babykoala

They seemed to stress that they have a strong relationship with Phoenix Academy, which is a charter school in the area, but they also mentioned they have good connections with rehab facilities and other medical facilities in the area. They require you to spend one semester in an education setting and one semester in a medical setting, so it seems pretty balanced! Side note: They ended up sending out acceptances yesterday evening, and I wasn't one of them, so I doubt I'll be getting accepted. At the info session, they stressed the importance of having very strong LORs and a strong personal statement, along with having around a 3.8 GPA or higher. They didn't mention GRE scores at all, but that's not to say they aren't a factor. It seems to be a super competitive and very strong program!

Congratulations to everyone that has been getting accepted! 
I feel a little silly that I applied to so many schools thinking I wasn't going to get accepted. I think part of this process is having confidence in yourself! Especially when it comes to interviews. I was accepted to my top choice this week (my alma mater: Case Western Reserve University) and I am so so happy that the stress of applications is almost over! 

I agree with @Crimson Wife. Plus, you'll probably be far too busy to enjoy all that a cool city has to offer. You should also be able to find a coffee shop to your liking in most (all?) college towns.
I'm actually targeting programs in urban areas myself--not because I want to move to some elusive dream city, but because cities and urban areas tend to have more clinical opportunities. That seems more important than whether I find x city desirable. 

@slpfall14 @Allegro8032 @ElKel87 @jpiccolo
Most people seem to not know about the 5 year loan forgiveness program for SLP's in schools. Here is the summary for qualifications:
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program is intended to encourage individuals to enter and continue in the teaching profession. Under this program, if you teach full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years in certain elementary and secondary schools and educational service agencies that serve low-income families, and meet other qualifications, you may be eligible for forgiveness of up to a combined total of $17,500 on your Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and your Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans. If you have PLUS loans only, you are not eligible for this type of forgiveness.
Here is the site:
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/teacher
SLP's qualify under Special Ed teachers.  As long as your in one of the qualified low income districts, all you need to do is fill out the paperwork at the end of the 5 years and they will forgive up to $17,500.  
Just another option, I know the 10 year program forgives the entire debt remaining so this option is better for people with like $40k in debt or less probably.

I thought it might be helpful to start a thread for people to ask  and answer about specific programs—maybe from first-hand experience or things we have learned at open houses, etc. I know there are separate threads about each school but maybe we can compile some more updated info.
With that said... can anyone speak about Northern Arizona U? I love Flagstaff but want to know more about the school and program. Does anyone have any positive or negative experiences to share? Any impressions on the program as a whole? Insight on clinical opportunities? Are you given good opportunities for a wide range of specialties or is it geared more towards a certain type of population?
Thanks!  

I agree with @Crimson Wife. Plus, you'll probably be far too busy to enjoy all that a cool city has to offer. You should also be able to find a coffee shop to your liking in most (all?) college towns.
I'm actually targeting programs in urban areas myself--not because I want to move to some elusive dream city, but because cities and urban areas tend to have more clinical opportunities. That seems more important than whether I find x city desirable. 

Hi! I just received a call about two hours ago from UNC-Chapel Hill about my admission into the program - so excited because it's my first acceptance! Now I just have to wait to hear from everywhere else lol. I am out-of-state (California), and my stats are 3.97 GPA and 163/163/4.5 GRE. 
Congratulations to everyone for getting through the application season! All the hard work and wait will pay off

"Judge not lest ye be judged?"  Isn't that a thing written in a book or something supposedly spoken by someone important at one time?  I'm not sure, but I don't think the judgment helps.  I appreciate the effort at advice.  It seems as if it is coming from a kind place.  The anxiety at this time can be debilitating, with or without a community to vent to.  We are all here to meet some sort of socio-emotional needs.  Each person has their own particular reasons, with their own particular backgrounds.  Comparison may be there.  Community is a possibility as well.  Knowledge and discussion on how to prepare for interviews is helpful, or even how to pay for potential grad schools.  There is such a vast variety of reasons to hang around this website.  The important thing is that we are capable of choosing our own actions and dealing with the consequences appropriately.  Doing so is all right.  For whatever reason we are here, we are.  If it's detrimental to our mental health in the long run, I hope to be able to grow some from the experience.  Congratulations on moving along to grad school!  That's fantastic for you.  I hope to do the same.  I will sit right here and check this site daily though until I am accepted, and probably some after, because it helps me for whatever reasons it does.  Thank you for your well-intended advice.            

Honestly? I am not comparing myself to any of these people. No offense to any of you, you're all great. And we're all in this together and that's why it's helpful. I'm not in college anymore. I mean I am but no one I talk to on a regular basis is waiting for decisions like this. No one fully understands the anxiety I feel than everyone else here. And that makes this place awesome.
im filling most of my anxiety with research about the cities the colleges are in. It's fun

I am late to this topic, but wanted to say that while UT Dallas does not have a specific medical track, because they offer so many electives, you can create your own "medical track". Also, they have SO many different opportunities for clinical hours, you can structure your semesters to emphasize medical. For example, everyone does onsite clinical hours first semester, but you can work with your clinical advisor to have adults first semester. And you can do you kids rotation during summer, which is shorter. In terms of classes, they have lots of online classes to target very specific medical issues such as: Laryngectomy and Trachs and Vent .
They also have regular medical based classes such as : Communication and the Aging Brain and Neural Correlates of Human Cognition: Lesion-Deficit Models,
 

@babykoala UVM has a really intimate program with a lot of focus on working together as a cohort and with the professors. The faculty I have met there are extremely helpful and want the best for their students. I will be visiting in 2 weeks again for an accepted student open house, feel free to reach out if you have any more questions! Good luck with applications!

How much of a bonus do you get if the people who click on your referral link apply and get hired?

Yes this will be there first year with a graduate program!

$90,000 for grad and undergrad debt is reasonable if loans are your only option. Obviously, this is my opinion. I don't have the luxury of getting help from family, so loans are the way I have to go.
@wcslp what is your advice on how to move forward if loans are the only option for school?
It's a gamble to wait another year to get into an in-state public school if you've only gotten into private/out of state schools. I don't recommend taking that gamble. 
I totally agree that rankings don't matter BUT don't go a to a cheap school just to save money. That cheaper school may be miserable for you or not give you the opportunities you need/want. If you get into a more affordable school that you like, then I recommend going there. By getting through school sooner, you will get into the work force sooner.  
Obvi, if your family has money or you are able to get scholarships then I recommend that 100% over taking out loans. If loans are your only option, then be smart. Do your research and do what you think is best for you. It's not an easy decision to go into student loan debt.
 

As someone who already has a masters degree, I think being able to form relationships and get to know your classmates is a valid consideration. Grad school can be awfully lonely, and classmates can be a built-in support system. Should it be the only consideration and one that supersedes financial and other "pragmatic" concerns? No, of course not. But it's something that many people at least think about. Maybe it's less of a factor for someone who's already settled down with a family, though?

As someone who already has a masters degree, I think being able to form relationships and get to know your classmates is a valid consideration. Grad school can be awfully lonely, and classmates can be a built-in support system. Should it be the only consideration and one that supersedes financial and other "pragmatic" concerns? No, of course not. But it's something that many people at least think about. Maybe it's less of a factor for someone who's already settled down with a family, though?

I know many people go for a second bachelors from Utah State University. The degree is entirely online and can be completed in 3 semesters (if you go full-time), and it's not terribly expensive. All classes are offered each semester, too.
That said, I know some people still need to take another prerequisite or two before/during grad school (e.g., neuroanatomy), but otherwise this is a good way to deal with the prereq issue.

Actually, you only need a 3.0 to be accepted into the second bachelors program: https://comd.usu.edu/online-programs/comd-second/admissions
The program is accredited, and many students have gone on to be admitted to grad programs (both online and in person). The only negative thing I've heard is that some California State universities (CSULA?) think USU is guilty of grade inflation, but that doesn't seem to be the consensus among all programs. So, unless you're planning on applying to some CSU schools, I don't think that should deter you.

I know many people go for a second bachelors from Utah State University. The degree is entirely online and can be completed in 3 semesters (if you go full-time), and it's not terribly expensive. All classes are offered each semester, too.
That said, I know some people still need to take another prerequisite or two before/during grad school (e.g., neuroanatomy), but otherwise this is a good way to deal with the prereq issue.

Wow, yes you are right. I had read the second sentence instead of the first:
A minimum 3.0 GPA is required by COMDDE for continuation in the 2nd bachelor's degree program. Many graduate programs across the country, including USU, accept students with higher GPAs. (Average GPA is 3.75 –   3.8)  

I didn't even know there are SLP programs with a medical focus. I applied to a few traditional SLP online programs. I would be interested in applying to these, but I need programs that offer an online option. I don't believe any of these have that option. Does a Masters degree in SLP with a medical focus provide more job opportunities, or just a better chance at being an SLP in medical type setting?
This is an interesting post. Thanks!

NY Medical
 
@speechfan222 As most SLPs take jobs in schools, I imagine that there are not more job opportunities if you focus to a school that is medically-focused. You can practice in any setting as an SLP, no matter where you go to school (as long as it is accredited). Medically-focused programs just usually offer more clinical opportunities in medical settings (which may translate to an easier time obtaining a med position after school) and may offer more courses in medical topics.

As someone who already has a masters degree, I think being able to form relationships and get to know your classmates is a valid consideration. Grad school can be awfully lonely, and classmates can be a built-in support system. Should it be the only consideration and one that supersedes financial and other "pragmatic" concerns? No, of course not. But it's something that many people at least think about. Maybe it's less of a factor for someone who's already settled down with a family, though?

@plume I know none of it was directed at me but you give really good advice! Thank you!
 
Good news on my end, I'm over my total meltdown the other week. I'm still applying to 9 of my original 13 schools, and I've decided to combine my computer interests with speech and try to get into AAC research after my master's. Not enough of us go into research!
The main reason I'm posting is sticker shock. I just looked at the costs of U of Central Florida as an out-of-field, out-of-state student and I legitimately want to cry. It's my top choice and all, but I don't know if even that can justify THAT kind of cost!!!

Hi everyone! I got into grad school last cycle (Fall 2016 cohort)! If anyone is looking to get personalized help from someone who went through the process and got in on their first try then please feel free to contact me on the "mentr " app. I am very familiar with CSDCAS and California programs, here's my link:
 
https://mentr.app.link/RCyh9dPSFw