bibliophile222

I'm very curious about this topic as well. When I accepted my spot at SDSU I asked  how covid would affect the fall and was told that they are expecting to have fall semester as normal, but that as things change they would be in touch with us. Of course this situation is very fluid so I imagine that all programs are hoping to be able to have fall semester in-person, but that the decision will be made at the level of the university rather than the department. They will probably have to wait and see what orders come down from the state, and then whether the university is able/allowed to reopen (for CSUs I imagine this will be a system-wide decision). 
I do still plan to move in August, though, since my lease is up in LA at the end of July anyway and I'm holding out hope for in-person classes

Writing this because when I was applying for MU, there was very little information about it because the program was (and still is) so new. I think everyone that's considering attending there should know as much about it as possible, because the school you choose really does have an impact on the knowledge you enter the field with. Also, it's expensive, so I'd hate to see more people drop almost $80k and hate it, like a lot of my classmates, or regret it, like almost all of us. 
About the School: MU is a private university located in West Long Branch, NJ approximately one mile from the beach. Tuition for the 2 year, 6 semester program will run you about $77,000. Courses and clinic take place at the Graduate Center, located on a busy highway. You will see the beautiful, well maintained Main Campus only a handful of times during your two years, unless you go there on your own. The SLP program received accreditation in Winter 2019.
About the Department: Overall, the department was great up until Spring 2019, which is when things started falling apart. It seemed like once they got accreditation, they just didn't care anymore. 
The Department Chair: She was more involved with the cohort below mine, as she didn't teach any of our classes that she normally does (Aphasia, Dysphagia). As a result, she barely knew us by name and openly admitted to not knowing us at all. Which isn't a big deal, but for a school that preaches about its small, close knit community, she sure didn't make it feel this way. Contacting the chair was hit or miss for a lot of my classmates, even in urgent matters. There was also an uncalled for attitude most of the time that we were never really sure why it existed.  The Professors: FYI this might not pertain as much to future students because there are courses/professors I can no longer comment on because there have been such drastic faculty changes over the last year or so, but there are a few professors that might still be there when/if you apply.  Fluency/ASD: this professor is SO passionate about all things SLP. It is very obvious he loves being an SLP and teaching future SLPs. He was available pretty much all the time via email and was always willing to set up office visits or phone calls.  Aphasia/Dysphagia/TBI: when I took these courses, they used an adjunct professor because the chair, who usually teaches them, was unable to (maybe it was for the best though, because the first year I was paired with told me she gave two question exams and many people were struggling in the classes). Overall, she wasn't horrible at teaching. Her first semester teaching was rough, as expected, but her second semester she developed a more objective and fair way of grading. Our biggest issues with her were when she told her during the first semester she "never really wanted to teach" and trying to explain to us how we essentially came last on her list of things to do. I'm not asking to be number one, but 1) we're paying (A LOT) for an education and it shouldn't be negatively impacted because of the professor's inability to balance jobs (maybe don't do both then?!) and 2) why would you even say that?! Motor Speech Disorders: can't comment, new professor Voice Resonance Disorders: can't comment, new professor  Introduction to Clinical Methods: taught by the clinic director, who is hot and cold and treats students like children    Pediatric Language Disorders: can't comment (the professor I had taught it to the cohort below me but has left since then, so IDK who will be teaching it in the future) Research Methods/Speech Sound Disorders: I had a professor who left the program, but it is now taught by the professor who teaches Fluency and ASD AAC: professor is very passionate about AAC and is very knowledgable; however, once COVID-19 turned classes online, she didn't post any lectures except one Zoom meeting... The Secretary: Hands down the best member of the department. She's always so friendly and willing to help you out. She does A LOT for the program. What a gem. Issues:
Cheating and Academic Dishonesty: If you want to go to a graduate school where you can cheat, go to Monmouth! There were SERIOUS cheating problems starting in summer 2018 (yes, the very first semester) which just increased as time passed because the department didn't do anything about it, so other students realized how easy it was to cheat. Of course, I was being facetious - don't go to a school because they don't care or do anything about cheating. It really sucks when you study your ass off and do everything you should to do well, but then you look around and see half of your classmates cheating. I know for a fact an advisor was made aware of the cheating situation in fall 2018 and nothing changed until our TBI final (fall 2019), when it was apparent that the professor was informed of the issue. People still cheated during that final though, because the professor remained on her computer (which is what all the professors do during exams), and cheated in our AAC midterm (spring 2020), too. Loss of A BUNCH of Faculty Members: Losing faculty meant the department had to scramble (literally, there were times we didn't know who'd be teaching the course until a week before) December 2018: lost the PhD professor that taught Motor Speech Disorders and Voice/Resonance Disorders AND the professor who was brought in to teach the aphasia course decided she was not going to return (she came back for TBI in fall 2019 after being asked - aka begged - because they had NO ONE to teach) May 2019: the adjunct professor who took over the chair's position for teaching dysphagia decided she was not going to return  June-ish 2019: lost another PhD professor who did research and supervised students in clinic  July-ish 2019: lost another professor who specializes in and teaches AAC. We have a Rett Syndrome program and she was an asset to clinic because of this.  August 2019: lost the program's most valuable PhD professor. She taught one class each semester, was very knowledgable, and was always available to her students.  Lack of Communication: There were issues with where to send praxis scores, because the department never told us all the places we needed to send scores to (not even during their praxis bootcamp), and when confronted about it, she insisted that the department has been communicating with us the entire time when they were NOT. Also, there were major communication issues about the comprehensive portfolio all graduating students must complete. We were given basic a Word document about it in fall 2019 during out Autism class and were never told anything else, and the document wasn't very detailed in regards to how they wanted things structured and written. This led to one of our professors getting swarmed with emails from my entire cohort and the chair did very little during this even though she was technically in charge of the portfolio. No additional information was ever shared with us, which made it difficult and VERY stressful to complete the portfolio. The lack of communication from a department whose education lies in communication is pathetic.  External Practicum Placements: some students didn't get a medical placement at all (who wanted one) and some got two medical placements, some got the exact sites they wanted while others didn't at all. There was definitely unfairness occurring in giving out sites. Preparedness for Externships: there are quite a few sites that have not been happy with Monmouth students. as they feel they are not prepared well Class/Semester Structure: I'll share my schedule as a first and second year student, but this could change, especially with COVID-19 (I'll try to add notes to things I know changed)
Summer 2018: 2 classes - Intro to Clinical Methods and Pediatric Language Disorders. Classes Monday - Thursday, one class was MW, the other TTH, for 3 hours each (I believe it was 9ish-12 ish and 12:30-3:45) Fall 2019: 4 classes + on campus clinic  Mondays: clinic (differing time slots for each group of 4 students, anywhere from starting at 9:00 am to ending at 7:00 pm) Tuesdays: 2 classes (speech sound disorders & voice, we were there from about 11am to 6 pm bc of gaps b/w the classes) Wednesdays: clinic (same schedule as Monday) Thursdays: 2 classes (motor speech & aphasia, there from about 11am to 730 pm due to gaps) Fridays: Seminar and Group Therapy. Seminar occurred before group, group started at 1:00pm. Group consisted of small groups, so you'd be with your group of students with a group of adults/kids (kids group was cancelled after a few weeks because only 1 or 2 would show up for it). The rest of the group were mainly adults with aphasia, dysarthria, etc.  Grand Rounds: near the end of the semester. you pick a client you have and present on them.  Spring 2019: 3 classes + on campus clinic (we had too many in our cohort so our research class was separated into 2 groups) Mondays: clinic Tuesdays: research 1 & dysphagia (we were there from 12ish to 8:30ish, with about a 1 hour break in between) Wednesdays: clinic Thursdays: fluency & research 2 (about 9:30 to 4:30) Fridays: seminar (45 min - 1 hr) and group therapy (this was changed so that only one group would go per week, so everyone had to drive to campus for the 45 min seminar and then could leave unless they had group - this changed with the latest cohort, seminar was removed) Summer B 2019: 2 classes (assessment & audiology) Each class took place twice a week, but on the same day. We were there for approximately 7ish hours each day (2 days per week) Summer E 2019: Diagnostics (on campus clinic where you assess clients). Twice per week, for about 3.5 hours. Either MW or TTH. On Mondays/Tuesdays you'd assess the client, reports are due by the beginning of "class" on Wednesday or Thursday, then once it's edited and finalized, you use the rest of the 3 hours to plan for the upcoming week's assessment. (for summer 2020, diagnostics is utilizing simucase) Fall 2019: 2 classes + external practicum  Tuesdays: ASD 6-9 Thursdays: TBI 6-9 Spring 2020: 2 classes + external practicum  Wednesdays: AAC Online: Professional Issues External practicum for spring semesters have a "Clinical Expo" where you prepare a project/presentation (either pertaining to an on campus client if you're a first year or relating to your externship if you're a second year) My personal feelings towards the program: I loved the program until all the issues began. Once we started losing faculty, the professors that were brought in were questionable in regards to their teaching abilities. It was apparent they were good at their day job, but teaching SLP was a challenge for most. Many of my classmates, myself included, feel ill prepared to enter the field. We believe the department really did the bare minimum, which coincidentally began when they received accreditation status. There are some professors who are good at their jobs and truly care, but that doesn't make up for those that weren't so great, nor does it make up for the departments total disregard of major issues and their lack of communication. Many us of regret choosing Monmouth because the program is NOT worth the ridiculous cost of tuition. If it was an amazing program that provided a quality education and really "opened doors" after graduation, I could maybe justify the $75k for it. But for a lackluster, inadequate education? Nope, not worth it unless you have to or really want to go there. 

At least you're somewhere warm! We've had one 70-degree day all year and the leaves still aren't fully out yet. It might snow on Saturday. 

Since she offered I don't think it hurts, she might know something you don't about the way the admissions process works at your school. If the question was posed "should I ask someone to put in a good word for me" i'd say no since at this point things are pretty set in stone. You're waiting for someone to drop out (which with COVID seems possible) and then for anyone ahead of you to turn down the spot. Good luck!!! Glad to see you're at least accepted somewhere

I didn't get into my top choice school (in-state tuition, only 10 minutes from my house) and it was a huge bummer. I ended up picking an expensive school that required me to move a few hours a way over an even more expensive online program.
Do I still wish that I'd gotten into the in-state school and wonder what I could have done to get in? Absolutely. Have I been unhappy or unfulfilled with my current program? Absolutely not. It ended up being such a good program and experience with a really tight-knit cohort and supportive professors. I don't love everything about the area I'm now living, but I like it a lot and feel fine staying here at least through my CF.
I think you may always have regrets because, hey, that's life and hindsight is always 20/20. It doesn't mean you need to regret where you end up. Worst case scenario, two or so years of your life won't be great, but you'll still have decades of doing what you love. Best case scenario, it could end up being the perfect program for you and you'll make some great friends and connections. It's natural to get cold feet before a huge change in your life, but don't forget to be excited about all the possibilities life now has to offer!
And now, a philosophical note:
As I've progressed through grad school, struggled with money, etc, I've come to really appreciate the Rolling Stones' message that "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you might find you get what you need". I haven't won the lottery or ended up at my top school, but time and again I've gotten what I need. It may not be as exciting as getting what I want, but it still allows me to be happy and fulfilled.
Sorry for the essay! I'm sleepy and procrastinating bedtime. ?

I didn't get into my top choice school (in-state tuition, only 10 minutes from my house) and it was a huge bummer. I ended up picking an expensive school that required me to move a few hours a way over an even more expensive online program.
Do I still wish that I'd gotten into the in-state school and wonder what I could have done to get in? Absolutely. Have I been unhappy or unfulfilled with my current program? Absolutely not. It ended up being such a good program and experience with a really tight-knit cohort and supportive professors. I don't love everything about the area I'm now living, but I like it a lot and feel fine staying here at least through my CF.
I think you may always have regrets because, hey, that's life and hindsight is always 20/20. It doesn't mean you need to regret where you end up. Worst case scenario, two or so years of your life won't be great, but you'll still have decades of doing what you love. Best case scenario, it could end up being the perfect program for you and you'll make some great friends and connections. It's natural to get cold feet before a huge change in your life, but don't forget to be excited about all the possibilities life now has to offer!
And now, a philosophical note:
As I've progressed through grad school, struggled with money, etc, I've come to really appreciate the Rolling Stones' message that "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you might find you get what you need". I haven't won the lottery or ended up at my top school, but time and again I've gotten what I need. It may not be as exciting as getting what I want, but it still allows me to be happy and fulfilled.
Sorry for the essay! I'm sleepy and procrastinating bedtime. ?

I’m in my third semester of grad school and still have imposter syndrome. Instead of fake it til you make it I read something that said “act as if” which I thought was pretty positive and cool. Act as if. Who the hell is to say you’re an imposter girl. You’re a future SLP - solid definition of it  way to go!

This doesn't happen to everyone in grad school, but you might be pleasantly surprised at how interests might change once you begin. I entered thinking I might want to work with adults, and aphasia/TBI interested me rhe most, but now I'm applying to CF positions in schools and have spent most of grad school doing research on childhood apraxia! I just sort of fell into research because I did well in a professor's class and it ended up being really interesting. The non-thesis research project I completed for a graduation requirement is still ongoing, and if I want to keep working on it after graduation we can hopefully get some articles published. I hadn't planned on doing a Ph.D, but if I ever do I'll have some solid research under my belt.
Even if you do know exactly what you want to research, and what your professors are doing isn't closely aligned, you could probably still choose to work with the one with the closest interests and branch off of their work. I'm sure they'd be happy to support you in that.

I didn't get into my top choice school (in-state tuition, only 10 minutes from my house) and it was a huge bummer. I ended up picking an expensive school that required me to move a few hours a way over an even more expensive online program.
Do I still wish that I'd gotten into the in-state school and wonder what I could have done to get in? Absolutely. Have I been unhappy or unfulfilled with my current program? Absolutely not. It ended up being such a good program and experience with a really tight-knit cohort and supportive professors. I don't love everything about the area I'm now living, but I like it a lot and feel fine staying here at least through my CF.
I think you may always have regrets because, hey, that's life and hindsight is always 20/20. It doesn't mean you need to regret where you end up. Worst case scenario, two or so years of your life won't be great, but you'll still have decades of doing what you love. Best case scenario, it could end up being the perfect program for you and you'll make some great friends and connections. It's natural to get cold feet before a huge change in your life, but don't forget to be excited about all the possibilities life now has to offer!
And now, a philosophical note:
As I've progressed through grad school, struggled with money, etc, I've come to really appreciate the Rolling Stones' message that "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you might find you get what you need". I haven't won the lottery or ended up at my top school, but time and again I've gotten what I need. It may not be as exciting as getting what I want, but it still allows me to be happy and fulfilled.
Sorry for the essay! I'm sleepy and procrastinating bedtime. ?

I'm trying not to go in with a negative attitude because I don't want to be a self-fulfilling prophecy, so that's one thing. I'm trying to keep an open mind and going in knowing that I will be meeting new people and learning new things that will excite me for the future of the field. I would also try to connect with a professor who is teaching a class that focuses on the population/disorder you're interested in potentially researching because they can always offer you guidance down the road. I would also try to go in with an open mind about research because I did research undergrad on something I thought I was going to love but I ended up becoming interested in other topics when I took more classes on other disorders. 
You can also try reaching out to research labs during the summer and see if they need any help (either being a volunteer or a participant). That way, you can get your foot in the door that way. Also, going to a local school where research might not be an interest to the overwhelming majority can be good for you because even if you help a professor out with a project, you might be able to go to the ASHA conference (which is where ALL the networking happens)! Some of the "elite" brand name schools will have almost every student interested in research and not enough spots or opportunities for them, so consider this an asset.

Totally get how it's disappointing to turn down the more prestigious Northwestern option but think you dodged a bullet on that one - it is crazy expensive and not worth it for most. It sounds like Milwaukee is home for you and it might be an even bigger perk that you get to live at home. I'd try to look at getting into your local school as a positive rather than a negative, as many very qualified applicants would love to have that option. Anyways, your stats look great and if it's really not the right choice for you it might be good to explore some different options in the next cycle as many schools on your list are expensive and most are extremely competitive - OK to keep some reaches but add a few more safeties that you like better than UWM, eliminate the crazy expensive options. Good luck!

I am in a similar situation because I ended up choosing a local school over a school I had dreamed of going to for basically my entire life. What makes me feel better is that I am going to try my hardest to make the best of it. I applied for a research fellowship and I am going to try to network as much as possible.
Also, it helped me a lot to think about practicality. None of us knew back in the Fall/Winter when we were applying that we would be knee deep in a global pandemic. The people who are still thinking COVID isn't going to affect grad school are being naive. Why pay so much money when in the blink of an eye, everyone's grad schools will turn into Zoom University and our clinical experiences will be on Simucase. This virus is here for the long run. It just isn't practical to be moving hours away when you cannot even effectively apartment hunt and adjust to life while the world around us is falling apart and trying to recuperate from this chaos. Grad school is stressful enough already. I've seen the grad students are my undergrad institution now, and they are always super stressed.  I think staying local is honestly the best option but I understand my views might be unpopular. 
 

I didn't get into my top choice school (in-state tuition, only 10 minutes from my house) and it was a huge bummer. I ended up picking an expensive school that required me to move a few hours a way over an even more expensive online program.
Do I still wish that I'd gotten into the in-state school and wonder what I could have done to get in? Absolutely. Have I been unhappy or unfulfilled with my current program? Absolutely not. It ended up being such a good program and experience with a really tight-knit cohort and supportive professors. I don't love everything about the area I'm now living, but I like it a lot and feel fine staying here at least through my CF.
I think you may always have regrets because, hey, that's life and hindsight is always 20/20. It doesn't mean you need to regret where you end up. Worst case scenario, two or so years of your life won't be great, but you'll still have decades of doing what you love. Best case scenario, it could end up being the perfect program for you and you'll make some great friends and connections. It's natural to get cold feet before a huge change in your life, but don't forget to be excited about all the possibilities life now has to offer!
And now, a philosophical note:
As I've progressed through grad school, struggled with money, etc, I've come to really appreciate the Rolling Stones' message that "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you might find you get what you need". I haven't won the lottery or ended up at my top school, but time and again I've gotten what I need. It may not be as exciting as getting what I want, but it still allows me to be happy and fulfilled.
Sorry for the essay! I'm sleepy and procrastinating bedtime. ?

I didn't get into my top choice school (in-state tuition, only 10 minutes from my house) and it was a huge bummer. I ended up picking an expensive school that required me to move a few hours a way over an even more expensive online program.
Do I still wish that I'd gotten into the in-state school and wonder what I could have done to get in? Absolutely. Have I been unhappy or unfulfilled with my current program? Absolutely not. It ended up being such a good program and experience with a really tight-knit cohort and supportive professors. I don't love everything about the area I'm now living, but I like it a lot and feel fine staying here at least through my CF.
I think you may always have regrets because, hey, that's life and hindsight is always 20/20. It doesn't mean you need to regret where you end up. Worst case scenario, two or so years of your life won't be great, but you'll still have decades of doing what you love. Best case scenario, it could end up being the perfect program for you and you'll make some great friends and connections. It's natural to get cold feet before a huge change in your life, but don't forget to be excited about all the possibilities life now has to offer!
And now, a philosophical note:
As I've progressed through grad school, struggled with money, etc, I've come to really appreciate the Rolling Stones' message that "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you might find you get what you need". I haven't won the lottery or ended up at my top school, but time and again I've gotten what I need. It may not be as exciting as getting what I want, but it still allows me to be happy and fulfilled.
Sorry for the essay! I'm sleepy and procrastinating bedtime. ?

I totally relate to you! I picked Lewis based on distance+expenses when really I wish I picked Saint Marys or any other school...Lewis is a great program it was just the cheapest for me. I'm hoping I get into one of the schools I'm waitlisted at because it is my top choice. Honestly yes cost is a huge factor but no matter what program you go too you will get a job when you graduate. The job security for this profession is so high that you will pay off that debt.
Unfortunately it is too late to get your acceptance to Northwestern back, I'm really hoping you get off the waitlist if that's what you want to do. But remember grad school is only 2 years. It'll be tough and grueling especially hard if it wasn't your top choice but in the end it will get you to where you want to go.
Your feelings are valid. You're allowed to be upset and cry and hurt and confused. I personally wouldn't withdraw because you aren't guaranteed to get in the next cycle. I had the same exact thoughts as you because I was so disappointed in my decision. But I've sort of come to terms with it.

In my current role, I serve as a mentor and direct supervisor for our laboratory's undergraduate research assistants. 
Undergraduate students--even the most industrious, bright, and well-intentioned--do not have the same degree of experience in the academic and professional world as graduate students and faculty. At this stage, they likely need a great deal of scaffolding in addition to clear expectations, and progress monitoring. 
My advice would be to first set up a meeting with your supervisor to discuss this problem and clarify your own role. Mentorship is typically a two-way street, in which a mentee actively seeks advice and guidance and the mentor provides it in return. If this is intended to be your role, it may be that they students are unsure of how to engage in a mentor-mentee relationship and @Sigaba's advice to meet with them one-on-one could be helpful. If they still do not seem interested, that might be teh time to bring this up and open opportunities for other students in the lab.
However, if your role is intended to be supervisory, you will need to create structured expectations. Are the students receiving course credit for their involvement in the lab? Are they seeking recommendation letters? Provide examples of the work that will achieve these desired outcomes and support the students in their efforts to move toward these goals. It may be difficult to restructure this as the students seem to have received little or no feedback regarding expected communication frequency, but it can help to be a bit honest with them--say that you are sorry that you were not clearer before about your expectations and show understanding of how the current situation was one reached by miscommunication--but also firm about what everyone's roles are going forward.
 

I think that you should find a way to pull back from the habit of burst communications. Before sending several messages/emails , take the time to figure out how to send one.
This skill takes effort to develop. (At my job, we often pass around drafts to make sure we're getting one sentence right so as not to bother clients unduly.)
Another potential resource for you might be a journal (physical and digital) specifically for jotting down thoughts/feelings that might be categorized as "nervous energy."
Insofar as right sizing disclosures about one's state of mind/mental health, it is going to be trial and error.

I'm a second-year at UVM and I also recommend that students defer if possible. I've had a great experience at my program, and they have done a pretty good job of working with us through this, but they're also not offering reduced tuition that I know of. They are having first year students do teletherapy, so you might still get some hours, but everything is still so uncertain that I wouldn't want anyone to start and find out that placements are still in jeopardy next summer. There could be second and third waves of COVID into at least the fall, and until we have a vaccine, or at least a really effective treatment, there might still be periodic shutdowns to cope with it.
We typically have our medical placements in the summer, and it would suck for entering first years to not get that experience or to have it pushed back and delay school placements. Our current first years are in a terrible position right now as far as placements are concerned and I really feel for them and wouldn't want anyone else to go through that.

I'm a second-year at UVM and I also recommend that students defer if possible. I've had a great experience at my program, and they have done a pretty good job of working with us through this, but they're also not offering reduced tuition that I know of. They are having first year students do teletherapy, so you might still get some hours, but everything is still so uncertain that I wouldn't want anyone to start and find out that placements are still in jeopardy next summer. There could be second and third waves of COVID into at least the fall, and until we have a vaccine, or at least a really effective treatment, there might still be periodic shutdowns to cope with it.
We typically have our medical placements in the summer, and it would suck for entering first years to not get that experience or to have it pushed back and delay school placements. Our current first years are in a terrible position right now as far as placements are concerned and I really feel for them and wouldn't want anyone else to go through that.

Depending on your class size, the writing center staff may also murder you.

I can only speak for what's going on in my program (MGH IHP) but I've heard that other programs are similar... 
I'm a current 1st year CSD student at the MGH IHP and I'm dropping a quick note (before the chaos of finals weeks begins) to recommend that you DEFER your admissions offer. As you all know these are challenging and chaotic times with many looming questions and very few answers. But I want to share my personal experience so that you know what might be on the horizon for you if you start at MGH IHP this fall...
All of our summer classes are online (and nobody knows how long this will go on for) for 1st year students this will mean 10 hours of virtual classes on Wednesdays with electives and a few other classes spread throughout the rest of the week, this could change but as it stands that is our summer Y1 schedule No financial transparency from the institute!  the IHP maintains that their quality of instruction remains the same, and as such are not discussing lowering tuition for students in the midst of this worldwide pandemic  for me this means that even though I was anticipating a summer placement, I will only receive clinical practicum hours this summer online through virtual Simucase practice our class has made an effort to negotiate lowering general student fees and getting transparency about what where tuition dollars are going to no avail (though the institute does post some information on their website and in program manuals) (note: fully online courses like prereqs cost $525 per credit-hour but our summer semester courses will cost us $1,364 per credit-hour)  What about telepractice? right now all the telepractice placements are going to second year students who need their 375 direct client contact hours to meet ASHA certification requirements - which, of course, makes sense! BUT - you could be in my shoes next year when the lasting impact of the quarantine means that your placements go to rising second year students who need extra clinical placements and supervised hours to graduate Obviously the entire incoming cohort can't defer, and I'm not expecting everyone to want to, but given what is going on if you are on the fence about starting I recommend you consider deferring! Online learning is not for everyone, and grad school already comes with incredibly taxing emotional and financial burdens. If you were most excited about the clinical practicum placements WAIT! Wait until you know they will be available, because no program can guarantee face-to-face practicum placements right now. 

Social work and speech are both really good career choices! You shouldn't necessarily look at the cost of the programs since speech pathology has jobs everywhere. You will get a job to pay off those loans, and sometimes loans are unavoidable regardless of the program. Maybe make a pros vs cons list for each profession to see what interests you about both? If speech pathology is your passion I would go with speech pathology.
When I was in high school I was interested in social work but I have always known speech pathology had everything I'd ever hoped for in a profession. What's drawing you to social work? If it's only the cost I would go with speech pathology. Both programs are competitive but both professions are also needed. Congratulations on getting into social work programs and the large scholarships you've earned! 
I would maybe consider branching out your search for speech pathology programs if you aren't geographically bound maybe apply out of state. 

EJB--
Yes. Expand your search pattern to include jobs and internships that will allow you to use the skills you currently have and can acquire quickly. (I am thinking about data visualization using ArcGIS.) Cast your net wide enough to include consultancies that support planning and development of the built environment.
Yes. Please do what you can to be as tactful--calm, cool, and collected--as you can be. I recommend that you start by thanking the POI for what ever support, information, and encouragement that she offered during the application process. Express your regret about not having been able to earn the opportunity to work with her this year. Then pivot towards a well phrased request for guidance on how to be a more competitive applicant next season. 
I recommend that this request be phrased after you've outlined a plan that you intend to execute regardless. This plan should include the objective of getting some research experience. Describe the types of jobs you have in mind, if not also the institutions. Here, you pose subtly a question like "Are there any programs that I have not mentioned that you'd recommend?"
If the reader is paying attention she will understand the ask behind the ask.. 
Meanwhile, do all you can to keep your spirits up. If an activity helps your mood and it's sustainable, do it. If an activity is unsustainable and/or doesn't help, consider putting it aside.
Keep in mind that there are threads on this BB that were active during the Great Recession. You may find tips and tactics for coping that are applicable now. (You will kindly ignore some of the grumpier posts written by those of us who are still here. I would also spend time reading @TMP's posts- which are a testament of courage in the face of adversity.

I fell back in early January and fractured my spine; was stuck at home for ~2 months. I was finally able to go back to work (with a huge list of limitations), and coronavirus hit two weeks later, shutting down my place of employment. I've been waitlisted for a program and haven't heard anything back yet (at least I haven't been rejected, I guess). Being stuck at my house for the vast majority of this year has already got me stir-crazy, and now the towns around me are shutting down public parks, hiking trails, and the like because they were getting too crowded. I hauled out my sewing machine today to start making masks for a local shelter, and the damn thing broke. I'm just having a bit of a meltdown right now, and I don't want to wake up my partner because he works tonight. So hello. Here I am. I just needed to vent. 

So I would say I decided on applying to grad school much later in the app season than others and I only recently discovered this site. I wanted to stay home in order to save money so I really limited myself to researching schools that were local to me (CSUF, CSULB, Redlands, Chapman). I ended up being accepted at the two private universities, Redlands & Chapman, and waitlisted at the other two.  I was really hoping to get into a state school. Although I love both schools I was accepted into, I don't think I fully processed the large tuition cost when I was applying (silly me lol). It goes without saying that I am beyond thankful to have been accepted into grad school as a first time applicant and grateful to even have choices. I guess in retrospect I just wish that I had taken the time to be more realistic about cost, do more research, and consider more options, even out of state schools, because I am now realizing that even some out of state school tuitions combined with the cost of living would probably be cheaper than the schools I was accepted to. I also wish that I had done more research into schools that are generous with giving out scholarships and funding. I wish someone had told me this when I was applying to schools, so for future applicants, I hope that you don't limit yourself based on location and hopefully you consider multiple options and do thorough research. (Although, I would assume most people on this site already knew this.) This is all coming from someone who is feeling a little overwhelmed at the cost of grad school. Can anyone relate lol