Certain Schools chances

[mississippigirl2828]

I am interested in applying to speech pathology grad programs within the next two years. I am interested in the clinical side of it more than the school settings ; however, I am not against the school settings. I would be interested in a balanced program. I am interested in schools such as Purdue, UT of Austin and maybe Sacred Heart University. How hard would they be to get into? I was wondering what could I do to beef up my chances of getting accepted into these schools. What are your thoughts on these schools?

[AlwaysaFalcon]

I applied to Sacred Heart University twice. The first time I applied I was waitlisted and then rejected while the second time I applied and was accepted so I have more experience with this school! Honestly it's really hard to tell someone their chances of getting in because there are so many factors considered for an acceptance such as gpa, gre, extra activities, job/volunteer experience and how well you do in the interview. I liked Sacred Heart! Ultimately I decided on another institution but I liked Sacred Heart's program.

 

1. Ask for more than the standard 2-3 letters of recommendation

For my last application cycle I ended up getting 4 letters of recommendation, 2 that were from professors and 2 that were past supervisors of mine. I think this helped me to stand out and also gave the committee an opportunity to not only see my academically, but also personally. It also is going above and beyond to prove to them why you are worthy.

 

2. If you can, apply to a wide range of programs (states, cities, etc)

 

My last cycle I applied to 25 different states across the U.S. Now, I'm not saying you have to do as many as me haha but I was very selective with the schools I chose. I chose programs from all over and based this on asha edfind and each school's stats regarding gpa, gre range and the ratio of applicants to the new interviewed and the percentage accepted. I chose programs well fewer applicants so there was less competition. Personally I looked at it as this is two years of my life and then I can have my degree and be done! That was why I was so open to moving for grad school, but I understand not everyone can do this for family or money reasons. I just feel this gives you more variety of programs and how they can best suit you. 

 

3. Gain experience

 

One of the biggest factors that I think helped me between the second and third cycle applying was I gained experience. I volunteered an a integrated preschool that had typically developing children and those with speech and language delays and disorders. From this experience, I was able to observe an slp and gain experience working with kids. I really enjoyed this and was able to talk about this in my letter of intent. It also shows to the committee the experience and reasoning why you want to be an slp. 

 

I hope this helps you!  Feel free to personal message me if you have other questions  

[jpiccolo]

Clinical as in medical or research or as in anything but schools? My program was less about settings and more about disorders and treatment. We all had to do one medical and one school placement, plus another wherever. As long as you understand the disorders and treatment you can apply it to many job settings