AlwaysaFalcon

i don't know about free time (or lack thereof), but i'd personally go for the lower cost option!! it's always better to graduate with less debt imo. it'll only be for a few years, and you can always move to an area you really love after you've got your degree!

I totally agree with @EileenD. I myself moved 10 hours away from my home to attend graduate school. I"m not going to lie in the beginning it was hard not knowing anyone and making new friends. I'm so glad I made this decision though. I've grown stronger as a person and am now more independent and also get to explore a new city! Plus I have made so many friends in my program! It's a great supportive group of people. My thought process behind it is it's such a short time and I can always return home after if I decide to go back there for my cfy. For me the program I ended up attending was considerably cheaper than the one program I would've attended 5 hours away..this was also one of my deciding factors too. If you are looking for a little adventure make the leap! I don't think you'll regret it

Aww I"m glad! All I can say is if it doesn't happen the first time around don't give up! It took me three different rounds of applications to get into grad school. 

It's true. You definitely read that right. 
Top-rated schools are fabulous, competitive, and honestly overrated. 
I am not trying to bash them, I'm here to say why its OKAY to go to a small, underrated graduate program. 
We are all learning the same material. We are all completing clinic hours. Your performance in school will not make you a good working SLP. What I mean by that is, you can not learn compassion through a test. You can not learn interpersonal skill through a test. You can not learn what makes an amazing SLP through tests. Yes, the information is important. The way you apply that information means even more. What matters the most, is being able to give the clients, families, and loved ones the support needed from you. That is not learned through textbook material.   
Top-rated schools are harsh. The testing is difficult, its rigorous, but at the end of the day, we all have to meet ASHA standards. We are not learning different information at different schools, yes it is applied differently. I can honestly say I feel prepared for my internship/internship experiences because I am equipped with what I need to know. Some of the best schools that create the best SLP's are from smaller - underrated - schools that care about their graduate students, and do not only focus on research and being a "top-rated" school. They pour information into us. They make sure we understand, they teach us their ways. I have so many wonderful professors, and I love my program and the experience I am receiving.    
Yes I will admit, I do not go to a top-rated school, I am completely happy where I am. I am LEARNING through professionals active in ASHA and the SLP community. One of my professors is on an ASHA board and has a ton of useful connections. My dysphagia and aphasia professor still works as an SLP at the local hospital and as a PRN SLP - her medical kits are AMAZING. Most of my professors are working SLP's because they love their jobs.   
What I am saying here is: 
Don't discourage yourself if you think you can not handle a top-tier school. It's OKAY! You will be an SLP!   
My smaller school allows me to work a Graduate Assistant job to avoid so many student loans. My graduate degree will cost me less than $15,000. I am not worried about finding a job that I want. I am confident in my education, and you should be too, NO MATTER where you go.   
WE ROCK! Underrated programs and top-rated programs ROCK! SLP's ROCK! We change lives. We are AMAZING no matter what school we go to. BE confident in your abilities! You chose this career for a reason!

I'm from Virginia and chose to go 7 hours away for undergrad at USC. I am very thankful I made this leap, as I think it helped me grow independently and make all kinds of new friends. I'm now faced with choosing between staying at USC, going back home to UVA, or going even further to GSU in Atlanta. While going closer to home seems nice, as I'm pretty sick of 7 hour car rides every time I want to go home, the possibility of living in Atlanta is very tempting and I know I will okay on my own, even in a bigger city. If you feel like you want to challenge yourself in ways more than academically, I wholeheartedly suggest moving away. Maybe close enough that it's not a complete hassle to get home, but far enough that you can live your life!!

Apply to schools with Interviews! That made all of the difference for me! I scored a 139 on the quant (yes, you read that right) and honestly thought I wouldn't stand a chance. So far I have been accepted at every program I interviewed at (3), rejected by 2 (no interview), and waitlisted at 2 (no interview)! 
I had amazing extra curriculars, LORs, and a great personal statement which I think was enough to get the interview despite my average GPA and low GRE. An interview really gives you a chance to show what you have to offer outside of your stats and show them that you have the interpersonal skills to succeed as a clinician. 
Best of luck! 

Honestly, I firmly believe this is what got my husband into grad school this year. His stats are okay but his overall isn't amazing and the 3.0AW is enough that any of the schools in "exciting"/popular areas (big coastal cities and popular cities in between) could easily be used as an immediate reason to deny admission. So we looked at states we had never considered living in - much of the south and midwest made that list. Then we started looking at the minimum admission requirements on ASHA, and shortened the list further. Then shortened it by location (mainly, towns of under 10k people weren't going to make the list) only because we had a finite amount of funds to pay for application fees and transcripts to all these places. 
 
You see the results in my signature. By comparison, he applied to University of Washington (denied), San Diego State (denied), and CSU East Bay (waitlisted, then denied) last year.

Hey guys! Like most everyone else, I'm anxiously waiting around to hear back from schools. I'm from the US, but I also applied to four schools in the United Kingdom and was wondering if anyone else here applied in the UK or to international schools elsewhere? I actually just got invited to Skype interview with the program director of Leeds-Beckett University and I am stoked as this is the first communication I've heard from any school, US or UK!!!
I found that the program prices are very comparable to US programs and in many cases are cheaper when comparing out of state/private tuition costs and as long as the program is accredited, your degree is recognized for licensure back in the States. 
Good luck to everyone applying!

This may be cheesy but I don't think people who aren't in the field know what an accomplishment it really is to get in to a program!! For years I've been scared of not getting in anywhere because of everyone in my classes always talking about how competitive it is. And waiting for so long after submitting apps was awful!! It's a huge relief to have acceptances and I'm really happy!! I feel like people don't hear it enough but getting accepted is a big deal and I'm proud of all my fellow speeches!! I'm proud of myself and proud of everyone that has had acceptances and will in the near future!!  We did it!! And good luck to everyone as more schools send out their decisions!! ❤️ 

I am in the same boat. I applied to eight (most of which are competitive) and have been rejected by one as well. It's very easy to become overwhelmed with anticipation and concern. The important thing to remember is that even if you didn't get into a school you believed was a safety, it might not be because you weren't a good candidate. It may be because they feel that their program just isn't the right fit for you. I'm not the kind of person who believes in fate but this process has really forced me to believe in having faith. The right school for you will choose you in return. And if you don't get in this year, you'll grow from that experience and have a better understanding of applying the following year. The waiting period is tough and I know this sounds cheesy but the best thing you can do is believe in yourself and your ability to be successful in this field. Good luck!

This is my third time applying and I have just received my first acceptance! Don’t lose hope! If you don’t get in this time use it as an opportunity to gain experience and ask schools on how you can improve yourself as a candidate! Good luck to you ? 

It isvery reasonable to have the fear that you might not get anywhere. It’s hard especially since you naturally compare yourself to others in your class or on grad cafe. What I didn’t realize through this process it is so dependent on the applicants a school recieves. Just because you do not get an acceptance does not make you unworthy. I recieved so many rejections my first 2 cycles of applying. I took it so personally but it’s hard for them to make decisions just like us to apply. If you don’t get an make a back up plan and keep trying! ?

It's in my signature but Governors State University!
 

My biggest advice would to keep yourself busy! Like others mentioned this could be a new hobby, working out, hanging out with friends, etc. When you are busy you don't have time to think and worry about the what ifs of your application. Also give yourself a clap on the back! Applying for programs is not easy and neither is this process. Treat yourself! Get a massage, spa time, nails, etc! 

I think you have excellent extra-circulars! Plenty of evidence and experience to put in your letter of intent to prove that you are interested in the field! Also with all that experience I bet you have some people that would write on your behave an excellent letter of recommendation. I had lower stats than yours and was accepted! It took me three tries but was admitted  Don't give up! I'm a current student at Governors State University so pm me if you have any questions! 

In the grad program I attend, most professors at least briefly review the basics for each course. The students in our program come from a variety of schools that had different required classes, so the professors are good about getting everyone on the same level. Prior to starting, the program did provide us with a few review materials (mainly IPA). I also spent about a week reviewing important concepts from each course I had taken before the program started, but I don’t think that was necessary for the program I ended up attending.

Governors State University in University Park, Illinois 

Hey! I’m in the same boat as you; with all my applications submitted, I found myself with so much free time, but for grad school, all we can do right now is wait! The best advice I could give you is to take a step away from your computer as it can easily become a source of anxiety. Find little moments of happiness in daily activities- consider doing things outside your comfort zone or activities you placed on the back burner trying to wrap up grad apps. Find things that make you happy, such as driving or listening to your favorite music, and do them often. Self-care for me has a big social aspect, so I’ve been filling my days spending time with my family, catching up with my friends, and picking back up some old hobbies. I really enjoy journaling and doing group fitness classes at my college’s gym. Even taking a walk outside, going to a local farmer’s market, reading a book, or catching up with a friend can brighten up my day! Self-care can not only be bath bombs and face masks (which are both really great!) but also knowing your limits and saying ‘no’. It’s putting yourself first and doing what you think is best for you. On a different note, I am so excited about the change that the next few months may bring, finally knowing where we might be attending grad school, and the opportunities we have coming our way! No need to be stressing- “if you stress too much about something before it happens, you basically put yourself through it twice”. I hope you find a good way to spend the time we have until decisions! You got this girl!

Agreed it's all about selling yourself.  I've got excellent stats and I didn't get in the first couple times.... probably because I'm not really good at selling myself and I tend to be a little too uncertain and humble in my essays.  Other undergrad friends of mine had more 'average' stats and got in on the first try.
At the end of the day stats are boring numbers that don't tell the committee anything real about you.  The only way to actually stand out from the crowd is building a compelling narrative about yourself.  You've got so much going for you that I don't think you should have a hard time with that!  Rely on what isn't average about you, and the proven history of success that you clearly have.  You got this.   

The best advice that I got is to sell yourself well. Use your essays to your advantage and tell the schools what the scores can't. Talk about your specific experiences and what you learned. There is no guarantee that you'll get in; even if you have better scores. Focus on the essays, get them started early, and proofread. Have a few people read it with suggestions. Leave your essays and then come back to them to proofread some more. There is nothing worse than spelling mistakes, not answering the questions fully, and general mistakes. 
As for the GRE, I scored better on the real test than practice tests. Use the practice tests to see where you have holes and study those areas. It's a critical thinking test, not a knowledge test, so focus on how to take the test because there are only so many vocab words you can memorize.

@kjgoo I agree with what was said regarding more than gpa. If you are lacking in the gpa beef up your application in other ways such as gaining experience to put in your letter of intent, strong work experience/connection to professors so they can write your letter of recommendation. Also if you can apply to a wide variety of programs. Check ASHAedfind and find programs that have a smaller number of applicants applying to them. I found myself that if I had an interview to a program I had better success so look for programs with this option. This way they can place a name to an application and you can shine in person. You can do this! I had a spot on gpa as yours and after three different application cycles I was accepted into my grad program. Good luck  

Hahaha NO. That's a great score. 

Per the ASHA website:
"All graduate level academic course work and clinical practicum submitted for ASHA certification must have been initiated and completed in a program that holds accreditation, or a program admitted to candidacy, by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). You can find a list of CAA accredited programs by using EdFind, ASHA's academic search engine."
Based on their answer, it seems to me that as long as the school remains in candidacy during your time there you should be fine. However, it could get dicey for you if the program is denied accreditation before you have finished. If that were to happen then the remaining coursework and clinical practicum experiences you are currently or would need to take to finish would not be valid. This is my take based on the info above. Practically speaking, I agree with Ciboney above. Established programs have had years to work out the kinks in the program, new programs have not, so I would consider the impact this might have on your experience. Consider if the clinical faculty there have had experience supervising students in a university setting. Since we come out of grad school with little experience beyond our externships, they are critical in getting a good CFY placement. Established programs have relationships with clinics and hospitals i the area they are in and across the country due to connections with faculty, alumni, prestige, etc. Some hospitals and clinics  may even save spots for students from certain universities that they have good relationships with. My first externship fell through a couple weeks before I was supposed to start and immediately the director had a replacement for me even that late in the game. If this is the only option for you then it might be worth the risk, but if you have other options I would recommend a program with a longer history. Hope this helps!

Look into RMUoHP. They are a fairly new program (first graduating class will be 2019), so they might not be too picky about GPA.
Just a reminder - GPA isn't everything. Programs will also look heavily on your letter of recs, personal statements, resume, GRE scores, and possible interview.

I'm at CSUN! I'm really glad I choose it, too!