insearchofcs

Yes I have many thoughts! I attended 2 OH universities for undergrad and grad, and while applying visited many of these schools so I feel like I have well-rounded knowledge. In general since there's so many programs in Northeast OH getting good externship sites can be competitive at either school. Kent's program is also 6 semesters, which can make a difference when other programs are only 5. But you take more classes and have more time to learn which can be beneficial. Something to consider about Bowling Green is their PhD program so the relationship-wise the professors may not pay as much attention to you, for lack of better wording. Both of those places are also more research-based in terms of labs than Akron which is something to consider if you have particular interests. Akron is a more precarious city to live in but it can be done. The other schools listed would be better city/town wise. I also believe Akron accepts too many students that it can handle (for the $$) and has outdated supervisors in the campus clinic. Some of the off-campus placements have poor supervisors as well, and overall not everyone gets the same clinical experience even if you want it. For example, some get adult and/or dysphagia placements before the medical externship, whereas others do not so going into externship is intimidating. Also with Akron it is rare that you will get hospital experience even if that is what you desire, which is surprising when you consider the urban location. Overall they don't have a great process for getting students to diverse experiences they need/want. The on-campus clinic in general does not have many clients so the experiences you'd get are not as well-rounded as other universities, except in regards to AAC which is a strong point for them. However being so, you get more off-campus/realistic experience early on. If you didn't like Akron off the bat it's not going to get better once you're there. If you are a competitive student looking for a competitive experience do not go to Akron. Overall I would also look at your potential courseload during externship because the more you have on your plate, the harder your externship will be.

Yes I have many thoughts! Current grad student, and I will be posting in the Ohio forum as well. I attended 2 OH universities for undergrad and grad, and while applying visited many of these schools so I feel like I have well-rounded knowledge. In general for Northeast OH there are 6 grad programs if you count the online one, so getting good externship sites can be competitive. OU is a 6 semester program so I believe you spend 1 semester observing. Their clinic is very serious in the sense that you go all through Winter break like a regular job, which as a graduate student in need of a break (especially out of state) is not really ideal. Additionally getting a lease for that term can be difficult, and many off-campus placements will be an hour away. However Athens is just such a cute town, but students at other programs like OSU don't seem to have time to enjoy Columbus as much. Kent and OSU's program are also 6 semesters, which can make a difference when other programs are 5. But you take more classes and have more time to learn which can be beneficial. Something else to consider is Ohio University, Ohio State, and Bowling Green all have PhD programs so the relationship-wise the professors may not pay as much attention to you, for lack of better wording. However all great programs, just something to consider about relationships. Akron and Toledo are understaffed, and Toledo's program is double the size of others which can make clinicals unnecessarily competitive. Both are more precarious cities to live in but it can be done. The other schools listed would be better city/town wise. I also believe Akron accepts too many students that it can handle (for the $$) and has outdated supervisors in the campus clinic. Some of the off-campus placements have poor supervisors as well, and overall not everyone gets the same clinical experience even if you want it. For example, some get adult and/or dysphagia placements before the medical externship, whereas others do not so going into externship is intimidating. Also with Akron it is rare that you will get hospital experience even if that is what you desire, which is surprising when you consider the urban location. The on campus clinic in general does not have many clients so the experiences you'd get are not as well-rounded as other universities, except in regards to AAC which is a strong point for them. However being so, you get more off-campus/realistic experience early on. If you are a competitive student looking for a competitive experience do not go to Akron. Overall I would also look at your potential courseload during externship because the more you have on your plate, the harder your externship will be.