charlemagne88

Step 1: Never buy a cat Step 2: Be happy that you don't have a cat Step 3: Cats are stupid Step 4: Buy a dog Step 5: Dogs rule, cats drool. Step 6: Seriously, cats suck

First off, thank you for posting such a message. I know that as a recent graduate myself, the pressure to continue on to grad school can be overwhelming and usually the decision comes with little guidance, both from advisers or parents -I think this in part is due to students lack of research of graduate schools, but also because many students do not continue their post graduate education at the same institution and many parents simply do not understand the process. That being said, I mostly disagree with you. I think the easiest thing to point out is that the transition is just easier if you continue your studies while all the material you've learned as an undergrad is fresh. Not only that, but grad applications require letters of recommendation, which are most effective when they come from faculty in a similar department. It's very difficult to get genuine LOR's from professors who you took a class from 7 years ago -not only that but even tracking them down can be a challenge as instructors sometimes move around as they settle into tenure positions. Now I realize this isn't a huge reason to go right away, but there are more... The job market has historically always been competitive. This is especially true today, and will only get worse as time moves on and more and more people are getting their Bachelors degrees. This means that even getting an entry level job in specific fields can be highly competitive. A M.A./M.S. can help you there. Also, having a Masters will follow you your entire life. So even if you work for a number of years in a same/similar position you could've gotten with only a B.A., the difference is, when you do apply for that promotion, now you will already have the credentials to match not only the job description, but also your competitors for the job, without having to "go back to school" in the interm. Which leads me to my next point.... As someone who is currently in a grad program (and I saw this as an undergrad as well), I see many "non-traditional" students going though college, many of whom have children/jobs/life obligations that I don't have, simply because they put off grad school until later in life. Grad school is tough enough as it is without having to worry about child care, mortgage, family life, etc -which is why I recommend grad school before these things arise. That way, you can really focus on your education while your there. And lastly, in my own experience, I had to move to go to grad school. It would've been easy for me to stay in my home state, and probably find a job which required a degree, but nothing specific or related to my field. However, it was because I moved (motivated by grad school) that I was able to find a job working in an area directly related to my interests in my studies. I would've not have had that opportunity had I stayed. Many students, (and I think more broadly), many people, don't know what's out there until they look. You can't do that if you're not willing to take a chance. Graduate school affords you that chance. And it's something that will stay with you your entire life. I think, especially for those in liberal arts programs, graduate school is a no-brainer -and more importantly sooner rather than later. But that's just my opinion.

My own experience is that MA/MS programs are largely unfunded.

Here you go!

What I've found is that most programs seem to cost around 20,000-30,000/year, which is on the expensive side, but I've also decided that that is what I'm willing to pay. My institution is on the latter end of that spectrum as I'll be paying out of state tuition this year (praying for in state next year), with a combo of loans and cash. Luckily my wife and I just sold our first home and made a significant amount of money on the sale, which will help a lot with the financial burden of grad school. I know others are not in the same situation, and I feel very fortunate to be able to do it. One thing I've learned recently is that as a grad student, everyone, no matter what, only receives a maximum financial aid award of $20,000 in unsubsidized loans/ year. That means anything above that will need to be paid using other means or out of pocket -and that the 20k in loans will be earning interest while you are in school. Not sure if that matters to you or not, but that would mean for that NY school, you'd be responsible for ~50,000 out of pocket. Heck, even at $30,000, you'll still need an extra 10 grand just to cover tuition in addition to maxing out your allotted federal loans (assuming of course that your program costs as much as mine). It's unfortunate that grad school is such a hurdle, on the other hand, if it wasn't everyone would do it. Good luck to you!

imo It's definitely in your best interest to re-take the test. (I'm not sure I'd want to submit those scores for my applications) I'd say you want to improve that writing score for sure, and improving that verbal score will be very beneficial as well. Since you're in SLP, I think your quant score should be fine, just focus on the writing and verbal. There are online resources you can use to improve these. I used Magoosh, and found the video's on writing particularly helpful. (I don't work for them in any way, just speaking from my own personal experience)

I'd say, It really all depends on your GPA, your LORs, and statement of purpose. If you think these will be competitive, then I wouldn't retake the test -simply because the test sucks, and it's an unnecessary additional $200 each time you take it. (Keep in mind all the application fees you'll be paying and charges to mail transcript(s). Applying to 8 programs cost me ~$700). I had similar scores as you, a good GPA and great LORs -(I was told by my writers that they sang my praises) and a bomb statement of purpose and I got accepted. I don't think committees really put much stock into GRE scores, unless there is only one spot remaining and they're determining between two applicants with exactly the same credentials. There was a AMA a few weeks ago from a person who regularly serves on an admissions committee and he seemed to suggest that GRE scores do not matter that much unless they're bad. Anything above 150 is fine (imo) and 5 on the writing portion is great. You'll be fine.

@castikat summed it up nicely. It's blunt but to the point. Grad programs in SLP are highly competitive right now, especially at sought after universities -I know people with high GPA's, great LORs and outstanding GRE scores who had little success last application cycle, simply because there are so many people applying for 5-8 spots... you'll be competing with those rejected applications from last year, on top of anyone graduating this year looking to apply. One way you might be able to get around this is; I've seen a lot of advertisements lately for MA SLP programs online. Not sure how credible they actually are, but doing an MA in SLP through one of these private colleges could potentially show committees you're up to the task -and these schools seem like they'll take almost anyone as long as their check clears. Might be worth looking into, or as others have said, take one or two graduate level classes and your current institution and reapply in a year. I know it's scary, but I'd want to know these things before I spent ~$700 on application fees, only to get all rejections. Good luck to you!

A lot of factors go in to decisions, so no your GRE will not necessary bar you from getting in. That being said, it is a tool that committees use to determine how well you might do in grad school. If your GPA is low, then you'll want the best possible score on the GRE to offset that. However if you have an outstanding GPA (3.8 or so) and great LORs, then your GRE wont matter as much. That aside, you still want the best possible score no matter what. Especially in SLP as that discipline seems to be becoming more and more competitive now-a-days as many from SLP majors try to get into grad school.

No I get it. I think everyone has their own preferences to what they are willing to give their money for. I am relatively cheap when it comes to food. (I don't like spending more than $5 on lunch either. But I pay more for rent so I don't have to live next to people who throw parties all the time and trash the hallways. And I don't like to go anywhere with my vehicle where I can imagine getting potential damage from other peoples shitty cars that they don't care about. -I think the movie theater falls into that category. I'd rather spend $2, and not have to worry about shitty street parking.

Rich people don't get rich by giving their money away. That is all.

PhD programs are not cheap and I doubt that you would spend as much on a hobby in your free time. Additionally, if you are offered a funded position, at some point you have to understand that there are limited slots the department can support and you're taking a chair of someone who might otherwise use the opportunity to advance the field and their career for 25+ years to come. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against older students, I've met a lot in my undergrad and grad careers. I just feel similar to what others above have already said. Grad school is meant for those wishing to enrich their careers. If you really feel that you can "give back" to the community by obtaining your PhD, then go for it. But if it's just a hobby so you have something to do in retirement, it may not be the best responsible choice. I also agree with @mvlchicago The job market is very competitive

I'm not 100% sure, but it's likely the people who read your statement last year wont remember your statement this year. However, if you weren't accepted last year, it may have something to do with your proposed research area indicated in your SOP, which if that's the case, it's likely you wont see better results this year unless you've made improvements to the other areas of your applications.

I think the biggest thing apart from your GPA (which is fine) and your GRE scores when you take it is the letters of recommendations. You'll need three -ideally from professors in SLP who will attest to your dedication to the field and ability to be successful in graduate school. The other thing is your statement of purpose and/or personal statement dictating your proposed area of research and how you will accomplish this in grad school. I would suggest start working on both of these things asap. I spent a lot of time in my professors offices throughout the semester getting help/advice and drafting and re-writing my statement of purpose. I'd suggest reaching out early in the semester so that you can secure those LORs.

perhaps you are right that I could've used better words to convey my opinion. Also, true I don't know the particulars but the person did post asking peoples opinion and my opinion will be the same regardless of the particulars.