mbennett

Like some people have mentioned, just try to get some experience or observe some professionals in the field so that you can build up some type of network in the industry. Whether you try to get an ABA therapy job or you try to get an externship or job shadow someone - whatever you can find and what you're most comfortable with. Networking is not my favorite thing, but it really helps. Some programs offer externships and fieldwork opportunities to gain clinical hours and to gain practical experience while you're still a student, like this one: http://www.progressustherapy.com/university-students/start-your-career There are different options out there, depending on what type of experience you're looking for. Most of them don't require any prior experience, so it's a great way to get your foot in the door.

Yes, I definitely agree. If you let your professor know what's going on with the situation, he/she should judge fairly. I've been in situations in the past where group members weren't doing their share of the work or they didn't put much effort into it, and my professors were always good about judging/grading all of the group members accordingly. You shouldn't get in trouble if someone else is plagiarizing.

I agree, that is important to consider. But at the same time, once you've been working in your field for a few years, your work experience carries way more weight than where you went to school. I know this is more about undergrad than grad school, but here's an interesting Washington Post article on the subject: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2015/03/16/forget-harvard-and-stanford-it-really-doesnt-matter-where-you-go-to-college/ I think the degree and your grades, etc., carry a bit more weight than where you actually went to school, in the majority of situations. I know there are still some places where the school does matter, but generally speaking.

I've wondered this, too. Most people I've discussed this with said that with undergrad, unless you're attending an Ivy League, the school doesn't matter as much as your achievements, grades, etc. However, no one really has answers when it comes to grad schools. Personally, I'd like to think that the school doesn't matter as much as your degree, grades, achievements, etc. It may depend on whether the schools you're looking at for M.P.P have preferred school they choose candidates from.

I agree, being an SLPA gives you a ton of hands on experience to help you prepare for your career. And it can be a rewarding career if you don't want to continue on to grad school. Many positions also offer competitive pay and full benefits, which is huge when preparing for or going through grad school (trust me). This is one job search site that I've noticed consistently has SLPA positions open: http://www.progressustherapy.com/browse-jobs/speech-language-pathology to give you an idea of some of the perks but I'm sure there are more out there.

I agree with your comments about Seattle. I have a couple of friends who moved from Chicago to Seattle without a car, and they have no problem getting around. If you're concerned about transportation in the city and you prefer trains, just try to find a place near a train stop, and you'll be good to go for getting around most places.