dude_diligence_
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Posts posted by dude_diligence_
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Hey Amanda, if you haven’t tried it already, the SLP subreddit appears to be pretty active with both students and professionals. You might receive more responses from clinicians over there.
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14 hours ago, tconnection360 said:
15 month or 24 month program?
24-month program
I declined this morning. Dr. Boles never responded to my question about financial aid. It would have been nice to consider what were my options in terms of making the program somewhat affordable.
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13 minutes ago, tconnection360 said:
Who was it that contacted you at UOP?
Dr. Boles, the Director. He still hasn't returned my email though regarding potential financial aid.
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Last Friday I received a call and an offer of admission from UOP. I’m assuming some spots have opened up in their cohort since I was initially wait-listed and then rejected a few weeks ago
haha before being admitted. I’m looking into what kind of financial aid package I’d be eligible for (if any) but will most likely be declining. Hopefully this will help anyone who is/was on the Pacific waiting list!
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Hey @would-be, I can speak to your fourth question regarding 3-year SLP programs. They do exist but they seem a bit rare. I’ll be starting one at Duquesne in the fall. Duquesne offers a 5-year M.S. in SLP program for its undergrad students (3 years of undergrad and 2 years of grad school as opposed to the 4 and 2 model) and allows recent graduates who are out-of-field and from other universities to join the course of study through a Post-Bacc Program.
My first two semesters will be leveling classes as well as specific courses for the Pennsylvania Department of Education certification as a Teacher of the Speech and Language Impaired (which is a nice thing to have built into the program). I’ve never tried distance education before so I wanted to stick with formal classroom learning instead of going for online courses. After the first year, I’ll transition automatically into the grad program without having to reapply (definitely a plus). Another perk is being able to already engage in graduate research during the Post-Bacc year at the different SLP labs. Let me know if you have any other questions!
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15 hours ago, Alyspeechie said:
Hi everyone, I am considering applying to a TCU and ACU next cycle. However, they and some other schools I am interested in are private Christian schools. I am not Christian and don't know what to expect. However, these schools are within my GPA and GRE score range. Does it matter in this field where you go to grad school? How is the quality of education at private Christian schools? Are you expected to learn about the faith in your coursework? Any input would be helpful!!
I would say that the religiosity of a Christian university manifests itself differently depending on the group that founded the institution. Most places are usually divided into two camps: those that actively foster a spiritual atmosphere (e.g., campus chapels, theology courses) and those that treat their religious dimensions like vestigial organs (nice to have but not necessarily central to their mission). From a denominational perspective, Catholic universities tend to operate differently than say Protestant bible colleges. Since the caliber of a university depends on a variety of factors, not all Christian universities offer the same quality education per se so they all can’t really be lumped together.
From my undergrad experience at Notre Dame, I came to see the value of a holistic approach to education, a sort of spiritual uniformity of academia with curricula and research aimed at and ordered to a common Truth (my Philosophy major is probably showing haha). Of course, not everyone at ND is religious (which is most likely the case at other faith-based universities) so you can still come to appreciate the diversity of perspectives regardless of the spiritual atmosphere (which doesn’t necessarily have to be a hindrance either way). Every applicant is different so that’s why selecting a grad program with the right fit is pretty important.
@EESpeechie, yeah, I never got the impression that SMC was overly religious. While things like dorm/Basilica Masses or trips to the Grotto are common at ND and SMC, everyone is pretty much able to participate if they choose. It’s definitely pressure free.
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1 hour ago, kpm121 said:
@pdelacru Hi! My uncle is the Dean of Admissions for a college in NYC and he has given me an insight on how diversity weighs on admission decisions in SLP. Depending on your location, a diverse cohort is an important factor. The admissions committee assumes that you will pursue a career in the same state you received your certification. With that being said, places like NYC are very diverse, which in return, requires a diverse group of professionals. The ability to identify and empathize with a culture is a very important skill to have and unfortunately, some people do not have those skills. Therefore, finding people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds who can relate to their clients and families is a deciding factor as well. Granted, it is not as important as your GRE's, SOP's and GPA, it can still help boost your application.
Definitely a good insight, @kpm121. I imagine that cross-cultural competency would be helpful for any allied health professional. Studying abroad or volunteering in ethnic neighborhoods (even an upbringing in a cosmopolitan area) can cultivate a nice appreciation for diversity. I think people tend to limit the phrase “diverse applicants” to just underrepresented minorities but I think the category should include anyone with intercultural experience or sentiments.
You also bring up a good point on the fact that universities, while understanding that we benefit from undergoing their programs, also want to admit people who can contribute different perspectives/skills to the rest of the campus community since a cookie-cutter cohort would be a bit boring
It would be interesting to see which programs operate with an open definition of diversity (e.g., taking into account socioeconomic status, international experiences, etc.) as opposed to one strictly based on ethnicity/race.
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Thanks for the responses @Jeff Barton. While I definitely agree that individuals ought to earn their way into programs, I do believe that universities also place great weight on whether applicants can contribute fresh perspectives and a diversity of experiences (that was my impression during my internship with the Enrollment Division at Notre Dame). I think that out-of-field applicants in particular can share an interdisciplinary approach to CSD study. I know that my undergrad background in French and Portuguese will definitely inform my research interest in Francophone/Lusophone populations in the same way that Philosophy sheds a bit of light on the role of language in knowledge formation. I imagine that the liberal arts (not just hard sciences) can also be helpful for future clinicians.
When you wrote that you had been on both sides of the table I thought you meant you had worked in Admissions
I appreciate the offer for application help, though, but I'm actually already headed to a grad program this fall. I agree that the application process itself was pretty complicated (looking at you CSDCAS haha). Are you considering pursuing a PhD after the MS?
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2 minutes ago, flapjackal said:
As I understood it, post-bacc refers most often to an extra year of classes without the guarantee that you will continue on in the graduate program at the school. Levelers do not need to reapply in their program or anywhere else; their program just takes longer to complete. 3-year programs are also usually covered by financial aid/federal loans since you're technically a graduate student. Options are more limited for post-bac programs.
Ah, that makes sense. I guess programs use them differently. DU maintains a Post-Bacc option for leveling courses and then seamless entrance into the graduate cohort (the majority of whom have already been at DU as undergrads and so only a few are from other universities).
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2 hours ago, RMott said:
@carathestudent As an out-of-fielder who just completed the Fall 2016 season, I would say that you should definitely apply to leveler programs if you have a strong GPA and GRE scores. This blog often makes it seem like the only route is post bacc and that leveler programs are impossible to get into but that's definitely not true. My fiance and I are both out of field students with zero direct SLP experience. We both had good GPAs and great GRE scores and we had experience working with children through internships but neither of our experiences related to SLP. In our personal statements we found ways to talk about how our experiences in our internships with children could help us with the SLP program but all of the schools we applied to knew we didn't have direct experience. Despite all this, we both got into pretty much all of our schools. My fiance has gotten into 5/6 and is still waiting on one and I've gotten into 5/6 and waitlisted to one, and we both got assistantship offers to multiple schools. I know a lot of posts on this site make it seem like you have to do a post bacc because leveler programs are super hard to get into, but don't completely dismiss it. Look into the leveler programs and find those that work for you and compare your stats to the people who get into that school. I think a post bacc program or two might be a good idea as a backup but it's completely possible to get into a leveling program without direct experience so long as you have good GPA, GRE and extracurriculars so stay positive!
I always thought the terms “Post-Bacc” and “leveling” were used interchangeably (both of which are distinct from earning a 2nd bachelor’s degree). In my program, they phrase it as the Pre-Professional (in which recent grads take the leveling courses) and Professional phases, which is made a little more confusing since DU has a 5 year combined SLP undergrad/grad program so technically I’ll be a Post-Bacc student as well as a 3rd year
(reliving junior year I suppose haha).
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I’ll be starting the Post-Bac phase of the SLP program at Duquesne this upcoming fall. I was an out-of-field applicant too (French and Philosophy) and so was fairly limited by where I could apply. Duquesne’s setup is nice since it allows Post-Bac students to automatically matriculate to the grad program after successful completion of required coursework. Other Post-Bac programs either do not offer a graduate level or ask students to re-apply to the university’s grad program (which is a hassle I didn’t want to endure twice haha).
In any case, I think you should apply directly to programs that are open to those without an undergraduate degree in CSD or dive into some leveling courses instead of becoming an SLPA.
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This is great advice, especially in regards to being genuine and original in the SOP for each program.
I know these are topics that may have been discussed before in the forum but I was interested in what you might have to say about the following (granted that each applicant and program is unique) :
How do out-of-field applicants usually fare when compared to traditional CSD major applicants? Is it an advantage to come from a different discipline?
Do SLP grad programs place any particular consideration for diversity (e.g., underrepresented ethnicities, males, etc.) in their admission decisions?
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9 minutes ago, kaitlynlea said:
I know it would make sense that Fulbright would strengthen my grad school application in the future, but I also have to factor in that I'm already a year behind. I studied and worked abroad for 1.5 years already, so It doesn't feel like I'd be missing out on a once in a lifetime thing. Part of me wants to go because I love living there, but a bigger part of me knows I really don't want to be a teacher.
It sounds to me like you have already made a decision at least on some level. I guess you’ll have to reevaluate your motivation for applying for the Fulbright ETA, especially since you have had international experiences and don’t necessarily want to pursue a teaching career (I had mentioned my SLP plans in my application). If your heart really isn’t into it, it might be nice to allow someone else to enjoy the fruits of a Fulbright year. Otherwise, you may end up regretting giving up the opportunity to go to Vandy (even though you still might have a chance at getting in again for the next admission cycle).
Also, you’re not necessarily a year behind. Everyone goes at their own pace so it’s no use rushing into things. Instead, you probably are a year ahead of others who don’t have extensive travel or work experience.
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First off, congratulations! I'm an Alternate for the Fulbright ETA in Andorra but I'm just happy I made it this far haha. Since I had been thinking about what I would do if I was in a similar situation, I would recommend pursuing the option that will best help you achieve any goals you might have.
There's no question that both the ETA and Vanderbilt SLP will offer formative experiences but in different ways.
The Fulbright ETA will be a memorable year for you, no question. Not only will it look good if you choose to work in academia but it’ll also develop your language skills and cultural awareness through traveling and teaching in your capacity as a representative of the U.S. Two of my friends are currently completing Fulbright years (one in research and the other on an ETA) and they have enjoyed their time so far.
If you choose the ETA (definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience), I’m sure your application can only get stronger for Vanderbilt and other programs. There’s truly no downside as long as you view the decision in light of good discernment. Whichever option you select, you will still have the potential to become a good clinician and so you’re not missing out
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1. Why did you choose the program you're going to? What really sold it for you?
During my visit to Duquesne this past weekend, I was able to speak with two grad students and a professor about the University in general and the program in particular. I initially applied because I wanted an environment that reflected the same ideals I came to appreciate as an undergrad: a strong sense of community, a holistic education founded upon Catholic social teaching, and a diversity of research opportunities. What really sold the program, though, was that the interactions between the students and faculty were really personable and supportive. They were nice enough to schedule a weekend visit since I had to fly from Chicago after work. I’m also excited that there are flexible opportunities for research assistantships (there’s a lot of cool studies going on right now) because I’m hoping to write a thesis. The close proximity to Pitt will be nice for potentially checking out the clinical doctorate program over there as well.
2. How many schools did you apply to?
I applied to four since I’m an out-of-field applicant (they seemed interested in how I arrived at SLP from my French/Philo major and current finance work). Duquesne sent out its admission decisions pretty early on in March so that was good for not prolonging the waiting game.
3. If you haven't decided, what is going to be the factor that pushes you to decide?
I’ve pretty much decided on Duquesne. Since I made it to the semi-finals for a Fulbright ETA, I wanted to wait for a potential promotion from alternate to principal status but understand the chances are slim at this point. I am looking forward to moving to Pittsburgh, which is definitely a step up from South Bend haha
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1 hour ago, esopha said:1 hour ago, flapjackal said:
I thought that the graduate school rankings depend only on peer reviews from other departments? I don't see how a decrease in acceptance rates would lead to a higher ranking in that case. For example, Purdue accepts around ~20% of their applicants and has consistently been ranked highly. Looks like it may have to do more with research reputation and other things that academics care about. Granted, the wider university rankings on US News take into account retention, acceptance rates, alumni giving rates etc.
I just wonder how much all of this really matters for those considering getting a PhD. What is the point at which not attending a program of a certain ranking can hurt an application? Top 10? 15? 50?
Oh interesting, you're right. It's different for other programs, but it looks like for health-related ones (at least SLP/OT/PT and similar) it's just up to the deans of departments.
Yeah, I think that peer opinion has a lot to do with the rankings, especially in terms of historical prestige. From what I’ve read, it seems like the field of SLP was largely pioneered by scholars from the Midwest and East Coast, regions in which many universities developed clinics and research programs to advance the profession. Here’s an interesting history regarding the beginnings of ASHA.
I would assume that higher-ranked programs have more established research opportunities and would thereby encourage a greater output of potential PhD candidates.
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4 minutes ago, ThatSpeechGuy said:
Is your personal statement on the list of uploads or received materials? I am really concerned that is affecting my application somehow. I don't see mine.
Mine isn't but I'm sure that's just a platform choice on their part (they probably received our personal statements but they just don't show up). The results page was updated a few minutes ago with someone who was waitlisted. Maybe Vandy is sending wait list notifications now?
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3 minutes ago, ThatSpeechGuy said:
I haven't gotten an email about my portal from Vanderbilt and it hasn't changed either so it's safe to say I haven't gotten in. It was a long shot, so I am not super surprised.
What at has me concerned is that when I look at my portal is says submitted but it doesn't have my SOP in the uploads section. I swear I have checked it a billion times and never noticed it being missing before. I hope it didn't impact my application.
I’m assuming the same thing (still waiting for a notification). I’ve been refreshing my email for the last hour haha.
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1 minute ago, EESpeechie said:
Yeah, Pacific would be awesome. I grew up in Stockton and attended an information session a few months ago. It would be great to attend a program close to home.
I have a few friends who went to SMC and others who are returning to Notre Dame for graduate school (I'm pretty jealous since I miss the area!
)
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On 3/2/2016 at 9:52 AM, EESpeechie said:
I talked to UoP yesterday, and the woman said that they won't send out decisions until April! I hope they get them done earlier than that though.
Yeah, I hope they send them out earlier too (maybe late March at least).
I see you applied to St. Mary's College. It's a great school. If you end up getting accepted there, I'd be happy to tell you more about the local area and the campus dynamic between ND, SMC, and HCC. I would have wanted to apply but it doesn't look like the SMC program is available to out-of-field applicants. It would have been nice to be one of the first male alumni of the program though!
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Thanks for the advice. I've spoken to some people who know about the university already but I think I'll make a quick visit in order to get a better perspective of campus. I was hoping there would at least be a few Duquesne students/alumni on GradCafe haha but it doesn't look like it.
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Hey everyone,
I know it's beginning to look a lot like admission decisions season so I just wanted to ask whether anyone else was accepted to Duquesne's Post-Baccalaureate Program? I would also be interested in hearing from any Duquesne alumni or individuals familiar with either the University, the SLP program, or just other aspects of student life (e.g., extracurriculars, the city, etc.).
I am pretty excited about the opportunity to attend, especially since Post-Bacc students automatically transition into the M.S. stage of the program, as well as because of the wide variety of specialty clinics within the department. Outside of SLP, I also applied to Duquesne because it's a Catholic college so I'm hoping there'll be a lot of opportunities for community service and campus ministry.
Thanks!
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13 hours ago, BlueberryScone22 said:
Has anyone else applied to both Fulbright and graduate school for the same year? I am very shocked to have been accepted into my first choice school, and also to be a Fulbright research semi-finalist. I'm going to speak with MIT about my situation soon, but am wondering if anyone has thoughts on this matter. I think they will let me defer, but it seems doubtful that I'll hear if I'm awarded the grant before the April 15th deadline. And in a way I might be more excited about MIT than Fulbright, but deferring wouldn't take away the opportunity. This is the best kind of problem to possibly have and I am truly overwhelmed! All thoughts welcome.
Congrats on the acceptance! I also applied to grad programs during this cycle in addition to the Fulbright. I think it's safe to say that our programs would grant us deferrals should we receive a Fulbright grant (fingers crossed!) From what I've been told, universities are pretty accommodating regarding academic fellowships.
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16 hours ago, Dilemma1 said:
I added a line above Argentina so you can fill it in!
Thanks!
Fulbright 2016 - 2017
in The Bank
Posted
I was just notified this morning about my acceptance into the Fulbright ETA in Andorra. I was previously an Alternate and apparently a new available space opened up at the last minute. It's a lot to digest, especially since I've already started leveling coursework within a graduate program (I couldn't stop thinking about it in class today haha). I'm hoping to make the best decision (whether to accept or decline) by Monday. Are there any other Fulbrighters headed to Andorra on here?