slpfall14

My grad program had an on-site clinic and it's really unrealistic and it does not mirror the real SLP world.  Honestly, it's hand-holding in a sense that you get one or two clients the first semester and you have to do all the long, drawn out reports, planning, self-reflections, etc.  It reality there are no long reports and planning.  While I understand that the program is trying to lay a foundation for the student to build and learn their clinical skills, the best learning/ training experiences I've had were off-site in the skilled nursing facility and the rehab hospital settings.  I wouldn't be too concerned if the school doesn't have a university clinic.  It's more of a pro than a con in my opinion.  

My grad program had an on-site clinic and it's really unrealistic and it does not mirror the real SLP world.  Honestly, it's hand-holding in a sense that you get one or two clients the first semester and you have to do all the long, drawn out reports, planning, self-reflections, etc.  It reality there are no long reports and planning.  While I understand that the program is trying to lay a foundation for the student to build and learn their clinical skills, the best learning/ training experiences I've had were off-site in the skilled nursing facility and the rehab hospital settings.  I wouldn't be too concerned if the school doesn't have a university clinic.  It's more of a pro than a con in my opinion.  

I went to an inexpensive graduate program in NM and had to take out loans.  The loans covered all my expenses.  I was able to work as a grad assistant and get in-state tuition.  My grad program was actually cheaper that my undergrad program.  In total I took out 30k in loans for grad school.  The actual tuition only cost about 12-15k in total.  But I needed the loan money for housing and living expenses.  I'm doing the 10 year loan forgiveness program like someone else who posted above just because I took out undergrad loans too. 
I'd suggest going to a inexpensive school.  In this profession, where you go to school doesn't matter.  What matters is if it's accredited by ASHA. Once you're done with school, you'll make the same amount of money as someone who goes to an expensive school. Even if you want to get a PhD later on, what school you went to still may not matter.  

In my program classes are two days a week and on the days there wasn't class you have clinic the other two days.  Fridays are usually no class or clinic. Downtime? What's that? lol. Good luck in your program!

I'm currently in a program and about two thirds of the people in my program have had relevant experience.  Most were teachers, SLPAs, para-educators and behavioral interventionists. But there were some who had zero experience when starting the program.
 
Good luck!

Does anyone know anyone or have any info on SLPs working abroad?  I'm currently in gradute school and once done with my CFY and a couple years experience, this is my plan.
 
Thanks

It's ok if your first 2 years in university were not great.  Many graduate programs only look at the last 60 units.  Do some research and identify which schools those are and look into applying there.  Just make the rest of your undergraduate career count.  Shoot for A's and B's and you'll be fine.  I'm currently in graduate school and my GPA wasn't very high.  You definitely have the opportunity to raise your GPA.  Like the previous poster sort of hinted at, I'd recommend looking at the graduate programs that you're interested in and seeing what pre-req classes they require.  Start taking those classes. Drop the "unnecessary" ones.   Also, the fact that you didn't start with speech from the beginning is ok.  I have a BA in an un-related field. 
 
Your situation is not impossible and you can make it to grad school.  Based on your story, it's in the cards for you.  Good luck.

It's ok if your first 2 years in university were not great.  Many graduate programs only look at the last 60 units.  Do some research and identify which schools those are and look into applying there.  Just make the rest of your undergraduate career count.  Shoot for A's and B's and you'll be fine.  I'm currently in graduate school and my GPA wasn't very high.  You definitely have the opportunity to raise your GPA.  Like the previous poster sort of hinted at, I'd recommend looking at the graduate programs that you're interested in and seeing what pre-req classes they require.  Start taking those classes. Drop the "unnecessary" ones.   Also, the fact that you didn't start with speech from the beginning is ok.  I have a BA in an un-related field. 
 
Your situation is not impossible and you can make it to grad school.  Based on your story, it's in the cards for you.  Good luck.

Slpgirl19, 
 
I've been reading a lot online about what to actually bring to grad school.  A lot of folks recommended a laminator, label maker, and tape recorder.  Are there any other heavy duty, 'machine-type' things you'd recommend (besides the obvious- notebooks, folders, etc.) besides thee ones I listed above?  Thanks for being a great resource!!

I am so nervous.  I was initially excited because it's sooo hard to get into a program but now I'm scared.  I just want to do well and impress the faculty who gave me a spot in the program.