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I am also applying for programs as an out-of-field applicant. Another forum member showed me this thread, which I found helpful (but keep in mind that this list was made in 2013):

http://www.thespeechblog.com/ -this is @mcamp's blog, and it's fantastic https://slpecho.wordpress.com/

I also want to say - I do not think taking the GRE three times reflects badly on you. You do not have to send schools all of your scores, and if anything it would show that you're willing to put in the time to improve your scores. However, I still do not think it is a necessity since you met 300 for your cumulative score, especially if there are other areas you would like to improve (like getting experience)! And honestly, I think you could even work with just the experience you already have working in a mental health facility and volunteering to make a great personal statement (which it sounds like you have already done.) It sounds like you really do not want to take the GRE again, which is completely understandable. And I still think there are other areas that would boost your application that would not require you to take it a third time.

Thanks MangoSmoothie! That makes me feel MUCH better about getting letters from professors I will not know for very long!

Thank you! mcamp and Crimson Wife, you had brought up Phonetics and Language Dev in another thread as easier classes so I will look into signing up for one of those in the fall!

I am hoping for a little help deciding what my best move is this summer and fall to help my application. I am an out-of-field applicant applying to 3-year tracks. My issue is that I do not think I have time to fit everything in that I would like to. I am currently working directly in the field, essentially as an SLPA without the certification with children and young adults with language disorders, but have only been doing this for a little over a year. I have an English degree with a good GPA but I only have linguistics and anatomy prereqs completed. I am studying for the GRE and will take it at the end of September. I am also signing up for the required statistics course this fall to take in the evenings. I am making calls to shadow clinicians in other settings as well. I will be busy between GRE studying, a class, and work, but I would appreciate input on if I should do anything else! I could.... 1) Take a speech-related class in the fall, along with the statistics course (this would help me get an academic LoR, since I have been out of school for 5 years - although I could get three great ones from supervisors in my current position) 2) Volunteer in an area of interest I do not have experience in yet 3) Try to fit in all of the above, maybe with a volunteer opportunity that doesn't require many hours? 3) Chill out (if possible!) and focus on studying for the GRE and writing my POS (and this could give me more time to study to retake the GRE if needed) 4) Any other thoughts? Thank you!!!!!!

I am mostly reiterating what others have said, but you look like a competitive applicant to me! Yes, your GRE scores could be higher, and I do not have the answer as to if that is key to getting into school (and I imagine the importance of GRE scores varies a little by school, but I'm not positive on this.) If you are deciding between spending your time studying or volunteering/getting experience, go for the experience! I will be in the same applicant pool as you, so keep us updated on how everything goes!

This is all SO helpful! I am now thinking I need to take one of the easier classes this fall. And thank you for the NY Med tip!!!

mcamp - Thank you (again) so much!

I am really hoping to get into a 3-year program for the reasons you listed, @mcamp. It seems to be the option that makes the most sense for me if I can make it in, and I am very flexible with the location. It is hard to know how competitive of an applicant I am - my GPA is 3.73, GRE scores are probably/hopefully going to be 150Q/160V based on practice tests, and I work in the field as a "language therapist," but there are other things that are not great, like I have an English degree, took a few years after college to work unrelated jobs (including bartending) and had poor grades my first 3 semesters of undergrad that didn't count towards my overall GPA. I am not a shoe-in but I meet the general requirements and have related experience. I am tempted to post a panicky "WILL I GET INTO A GRAD SCHOOL??!" question soon to get some feedback. @Crimson Wife I am taking chem/physics and statistics in the evenings this fall, but I wasn't sure if I should take more prereqs after that. I am worried about wasting money on classes I might not need but it's a different story if it will help me get into school. I need to think about that some more!

Hi Cajun, I have just started this process so I don't have before and after scores, but I have chosen my process based off of advice from others and my own research: 1) Take a practice test. I recommend taking a test on the computer to mimic how you will actually take the test later. I bought ETS's (the company that makes the test) Official Guide, which comes with a CD with two practice tests. This practice test will give you a BASE SCORE, which will help you decide how much you need to study and what you need to study. 2) I chose to buy Magoosh's program. They have many study outline options (and I am altering one of theirs to meet my specific needs.) They also have additional recommended/required material to accompany the program. I bought all required materials, and one recommended for people who need extra help with the quantitative because I know I need this. I spent $250 total. I like Magoosh because they have day-by-day or weekly plans. If you do not want to buy a program like Magoosh, I would not just jump into chapter 1 of a book - I would start off with that practice test and see from there. Also, If you go with a book and not a program like Magoosh, I know that ETS's books are generally recommended to start with (they have a series of three books.) Hope this helps!

Ah, thank you!!!

Thanks mcamp! I will keep looking for that old thread. It sounds like there are more 3-year programs than I originally thought!

My understanding is that programs are more ready to accept dedicated applicants with life experience (your education background specifically seems like it would be a huge plus) than undergraduates straight out of school. Don't give up! I'm not sure what your GPA is now, but your experience, LoR, personal statement, and GRE scores can all work to get you into a program. Like slporbust said, I imagine admission committees are far less worried about your grades from many years ago than your commitment now. Taking one or two comm. disorder classes might be a good idea to show you are committed and can perform well in this track. Good luck!

I have an undergraduate degree in English and need to take all prerequisites to get into an SLP program - does anyone know of programs that admit students into their master's programs that integrate the prereqs? I am only aware of CU Boulder and University of the Pacific. I am hoping to apply to a few of these programs (if more exist) and apply for post-bacc programs (post-bacc is up for debate... not sure if I should take these on my own instead.) Thanks so much!