SLP Decision Help: What Matters?

[SLP112494]

I heard it really does not matter where you receive your Masters from. I dont know how true this is though. However, right now I am struggling on my decision of where I would like to go. I received a decision early on from GW, which I was/am excited about - but living in D.C. is super expensive. I was going to make it work because it was my only option! Until recently, I was moved off the wait-list at NY Med and Monmouth. Monmouth would be the cheapest since I can commute, however it is in pre-accreditation until 2019 so I am not sure what that means for me as a student and when I graduate when doing my CFY! Ive heard great things about all of the programs, however GW & NYMed are double the cost of Monmouth. I want to make a decision soon so other people can take my seat (the struggle is real). I know that MYMed is more medically based, and being in a city area might give me a lot of opportunities as well if I go to GW. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

I am interested in the medical side of SLP, rather than the school setting. However I am open to both sides right now! 

 

 

[NYslp93]

Pre-accreditation status just means when you graduate you will need to complete additional paperwork for licensure.. if it comes down to saving money I would go with the most affordable.  

[soontobeslp2018]

I also read somewhere (on ASHA but I don’t remember where exactly) that in those cases they under consideration or pre-accredited because they haven’t graduated enough classes yet. It doesn’t have anything to do with the quality of the program. If you’re still hesitant I would contact the department of the school and just ask them what their accreditation status means for you as a student

[Jordyn_M463]

I think it depends on you. I would call and ask the school about what the accreditation means for you like the poster about said but in the end it is what you want most out of your time in grad school. If you are ok with the more expensive schools because they offer opportunities you would not get elsewhere, then that is what you should choose! But there is also nothing wrong with going with a cheaper school. 

In my case, I chose a cheaper school. The school is a great school and offers a lot of interesting and great experiences as well but a large factor for me was saving money where I can. I figured within the 5 externship placements my program does, I think I will be able to go to the places that interest me most. It will just some work on my part. 

In the end, as long as you finish and pass the exam for licensure, you will be an SLP. Where you go with your career is up to you! 

[SLP112494]

On 5/20/2018 at 7:48 PM, NYslp93 said:

Pre-accreditation status just means when you graduate you will need to complete additional paperwork for licensure.. if it comes down to saving money I would go with the most affordable.  

It isn't really about spending money, I am just wondering if it is reasonable to spend that amount on a graduate program when I have a cheaper option that is going to become accredited in 2019. 

[SLP112494]

On 5/21/2018 at 10:13 AM, soontobeslp2018 said:

I also read somewhere (on ASHA but I don’t remember where exactly) that in those cases they under consideration or pre-accredited because they haven’t graduated enough classes yet. It doesn’t have anything to do with the quality of the program. If you’re still hesitant I would contact the department of the school and just ask them what their accreditation status means for you as a student

I wound up calling ASHA and they said they should be accredited no problem, its just because the program is new. 

At this point, I am wondering if it would be more beneficial to go to GW or Monmouth. GW seems to be more well known nationally. I am more concerned if the name of a school matters at this point!

[soontobeslp2018]

1 hour ago, SLP112494 said:

I wound up calling ASHA and they said they should be accredited no problem, its just because the program is new. 

At this point, I am wondering if it would be more beneficial to go to GW or Monmouth. GW seems to be more well known nationally. I am more concerned if the name of a school matters at this point!

School names and rankings don’t really matter 

[SLP112494]

3 hours ago, soontobeslp2018 said:

School names and rankings don’t really matter 

Does it matter if I am more interested in Medical/Rehab SLP versus a school setting?

[soontobeslp2018]

22 hours ago, SLP112494 said:

Does it matter if I am more interested in Medical/Rehab SLP versus a school setting?

I would look at the clinical placements for the schools you’re looking into. If they have a medical setting then you’ll get experience. Or if you’d rather go the route of applyin to schools that are known for their medical emphasis then apply to them. But most schools have at least 1 medical setting. And if they don’t you could always try to get your CF in a medical setting, although that could be challenging. Or even find a medical setting to volunteer or shadow at during free time. But also, don’t limit yourself to one setting type, you may get into a medical placement and then realize it’s not what you want. Try to keep an open mind

Edited May 25, 2018 by soontobeslp2018

[AlwaysaFalcon]

I would go with the cheaper school. That for me was personally a decision I made because I wanted to save and set myself up for a better future with less debt. The two schools I was deciding between had a difference of $25,000, not even including the cost of living. Candidate schools just mean that they are new programs so asha puts this status on programs that are brand new the first five years they are open to make sure they are doing what they are supposed to be doing. You will get your degree and a candidate status does not mean it isn't a quality program. Hope that helps!