BeachieSpeechie

Hi @Speech.Hello , I went to TC's open house and I really felt that there was a heavy emphasis on the bilingual program and the international trips that Dr. Crowley (Program Director) leads. As someone that is not pursuing the bilingual extension program, I feel like this is not the program for me. I am interested in the medical aspect of SLP and asked current graduate students about this and while TC "guarantees" a hospital placement, it could be anywhere from inpatient, rehab, private practice, and outpatient which did not put my mind to ease as the placement can very well not be in an actual hospital. Additionally, the placements can be up to an hour- hour 1/2 commute. Coupled with the mandatory night classes 2nd year just sounds awful commuting up to an hour & back to make it back to campus for night classes. They would not allow clinic visits, but on a separate tour we passed the clinic and it was not as profound as other colleges that I have visited. The campus is widespread and our classes would not be in the same building but rather in any of the buildings across the campus. Another interesting fact is that TC was once a high school, so the whole building & classes are built like a high school and hasn't been updated since. In contrast, the students I talked to loved the program and the research opportunities as well as the network that Columbia provides. The professors are internationally recognized in the SLP/ASHA community and seem to really care about the students. However, the lack of student cohesiveness and teamwork was a big negative. The whole incoming class is split into 2 cohorts, and after the first semester Cohort A will never have class together again with the rest of the class in Cohort B. There was also extra requirements to the program, such as taking outside electives which sound like a waste of $. Overall, TC emphasized the bilingual program and the school placements, but would not go into depth of the actual clinic or additional placements. I feel like the grandeur of Columbia's name overcasted the lacking placements and the mediocre on-campus clinic. I know I sound super negative in this, I was just so disappointed in TC and what they have to offer. If you have any more questions or would like to see pictures & or the flyers they passed out, please feel free to message me!

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!