SLPhopefullyy

What are some things you wish you knew before starting graduate school? What would you go back and tell yourself? Any tips? Best way to prepare? I start graduate school this fall Thanks so much! 

What are some things you wish you knew before starting graduate school? What would you go back and tell yourself? Any tips? Best way to prepare? I start graduate school this fall Thanks so much! 

I recently found out that I was accepted into graduate school out of state. I am extremely happy, blessed, and grateful for this opportunity as my stats were on the low end and I did not think I would get in anywhere the first time applying. This is what I have dreamt about for so long, and I want everyone to know that if it is possible for me, then it is definitely possible for you as well! ❤️
That being said, following acceptance, I think it's natural to have some nerves. I've only ever lived at home and I've never been out-of state. I'm so excited for this new experience but at the same time I feel like I may fall into a depression and get extremely homesick. I'm a little worried about balancing a whole new environment while at the same time making sure I'm staying on top of my academics. I know people move for school all the time and this is what I try to remind myself. I just get a little sad thinking about being away from the comfort of home. Anyone in the same boat? 

This means a lot and I'm glad to know that you were happy with your decision. I just have to make the most of the experience because it truly is once in a lifetime! Thank you so much for your reply! ❤️  
 

CONGRATULATIONS!!! That's so exciting!!!

Update: I was also placed on the wait-list for a 3rd school! Of these 3, I recently found out that I was accepted into 1!!! I'M GOING TO GRAD SCHOOL!!!!! 

Update: I was also placed on the wait-list for a 3rd school! Of these 3, I recently found out that I was accepted into 1!!! I'M GOING TO GRAD SCHOOL!!!!! 

Update: I was also placed on the wait-list for a 3rd school! Of these 3, I recently found out that I was accepted into 1!!! I'M GOING TO GRAD SCHOOL!!!!! 

It’s unfortunate to say, but I never got too close to my professors during my undergrad. I know that if I asked them for letters of recommendations, they probably wouldn’t be the strongest. But I will be working as an SLPA and I’m sure I can get solid letters from SLP’s and supervisors. What I’m trying to say is, do grad schools have to see academic recommendations for you to get accepted? Or would I be better off sticking with strong letters from those outside my schooling. Let me know of your opinions and experiences on this  

In my experience, they want to make sure that you’re a good student so that they know you’ll do well in their program (and not fail or quit the program). If you do ask a professor, provide your resume and statement of intent so that they can include some of those details in the letter. I had letters from 2 professors (not that strong since they barely knew me) and 2 supervisors to be safe (very strong since they knew me and my work as an SLPA). 

I didn't have an academic Lor with the last school I applied to and I got in to CSUN

Listen guys, I spent there last 4 years trying to get in to a program.. This discussion board can be disheartening, and you may feel like you'll never get in because everyone else is so impressive.. But there is hope!
 
 I have loved this field for the last 6 years. I had a tough undergrad (2.8) GPA, took the GRE's 3 times never did well despite numerous classes (V145 Q 144 W 3.5). However my experiences as an SLP-A and LOR'S were amazing! Last year was going to be my last year applying.. I'm glad I didn't give up. You shouldn't either. IT'LL HAPPEN.
 

I had a 3.4 GPA and my GRE scores were pretty average (writing was a bit above average). I got into a handful of schools, even turned down some interview opportunities. I was also waitlisted a few times, but I never got off any of the waitlists (as of 8/20/18). I actually got early acceptance into a state school, which is where I am going starting this fall. Feel free to message me.

My stats are below -- it's totally possible to get in with a mediocre GPA!
Take what you can control, and make the most of it:  your letter of intent, your GRE scores, and your experience.  These are the variables you can control.  Write a kickass letter, or even hire someone to write a first draft of what you want, then fine-tune it to your liking. Study incessantly for the GRE, and volunteer wherever! Go to your local state's speech/aud conference! Anything helps

Hi! I applied three different application cycles and for me third time was the charm! I was accepted into three schools! My gpa from undergrad was a total of a 3.34, not sure what just the communication disorders classes were. I think my GRE scores were 142 for Verbal and 144 for Math and 4.0 for writing. Funny thing is the school I ended up attending did not need GRE scores. I think the thing that me this last time around was:
 
1. I applied all of the country and tried to apply to schools with a lower amount of applicants so I could stand out.
2. I submitted more than the minimum requirement of letters of recommendation (2-3) and instead submitted 4.
3. I gained experience in the field that I could use in my letter of intent. I volunteered at an integrated preschool and was able to observe with an slp and also work with kids. It was so much fun and I was able to confirm my interest in the field. 
 
Good luck and know we are all in this together!

My overall GPA was a 2.9 (it was lower on CSDCAS), my CSD GPA was a 3.2.  My GRE was average. I think it was my experience that made me stand out! I volunteered at a speech clinic and worked as an ABA therapist. I also volunteered doing speech therapy internationally. I was not picky with where I applied, I applied to 10 schools all over the country. I ended up being invited to interview to half of those schools, waitlisted to 2 schools, and then accepted to 2!
Keep working on your personal statement and get LORs from profs/supervisors that know you very well. Show the schools who you are and how passionate you are about the field! Good luck!!! 

Hello there! Had an overall undergraduate gpa of 3.45 and a major gpa of somewhere around a 3.0. Since my gpa was low, I made sure everything else in my application was the best it could be by making sure my GRE was in the higher range (above a 153 for both sections and at least a 4 in writing), and get letters of rec from professors who actually knew me and could attest to my dedication. I also made sure to work my personal statement around why my gpa was low, and why everything else about me mattered more and how I had learned from past mistakes in classes and had moved forward. Bust out your final year of classes with good grades, do volunteering or work related to the field and try to get a recommendation from those you work with. I took an extra semester in the end to boost my gpa, and while grad apps were in spring limbo I worked as a substitute teacher for a special needs school—got great experience working with kiddos and got a great letter of rec from my boss.
 
Apply to a lot of schools, but make sure that most of them are attainable (look at school stats on Asha edufind). I applied to 12 schools, got waitlisted to 2 and got into 1.
 
Applying was one of the most stressful times of my life and I know that it was the same for a lot of other people here. Try your hardest, but know that if you do not get in the first year that it is okay—that happens to a lot of people. Just keep working hard and a school will see your dedication to this field. Your gpa does not solely define you, and you can do this!! 
 
If if you have any questions let me know—I joined this site for the sole purpose of giving grad school advice because I wish I would have had some going into the whole application process. Good luck!!

I had a 3.1 undergrad GPA but a 3.75 CSD post-bacc GPA. 148V 156Q 4AW on the GRE. I was rejected from 3 and waitlisted at 2 and then accepted off the waitlist at one school. It only takes one! Like the above poster said, strong personal statements and letters of rec are super important too. Good luck! 

When I submitted my applications I had a 3.48 overall gpa, but it was a 3.72 in CSD major classes. On the GRE I got 145 V 144Q and 3AW. I applied to 5 schools rejected from 3 and waitlisted at 2 and then accepted off the waitlist at one of the schools. Remember that your GPA and GRE are just part of your application. Make sure you have a strong personal statement and letters of recommendation. You can do it!

I had a 3.3 overall GPA and around the same for my CSD GPA. Average GRE scores as well. I believe my letters of rec and experience helped me get into 4/9 schools I applied to. Make yourself stand out in your resume/personal statement. I had 3 different research positions, behavior therapist position, 4+ volunteer positions in CSD-related fields. Make connections with professors - in my case the PI's I worked for in research labs. Also apply strategically - pick schools off of ASHA edfind that correlate with your #s. You've got this!

I would like to know other’s stats/stories of those who had low GPA’s and how they got accepted into graduate school. Hopefully it can show not only me, but others who are also losing hope that there is always a chance of getting in!