Deciding between schools

[slp2bclassof2021]

Hi guys! So like most of you, I am trying to decide between schools. Although I'm still wanting to hear back from my top choice (Penn State) I realize that I can't wait forever and the closer it gets to April 15th (probably) the less likely I am to get in. So I'm considering my current 3 acceptances that I have. I have been accepted at Ithaca College, East Stroudsburg University, and Radford University. I have not visited any officially yet, but I am going to see ESU on Friday and I grew up about 30 minutes from Ithaca so I know the area well (but not the program obviously). I am waiting to hear back from 4 more programs and I have been also waitlisted at 8 places as well. But I know I can't put count on getting off of one of those. 

Since I need to consider the options I have at the moment -- does anyone have any pros or cons for any of the 3 programs?

I want to gain good exposure to everything while I'm in grad school. I would also like to have to the ability to learn more about AAC while in grad school as well - even if that just means through an externship at bare minimum. 

 

Also as a side note - since I'm trying to prepare myself for the rejection from penn state - does anyone have any tips or advice so it doesn't hurt so much? I know I am luck to have even one acceptance because some people don't even get one but at the same time I know I will be crushed.

 

Thank you for reading my long-winded post. Have a great rest of your day and good luck with your school decisions. 

 

[Oxbow]

20 minutes ago, slp2bclassof2021 said:

Hi guys! So like most of you, I am trying to decide between schools. Although I'm still wanting to hear back from my top choice (Penn State) I realize that I can't wait forever and the closer it gets to April 15th (probably) the less likely I am to get in. So I'm considering my current 3 acceptances that I have. I have been accepted at Ithaca College, East Stroudsburg University, and Radford University. I have not visited any officially yet, but I am going to see ESU on Friday and I grew up about 30 minutes from Ithaca so I know the area well (but not the program obviously). I am waiting to hear back from 4 more programs and I have been also waitlisted at 8 places as well. But I know I can't put count on getting off of one of those. 

Since I need to consider the options I have at the moment -- does anyone have any pros or cons for any of the 3 programs?

I want to gain good exposure to everything while I'm in grad school. I would also like to have to the ability to learn more about AAC while in grad school as well - even if that just means through an externship at bare minimum. 

 

Also as a side note - since I'm trying to prepare myself for the rejection from penn state - does anyone have any tips or advice so it doesn't hurt so much? I know I am luck to have even one acceptance because some people don't even get one but at the same time I know I will be crushed.

 

Thank you for reading my long-winded post. Have a great rest of your day and good luck with your school decisions. 

 

Congrats on your acceptances! I also got into Radford but I was waitlisted at Ithaca. I went to the open house for Radford and it seems like a great program! One of the graduate students I talked with actually went to a Ithaca and chose Radford over other schools because of how kind the faculty were. Dr. Millar at Radford went to Penn state for her PHD and she’s actually published with Dr. Light. I’d count that as a huge pro! Best of luck with your decision! 

[slp2bclassof2021]

2 minutes ago, Oxbow said:

Congrats on your acceptances! I also got into Radford but I was waitlisted at Ithaca. I went to the open house for Radford and it seems like a great program! One of the graduate students I talked with actually went to a Ithaca and chose Radford over other schools because of how kind the faculty were. Dr. Millar at Radford went to Penn state for her PHD and she’s actually published with Dr. Light. I’d count that as a huge pro! Best of luck with your decision! 

Thank you! Congrats on your acceptance as well. That is great to hear. Maybe I will contact her or someone in the department to try to get more information. I consider that a great pro

[melly14]

I am also waiting to hear back from Penn State and I too feel like it is bad news. However, one of the best things an admissions advisor (from a different program) told me is that no news really is just no news. They may have accepted some people and didn't want to reject you or Waitlist you so they are waiting to see if people will decline before they decide. I know that's probably not much help but also just try to think that wherever you go is where you are meant to be! Just try to stay positive - the end is near!!

[curlyq177]

I went to Ithaca for undergrad! I really loved it there, but couldn't take the cold! I'm sure you're used to it if you grew up near the area though! The program is very legit. The professors teach to their specialties (so a prof who specializes in stuttering teaches stutter, etc.). This was something I was surprised about when I realized not all schools teach like this. They have an emphasis in school settings, although there are research opportunities. They have an aphasia group, asd support group, etc. Most of the professors are really easy to connect with and they really want to see you succeed. Nice facilities too. If you have specific questions feel free to ask!