SleepynotInSeattle

Do you mind sharing what kind of work or volunteering (if any) you did between undergrad and applying?

I heard from one of my teachers (who is on the admissions committee for my school) that they prefer someone well rounded with diverse experience. They're not looking for 1000s of experiences that only last 2 weeks but more so several months with different populations to show you've had a range of experiences. This is only one school out of many but it was a helpful perspective for me when deciding whether to continue with my volunteer "research" position or find something new. I was told "if you're not evolving in your position (learning new skills, getting different experiences) then move on." I was also told that "relevant" work could mean being a receptionist for an SLP medical facility or an event coordinator in a nursing home or really anything. It doesn't mean you have to be standing under an SLP all day seeing exactly what they do. They are more concerned with your interaction with people of various backgrounds who may have disabilities. I hope this helps!

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm on two waitlists and rejected from all others. It was devastating not to have an outright acceptance but I'm coming to terms with it. Further, I am attempting to remain hopefully but realistic about my chances of coming off the waitlist. To help myself feel better about my unknown future I have begun to sketch out plans for next year (I'm not acting on anything though). Personally, I'm waiting to look for a job or apply for positions of any sort because I need to focus on my final grades and keep my sanity. When I have free time I make lists of things that I'd like to do or options to look into. I'm waiting until after graduation day to begin truly looking/applying. There are plenty of jobs in the world (my advisors words, not mine). There are all sorts of ways to remain relevant for graduate school, take care of bills (rent, utilities, loans, life), and still find some enjoyment. It'll work out. Just take a breath (a nice, extremely deep breath). Good luck with all you're experiencing. I absolutely understand your position.

I'm not from your area by any means but you could try searching for nursing/retirement homes. I spent some time volunteering in the "activities" program of my local retirement home. Mostly I was working with individuals who had dementia or Alzheimer's but there was a wide range of individuals with speech disorders. I was also able to shadow the speech therapist there. You could also try searching for local non-profits who specialize in caring for individuals with special needs. Good luck!

I did the phonology course online at Utah state last semester while still in classes at my own undergrad program (that put me taking 18 hours plus working). The class was totally manageable and there were a ton of TAs since the course was so large. They also have a ton of other class offering besides simple phonology. I would highly recommend looking into Utah State online. It was one of the cheaper programs that I found. Super easy to apply to, fast response, and overall good experience.

I applied for all of the North Carolina schools (I can't afford out of state tuition). I was rejected from all except Western. Hopefully we'll both get in!! I'm hoping I can find a flexible enough job to allow me to volunteer or definitely have the time to volunteer on weekends. I'm like you though, I would love to just get into a program and be on the road to my career.

I was also rejected from App and wait-listed at Western. I'm kind of nervous because I feel like a ton of people were put on the wait-list for Western.. Although this is only my first year applying, I'm nervous about what I'll be doing this coming year (or years to follow). I have no clue what kind of job to look for that will be relevant to the field without having some kind of higher degree or certification. I also don't know how I'm going to remain competitive (volunteering/doing research/etc.) if I have to work a full time job to pay all my bills and hopefully save for potentially attending a speech program. This whole process is very nerve-wracking.

List all potential schools. Don't freak out too much. I'm still in undergrad but I filled out my FAFSA extremely late (think June) one year. There was still funding. It depends on your school/program etc. I'm not sure if it'll be the same for every school/department but all you can do is apply and wait. Its worth it either way.

Two of my recommenders missed two deadlines each. So I had two incomplete applications past the deadline. One person posted the day after the application was due (after I had sent several very frazzled emails). The other one posted ONE WEEK after the deadline. Definitely give a fake due date and stay on top of them about completing. My applications informed me when the forms had been received, opened, and sent by the recommenders. I asked each of them in August, gave them a two month heads up, one month, two weeks, one week, one day, day of, and then freaked out the day after. It was very disheartening and makes me wonder if that's why I was rejected. All in all, learn from my let down. It feels horrible to have this happen and probably looks just as bad if not worse from the school's standpoint. Choose your recommenders wisely.

I agree!! One of my schools released waitlists but nothing else. I have no clue if I was accepted or denied and no clue when I'll find out. I just wish they'd release everything at once. It would also be nice if schools were upfront about how long it will take to hear anything from them.