Gkj _ Speech

This isn't academic exactly, but I'm glad someone gave me this advise anyway. 
If you're at all interested in counseling services, do it. Call the student health center over the summer and ask when their mental health services department will begin making their schedule for fall. Ask to be put on a waitlist if needed. Just get in EARLY. My biggest issue this past year hasn't been class, but dealing with all the personal stuff that made class and clinic that much harder. I don't have any diagnoses (depression, sdhd, anxiett, etc), but found individual therapy and support groups really helpful. Sometimes you just need to let out all your stress to someone who will listen, respond productively, and help you move past whatever is making life tough for you. No matter how big or small the problem seems to you!

This isn't academic exactly, but I'm glad someone gave me this advise anyway. 
If you're at all interested in counseling services, do it. Call the student health center over the summer and ask when their mental health services department will begin making their schedule for fall. Ask to be put on a waitlist if needed. Just get in EARLY. My biggest issue this past year hasn't been class, but dealing with all the personal stuff that made class and clinic that much harder. I don't have any diagnoses (depression, sdhd, anxiett, etc), but found individual therapy and support groups really helpful. Sometimes you just need to let out all your stress to someone who will listen, respond productively, and help you move past whatever is making life tough for you. No matter how big or small the problem seems to you!

This isn't academic exactly, but I'm glad someone gave me this advise anyway. 
If you're at all interested in counseling services, do it. Call the student health center over the summer and ask when their mental health services department will begin making their schedule for fall. Ask to be put on a waitlist if needed. Just get in EARLY. My biggest issue this past year hasn't been class, but dealing with all the personal stuff that made class and clinic that much harder. I don't have any diagnoses (depression, sdhd, anxiett, etc), but found individual therapy and support groups really helpful. Sometimes you just need to let out all your stress to someone who will listen, respond productively, and help you move past whatever is making life tough for you. No matter how big or small the problem seems to you!

1. Some sort of planning system, whether it's a physical planner or on your phone/computer. There are so many moving pieces in grad school that I can't imagine not using a planner--I'd probably forget about half my deadlines! And this is coming from someone who NEVER used a planner before grad school!
2. A working laptop. Pretty much everyone in my cohort brings their laptop to school every day to take notes or just do work.  It does NOT have to be fancy, just something that is fairly portable and not likely to break down anytime soon, ideally with a decent battery life. If you already have a nice computer, then that's fine, but don't feel like you have to get the latest MacBook Air or anything that will wreck your budget!
3. A clipboard with storage. Mine has enough room to hold miscellaneous papers for 2-3 clients at a time, my audio recorder, and a couple pens. 
4. An audio recorder that ISN'T your phone. Seriously. Most people just use their phone as an audio backup, but some people have had trouble with their phones stopping part-way through if they also decide to record video or use a phone app during the session. I have this audio recorder here:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XFTWCBJ/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and I absolutely adore it. The sound quality is excellent and it has a USB drive so I can download files onto my computer.
5. Nice pens! You'll be doing a lot of writing, so you might as well use pens that make you happy. I'm partial to Pentel Energels.
6. A lot of people will say a laminator. Honestly, so far I haven't seen the need for it. I've used self-adhesive laminating sheets for the few things I've needed laminated, so I don't think a laminator would have been worth it for me. Also, some schools have a laminator for student use, so I would double-check before you buy anything pricey.
7. I don't think it's worth buying a penlight unless your school/internships have a strict no-phone policy in sessions. I use my phone flashlight and it does just fine. But to each their own, I guess.
8. Maybe this should have been in the top five... Clinic-appropriate clothes! On-campus clinics tend to have stricter dress codes than your placement sites--for instance, I can wear sneakers at my placement, but not in our on-campus clinic. Get a good variety of business casual clothing: pants that aren't jeans, blouses, cardigans, skirts/dresses, close-toed shoes that aren't sneakers ? No cleavage, no exposed skin when you bend over or raise your arms, nothing really tight, and definitely wear pants if you're playing on the floor!
9. Miscellaneous office supplies! Our grad room has scissors and tape, but I've had to use my own post-it notes, paperclips, and index cards.
10. As far as any toys/games/materials go, I say skip it unless you're sure that you want to work in a school and need to start slowly accumulating materials. The school clinic and placements should have everything you need. If they don't, just do what your supervisor does and make do. Grad school is expensive enough as it is! Plus, if you're forced to make do with what you have, it makes you adaptable and hones your creativity!
11. A combo printer/scanner/copier (this should also have been in the top five). This one isn't essential, just super convenient. Your school will probably have a printer you can use for clinic stuff, but ours isn't in color, so I have to use mine at home if I want color. Also, some professors are better than others with going digital, so some of them may give you a lot of handouts, and once you scan them you can get rid of them. 
I'll add on if I think of anything else!

Have you filled out the FAFSA yet? If not, do so immediately! It's not super hard, just kind of tedious. Grad students count as independent students, so unless you had a great career before entering grad school you'll probably qualify and get all the loans you need from that. You should end up with the Stafford loans (subsidized and unsubsidized). If you still need more than this and your credit is alright you can get Grad Plus loans to cover the total cost of attendance beyond what the Stafford loans offer, including living expenses. That's also done simply by filling out the FAFSA.
I have to say, going forward it would definitely behoove you to figure out the financial stuff as soon as possible. Money matters are no joke and can take time/effort to get things together. I've dillydallied with getting financial aid before and royally screwed myself because I missed a deadline. Going forward, check your school's financial aid page for any deadlines, call/email them if necessary, and check for any random requirements that could delay receiving your aid money!

That sounds amazing! Google tends to be your best friend with this stuff?
A quick search gave me these programs (blurbs following).
North Carolina Central University: "In addition to receiving top scores for Praxis exam pass rates, employment rates among recent graduates and on-time completion rates, we love North Carolina Central University because it’s home to a fully accredited clinic: the NCCU Speech and Hearing Clinic. Communications disorder graduate students here enjoy a variety of opportunities for specialized experience through the Assistive Technology for Infants and Preschoolers Program, the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Assessment and Consultation Clinic, and the Bilingual Clinic." 
Louisiana State University- Baton Rouge: "At LSU, SLP grad students get an unrivaled learning experience through flipped classrooms, simulated learning, interprofessional clinics, and will soon also get first hand exposure to telepractice. Students here learn to work with eye-tracking equipment, video stroboscopy, and state of the art augmentative and alternative communication devices. In fact, just last year the department invested $82,000 to update it’s ACC equipment. LSU grad students routinely present original research at state and national conferences and have a track record for taking home awards and scholarships. This program has it all."
San Francisco State University: "The purpose of Project Building Bridges is to prepare 60 fully credentialed Speech Language Pathologists to work effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse children with significant disabilities and augmentative communication needs, ages birth to 21. Project scholars will complete a Master’s degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences in a two-year time frame, with a concentration in AAC and a focus on cultural and linguistic diversity. Scholar competencies to be acquired include: (a) culturally responsive AAC assessment; (b) culturally responsive AAC intervention; (c) collaborative teaming; and (d) development of AAC applications to support the language and literacy skills of culturally and linguistically diverse children and youth....The project will use evidence-based curricula and pedagogy carefully coordinated with substantial, mentored field experiences. The M.S. concentration in AAC will include: 1) two graduate seminars in AAC assessment and intervention; 2) an on campus clinic with a focus on diversity; 3) a one-week summer camp for children who use AAC; and 4) a school internship in a high need community agency or school serving children with AAC needs. 
Penn State University: "The AAC community at Penn State is one of the largest AAC-focused efforts in the world, with a wide range of  research activities, coursework,  and clinical experiences. Students at Penn State have the opportunity to: • participate in graduate level coursework on  AAC taught by nationally recognized faculty, •  assist in research projects designed to improve the lives of individuals with complex communication needs, and • provide clinical services to  individuals with complex communication needs  in clinical and community settings. Penn State students also have participated in our Global AAC Initiative, and worked with AAC teams in Mexico, South Africa, Eastern Europe, India, and China."
Nova Southeastern: not a blurb, but they have Carole Zangari (author of prAACticalAAC.org) as a faculty member (!!!!) and she is AMAZING with all things AAC. And she runs a lab there. i don't know much about the program, but if I met her, I'd be seriously star-struck?.
Temple University: Has its Institute on Disabilities, which hosts this amazing program during the summer for teens(?) using AAC. "Augmentative Communication and Empowerment Supports, or "ACES," is a program for young adults who use communication technology (speech generating devices or "SGD") transitioning from school to work, to help develop and refine their communication, including computer access and use for daily living/job skills." They stay on campus and I'm pretty sure the CSD students are the volunteers. In general, Temple has the Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT), which provides training, AAC evaluations, device demonstrations, and AT consultations led by the CSD department. If I remember correctly, there is a specialty clinic that you can do as a grad student specifically in AAC, plus faculty are involved in AAC research. 
Some programs have AAC certification listed as for practicing SLPs, so I don't know if you'd be able to be certified as a grad student, but it would be worth a shot to ask the program directly. See the University of Memphis as an example.
Certain programs, like the University of Iowa and George Washington University, require you to have rotations in a variety of subfields of SLP, and the AAC track is one of those rotations. Other programs just have faculty members who are doing exceptional research about AAC (the three that I looked at are at Northeastern University, Temple University, Emerson University, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), so if there is a researcher who you know of from articles or whatever else who specializes in AAC, it would be great to see if they are doing research through a university, and if you would then be able to do research with that professor. If you're part of ASHA, you can check out who is writing and publishing in the AAC SIG. (I did that with literacy, the area I want to concentrate in, and now some of the people I've looked up to as top scholars in my area will be my professors in the fall... I'm seriously still swooning.?) A lot of the program websites are not the best and most up-to-date, so researching specific people in the field can be really helpful, and can lead you back to the school they work at and the programs they have at that grad school. 
Editing to add this reddit link I just found with additional programs to add to this list. Worth checking out. 
Best of luck on your search!
 

Honestly for me it came down to funding. I couldn’t rationalize going into a ridiculous amount of debt when I was offered a great financial package at another great school! I knew I wouldn’t regret going to the less expensive school, but I would regret turning down my full tuition waiver at a program that I also really liked. I’m trying to set myself up for the future (e.g. marriage, emergencies, etc) so the decision became pretty easy then ?

Well, I promised myself if I ever got into grad school I would post on gradcafe to help others out there that are trying to as well. Hopefully this information inspires you to pursue your dream of becoming an SLP.  
Back story: When I was younger, I was diagnosed with a learning disability (auditory and visual processing). I always had to try harder in school than the average student. I went to community college after high school because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I always had a liking working with kids. In the back of my mind, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, but I hated subjects so I wasn't sure how that was going to work out lol. After researching Speech Pathology, I realized I wanted to be an SLP. I observed a few SLPs before I made the decision to transfer to a University and pursue a Bachelors degree in Speech Pathology. I was only accepted into one school in California because my cumulative GPA was a 2.6 (did I mention I HATE subject courses). After two grueling years pursuing a Bachelors degree in Speech, I managed to graduate with a 3.7 CDS GPA and 3.2 cumulative GPA. During the two year program, I had the WORST faculty. They were not supportive at all and had their favorites. It was terrible and I am so glad I am not going there for grad school. 
Ok, so this is how I got into grad school: 
I worked my ass off during my two year undergrad program by volunteering at a school (classroom and SLP), hospital (child life department), NSSLHA events, reading program, and an aphasia support group. I applied to three grad school programs my senior year, scored extremely low on the GRE and didn't get accepted. I even applied to my undergrad summer SLPA program and didn't get accepted. I knew I had to take a gap year and work in a related field. After I graduated, I worked as a behavioral therapist. It has almost been a year now since I started, and honestly, it was the best idea. It reassured me that I was meant to work with kids and become a therapist. I don't necessarily love ABA, since I have long in-home therapy sessions, but I believe this experience helped me get into grad school. I applied to 12 schools this time. I retook the GRE and scored a little higher, but still low. V:140, Q:145, A: 3.5.  I researched literally every single program on ASHA edfind with low GPA and GRE scores. Also, I rewrote my letter of intent and had it proof read from sooo many people. I was determined to get in. I ended up being accepted into one school, waitlisted for 3 schools and rejected from the rest. The school that I was accepted to is literally my number 1 choice. I was in shock. I finally did it. 
So what I am trying to say here is that, YOU CAN DO IT. Don't give up. If you really want it, you will make it happen. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask me! Grad cafe really helped me research my schools and kept me up to date on the grad school process. I am so thankful for all the support on here. 
 

Thanks for sharing this. I am a career changer with roots firmly planted due to children/aging parent and a spouse with a fantastic career. I am limited to the local University (which is excellent and my first choice) and the online options that don’t require pre-reqs prior to application. I have a 3.69 and change and can only find 3 online programs that seems to fit that bring me to 4 (Emerson, NYU and Baylor). If anyone has any additional suggestions for online programs that allow pre-reqs post application I would love to hear them. My background is in education. Edited to add I have taken two Graduated courses in the past in education and received A’s.

YES! I messaged you! 

Hello everyone,
Do any of you know stuttering SLPs? Or SLPs with tongue thrusts?
I'm someone who stutters (mainly blocks and prolongations) about 5-10% of the time unless I'm nervous or over excited. I also have a tongue thrust that affects my /s/ sounds. Some people I've known for years comment that they haven't noticed it. The head of my local grad school told me it wouldn't be a problem as long as I am able to demonstrate correct technique in therapy. While this may be true, it would still be nice to hear about other disfluent students or practicing SLPs.

I wouldn't consider it a problem, and I heard that it makes the SLPs much more personable. (They aren't perfect, after all!) Good luck!!

Honestly I would say go with UIUC's program the funding is beautiful. You can work out a long distance relationship especially if you really love each other. I would not give up anything like that. Put your education first and be debt free from graduate school. Then you said you loved the faculty and felt like you would really fit in. Sis, chose UIUC and live you best life. However pick where your heart leads you and please update me on where you chose.

Honestly it feels like a no-brainer to take that full tuition + stipend, if you're fine with living in that horrendous weather up there. Just my opinion but I think it's entirely worth it to do one more year of long distance in order to get out debt free. If you already feel good about UIUC's program, then don't be fooled by the idea of attending a "dream school" when we're all learning the same thing and getting the same degree. Again, just my take on it!

Those who are interviewing this Saturday. Would you please let us know how the interview goes and what it is like? I am going out of town and had to reschedule my interview for next week 02/15. I am wondering what they will have us do for group problems and writing samples? 

I'd say go ahead and add them. 
Even if programs don't have a specific track, you can list AAC and bilingual therapy as research interests. Who knows, maybe one of the professors is doing related research? IF you haven't already, try looking on the schools faculty page (or even google) for their research / publication information.
If you know a second (or third!) language, definitely highlight that in your SOP. Schools LOOOVE that. 

I'd use your university GPA and list it with your degree information on the resume.

3.18 overall GPA here!  

I had a grad prof who stuttered. And I met one at an open house for another school. Being able to demonstrate techniques is important so you’re fine if you can do that for your clients/students 

2.8 overall, 3.8 last 60 credits, low GRE but great references, personal statement and experience. ---Accepted into 4 programs. Stats don't always represent a person as a whole. Good Luck!

Hey everyone. I need some tough love/advice. Here's my situation:
In 2015 I finished undergrad with a cummulative 3.19 gpa. I was an slp major, and my gpa within-major was 3.70. Knowing my gpa was quite low, I decided to spend time working and gaining experience. I've spent the last 3 years working as an elementary ABA paraprofessional, nannying, volunteering at a veterans home, and volunteering at a pediatric hospital. I also took a coue ASL classes at the community college just because...
My GRE scores aren't spectacular (157V, 148Q, 3W), but I'm studying now, focusing on my writing score. I have great relationships with my supervising SPED teacher, the behavior analyst, my SPED administrator, and the school slp. Could I ask them for rec letters instead of my previous professors? I know most grad programs ask for academic references... but I was an average student at best. I did well during my undergrad practicum, but that was 3 years ago, and I haven't kept in touch with those professors. 
I'm 100% willing to move for school and know I'll need to cast a wide net if I want a shot at getting in. I'm not sure how to organize my SOP, but I know it has to seriously stand out. Is there anything else I can do to make myself marketable? I assume my GPA is the biggest red flag, but there's nothing I can do about it (right?)  
All comments, advice, and questions welcome. Has anyone else been this hopeless?
TLDR: low gpa, low GRE, non-academic recs. Help?

Hi, I am a 2019 applicant. I am currently making up a list of schools to apply to. As for me, there is a big difference between my overall GPA and my last 60 GPA, and I am looking to apply for several schools that only look at the last 60 hours so I have a better chance of getting in. I am pretty sure that there are many others out there that are looking to do the same thing. I have browsed through this forum for topics like this, and also did some research on my own. So far I have come up with a short list of schools that look at your last 60 hours GPA.
University of Oklahoma
Illinois State University
University of Maryland
West Texas A&M
Utah State University
If you know other schools that only look at the last 60 hours, please don't hesitate to add to the list. I hope this thread becomes a useful resource to people with similar situations!!