Non-traditional SLP Student Applying to Grad School

[gmpineda]

Hello,

I have been working in Marketing & Communications as a Graphic Designer for 7 years and I have recently decided to apply to online SLP programs (with prerequisite courses built in) after years of researching and contemplating the drastic career transition. I believe that my skills needed to craft visual stories for diverse audiences and experiences as a Native American/Latinx communicator will allow me to help treat communication disorders from a unique and creative perspective. With that being said, I have asked my admissions counselors if there is anything that I can do to make myself a more competitive candidate other than having good GPA and GRE scores, letters of rec, resume, letter of intent, etc. All of the counselors said that there was nothing more that I needed in addition to the assets I mentioned in the latter sentence but as I read more online graduate forums, it seems that volunteer hours are crucial to communicate to the admissions team that I am a serious candidate. With Covid-19 being a reality and many Texas volunteer programs cancelling in-person opportunities, does anyone have any advice on how I can gain more experience virtually or if volunteering is necessary? I hope to apply by this fall.  All advice is much appreciated!