experience), this will get you into slp grad school. The huge plus to majoring out of field is that you will gain a rounded education and if you decide slp is not for you, you have other options. Honestly, those who do have a comm dis major and do not go to grad school have limited employment prospects compared to other majors. Take time to look deeper into the field to be sure you really want to pursue it (talk to/shadow an SLPs in multiple setting). Finally, look at grad schools that might be a good fit, contact them to find out about their requirements, and look into ways you can complete the prereqs prior to the start of your first grad school semester.Absolutely no need to take time off from school, nor give up on the career. You will be fine!