bibliophile222

Yeah, it can definitely be tough to match prereqs to programs. I would say more is better. A post bacc with only five courses would probably leave some gaps. I applied to five programs after my post bacc. The only issue I had was with audiology/aural rehab, since I took them as one combined 4-credit course as opposed to 2 separate 3-credit courses. It wasn't a huge deal though--my program ended up counting the audiology portion, and I'll have to retake aural rehab this spring.

I know it might seem like another 5.0 is unacheivable... but you did it once, so it is possible! If it were me I would try to raise the verbal score. I know there's not as much prep you can do for the writing, but there are sample essays you can look at to see what they're looking for. Try to remember what you did on your first test date, since it obviously worked! If you choose not to retake it, then focus all your efforts on the non-stats part of the app. An amazing personal statement plus a great AW score could outweigh the verbal score. Don't worry about quant, CSD programs don't care too much about that, and your score is not outstanding but solid. Remember this as well-- stats aren't everything! I had killer stats but no experience and meh LORs. I got into 2 out of 5, so obviously programs didn't just care about my GRE.

There was actually another poster on here recently who pointed out that the CSDCAS application (used by many but not all programs) apparently allows you to only count the grade for the repeated course, which surprised me. However, colleges will still request every transcript of every course you've taken, and schools that don't use CSDCAS (or maybe even if they do) will probably look at repeats. It's definitely different than the GRE. Also, if you can swing thousands of dollars worth of repeat classes and months of effort then that's great, but if you get a B+ on the 2nd try, it's probably not worth taking it a 3rd time in the hopes you get an A! Your best bet is to either take the prereqs once and try your hardest, or branch out a bit and look for 3-year programs without prereqs. It might require moving or attending online. If you're not sure how you'll do or want to get a better feel for the field, try taking just one prereq first so you know what to expect.

Neuroscience/neuroanatomy is a very common prereq. This would be definitely be worth taking if you are planning on applying to a bunch of schools. It may be much easier to get the prereq out of the way before beginning a program--trust me when I say the workload in grad school is not light! None of my programs required ASL or ASD (ASD would typically be a grad-level course). If you're really interested in the school that requires them then maybe take them early, but it doesn't seem worth it if you end up going to another program that doesn't need them.

Just spent most of today grading papers for a freshman intro course. How did so many of them manage to get through high school without learning to write in paragraphs??? Also, I think a bunch of them are writing their papers in Google docs or some other program with a not-so-robust spellchecker, since they make some really ridiculous typos that Word would just autocorrect. At least freaking proofread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay, I'm done. Until the next batch of papers...

I always try to look at the first paper, exam, etc. of the semester as a way to figure out the professor's teaching style and what they're looking for. What do they really want you to pay attention to, and how do they want you to learn it? In subsequent assignments I tailor my style to match theirs, paying extra attention to the things they're nitpicky about. Did your prof use a particular style for the exam? Were some topics stressed more than others? Were questions worded a certain way? If you can identify patterns then other exams might be easier.

There are many programs you can apply to that give prereqs online and/or in person. Some programs are specifically post-bacc, which means a set of courses, typically over 2 or 3 semesters. I did an online post-bacc at Pacific University. If you know for sure that you need these specific five courses than you might just want to mix and match. HOWEVER, prereqs can vary in quantity and/or structure depending on program, so make sure you tailor them to your programs. Eastern New Mexico University and Utah State University are two online programs I've seen many people mention on this thread where you can mix and match single courses. I'm not sure the exact wording for how to apply-- it might be as a non-degree seeking student, or maybe a pre-SLP track (contact admissions for more info on how to apply). One more thing I must mention, seeing as you took the TOEFL: if you have a noticeable accent, you can still be an SLP in the U.S., but you do need to be able to imitate correct pronunciation of specific sounds. For instance, if the /th/ sound is tough for you, make sure you practice it ahead of time so you can model a correct pronunciation. People might want to give you grief for speaking with an accent, but that doesn't mean you can't be successful, you might just have to practice a bit more. The same goes for trickier syntax and morphology--make sure you study some of these rules so you know when people are making morphosyntactical or other language-related errors.

Yeah, I think everyone in my cohort was nervous before the first session, except for maybe the girls who had been SLPAs. Still, most people had more related experience than me so it was nice to know I could measure up!

Yeah, I think getting them done in one semester could be tough. Are they looking for five 3-credit courses? If you have good study skills and aren't working much then five online courses would be doable. Of course, this is also provided all the courses you need are offered in spring. Do you have an idea of where you'd be taking the classes? If you apply this fall your application should at least show that your prereqs are all in the works and tell them which school you're getting them at. It sounds like it would just be easier to wait. It'll give you more time to prepare and ensure you do really well on the prereqs.

So I just had my first ever clinic session--out-of-fielder with absolutely no related experience. It was great! I was nervous all day, but it went smoothly and I didn't run out of things to do, which was a huge relief! Just thought I'd share because it was a really scary leap into the unknown and I didn't throw up or even stumble over my words too badly. For any other newbies making the plunge, you can do it!

Hello and welcome! First, if you haven't done so already you should check out the Speech-Language Pathology forum on this site, as it is far more field-specific and you will get much more information: the City Guide is for people asking about a specific city. As to your question, although there are rankings like US News, which will get you a numerical list of "best" programs, you might not want to think of it as a pure ranking. First, if you are planning to stay in the United States after school, SLP jobs are plentiful and people don't really care where you go to school as long as it's accredited and you're properly certified. Most people go to schools that are either affordable (or wherever they get in) and/or that specialize in aspects of the field that interest them. What are you passionate about? Autism? Bilingualism? Aphasia? Look for schools that have specialty tracks and relevant externship settings. That being said, I'm sure you can't go wrong going to a high-ranked program, since they are highly ranked for a reason. They might have better equipment, a lower student-faculty ratio, or connections to really good placement sites and future job opportunities. Just remember that it's not that important where you go. Another important factor in picking a school is whether or not you can get in. Although SLPs are in high demand, there are not enough programs out there to teach all potential SLPs, so getting in can be difficult. Many (or most?) programs have hundreds of people applying for maybe 30 slots. How is your GPA/GRE? Do you have relevant experience, good letters of recommendation, and a good personal statement? All these factors will determine where you can get in. ASHA EdFind is a great resource for program information, selectivity, and more. I can't speak specifically about schools that have a lot of Indian students. Maybe look for total numbers of international students? I would imagine that if you pick a larger school there will be a reasonable amount of Indians. You might have to look at each individual school to find out this information. I hope this helps--good luck with your search!

Sorry, can't help you on this one, but if you post this in the SLP forum you'll be way more likely to get a helpful response as it's more field-specific.

I definitely agree with SortOfOld. When I try to cram too much information in my head at once I end up sleeping badly (dreams about the topic, etc) and getting things mixed up. Another strategy is to pick your test time carefully. I am not a morning person so I picked a 1 pm start time, but if afternoon is your siesta time then pick a morning slot. I also pounded a 5 hour energy right before, which worked great!

Nice verbal score! I'd say as long as your writing score is good (4.0 or higher) not to worry about retaking it. Verbal is more important than quant and your combined score is above 300. There are so many ways you can strengthen an application beyond the stats.

A word of caution with Master Clinician: I had 12 hours through them but was unable to use them. The certificate with the hours had my professor's name and ASHA ID#, but because her actual signature wasn't on it my program would not accept them. I emailed my professor, but by then it was summer, I never heard back and had to get the full 25 hours elsewhere. They also do not break down the videos by age level, speech/language, or dx/rd, which my program also required, so make sure all that stuff is on there!

Yes! I've never used a planner before, even when I should have, and it's already my bible. You can use either electronic or paper, whatever fits your style. I personally like the physical planner since it's easier to access - no batteries required! Also, one of my professors has a no-laptop policy, so I can still keep my planner out and jot things down as I think of them.

Don't worry too much! I'm an out-of-fielder and I also have no experience, also getting my first client (fortunately just one!) in less than three weeks. Have you seen your clients' charts? If they've had therapy in the past there will be a case history which shows prior treatments, so you can get a sense of what has been done, what they still need work with, and even preferred treatment activities. I highly recommend checking out the ASHA practice portal, which gives basic information, EBP guidelines for treatment, activities, etc. Research, research, research! Scour the internet for activities, treatment objectives, and any other helpful information. I'm guessing you'll meet with your clinical supervisor before your first session. Present what you have found and provide a rough game plan--you should get some feedback so you can revise it before the session. And even if you totally bomb the first session, I'm guessing most other people in your program will too. Mistakes are learning experiences! How else are we supposed to get better? Yeah, I know, I'm freaked too. I'm just good at pushing off my panic until later, so we'll see how calm I am in a couple weeks!

Yep, one of my programs had a supplemental app which was another $60 beyond the CSDCAS price. Lame. However, if you already know which schools you're applying to when you take the GRE, you can send scores to (I think) five schools for free, which helps. Be really careful to send the score to the right code, though, since some schools have a couple (CSDCAS, online vs in-person). I had to resend two scores because I used the wrong code. Super lame.

If you don't have your syllabi any more you should be able to contact your school and request them. Even if they don't have the exact syllabus, they can provide the most recent one for that course. I was missing a couple syllabi and requested them, no sweat--I called the registrar's office and had them emailed to me. It's at least worth checking out.

i'll admit, as a book nerd who has always loved the idea of a huge personal library, I've been buying my books so that I can reference them, but also so I can display them pompously on bookshelves for the rest of my career. I've kept all relevant undergrad books too--I actually have referenced a couple of them since, so I guess they've been somewhat helpful. But no, it's really just so I can show them off. ?

My department doesn't offer any TA-ships due to funding, but I just snagged a TA position for a 1-credit course taught in a different department but the same college. Everyone in the college received an email regarding the TA position and I sent an email with a statement of interest and CV. This will be through work-study, not department funding. Like everyone else has echoed, the specifics of TA-ing are hugely dependent on school and department, but if you do not get something in your department there may be ways to go through work-study or to be hired as a temporary employee.

Wow, I never even thought about doing that- it is a good idea! What I did do (My LORs were all from online profs) is email them a description of my interests and goals and send them a couple writing samples from their courses. If you don't have your personal statement ready I think this method also works.

Yeah, hopefully I can return it (got it through a 3rd party seller on Amazon a few weeks ago and have thrown out the original paperwork). I'm planning on keeping all my relevant books so would prefer not to rent/use library, but it would probably be a good idea to check out the new edition and see just how different it is from the old one. I guess I was just surprised because my program is a 2-year MS with a cohort and a set curriculum, basically all core courses that everyone takes at the same time, so it seemed like books, etc would be more set in stone. Oh well, live and learn.

Grrr, I'm a little peeved right now. Less than two weeks before classes start and I get an email that one of the required textbooks that will be used in two different courses has a newer edition than the one on the textbook list and now we have to get the new one and can't use the old one. I imagine that at least a decent chunk of the cohort has, like me, already purchased the older edition, and it just seems like it's way too close to the beginning of the semester to make these changes, especially since the new textbook is $120 on Amazon (let alone at the school bookstore). Does this happen often? If so I will try to restrain my enthusiasm in the future and wait to buy, which I don't like since I want my books in my possession as soon as possible (partly so I'm prepared, partly so I can lovingly caress them). ?

I wouldn't call your GRE scores dismal--if you look at more posts here you'll see many examples of people with worse scores getting into schools. Your verbal is above 150, and a 4.0 isn't spectacular, but is still solid. Quant scores typically don't matter as much, and your cumulative score is above 300. Your GPA is on the low side, though again not low enough to totally obliterate your chances. If you really don't want to go abroad, take the next year and study for the GRE, and if possible retake any core classes you might not have done well in. Even if it doesn't raise your cumulative score much it may show schools that you'll do well in the program, which means more than GRE. If you read further on this forum, you will also see many people's experiences getting into schools with low scores. Numbers are not all that matter. Write a killer personal statement, get strong LORs, and emphasize your experiences. If you don't go to school this fall, take the year to do more observation or volunteer hours. Also, look for programs that are newer (meaning less competitive since fewer people know about them) and be willing to relocate or take an online program. Look for programs that are more holistic and less focused on stats. If you persevere you can do it.