Needing an honest opinion!

[inneedofadvice]

Hi! I'm a fourth-year English major at UT-Austin. My GPA is a 3.5, which I didn't think was a bad GPA until I saw that most schools only have a 20% acceptance rate. I feel like my undergraduate major puts me at a disadvantage, but I don't want to switch, as I'm about to graduate. I haven't taken the GRE yet, so I'm not sure what my scores would look like. I don't have any relevant job or volunteer experience, either. 

Is it honestly worth pursuing SLP in grad school with this outlook? I'm just feeling very discouraged that it might be impossible to make such a large career change. 

Also- I need to take leveling courses. Is it better to take them at home where my parents live (less social opportunity & cheaper) or continue my education in Austin (where my friends are & more expensive)? I was planning on using this year to bolster my GPA, job experience, and letters of recommendation, but the whole admissions process is daunting to me. 

Any advice is welcome!

Edited September 1, 2019 by inneedofadvice
Typo

[slptobe!]

It will be a lot of work, but you can do it! As long as you take the leveling courses/do an extended masters, it's definitely possible. During your leveling year/time during application process, I would suggest volunteering in a speech clinic or school to see if you really like it and get some experience. 

I don't think it really matters where you take the leveling courses, but you can also look into extended masters programs.

[aaaslp]

DO IT!!! It is definitely not too late. I completed my post-bacc work in 3 semesters which in the long run is not very long if it's something you really want to do. I would say take the leveling courses back home to save money, unless you will be able to put in 100% where you are currently. You're going to want to aim for A's in all if not most of your classes so being home and not having to work about work will be nice. Also, you can save your money for when you are in grad school and REALLY cannot work a ton. The admissions process IS daunting, and it is a b**ch, but you can get through it and it will totally be worth it. Sincerely, a grad student avoiding studying  

[Bmay80]

You got this! Take your leveling courses wherever is cheapest, sounds like living at home is a great option. I would start researching potential grad schools now because the time will go quickly. Good luck?