NorcalSLP

You have a good list of schools, and grad schools love to see improvement. You're an SLP major? If not I'd toss in an application to some post bacc schools (PSU and USU have rolling admissions and are non- competitive) I really can't speak to those schools as I did not go to or apply to any of them. Plus we don't really know everything that goes on in those application meetings, and we don't really know the stats of others applying. MGH is a tough ticket but I've heard Grand Valley takes a pretty holistic look at applications. If worse comes to worse and you have to reapply next year (and really don't cross that bridge until you need to but if you're like me having back up plans reduces stress) I'd think about retaking the GRE as your scores are a little low but not horrible. You have great extra curricular but in a year off you can add more (do research, keep up the volunteer work, get a job as a BI or a slpa etc). Good luck and don't stress too much! DZLAM ??

Portland States post bacc program is non competitive (if you apply you are accepted) and the application is open until the cohort is full (I think usually June ish). It is not distance learning so you would need to move to Portland, but it is a good reputable program. Just something to consider. But when you do apply. I recommend both extended masters and post baccs as the EMs are a very tough ticket even for people with near perfect applications.

If they stopped having one it was recently, as they had an accel program as of a couple years ago. I'd have your daughter email the head of the program to ask. In doing a quick search it appears they no longer are accepting new freshmen into the undergrad major (http://www.northeastern.edu/bouve/csd/programs/bs/) but I would still recommend your daughter email dr book to see if there is at least a minor or if the accel program still exists (I doubt it as it looks like they no longer have a bs but it's worth checking). northeastern does not require a ton of pre reques for their grad program so it's possible that they still offer those as a minor for undergrads.

I'm sure you know this but in case you do not, Northeastern also has an accelerated 5 year bs/ms program.

@ Sintapikka: I would recommend looking into the possibility of getting therapy services through an on campus speech-language and hearing clinic. Many universities with speech-language pathology master's programs have on campus clinics. These clinics usually provide reduced cost therapy sessions, as the sessions are run by students. But at the same time the students are monitored by professors and licensed speech language pathologists. @whoknows14: Just a suggestion, make sure you are following ALL state and national laws when it comes to providing (and charging for) treatment. You are NOT licensed when you are a student and different states have different regulations about what you can do. I don't know about NJ (or CAs for that matter) but I would hate for you to be doing something unethical or even illegal despite what I am sure are very good intentions.

I spent hours (and I mean HOURS) researching this as I went to grad school outside of CA (in Mass actually) and am returning to CA. I never really got much of an answer as to what is required for us to qualify to work in CA when we are done. The basic gist of what I got from my research is that if you go to a school that is AHSA/CAA certified you are able to do your CFY in CA regardless of what school you attended. This makes you licensed in CA (not MA or wherever else you went to school). IF you choose to do your CFY in MA you are licensed in MA and as MA and CA do not have reciprocity that creates a bit of trouble when you choose to return to CA (more paperwork, maybe a provisional license idk as this is not the route I am taking). The only thing that I found tricky was the clinical hours aspect. MA required 100 hours of a school based placement in order to be qualified to work as an SLP in a school. I believe CA is the same. I have heard a number of different things regarding hearing screenings and the number of hours required in CA but nothing official. I heard (again from a number of sources but nothing in writing through the CA licensing board) that CA requires 25 "audiology hours" and that 20 of them have to be hearing screenings. MA requires 5 hours of hearing screenings. I was able to get my 25 (more actually) audiology hours and 20 of them are hearing screenings. I chose to do those hours to cover myself. One other thing, because CA and MA do not have reciprocity, you will have to take the CBEST (not the MA version called the MTEL) to work in schools. This is all a very long winded way of saying that if you want to go to school outside CA (and you should apply to schools outside of CA as CA schools are VERY hard to get into and you can get a wonderful education in a different state) you can still work in CA with little to no problems (maybe just a little additional paperwork). Honestly the hardest part for me was finding (or really not finding) all this information. Well that and grad school itself :-)

From my understanding Baylor is pretty competitive. I could be wrong but I think it is also an accelerated program (you get out in a year and a half instead of two years) but that is second hand information. I think you have a ton of great work experience and you are clearly passionate about the field. Unfortunately stats like yours that are good for many other fields are considered "low" for SLP. This provides a bit of a challenge when it comes to applying to schools because while you would make a great SLP (I assume haven't met you haha) some schools will not be able to look much past the GPA and GRE scores when making decisions (they will simply have too many applicants to do this). I was a second year applicant when I got into my current program but had a bit of a different situation that you. I did not have a background in SLP. I did a post bacc, did research and increased my related volunteer experience. I should mention that I did not come out of my post bacc with a stellar (I had a 3.49) GPA (which when I applied was better than it would have been had I been applying now). But I did a TON of research into the schools I was applying to, what they looked for etc. I applied to schools that I knew (thought) would look at more than just my GPA. I also highlighted my experience and passion in my personal statement. I think what you need to do for your second go round is figure out what schools are going to take a more holistic look at your application (there is a thread on here about "less competitive" grad schools), and then figure out if they have spring admissions. Don't just apply to places because they have spring admissions, that is a waste of your time, money and mental well being. Additionally (and this may be hard to hear) schools generally have a pretty good gauge as to whether or not a student will be successful in that program. You want to find a program that is a good fit for you, and doing research into how the programs look at applications, what their focus is, what level of support they offer is key to your success for the two+ years you will be there. It's what I did and I have my highest GPA EVER because the program fits so well with my learning stye. Best of luck! Many of us have had to apply multiple times.

Extremely. Rankings don't matter much for competitiveness but the newly released US News and World Report rated this school as the #3 program in the country. It's the only program in Seattle and has amazing connections to schools and medical facilities throughout Seattle and beyond. The research opportunities are some of the best on the West Coast and they are doing some amazing things out of their program. This all means they get a lot of applicants (although what school doesn't?) and they can afford to be selective. All that being said you never know until you apply. Depending on the number of pre-reqs you have (although from your signature I expect you have quite a few) you may be eligible for the post bacc program (their post bacc is a full bachelors degrees worth of classes so if you have that you would apply to the grad program. If you only have a handful of classes you could try the postbac). The postbac is (or was when I went) less competitive than the grad program, and many people in my postbac cohort ended up at the UW. Good luck with the rest of your schools!

oh yay! I hear such great things about their Med program (and the Core) from my postbacc cohorts who went there. You end up being super prepared for a career in medical slp. ps: please ignore my typo on my above post. Just something you have to look forward to in grad school, lack of sleep and of basic spelling ability (and other elementary school level cognitive skills) as a result.

nope not even at UW. Long story short I wanted a more clinically based (less research based) program. Plus I have no desire to go into Medical SLP. I am in my med placement now and while I like it I am move interested in (and always have been) school based SLP. I am happy to answer general UW questions or Seattle questions. Best of luck to the both of you.

current grad here leaving my two cents. The biggest thing for you to worry about in terms of accepting another school and staying on the wait list of your top choice is the deposit you would lose. Don't worry about the professionalism of saying "sorry never mind" to a school. They know it will happen expect it even when wait lists start moving and/or funding decisions get made. This info came to me directly from a professor (one AT UW).

you're out of field right? well getting into a program without any background is really hard. the first time i applied i was wait listed and rejected from every 3 year program I applied to. But I got into most of the post bacc programs and in my second round got into a number of good graduate programs. Not only did I get second bachelors in SLP but I worked in research, volunteered a lot and retook the GRE. Instead of focusing on not getting in and crying as a result you should focus on what you are going to do to better your application. Portland States post bacc program for example is non competitive (you apply you get in) and you get a very in depth background. Idk much about USUs program but it is very popular. I'm really not trying to be mean, and you still have other schools to hear from, but wallowing in not getting into a program isn't going to DO anything to help your application for the next go round. I understand your frustration and your disappointment but honestly the best thing you can do is channel those feelings into making yourself a better candidate.

hmmmm I'm glad I saw this. I am about to finish up my first year of grad school and don't have a physics or chemistry class. I DO have a physical science (it was listed as natural science at my undergrad) that I made painstakingly sure was covered under ASHAs old policies. My grad advisor has not mentioned the fact that it may not count (in fact as far as I know everyone in my program is under the impression that if we met the ASHA requirements that were in place when we applied we would be okay). I will have to email ASHA (as it seems as if people are getting different answers) and talk to my advisor but if I have to take another course I am going to be pretty upset. I took this other class specifically because it met the Standard IV-A requirement (I needed a sci to graduate as part of my core but took this one because it was easier than chem or physics (but had a lab) and counted as a physical science in face I WAS going to take a physics class but it didn't fit in my schedule!). I understand ASHAs reasoning behind changing but they really should grandfather in classes that would have counted under the prior standards IF the student is enrolled in a grad program and/or make it effective in 2016 so that people who aren't in graduate programs are the only ones affected (or even 2015 but I know that would technically affect all of you but as you haven't started grad level classes yet...). I have two bachelors degrees and have met all other Standard IV-A requirements. Not cool ASHA. Not cool. Who did everyone email?

Sorry, I wrote a huge response assuming you were transferring as a grad student then saw that you were transferring as an undergrad (if that isn't true and I miss read I apologize). My answer is somewhat similar in that it all kinda depends on a lot of things. SDSU is the highest rated. But that really doesn't matter MUCH for grad school. I think that if you graduate from a school that is VERY highly ranked they will consider that when looking at GPA but not as highly as the GPA itself. (i.e. a student with a GPA of 3.5 from a top five school would (all other things equal) be considered higher than a student with a 3.5 from a low ranking school, but NOT higher than the student with a 3.8 from the same school) I just say this based on my experiences applying. If you are a traditional undergrad and want that experience your best best would be SDSU. From what I know of them (I am from CA but didn't go to a Cal state) they are much less of a commuter school than the other two. While there is a LOT to do in LA (much more than Northridge) I am under the impression that a lot of kids live at home and the school is pretty quiet on the weekends. I have only been to Northridge once (for a debate tournament, I was pretty cool like that in college haha) and that was on a Saturday. If it weren't for the tournament the school would have been very quiet (but you can't base everything on one weekend obviously). That may not matter much to you (especially if you aren't a traditional undergrad) but it is something to consider. Some argue that going to a schools undergrad program makes it easier to get into their graduate program. I don't really think that is true. While yes, you have a relationship with the faculty and have an idea of what they are "looking for" that does not always work to your advantage. Some say it works against you (they know YOU too haha) but I don't think that is true either. From my (limited) experience schools with postbacc programs (and I think but CSUN and CSULA have them) usually accept that cohort in the highest numbers followed by their undergrad/all other programs (considered equally, with MAYBE a small edge given to their own undergrads but only if you have set yourself significantly apart from the others). But that does not mean that you can't get into OTHER schools from the Cal States, especially if you get good grades, GRE scores, related experience and apply to a variety of schools (this may be the most important part when applying to grad schools in CA). One last thing to check is how transferring of credits works at each school. They may have a limit, especially within the major, for how may credits you can transfer. As re-taking classes means spending money twice (although it is NOT the end of the world) it is something to consider. Cal state usually don't guarantee graduation in four years (but the national average is five) due to the budget crisis but transferring of credits may cut down on that a bit. I would check just in case there is a significant difference. Best of luck!

I just finished my school placement (LOVED it) and worked closely with some of the sped teachers. I'm in Mass for school (but obvi am from CA) so can only really give you info about it here (and more specifically in my district as it can differ). My school had both inclusion programs and substantially separate classrooms. The inclusion programs have two teachers, one regular ed, one with a special ed degree. The kids in that class range from typical "model" students to kids who are on IEPs, need various degrees of help but are not low enough to be in separate classrooms. The special ed teachers in that classroom work with all of the kids but during some instruction (depending on the IEPs of the kids, in my school it was typically during reading/writing and math) they pull specific kids into smaller groups. Those kids still do the same stuff but at a slower pace/in a smaller group. But the classroom is mainstream so it has a very different feel to it. There are also classes that cater to the kids who need to be in substantially separate rooms. Obviously it varies from district to district but without giving too much info away about where I was there were classes for kids who were cognitively lower and classes for kids who had emotional difficulties that significantly impacted school work. Those teachers had 2 aids in the class with them and about 5-8 kids total. It is a very different environment as you would be working with kids who have significant special needs all day. The kids needs will vary significantly and teaching obviously has to be catered to each individual child. The kids in both types of classes will have complex and significant case histories that will impact their learning, personality, attendance etc. Mass. has an alternative version of the state testing (idk about CA or other schools) that the classroom teachers are in charge of (it is a very extensive portfolio of work). As a teacher you are still required to teach about specific topics and prove that your kids have learned what is necessary. As an SLP in a school (unless you are at a school that is 100% special needs) you get a lot of variety in your case load. This means that while you will work with the kids in the substantially separate classrooms you will also be working with kids who have different and often much less complicated issues. While I loved working with the kids in the substantially separate classes (I got a big card and group hug on my last day and they were almost ALWAYS excited to see me) they were my most exhausting cases. It is difficult because the progress you see (and you do see progress) is slow and you know they probably will be receiving services for a majority of their life (especially the kids who are not cog. typical) . It can be a little disheartening and very exhausting. You have to be ON 100% of the time with them (note: this is not to say you can 1/2 booty the other kids but they do tend to take less stringent focus) which can be VERY draining. What I found is that as much as it is related to SLP it is very different. Idk what you are thinking in terms of your next steps. I think that re-taking the GRE and continuing to up you credentials as much as possible is a good idea (volunteer, take classes in SLP if you have not already and in related fields if you have a background etc.) I would also suggest shadowing a sped teacher for a day. You will want to see the ins and outs of the job because it is pretty different from SLP. There is also no harm in applying to sped programs and SLP programs next year, just be sure you would be happy in either profession. Best of luck either way!

Ditto everything midnight said. Even medically based programs (MGH, Rush, UW-Med SLP) would prepare you to work in the schools (I think it's an ASHA requirement). However, if you were to go to a medically based program you may just have to do course work/additional practicums that you were not as interested in (but don't quote me on that, I'm not at a med speciality program). Jobs in school districts are typically easy to find as they don't pay as well as medical settings (but you get summers off!). CA states are a bit of a bear to apply to and get into but that does not mean you shouldn't try. I would however, recommend applying to other schools (redlands, pacific, UO, UW, WSU, PSU) on the west coast. Best of luck in your applications and enjoy your post bacc!

Regarding your first question that all depends. Did Eastern know you were going to submit your GRE scores late, and did they pre-approve it? If so then I would say that you would still have a chance insofar as they will consider your application. And if the late submission of some materials was deemed okay, they probably won't count it against you, at least not significantly. If you don't make it this cycle there are many things you can do. But the most important thing would be to improve your application somehow, especially because the application process is so competitive. If you haven't already take pre-recs, get involved in research, do related volunteer work etc. You can do this and re-apply for Winter (many schools DO have a winter/spring cycle that may or may not be less competitive). But you should also try to expand your list of schools. I went a little crazy my year and applied to 9. My GRE and GPA were good (but GPA was in field and came from a top tier school which may have helped a little) but not stellar so I felt the need to better my chances. I got into 3, wait listed and 3 and rejected from 3. Best of luck this round and welcome to the boards!

That drives me crazy and I am IN grad school (especially when people talk about my grad program and/or schools I applied to). I always want to mark them as spam, and if they are particularly rude I do There is honesty no need for that kind of negativity.

I too recommend the coloring book. Not only is it a helpful hands on visual but it allows you to approach the material from yet another way (and with detail oriented classes like neuro a multi modal approach is key). More importantly (perhaps haha). Sign up for Amazon Prime. You should get at least a year as a student (and after that it is not too pricy) for close to (if not totally) free. You get FREE two day shipping on many many items no matter how much you spend. Once you get your student email account sign up! I'm sure there are other perks but I use it for the free shipping haha.

Ditto what MA SLP FTW said (hello again, I remember your from last year...seems like forever ago). You are by no means bound to your expressed intent. In fact if you want to change your mind 20 years after you get your C's and go from working in say, home health to working in EI you totally can. One of the wonders of this field. And the process WILL end. Then you have GRAD SCHOOL to look forward to haha.

Ask to talk to a current student. It will be more reliable than the faceless results board people. Granted they will probably get you into contact with someone who is really really happy in the program but at least you aren't getting info from someone writing facelessly (invented a word there) behind a screen. Often the people who are most unhappy are the loud minority. People tend to get angry when the are wait-listed and rejected at take it personally (not so much here but on the results board) this causes them to complain about the school because it makes them feel better about themselves ("I didn't want to go there anyway"). Don't let their opinions make your decision. And the praxis and employment rates are good (look at the completion rate, my undergrad mentor said that is what is actually most important) and grad school is only a few years of your life, you can do anything for a few years (but again, get a real opinion, not a results board one).

ALL the time. It's why wait-lists move through July or even later. People put deposits on one school then get off one of a wait-list and decide to take themselves off of the list for the school they had put their deposit on. This allows THAT school to admit off the wait-list and it creates a domino effect. Don't feel bad AT ALL about doing this. As much as I am VERY happy at my grad school I admit it was not my FIRST choice (it was a top choice but not #1). I was wait-listed at #1 and if I had been admitted off the wait-list (before July as by then I had an apartment and had planned my move across the country) I would have sacrificed my deposit and not felt at ALL guilty about it. Think about it this way, if you get off the list to your wait-list school and "back out" on another school you may be allowing someone else to take YOUR place. Don't worry about not giving school A your tuition money, they get a lot of that anyway.

^ It doesn't cost anything does it? B/c unless you are 100% (more like 120%) positive you wouldn't go if you got off (and didn't get into any other schools) stay on the wait list. You never know what could happen when all the cards fall in place.

I say go for it! You want to show continued interest. Write a nice email to the contact person expressing your continued interest, asking if there is anything else they want/need from you (updated resume, another letter of rec. etc) and how the wait list works. Most likely they won't want (or even accept) more information from you but it is good to ask. I did my post bac at UW and LOVED it. I spoke a little about Seattle below but PM me if you want info about UW/Seattle. On behalf of all my other UW students (I am technically a UW post bacc alum) I apologize that you were not made to feel welcome. I will say that as a fellow Californian the Seattle persona (often referred to as the "seattle chill") took some getting used to. In my experience (with my UW cohort AND professors) people are not initially warm ( I think it's the lack of sun...no pun intended). BUT within a week or so you find that people in Seattle are actually very kind. It was hard to recognize at first because I feel like a lot of people in CA are more outwardly friendly (except maybe in LA haha) and you have to work for it a little more in Seattle. But all of my professors were very kind and welcoming, as were my fellow students. I have actually found the east coast far more.....cold, and miss the relative friendliness of Seattle. I always say that in Seattle, people won't ask you if you need help finding directions when you look lost. HOWEVER, if you ASK for directions they will be given with a smile.

You still have a lot of schools to hear from so I wouldn't worry too much. The CalStates are a tough ticket given the number of students who want to stay in CA and pay in state tuition (plus they are financially a bit of a mess so that affects the application process/cohort sizes etc). UWs wait-list has, in the past moved pretty quickly (especially the Med program due to its cost). I think it was last year (maybe the last two years) that PSU was able to admit a large class size so they may do that again. But really don't let the CSULB rejection get you down, despite the low rankings of the CSUs they are some of the hardest schools in the country to get into. Welcome lurker! Bored (or rather insomniac) graduate student here. You still have FIVE schools to hear back from! Don't fear the worst yet. As for improving your application (which may be moot as you have FIVE schools yet to hear from), can you give us a bit of your background? You say you have experiences but what are they? Is your academic background SLP? Best of luck and don't give up hope yet.