MakeSpeechGreatAgain

I have a similar background. BioChem major that graduated with a bad GPA (overall less than 3.0; sub-GPA at the time was 3.2ish). My stats from this previous application season can be seen here. I would recommend getting that sub-GPA as high as possible, like above 3.7, along with acing all your prereqs. Even if your other stats are competitive, a low GPA can hold back your application. You have to get your stats to the same competitive level as everyone else and you will be starting at a deficit. Depending on what you need, it may take a few years of nonstop upgrading and application building. From my own experience, the journey was exhausting, difficult, and uncertain. However, every bit was worth it; even if I didn't get into an MSc-SLP program, the journey has opened up other academic/career opportunities. Look for professors or clinicians who can speak strongly about your academic, professional and/or clinical skills. Each school has slightly different requirements. Build up your network as you upgrade and volunteer so you can have a bit of choice. Reach out to your professors. Be vocal of your goals and the academic/professional experiences that you desire. They may be able to connect you to the opportunities that you are searching for. Good luck!

I was on the Dalhousie waitlist last year and received a rejection letter in mid-September. If you are currently on a waitlist: get your plans in motion, keep building your CV over the summer, and let people know of your availability in the Fall season.

I believe I'm on the lower end of the GPA scale. Stats are here: http://forum.thegradcafe.com/topic/64980-2016-canadian-slp-thread/?page=18#comment-1058376571 At the beginning I thought it was impossible and it wasn't until just this application year where was I like, "Okay... I think I got a chance". Plan your road map carefully and be ready for a lot of work. If you think my background is similar to yours, just send a message and we can chat.

I've accepted the offer on Tues and my application has been sent to FGSR for processing (no word back yet). So far, they haven't asked me to pay a deposit. I am assuming the deposit happens once FGSR sends out a formal acceptance.

Congrats to everyone! I've been Waitlisted by Western. I'll be giving up my waitlist spots (Western and Dal) as I've accepted the offer for UofA. Fellow waitlist warriors, I'm cheering for you.

Long time lurker. Thank you everyone for your tips and stats. It was very helpful during these years and gave me a lot of hope. I've been applying for three years. It's been a long journey, but I've just been accepted at UofA. It didn't go my main email account, but went to the @ualberta.ca account associated with me. So the offer has been sitting there since Friday and I didn't even know until today. So check that account, just in case! Stats sGPA: 3.77 GPA for UofA's prereqs: 3.84 GRE: like bad Shadowing: 50 hours with SLPs Volunteer: 100 hours at a children's clinic Research: 3 years in different fields (Linguistics, Kinesiology, Neuroscience) Professional experience: Coordinator/Researcher for a local project focusing on improving child outcomes through parent education (since Sept 2015). Prior to this: 7 years working in Mental Health & Disability (from being a support worker to leading teams in crisis intervention) Teaching: TA for a Linguistics department for a few seasons References: three professors who I have worked with (one in an independent study; one in Linguistics as TA and RA, and the Applications: Mcgill: Refused Dalhousie: Waitlisted UofA: Accepted UofT: Pending Western: Pending Last year, I applied with a 3.64 and did not make the 3.7 cut-off for UofA (so, refused), but was waitlisted for Dalhousie. I graduated in 2009 with a terrible GPA and no references; I was a terrible student in general. I have spent probably 5 years turning this around: upgrading classes, research experience, volunteer, and building my connections with professors & professionals. For everyone still working at it: if you believe in it, keep fighting for it.