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I am curious—where do you attend?

I agree—I think it is totally normal to have regrets or hesitation! I minorly freak out and wonder if I should have chosen a different program all the time, but I always circle back to why I chose the program I did. And as long as a program is accredited, there really is no such thing as a total mistake. Just remember why you decided on your school in the first place (cost alone is a great reason)! If you are seriously regretting it, you could call the admissions office of a program you turned down. I am not sure what your level of regret is, but if you still find pros and cons between the different programs, and still feel there are some pros to the program you chose, I think that is a sign that you made the right choice because in most cases any program is the right choice for different reasons

You will be cold, but the snow usually melts quickly there! The change in seasons can be really pretty in Utah. The inversion layer is not ideal, but it is usually only a big deal in the winter and is not visible every day. I would personally find it manageable if I was only going to be there for 2 years.

This is the speech pathology forum—you will probably get some better information in another forum! Good luck!

Thanks for this!

@Audrey Patterson I think the university attracts people from all over. It is not one of the programs in that area that really only attracts Mormon students. It definitely has a different culture, and the high LDS population definitely affects the 'feel' of SLC, but it also has a strong counterculture. I would not worry about being the only person non-LDS at all! Especially for grad school! (I think there is a higher chance for diversity in grad programs!) I have very limited experience, but I knew LOTS of people in the law program who were not LDS. @Amanda Brady I have struggled with the same things with NAU! I just don't know. The one externship thing does bother me, that seems like a big deal but I don't know! I was also concerned about getting enough clinical opportunities there. At the same time, I'm sure they offer some unique opportunities due to their location (specifically on the reservation). The area is wonderful, but I don't want to just go to school for the location.... confused!!!! See above for my input on not fitting in at U of U. I would also contact some current grad students there and see if they really have more experience for peds. Good luck!

I am not in the program, but I lived in SLC for a few years. My ex went to law school there and my good friend just finished the nursing program. PROS: Salt Lake is a cool city. I know we will all be busy in grad school, but are you outdoorsy? I loved Salt Lake for the access to the desert, mountains, and skiing. SLC is beautiful! I am a western lady, and I will be back to the west after school. The landscape is very different from the south (obviously), and very special in its own way. Campus is in a good location at the edge of the city. I lived near campus and enjoyed it, and then lived in the Avenues and LOVED it. It is a super clean city.... almost weirdly clean..... but nice. There are great restaurants in the city. There are fun things to do, like a free outdoor concert in the summer with amazing bands usually. CONS: SLC is about 50/50 LDS/non-LDS. I am not Mormon, and I found it harder than other places I have lived to make friends. This is not because people are unfriendly there (its totally the opposite) but the LDS community is so tight and my friends who were Mormon were busy with church, etc. on the weekends. I don't think this would matter to you, though, because you will probably be hanging out with your cohort The culture and politics are really interesting and odd to a non-LDS person. There are odd laws.... like happy hour is outlawed, and the drinking laws are strict. I am just bringing this up because it adds to the culture. Also, Sundays are eerily quiet. The biggest con ever is the pollution there. SLC suffers from inversions and you can see and taste the air pollution on really bad days. Every year varies—some years it is manageable, and other winters it feels like it never goes away and is depressing. I don't think it would be a big deal for 2 years, though. Also, I have heard their program is more medically-focused, but I have no idea if that's accurate. Overall, I think it would be an awesome experience! I have fond memories of SLC and have thought about moving there again (but living above the pollution)!

Here is US News's explanation: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/health-schools-methodology It looks like they send out a survey to administration and faculty of programs to rank other programs. For SLP programs, they received a 33% response rate. That doesn't sound very accurate to me. However, I am not against choosing a more expensive program.... everyone has different priorities for school and everyone's financial situation is different. I think choosing the school you feel you can succeed the most in (based on faculty support, clinical and research opportunities, location, individual interests, etc) is completely reasonable. I also think it is reasonable to choose the cheapest school if you find you will be able to excel in that environment, and I guess a lot of people will argue that you can excel in any program. And I don't think, based on the methodology of the rankings, we can make many conclusions about programs—they may or may not be a reflection of each one (especially with programs that are close in ranking). I will be paying a lot for my education, and I am happy with my choice! (The cheaper option would be to do a post-bacc next year and reapply, and that is just not worth it to me!)

I am also eagerly waiting on a waitlist. I sent my deposit into a school I was accepted to already, so that has relieved some pressure.... I know I am at least going to a grad program! I know it is different for everyone, but it is worth it to me to lose a few hundred dollars for that security. Have you ranked your waitlists yet in terms of 1st choice, etc? That is what is stressing me out, and I feel like I will feel better once I do that. If you haven't already, I think it might help if you decide if you will attend RMUoHP if it ends up being your only option. If yes, I would submit a deposit (as late as you can, in case you hear from the other schools first). Then I would get prepared to answer to waitlist offers as they come up (as in ranking them). Waiting on waitlists is THE WORST. I understand, and I am jealous of the people who already know what they are doing next year. Once you are organized I think we all just need to try to keep busy and relax as we wait for the answers!

I feel like this thread shows how it doesn't mean anything. My program is a humanities-based school and they offer an M.S. And no school I applied to changes the degree from M.A. to M.S. based on whether or not you write a thesis. I hope this is helpful—it means you can choose the right program for you based off of other factors! (Or maybe it makes it trickier!)

This school is private so I'm not sure if you're interested in it, but I was told that Redlands has a very well-rounded program, and you can make it more medically-focused if that is your passion.

It looks like you already have everything you need to do lined up! I know that a big factor is that NY is a competitive state, too. Yes, I would personally contact schools you have already been rejected to. I wouldn't contact schools you haven't heard from yet. This is a total side note, but I wonder if it would help if you contacted schools you haven't heard from yet to show your interest...? I have heard (rare) stories of people getting in because they were on wait lists and were accepted after reaching out to their top choice, saying they were their top choice and that they would enroll if admitted. No idea if this would work here, but it's just a thought. Your GPA is great and it sounds like your statement and recommendations were excellent, too. Another idea is that I read that some schools/programs will not look at your essay if it is over their word limit AT ALL because they consider it as not adhering to requirements/following directions. Did you actually go over on any? Again, I'm not sure if that happens often and only the schools can tell you if it did. I also had a hard time fitting everything in I wanted to say, but I have been told it is important to mention why each school is a good fit. I know this sucks to hear, but you could work on your GRE scores for the next round if needed, since you did not meet the cumulative 300 threshold. If your math score was a little higher and you had a writing prompt that allowed you to manage your time for that 4.0, it might make your application stronger. I say all of this, but I had weak areas in my application (see my signature), and I truly believe my LoRs and experience made the difference. Maybe more in-field experience could make the difference for you, too.

@k8! Ha ha, I just have to say that I love your "Decision" line, it cracked me up. I know it's so hard to choose and I'm not trying to minimize that at all! It's just that "idk help" perfectly encompasses how I have felt through this whole process

I know a couple of music therapists. They adore their jobs, and they were both very passionate about music before starting their profession (I think in art and music therapy, most people will have a strong passion for either field before going into it). I am not sure if this is true across the board, but I think it is harder to find a music therapy 9-5 job. My cousin's wife did find a job like this in Arizona, but I can't say how readily available they are. I am pretty sure you need to sit for a certification exam for both art and music therapy. I am not sure where your interests lie (is it language, behavior, or therapy in general?) but someone on this forum told me about being a hearing aid dispenser. You make good money doing it, too. More info can be found on ASHA's website: http://www.asha.org/Advocacy/state/info/CO/Colorado-Hearing-Aid-Dispensing-Requirements/. I don't think you're going to get around putting in a lot of time for this job, though. Have you thought about ABA (is this the same as BCBA?), OTA, or special education?

I'm sorry to hear that! Remember, it only takes one acceptance, so don't count yourself out yet. But of course, it is smart to be prepared for a plan B. I would really look into the weak areas of your application. If you're not sure what those are, I would contact a couple of schools you were rejected from and ask them, letting them know that you are trying to get some more information so you can improve your application for the next year. Keep in mind that weak factors can also include the competitiveness of schools you are applying to, or a weak personal statement (the obvious ones might be GPA, GRE, experience). If weak factors are obvious to you, maybe you could post it/them on here and we can give you some ideas on how to approach them. Good luck! I am hoping you hear some good news soon!

Congratulations!!!! I am feeling the same way but I'm sure we will be so happy with our decisions!

M.A. vs M.S. does not actually mean anything, as far as I understand. I went to an open house for a program that offered an M.A. but they were very research-focused and I know they were not more educationally focused. I really think that it is up to each program to decide which degree they award, but it does not say anything alone about the program or their focuses. I am not sure if employers care if you were awarded an M.A. or M.S. (hopefully someone else can chime in here) but I doubt they would. Good luck with your decision!

YAY! Join me in Boston......! Congratulations!

I totally agree with Crimson Wife! If your higher-ranked school has more specialties or opportunities you are interested in, it may be worthwhile attending! If not, I wouldn't focus too much on the rankings. I have found this very stressful as well, but as I meet SLPs and peruse SLP bios, it really seems like you make what you want of your program!

I just sent my deposit to Emerson College! However, I may give up my deposit if accepted off the waitlist at Redlands so I can be near family. I chose Emerson because of the supportive environment, location which will provide extensive clinical opportunities, specialty areas in their in-house clinic, and because I have heard that they really work to get students the experience they want! Also, my supervising SLP went there and raves about it. I felt at home at my interview there. And my partner will have plenty of PA schools to apply to next year.

I only had one interview. They are all very different so it is difficult to provide a lot of useful feedback, but I was not asked anything pertaining to the field or specific CSD-related academics. They knew I did not have a background in the field and wanted to get to know me personally and see if I was a good fit. Good luck!

Good luck! You can always move to Colorado when you're finished!

I am leaning towards Emerson, but I am drawn to Cali because my family lives there. I think I am decided one day, and then something makes me second guess my decision! I guess it is a nice place to be in.

Wow, thank you so much for this. I do have a few questions that I would very much appreciate getting feedback on—I will message you.

@twinguy7 Thank you!!! My family moved to Rancho Mirage a few years ago and I was able to visit Redlands last year and thought it was beautiful. It is great to hear there is an SLP shortage, especially considering that the salaries are higher there in general! (Although I'm not sure if I want to work in schools.) Thank you so much for your offer to PM you! @kayyyyy_ I know, you're right... I am just so torn because my parents want me to choose a school for the program, not because of them... but in my situation I think it makes sense if I do! Also, I just loved Emerson so much. Thanks for all of your support!