racoomelon
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Posts posted by racoomelon
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U of Arizona is 14 for the first semester, but they don't really have summer or winter coursework-- aside from doing clinical rotations over summer. I'm not clear on the workload for the second semester or year, but I think it's lighter!
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6 minutes ago, diana. said:
Baylor accepts out-of-field applicants too!
Oh, I hadn't looked at Baylor! I focused on public schools-- UH (I could commute to this one!), UT, UTD, Tech, and Texas State.
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(I'm not really a leveler student, but I kind of am. I got a lot of my coursework done this year as a senior, but I'm still missing a few courses. So I'm essentially a 2 year student, just with a bit of catch-up to do. I still had to stick with programs that had a leveler option, though.)
The biggest plus about a leveler program is, like others have said, that you're in the program; you won't need to reapply. And after experiencing the stress ball that is the application process, I can honestly say that I'm so glad I won't be applying again come fall. That said, I think it's to your benefit to apply to both leveling programs and post-bachs. Just to be safe, and just to be sure that you'll be enrolled in some sort of program next year. Everyone has pretty much already covered the whole post-bach v. leveler points, so I'll bring up something else that might be worth thinking about.
You won't have as many choices if you go the leveler route. I had initially wanted to apply to more Texas schools because I'm a resident there, and in-state tuition is a huge plus. I found out (after I sent the 7 free GRE scores
) that most Texas schools don't allow out-of-field applicants. In fact, UT Dallas (and possibly UT, though I remain unsure about that one) was the only school I could apply to for a leveling program-- it's an awesome program, yes, but it was the only one out of five schools I wanted to apply to that I qualified for. It sucks realizing that you don't qualify for most of your application list. This might not really affect you (maybe all of your top choices have a leveling option), but I just thought it might be something you'd want to consider.
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I'm not sure about the penalizing stuff, but I think it might be easier to work with non-campus housing. Any housing directed towards students is going to have lease dates that follow the academic year, and they're not going to be flexible with you if you want move in earlier. You might have better luck finding a place to lease if you look for off-campus housing, or find something through Zillow.
I don't know if that's any help! This is just what I've run into as a student. When my roommates and I looked at campus housing, the leases starting in August. When we looked at houses being leased by realtors, they were hoping to start leasing the house ASAP or before summer started. The only problem is that the houses tend to go fast-- there were two times that we went to tour the house after another group, only to end the tour with our realtor's announcement that the other people had put down a security deposit. It was incredibly frazzling. -
23 minutes ago, kc1m2l8c said:
Are you referring to your EFC or to your financial aid award? The EFC is the only thing that FAFSA will determine, and you should have that immediately upon filiing. The school will determine your ultimate financial aid award package. The timing of the award letter depends on the school. Hope that helps!
I was referring to the financial aid award! Thank you, this does help. Now that I think of it, my undergrad school didn't tend to notify me until around May.
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When can we expect to hear back from FASFA? Does it depend on the school or...?
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10 hours ago, hopefulspeechie16 said:
Thanks everybody for the advice. In response to the above I'm originally from WA but moved to NY state for college. I forgot to mention a school in Arizona was in the choices too. I visited AZ last June...almost passed out with the heat. I've never sweated that much in my entire life. I just wasn't feeling well, swollen hands and overall fatigue with the heat (I was hydrated mind you). I hope TX is not that bad?
I'm gonna second @Rorororosy. Texas heat is totally different than Arizona heat is, and it varies by what region of Texas you're in. I say this as someone who has lived in the panhandle, East Texas, and Arizona. Arizona heat is ridiculous, and it's horrifically dry. You need to drink twice as much or more water than you normally would, especially if you're not acclimated to the heat levels. East Texas, around the Houston area, is humid and hard to deal with-- you're getting into the swampy area so there's a ridiculous amount of water in the air. Having lived in Arizona for the past four years, I have a really hard time going back to the humid heat. It dehydrates me and gives me headaches now.
I will say that Arizona has its own special brand of allergens, though. The palo verde, olive, and mosquite trees tend to give me horrible allergies come March.
North Texas has more reasonable weather. Someone from that area might have better insight than I do, though. I lived in Amarillo until I was in 3rd grade, and I don't remember the summers being too bad. They were warm, but not as extreme as Houston's 90% humidity summers or the 110+ degree Arizona summers. If you're looking at one of the schools in the Dallas area, I doubt the weather is going to be on the same level as Arizona!
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I would go with wherever you're going to be most comfortable, especially if you foresee it being an issue for you. The grad programs seem like they'll be a bit stressful, at least for the first semester, so why not lower some of that stress by going to a program in a location that will make you happy?
One other thing to consider with some of these programs is that you'll get to go home during the winter season (though you will have to be there for a few weeks before and after the season). So if the weather gets to be too much, you'll be able to escape it for a little.
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Has anyone heard about funding for Arizona? The deadline we're supposed to hear by is April 5th, but I'm wondering if they've started to send things out.
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2 hours ago, julianorts said:
Yeah I get what you're saying so I'd definitely prefer one of the 8 bilingual programs I have found thus far. Vanderbilt doesn't appear to have the bilingual program, and I still need to look at Northern Arizona. I'm going to email UVA and Vanderbilt and probably at some point, all of those three year programs you listed because who knows, they might be really into bilingual placements!
Are you doing three years and bilingual SLP as well?
Oh, I thought I'd seen some people mention that Vanderbilt had a bilingual track. My bad!
I'm kind of a weird candidate haha. I've spent the last year completing as many of the pre-reqs as I could. I'd initially planned on applying to more Texas schools for in-state tuition purposes, but I am missing a post-bach and several of the pre-reqs (mainly audiology-related ones). I'll have about 21 units completed when I graduate, though. Regardless, I had to narrow down my list and change my focus to schools that wouldn't flat out reject me for not having done all of the pre-reqs. It worked out in the end-- sadly, after I had already sent my GRE scores to several programs I later realized I wasn't qualified for haha. (Definitely know where you're applying when you take the GRE. You should take advantage of the seven (or so) free schools you get! It's like $23 for any after that, and I can promise you that'll add up.)
I can't say that I would have preferred to get a post-bach, because I was pretty determined at the time to avoid one and I got into the school I wanted to without one. If you're dead set on going to certain programs, it might help. But I honestly think you've got a pretty comprehensive list as is. It's up to you-- you could always apply to both and see where you end up. I think someone mentioned that Portland State has a year-round application for their post-bach, so you could apply there if the three year programs didn't work out.
Bilingual-wise, I'm interested in a bilingual program but only if I'm going to work with children or in a school. I'm from the southwest and would like to stay in the southwest, and a school district in this area is going to have bilingual kiddos. I'd like to know how to asses and treat bilingual kids in that case. Otherwise, I'm not sure that I'd pursue a bilingual certificate. I'm not bilingual myself (even though my mom's side of the family is and loves to remind me that I should be hahaha), so I wouldn't qualify as a bilingual SLP.
One other suggestion, because I was looking at the suggested coursework for one of the programs I'm looking at: see what coursework a school offers. If you notice that they have bilingual electives, I'd say they'd be a good candidate for you to look into. UT Dallas actually has several bilingual courses and, like I mentioned earlier, they seem to be very out-of-fielder friendly.
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3 minutes ago, julianorts said:
So wait, are you saying that in order to become a bilingual SLP (I want to work with Latino children) I don't need one of these programs? I only need one if I want to provide treatment for children who speak a language that I don't know? So, for example, I could go to a school like University of Virginia that offers bilingual placements and learn how to treat Spanish-speaking clients, but just not learn how to treat bilingual clients in general? I know you said you don't know much about it, but if that's how it works that is news to me! I still want to apply to all those schools that have the bilingual emphasis, but if it's not needed to treat only one bilingual population, then that means I wouldn't be screwed if I was denied from all those schools and got into another one.
I'm not entirely sure haha. I do know that there's a difference between being certified and actually being native-level fluent yourself. Either way, I'd think you would want to understand the theory behind treating a bilingual client and how you would asses, especially in the case of a child, the client's language.
Talk to professors for more information or find someone else who's going the bilingual route, either with certificates or whatever. My explanation is how I've understood this, which has been more in passing and isn't something I've looked into in depth. I think you should email the program at Virginia and see what they say. It might be that you want to attend a program that allows you to work with a Spanish population, rather than has a bilingual track specifically focusing on bilingual treatment.
This is the Arizona coursework book: http://slhs.arizona.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/2015-2016-MS-Cactus-Book.pdf. On the 7th page or so is a summary of the bilingual program. That might give you a better idea of what the certificate would look like.
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According to ASHA, they have an in-coming class of about 25. That seems pretty typical of an SLP program. They don't have a ton of applicants, so they actually have a higher acceptance rate. Here's the link to their ASHA EdFind page: http://www.asha.org/edfind/details.aspx?id=ZZ3WgWSlBCYEJ4SPXtOAwg==
Another thing you might be interested in is the cost of living in Albuquerque. Housing options are incredibly cheap there. The state also allows you to declare residency at the end of your first year (I think). So if you're paying for out-of-state, which is actually pretty cheap as is, you do have a chance for in-state tuition your second year (which is incredibly cheap). Price wise, I think the program is pretty good. You can also look into CLASS, which is their bilingual program that, I think, waives tuition if you agree to work for X amount of years in a New Mexico school district.
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4 minutes ago, orange23 said:
Hi! For those of you guys that have already attended accepted student days or are going soon - any input on what we should wear?? I'm always so clueless on these things lol. Thanks!!!
When I went on a program tour, most everyone was wearing something business casual-y. There were a lot of dresses and a few of the girls wore slacks with a nice blouse and jacket. Mainly closed toed shoes, but there were a few nice sandals in the mix. I'd stick with flats just to be safe; I don't know if nice sandals fall into the business casual realm for everyone. The guys wore slacks and polos or button-downs. Basically whatever you'd wear in the clinic!
- orange23 and Rorororosy
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8 hours ago, julianorts said:
Thanks so much for all the valuable information! Good to know about Arizona State- their website was not clear about that. I looked into UNM and you are right, they do require prerequisites to be completed before admission into the grad program. I haven't seen anything about Vanderbilt, so I will definitely look at that. I've also never heard of Northern Arizona! I see that you got into a lot of schools I'm applying to- I don't have a 4.0 like you, but I do have a 3.84. Do you think I have a chance at any of them, or is applying to more of those post-bacc programs a more plausible option? Also, do you know the specifics on bilingual certification? To me, it doesn't seem like there are specific requirements for bilingual SLPs on ASHA's website. So I'm wondering if I contacted those other three year programs you mentioned and asked if they do bilingual placements, if that'd still prepare me for a job as a bilingual SLP?
A 3.84 is a strong GPA, from what I've seen. I think you'll be fine on that account. You should also keep in mind GRE scores-- high GRE scores can be pretty helpful on an application, and low GRE scores can cause a lot of harm. I think being bilingual is in your favor, though. Any extracurriculars you have can also go a long ways on an application.
Ahhh I know a bit. The certification isn't the same as being a bilingual SLP-- it means that you know how to deliver bilingual treatment (with an interpreter) and you understand the theories supporting bilingual treatment. So the program at the UA is going to expose you to bilingual treatment theories and require you to get X amount of hours of bilingual clinical treatment. A bilingual SLP is fluent in another language, which is slightly different from what I understand. I don't know if that helps at all. I don't know a ton about it, but you would be prepared in bilingual treatment and work with an interpreter (if the client's language was not one you spoke).
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I'm not sure about all of the schools on your list, but I know that Arizona State doesn't allow out-of-fielders in their program
I didn't apply to ASU because they require at least a post-bach (their website is a pain to find the information on, but this lays it out. I also emailed the program person last semester and she pretty bluntly, but nicely, told me I wouldn't be able to apply without all of the pre-reqs complete). In regards to U of New Mexico, I'm pretty sure UNM requires a few courses of the CSD major to be completed (like 9 units or so). I don't know how strict they are about that, though, and you might be able to weasel in with some linguistics units (possibly?). I'd email the chair of graduate admissions. She was very helpful when I reached out to her.
University of Arizona and Vanderbilt both have bilingual language emphasis and 3 year programs. UA is more of a certificate-- you get bilingually certified to give therapy, I think. It's a more recent thing that they're doing. But there are two or more professors in the program that focus on bilingual language acquisition or disorders. And a lot of the clinic's clients are monolingual Spanish speakers or bilingual.
University of Texas has a bilingual track, from what I've seen. I'd be careful with UT, though. I looked into them as an option when I was applying, but it seemed like they wouldn't accept out-of-field students. Upon closer look (and after I was done applying to other schools), I realized that they do accept a handful of out-of-fielders, but preference is given to people with the CSD major. Basically, it would be pretty competitive. I think that Northern Arizona is another one with a leveler year that offers a bilingual track, so I'd look into that a bit.
I know more 3 year programs, but I don't think they have a bilingual track.
University of Memphis, University of South Carolina, Colorado Boulder, University of Pacific (? pretty sure), UT Dallas, some of the LSU schools, Purdue, and OSU / UO (though you're on probation for your leveling year). There are probably a ton more-- these are just the ones I've run into with the leveling year option. You'd need to look into them to see if they have bilingual emphasis. I don't think many do.
You might want to consider a post-bach if you want more program options and even more so if you'd like to do something specific like bilingual emphasis. There do seem to be a lot of programs that have 3 year programs and bilingual tracks, so you might not need to get a post-bach. But also keep in mind that schools typically only have a few spots in their 3 year programs, unless they like pulling out-of-fielders (like UT Dallas). For example, UA wants a cohort of 25 MS students. Of the 25, only 5 are intended to be leveling students.
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Also, for what it's worth / if anyone likes looking through coursework like I do, here's the course catalog with names and descriptions! It's not the rough curriculum plan that I'd like to see, but it's still incredibly helpful.
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8 hours ago, CBG321 said:
Has anyone gotten this confirmed 100% with the department because awhile ago I was given the estimate of 44K. Now that I think of it i'm not sure if that was without in-state pricing but i'm just worried there are some hidden fees that they included in that estimate.
I would be really excited if the cost came closer to 35K bc that's a savings of about 10K I wasn't anticipating! I've bombarded the department with too many emails already so am hesitant to send yet another one but if anyone had that information concrete that would be so great. Thank you for the estimate Kanga I hope your number is more accurate than the one I got!
Maybe their estimate included books? Or hidden program fees we haven't run into yet? I've heard that a lot of the programs kind of sneak charges up on you, so it might be that we're missing something in the 35k calculation. There's also a chance that 44k is with tuition increases taken into consideration for the next semester-- a lot of programs have warned me that their tuition will increase starting next Fall.
(I'd originally figured around 27k for the two years, which didn't include summer sessions or fees haha. Hopefully this number stops going up!)
9 hours ago, Kanga said:It's hard to know for sure, because the tuition varies based on how many units you take. Plus, there is an extra $40 per unit fee for speech path classes. I think the quantity of classes taken each semester varies as well. If you figure 39 units of coursework (minimum), plus 9 units of clinical, gives you 48 units. Over 5 semesters (with summer carrying less) that's about 11 units per semester, plus about 6 for summer (give or take). 11 units is $6646 for this spring + 440 ($40 per unit) which is $7086. 6 units in summer $4151 + $240 = $4391. I assume fall 2016 tuition will be a little more, and of course books, which puts you right at $7500 for the 4 semesters, plus maybe $4500 for summer. I am guessing that maybe $35,000 for all five semesters is a good, realistic estimate unless you plan on taking more the normal class load.
Hmm so there's not a unit cap for tuition? Or is the cap just a high unit number (somewhere around 15)?
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2 minutes ago, EESpeechie said:
It's about $7500 a semester I think for in state (for 15 or more units). I'm not sure about summer though. They told me most only take 2 classes and clinical so it could be a little less.
That's a little over what I figured, but not horrible. Again, thanks!
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3 minutes ago, EESpeechie said:
We got to see it this weekend when we visited but they do not post it. It's super confusing since there's only 6 core classes. Once you accept, you'll meet with an advisor (in person or via phone) and go over a plan for the next two years. You also meet with your academic advisor and clinical advisor (2 different people) each semester!
Oh, that explains why I was having so much trouble finding it haha! Thank you!
Do you also happen to have a cost estimate? I think I've figured out graduate tuition for in-state, sans the program fees, but I'm not sure if it's accurate.
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I was looking at the UTD website to try and find a rough curriculum outline for the program. If anyone knows where this might be found (if it exists), would you mind posting the link?
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On 3/25/2016 at 11:23 AM, cosmicmorgan said:
I sent my boyfriend to checkout apartments for me today at UW-Whitewater, and TWO of the five were rented 10 mins before he saw them! Talk about adding stress to this process...my housing options are dwindling unless I want to pay tons of $$$$$
That happened to me and my roommates when we were house hunting last year. This time of the month is crazy for housing options. Have you looked at Zillow or Craigslist? Or maybe you could email some of the grad students who are about to graduate and see about picking up a lease from one of them.
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No problem! Someone advised me to have a professor read my SOP and if they're willing to, it actually makes a ton of sense. And thanks! Good luck with your applications.
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I think it's a good idea. They're going to see your old transcript anyway, and this will give you a chance to explain the situation.
If you're in contact with a com dis professor, I'd actually drop them an email and see what they think. They might be a better resource to answer this, and if you can find someone accommodating enough to read through your essay that would be even better.
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@slpdee Thanks! That's more or less what I did, minus the potential schools part. I worked over the summer and currently work part-time, but I don't think I have to file because my parents are claiming me.
University of Arizona Fall 2016 Season
in Speech-Language Pathology Forum
Posted
@alexagrace How many clients do you normally see in the first semester? And in the second?