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WannabSLP124

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Everything posted by WannabSLP124

  1. WannabSLP124
    Whether or not you decide to pursue an SLP career your education is not a waste of time. Grad school will be hard, maybe harder than your senior year. Ask yourself why you are doubting SLP. If it's just self doubt, realize everyone goes through this! If you're not jumping into a Master's and think you may still want to be an SLP, I suggest getting some work experience, ideally as an SLPA, or volunteer. This will either reignite your passion or show you that you may want to pursue something else - either way it will be ok!
  2. WannabSLP124
    I think if you are good at managing your time and stress it's doable. I have heard of others who have done it :-)
  3. WannabSLP124
    If you're interested in working with kids, some people already posted a lot of great thing. The only thing I didn't see was a respite or a habilitation worker. Respite provides breaks for parents of children with special needs. Basically a babysitter. A habilitation worker will do the same but also provide assistance with life skills. They have goals that you must work on such as dressing themselves. They can vary based on the child's age and level of functioning. If you are interested working with adults I'm not sure what there is do give you paid direct experience. As in not a receptionist - but if you have time to volunteer, I would look into stroke/aphasia recovery centers.
  4. WannabSLP124
    Burn out is huge in SPED. That would be my biggest concern for you. Most people I know who have gone into SPED are no longer in the field because long hours, paperwork, difficult/demanding/uncaring parents, districts BS, feeling unappreciated, etc. So really look into that before you decide. I have worked as an SLPA for 5 years, which I think is going to be super helpful when I start grad school in the fall. I also think the experience helped me get into programs. It's great because you can really see what the field is like, and know if it is truly for you before investing in a masters. Volunteering is also great. SLPAs have very limited exposure to working with adults, but I was able to get that experience by volunteering and it turns out I love working with adults. I would recommend focusing on getting more experience, and boosting your GRE scores. Prep hard - independently with something like Magoosh or do a course if you have difficulty staying motivated (I did!). Classes are really expensive to re-take since community college is not an option. If you can get your GRE up, some experience, get good letters of rec, do your research, tailor each app to the school, and try to visit the programs, I think you can get past your GPA. I have an overall GPA of 3.22 and I got into 3 schools this year. I applied 2 other times getting all rejections. It can be done, it will be some work though!
  5. WannabSLP124
    @kjack99 Don't panic! You still have time and it sounds like you're on the right track :-) Volunteering is just something you can show you did, that other applicants may or may not have done, so it may help you stand out more. I have also heard getting undergraduate research can be helpful - especially when applying to higher ranked schools as they tend to be very involved in research. One of the coordinators told me they just want to see that you have demonstrated an interest in the field beyond the classroom. Also I highly suggest trying to go to their graduate info days. I learned a lot more about the program and what they like to see in applications - much more informative than the websites! Since you have over a year, you can try to spread them out some, so you're not overwhelmed during application season. Good luck to you!
  6. WannabSLP124
    @futureslpxoxo I'll be going to UH! Can't wait! It was hard to decide as I didn't think I would even have a choice! I went with UH because their program aligned more with my interests and in-state tuition :-)
  7. WannabSLP124
    Contact the program or current grad students in the program to get an idea of good areas. I have moved to places by researching the area and just apartment hunting online. The biggest thing is looking at the neighborhoods - crime, cost, amenities, parks for your dog, etc. I wouldn't move into a place that did not provide pictures. Most places hire professional photographers so there shouldn't be surprises. Also apartmentratings.com will give reviews from past tenants - just remember theres always those people that no one can make happy, when you're reading.
  8. WannabSLP124
    Yes, I think I read somewhere that the admission rate was 20% of applicants, but I don't know how that is skewed when you take into account that people are applying to multiple schools. People often don't get in the first time they apply, but if they keep at it, and do things to make themselves better applicants for the programs they want to get into, then I think most people will eventually get in. This year (my third time applying) I applied to 10 schools to help increase my odds, but I kind of wish I hadn't. It was a lot of money, and I ended up only getting into/waitlisted at schools I really wanted. I would say if you focus on the schools you really want, and you are a good match for, your chances are better. Any "safe" schools I applied to - but didn't necessarily want to go to unless it was a last resort - I was rejected, not even a waitlist lol. My advice would be not to do this - quality over quantity :-)
  9. WannabSLP124
    LOL thank you for asking this @Soon2beSLP and thank you for the info @jpiccolo! It's so funny but grad school is like this mythical thing and outside of practicum I really don't know how it differs from undergrad either! I was wondering the same thing :-)
  10. WannabSLP124
    I volunteered once a week at an aphasia center for about 2 years before applying. If I recall correctly, CSDCAS did ask for the time commitment, but I don't recall others asking for this info. Of course you can always put it on your resume/CV too. I think as long as it doesn't appear that you are volunteering to just get in, but rather to get more exposure to the field. My volunteering experience, helped me with my personal statements as I could talk about what I learned from the experience, and it just made me more knowledgable about the field. The program coordinator also wrote me a strong letter of recommendation. I think it really just depends on what the schools you are looking at like to see in an applicant - so do your research :-)
  11. WannabSLP124
    Are you wanting it for school work or to provide therapy? May be helpful for school if you want something a bit lighter or more portable for reading articles like others have suggested. For therapy - I have mixed feelings about the iPad. I have worked as an SLPA for awhile now, and I got my iPad for work. I hardly use it anymore though. I find that some kids have trouble engaging with you once there is a screen involved. I also find that in general kids are more engaged in activities with things that don't involve the iPad - flash cards, manipulative, art, even worksheets. For some kids who aren't as motivated, some quick play games on iPad can help motivate them. There are a lot of cool programs on the iPad for working with adults too, but I don't have as much experience with them. If you want it more for therapy, I would say save your money and if you still want one when you graduate get one then - with newer tech. Every school I toured had more than enough materials. If you think it would make your life at all easier in grad school then it may be worth it.
  12. WannabSLP124
    I have never heard of any difficulty from others. I was just accepted into University of Houston and they accepted all my courses from Northern Arizona University, and I had courses that were specific to SLPA's. I did have to supply them with a syllabus for one of the courses, which they ended up accepting. Just make sure they are similar to the pre-req's for your desired graduate programs.
  13. WannabSLP124
    Congratulations!!!! I know the feeling :-) Best of luck to you in your program!
  14. WannabSLP124
    It really depends on your situation. I went on a similar route as you but with speech. After earning my BA in another field, I completed an SLPA cert to start working. I worked as an SLPA for 5 years, and now I will be going to grad school in the fall. I am happy with my choice, because I was able to start working in the field fairly quickly, and I got experience. I know the career is a good fit for me, and it's worth investing in a master's degree. I have met quite a few people in rehab therapies who went straight through to their masters without ever working the field, and ended up leaving the field because it wasn't a good fit. If you can, I would try to shadow some PTs and OTs, because an associates is still an investment - make sure you really want it!
  15. WannabSLP124
    I haven't hear from 2 schools, but I know they do somewhat of a rolling admissions. Everyone who hasn't heard is on an unofficial waitlist. You can always call or email to get an update on the status of your application.
  16. WannabSLP124
    I have a friend that did her undergrad at Redlands, and only had wonderful things to say about the undergraduate program.
  17. WannabSLP124
    Have you tried cold calling clinics about SLPA positions? Many are small businesses and don't want to pay to advertise for job postings. It's worth a shot. If you are willing to move it's not too difficult to find SLPA jobs AZ and TX. I have been consistently employed in both states. Otherwise there is also habilitation - you are basically a highly qualified baby sitter for special needs kids. You may work with 1 family or have a few families depending on what they need. You are there to give parents a much needed break and you may get some ABA training on top of that.
  18. WannabSLP124
    Your stats look great! I toured and applied to UT Austin, and loved the program. They are a big research school, so if you can get or have research experience that will be to your advantage. They seem to look at the whole package rather than just stats - but they are a top ranked school so still very competitive. They like to see that you've explored the field and what you have learned from those experiences - volunteering, research, shadowing, etc. if you have great stats but little else to show, I recommend doing some things to build your CV/resume. I highly suggest going to the tours or scheduling visits to the schools you are seriously considering because you learn a lot more about the program and the admissions process. Good luck!
  19. WannabSLP124
    There are so many great applicants with impressive resumes that it definitely can't hurt! If you can handle the responsibilities without your school work and other activities suffering, I say go for it! If it will be too much for you though, look for other ways to stand out that may not be as time consuming. Good luck!
  20. WannabSLP124
    I have been seeing more and more about Chicago Speech Therapy and it sounds fantastic! Wish I would have known after my first round of rejections (or before!). You are absolutely right though, there is hope. I will say that applyong after graduation vs during your senior year, are two entirely different experiences! Keep your chins up if you do not get in this year. One look at the results page and you will see that there are soooo many great candidates out there getting rejections too. Don't take it personal, just move forward and work to improve yourself as a candidate :-)
  21. WannabSLP124
    Houston community college offers introductory physics - no lab :-)
  22. WannabSLP124
    It's completely normal to have some doubts. To be fortunate enough to have a choice is great, but I almost wish I didn't because I am so afraid of making the wrong decision! There is nothing wrong with choosing a school based on costs. And remember, the faculty that deals with the admissions process has a whole other job. I am sure they are juggling a lot during this time of year with their current students, and the admissions process. So maybe they are not as disorganized as they seem right now :-)
  23. WannabSLP124
    You absolutely have a great background and stats. There is a huge need for bilingual SLPs so that is to your advantage. U of AZ is VERY competitive. Not that you can't get in, but it's a long shot for anyone. Apply because they are a great school, but don't feel bad if you don't get in! I know they do like multilingual candidates and research experience. UT Dallas is a great program - I am on their wait list and my stats are much lower than yours, so I think they look at the whole package. I would diversify where you plan to apply some. I would also suggest doing some research on the bilingual programs. Not sure if they are hard to get into due to limited faculty or if it helps you. If they're hard to get into it may be in your best interest to also apply to some schools that don't offer a bingual specialty. I believe you will be able to practice as a bilingual SLP, you just won't have a cert. I think ASHA's only requirement is that you are fluent or near fluent. If you can, try to get some volunteer experience. It will look good and having some experience will help you write your statements. Good luck!
  24. WannabSLP124
    @rach.mack Thank you so much for asking about this for me. You are awesome!!! I do have the contact info for the program director, so I will definitely reach out to him and get more infromation. It is always nice to have the perspective of students though! Thank you again, and congratulations on your admittance!
  25. WannabSLP124
    I am still an SLPA in private practice, but will be leaving soon to start a grad program (yay!). I'm not 100% on overtime. I always did it part-time so that never came up for me. It would likely depend on the company. Many home health companies hire you as an independent contractor rather than an employee. My guess is if you are a contractor they probably do not pay you overtime, but if you are an employee you probably would. That's another thing to keep in mind when looking at pay. If you're a contractor you will make more, but no benefits. I have always been a contractor so I can't say how much of difference it makes in pay. As far as job satisfaction, I think it really depends on many factors. I loved doing it in Phoenix - summer was tough but otherwise mild weather, traffic isn't horrendous, and I loved the company I worked for. In Houston it was really tough. I felt like I was working long hours for little pay - despite having a higher pay rate. I would drive to people homes and they would no show (I didn't get paid for no shows at this company). My supervisor did not find me new clients near my current clients. I have seen a lot of people get burnt out from home health, but I have seen others who do it for a long time and still seem to enjoy it! I think it depends on lot on the person, and the company you work for.
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