timberlake

I agreed! Getting into grad school is competitive, so we spend undergrad focusing on competing with other students for the best grades/experience/recommendations/scores/etc. Don't fall into that trap in grad school. You've already made it. Now it's about personal development and becoming the best clinician you can be. Don't try to out do other students (you'll just wear yourself down). Don't stress out about getting straight As. There's no Cum Laude distinctions in graduate school. I'm not saying don't try to do your best, but Bs get degrees . Just learn the material and be able to apply it. 
Keep organized (duh). Put dates in your planner. Start work early. Use the time in the beginning of semester when things are relatively calm to get a head start on  assignments. Study a little bit everyday. Keep up with your notes. You'll feel so much better during midterms and finals.
You don't have to make elaborate therapy materials for each session. Embrace low/no prep activities! If you can, write SOAP notes and enter time logs immediately after therapy (just a good habit and you don't have to worry about it later). 
 

I took 3 years off and I was worried I would be behind when I started. I bought an old Praxis review book and I intended on reviewing some of the basics. Honestly, I never got around to it  and I was fine.  The only time I felt overwhelmed was the first day of my dysphagia class where we reviewed anatomy, but so did everyone else! Everyone will go through a learning curve in beginning no matter when they graduated. The most I would do would be to brush up on some basic A&P and phonetic transcription. 

I mean this in the most polite, sincere, and kind-hearted place I physically can. However you have a relatively low GPA for this field. Your verbal GRE score is the 37th percentile; math 8th and writing 38th. Having a lower GPA and GRE scores really damages your application. You have great extra curriculars, but that also never enough to balance both lower GPA and GRE scores.
In this field most schools look for a percentile score of 50th across all sections. Anything under 40th is concerning, while I've been told anything under 30th is a red flag. I don't know if programs like Magoosh will be enough to raise your score enough, and you might want to bite the bullet and pay for a professional prep class. Also, the ETS websites has all of the verbal and quanitative concepts covered. Here are the links to those PDFs/sites:
Math: https://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_math_review.pdf
Verbal: https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare/verbal_reasoning/
Here are a list of all of the possible essays:
https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare/analytical_writing/issue/pool
https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare/analytical_writing/argument/pool
 
I think that boosting your GREs and making sure your personal statement is drop dead amazing! Also, if you find the GRE isn't a test that you are comparable with check out the Millers Analogy Test or MAT. It's another test that I did significantly better on. There is a chance you could too! There are several programs that accept MAT scores in place of the GRE. Gallaudet, Wichita State, and the University of Rhode Island are just a few schools that take the MAT. I'm sure there are more. I'm sure adding more to your resume will help, but I have a feeling it's the GRE scores that are killing you. Best of luck! 

1. Where were the schools you applied to? Were they only schools in the NE (I see you're in PA)? If it's an option, maybe try another region.
2. Spring and Summer admissions are usually slightly less competitive.
3. Look into how many applications a school receives vs how many people are offered admission. 
4. Working with children with special needs does look good and you could get an awesome LOR from your supervisor.
5. Definitely try to up your verbal and writing scores. I used Magoosh and Manhattan prep.

I have a hellish commute to work. One of the reasons I'm excited for grad school is to get rid of that commute. 
If you do end up having to commute, I definitely recommend podcasts as a way to keep yourself entertained. This one, http://www.conversationsinspeech.com/, is about all sorts of SLP topics. A lot of it is over my head (I haven't start grad school yet or even finished my leveling coursework), but it is still quite interesting and makes the drive pass quicker. 
Another idea, if you are the type to record lectures, you can listen to them on the way home! 

I agreed! Getting into grad school is competitive, so we spend undergrad focusing on competing with other students for the best grades/experience/recommendations/scores/etc. Don't fall into that trap in grad school. You've already made it. Now it's about personal development and becoming the best clinician you can be. Don't try to out do other students (you'll just wear yourself down). Don't stress out about getting straight As. There's no Cum Laude distinctions in graduate school. I'm not saying don't try to do your best, but Bs get degrees . Just learn the material and be able to apply it. 
Keep organized (duh). Put dates in your planner. Start work early. Use the time in the beginning of semester when things are relatively calm to get a head start on  assignments. Study a little bit everyday. Keep up with your notes. You'll feel so much better during midterms and finals.
You don't have to make elaborate therapy materials for each session. Embrace low/no prep activities! If you can, write SOAP notes and enter time logs immediately after therapy (just a good habit and you don't have to worry about it later). 
 

I agreed! Getting into grad school is competitive, so we spend undergrad focusing on competing with other students for the best grades/experience/recommendations/scores/etc. Don't fall into that trap in grad school. You've already made it. Now it's about personal development and becoming the best clinician you can be. Don't try to out do other students (you'll just wear yourself down). Don't stress out about getting straight As. There's no Cum Laude distinctions in graduate school. I'm not saying don't try to do your best, but Bs get degrees . Just learn the material and be able to apply it. 
Keep organized (duh). Put dates in your planner. Start work early. Use the time in the beginning of semester when things are relatively calm to get a head start on  assignments. Study a little bit everyday. Keep up with your notes. You'll feel so much better during midterms and finals.
You don't have to make elaborate therapy materials for each session. Embrace low/no prep activities! If you can, write SOAP notes and enter time logs immediately after therapy (just a good habit and you don't have to worry about it later). 
 

I agreed! Getting into grad school is competitive, so we spend undergrad focusing on competing with other students for the best grades/experience/recommendations/scores/etc. Don't fall into that trap in grad school. You've already made it. Now it's about personal development and becoming the best clinician you can be. Don't try to out do other students (you'll just wear yourself down). Don't stress out about getting straight As. There's no Cum Laude distinctions in graduate school. I'm not saying don't try to do your best, but Bs get degrees . Just learn the material and be able to apply it. 
Keep organized (duh). Put dates in your planner. Start work early. Use the time in the beginning of semester when things are relatively calm to get a head start on  assignments. Study a little bit everyday. Keep up with your notes. You'll feel so much better during midterms and finals.
You don't have to make elaborate therapy materials for each session. Embrace low/no prep activities! If you can, write SOAP notes and enter time logs immediately after therapy (just a good habit and you don't have to worry about it later). 
 

I agreed! Getting into grad school is competitive, so we spend undergrad focusing on competing with other students for the best grades/experience/recommendations/scores/etc. Don't fall into that trap in grad school. You've already made it. Now it's about personal development and becoming the best clinician you can be. Don't try to out do other students (you'll just wear yourself down). Don't stress out about getting straight As. There's no Cum Laude distinctions in graduate school. I'm not saying don't try to do your best, but Bs get degrees . Just learn the material and be able to apply it. 
Keep organized (duh). Put dates in your planner. Start work early. Use the time in the beginning of semester when things are relatively calm to get a head start on  assignments. Study a little bit everyday. Keep up with your notes. You'll feel so much better during midterms and finals.
You don't have to make elaborate therapy materials for each session. Embrace low/no prep activities! If you can, write SOAP notes and enter time logs immediately after therapy (just a good habit and you don't have to worry about it later). 
 

Look out for military SLP jobs on http://www.usajobs.gov I've worked in England, Germany, Italy, and Hawaii (I'm there now). I don't work as an SLP, but I know there is always a need. That's what I plan to do when I graduate.

Look out for military SLP jobs on http://www.usajobs.gov I've worked in England, Germany, Italy, and Hawaii (I'm there now). I don't work as an SLP, but I know there is always a need. That's what I plan to do when I graduate.

I would love to move and work abroad someday! Maybe working with expats or with kids on military bases. Even though kids aren't my best focus, I absolutely believe that military kids sometimes get the short end of the stick with services when they have to move around so much. As an added bonus, my boyfriend's projected career path would allow him to travel and live abroad as well, so provided everything goes well for him we could move to a variety of places. I'd really like to go to Germany at some point because I'm half-heartedly studying German and would love to occasionally have a use for it.

Your experience is great. Seriously,  I bet you'll be able to get killer letters of rec from your professors. 
GRE: Study and take timed practice exams. If math is your weak spot, take some time to review the basics. I don't know when your deadlines are, but an October test date should leave you with enough time for a retake.
SOP: Don't just write a 'decent' SOP. This is your chance to express who you are and what you offer to a potential program. You've got plenty of time to perfect your statements. Write a draft, have it critiqued (by professors, your school's writing center, people on the forums, etc), then write another, repeat.
GPA: I know this field is super competitive and stressful (especially when it seems like everyone has a 4.0), but a 3.4-3.5 is not a bad GPA.  Outside of this SLP bubble that we are in, a 3.5 is something you can be proud of.  Don't beat yourself up about it. There are plenty of people who apply with 4.0s and still get rejected. To maximize your chances you really need to do your research about potential schools. Check each schools application/acceptance date on EdFind and then email the programs director to verify. Do you apply to a school that received  800 applications for a class of 25 and a GPA range 3.5-3.9? Maybe. Or do you apply to a school that receives less applications/accepts a larger percentage of applicants and a GPA range of 3.3-3.7? Maybe, I don't know.  Check the program's website for application  info. Some schools are more GPA/GRE focused and some emphasize well-rounded applicants. There's no exact science to this application business. 
 
Overall. it seems like you know what you need to work on. It doesn't seem like it but this is the easy part. You're (mostly) in control of all of the aspects of your applications. The hard part is when you submit them and have to wait .

I've been there lol. Good luck!

After months of bad news and stress eating, I just got accepted to Valdosta!!!!           

Well, I gave up all hope weeks ago, but I just got the call from Iona today!!! I was accepted and I couldn't be happier or more relieved! This goes to show: never give up, it isn't over until it's over!

As a current SLP grad student (halfway there!), I would like to share what I have found to be important purchases over the past year:
Laptop (an obvious one, but seriously invaluable. I bought a MacBook Air and have had no compatibility issues, although I did purchase a student subscription to Microsoft Office. The Word Notebook feature that someone mentioned is great!). Games! Our clinic has some, but it's not uncommon for pieces to be missing or things to be broken. It's nice to have my own. I wouldn't spend a ton of money, but if you can get them cheap or here and there (BNJ2017 has the right idea!). A few popular ones: Pop the Pig, Gooey Louie, Cariboo (no longer available, but sometimes you can find them at yard sales or thrift stores), Jenga, Headbanz, etc. The best games tend to be those that can be modified for whatever purposes.  Books for collecting language samples: A Porcupine Named Fluffy (two copies, one to read and one to cover with tape), the Frog books by Mercer Mayer, Doctor De Soto (two copies), etc. I bought the books used in the SALT databases. Although we can check them out, they are relatively low price and nice to have available at any time. Plus I have kids, and they like them, too. Files/folders. I was always one to use binders, but now I find that files/folders make things much easier and less bulky. I make a file for each client in which to keep data sheets, protocols, notes, etc., and a folder for each class. When the quarter is over, I shred the client documents that don't get placed into the client's clinic file, and I place the syllabus and other important papers from class in a binder for reference and safe-keeping. Clipboard that has storage for papers. If you're extra cool, you'll get the one with the separate compartment for pens. A watch. You can use your phone, but I find it easier (and less distracting to kids) to use a watch to keep track of time. Timers are also a great idea, if your clinic doesn't have them (or you want your own). A small flashlight for oral mechanism examinations. Your phone's flashlight will not cut it. Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology: A Resource Manual by Kenneth G. Shipley and Julie G. McAfee. Expensive, but worth every penny! It's like several books into one. It has so much information and includes pages for copying to use in your assessments. Sharpies and dry erase markers. We have whiteboards and markers for use in clinic, but the markers don't always work. I can never find a Sharpie when I need it. (I must confess that I haven't bought markers; I borrow from others :/ They're on my "To Buy" list). Red wine, craft beer  Also, there is NOTHING lame about a wheeled backpack/bag. Many people have them, and they look professional. For voice recorders, most people use their phones (or laptops in class). I guess it would depend on your school's policy about recording clinic sessions. This may be a very individualized list, however, I hope it gives you an idea of the things that you may need in grad school. Good luck to everyone! 

I'm really surprised nobody has posted a list like this yet...
These are the majority of the schools that offer spring admittance. Hope this helps someone out!
 
 
 
Alabama A&M University
 
October 15th
Appalachian State University
 
October 1st
Baylor University
 
September 15th
College of Saint Rose
 
Rolling Admissions
Eastern Michigan University
 
July 15th
Eastern New Mexico University
 
Rolling Admissions
Grand Valley State University
 
July 15th
Kansas State University
October 1st
Kent State University
October 20th
LIU Brooklyn
November 1st
LIU Post
November 14th
Marquette University
November 15th
Nazareth College
October 1st
Nova Southeastern University
Rolling Admission
Southeastern Louisiana University
October 1st
St. John's University
October 1st
Tennessee State University
July 1st
Texas A&M University, Kingsville
September 15th
Texas Woman's University
October 1st
University of Central Florida
October 1st
University of Central Missouri
September 1st
University of Kansas
October 1st
University of Louisiana, Monroe
September 25th
University of Missouri
October 15th
University of Northern Iowa
September 15th
University of Rhode Island
October 15th
University of South Dakota
October 15th
University of Texas at Dallas
September 15th
Valdosta State University
July 1st

Whoops! My bad.

My school requires a stopwatch, a digital recorder, and a penlight. 
 
Also, check this thread 

Hey everyone! I graduated with a 3.57 overall, a 3.27 in my major GPA (communication disorders), and a 3.88 in my minor (psych of developmental disabilities). I had okay GRE score, just barely made it to the 300 mark. I applied to 8 schools all along the east coast last year and got rejected from every one of them, (I had lower GRE scores last year). This year I expanded where I applied and applied from the east coast across the Midwest and towards the west coast. I got wait listed at about 7, accepted to 1, and got off the wait list at 2 (I haven't updated my signature). I certainly wouldn't say applying to the Midwest is easier because I know schools that get just as many applications. For me, I applied to Northeastern last year and they received over 750 applications which is crazy. From my experience of coming from such a low GPA (low in our field) I think all of the background experience I did to build my resume really helped, working hard on SOP and getting great recommendations are also so important. I know not everyone has the opportunity to just get up and move for school, but I will be moving halfway across the country and am so excited to start fresh, and at such a great program! So take it from me, you can get in with a lower GPA, but you need to make the rest of your package great!! Good luck!!

After months of bad news and stress eating, I just got accepted to Valdosta!!!!           

After months of bad news and stress eating, I just got accepted to Valdosta!!!!           

congrats @timberlake!!! so happy for you!  it really is the best feeling ever knowing you will be going somewhere in the fall!  btw have you heard back from University of Mississippi yet?  Still haven't heard anything and it's almost May....

After months of bad news and stress eating, I just got accepted to Valdosta!!!!