SLP/Communication Disorders Masters Applicants

[TalkItOut_9]

Thanks for all of the advice and support! I've gotten my LORs lined up from the professors who know me best and started writing up my SOPs. What I'm most concerned about is my GRE scores. I've always been a terrible test taker. How much do you think schools weigh GRE scores? Does anyone have experience with scores on the lower end--like at or below 50th percentile?)

Anyway, I'm really excited to apply out and hope I can get in somewhere this application cycle. I've decided to apply to 10 schools and cap it there. Does that sound like a good number? While I am slightly freaking out about being rejected from every school I apply to, it doesn't seem realistic, especially since I have a background in CSD. Applying to more than 10 programs just seems like a waste of money and a hassle. Thoughts?

[SomedaySLP]

Thanks for all of the advice and support! I've gotten my LORs lined up from the professors who know me best and started writing up my SOPs. What I'm most concerned about is my GRE scores. I've always been a terrible test taker. How much do you think schools weigh GRE scores? Does anyone have experience with scores on the lower end--like at or below 50th percentile?)

Anyway, I'm really excited to apply out and hope I can get in somewhere this application cycle. I've decided to apply to 10 schools and cap it there. Does that sound like a good number? While I am slightly freaking out about being rejected from every school I apply to, it doesn't seem realistic, especially since I have a background in CSD. Applying to more than 10 programs just seems like a waste of money and a hassle. Thoughts?

I think 10 is a good number, but I would maybe re-think which 10 you apply to. All of the ones you have listed in your signature are typically very tough to get into. Have you taken the GRE yet? If you have really high scores on that, plus some sort of special experience or skills (bilingual, for example) then you might be safe only applying to those schools, but otherwise I would maybe throw in one or two that typically have higher acceptance rates.

That said, I applied to seven schools and got into six of them and could definitely use the money I spent on applications now that I'm about to actually be paying for grad school. I'm still happy I applied to several though, as I'd REALLY be kicking myself if I had only applied to a few and had to go through the application process all over again.

Feel free to PM me for advice through the application process if you need it. This forum was very helpful for me when applying, but I think it could have been even moreso if there had been more people who had gone through the process before to offer their advice.

[ionictoaster]

Hello all! I've been reading through these forums and you all seem like such a nice bunch; I figured I would contribute my...well, I would say 2 cents, but it's more of a plea for 2 cents worth of advice.

Essentially, I just found SLP about a month ago. I went to UPitt for undergrad, a well-known school in the field it seems, but had a different set of interests at the time and have had little-to-no CommD experience. However, I have always been completely absorbed with language, and have a relatively strong phonetics / speech structures background from an undergrad major in Linguistics. In short, after talking with a local SLP recently, I buckled down and started researching -- it turns out SLP is not only SUPER INTERESTING, but is a perfect combination of the things I've been searching for in a career.

So, schools - I keep seeing that "schools are always looking for students with diverse backgrounds," and "you can transition from another career!", but how true is that? Obviously this would vary by school (and by my actual courses taken in college), but is there any use in even applying to any program this year? I'm fluent in French (would love to do McGill's program and live in Montreal), and in ASL (I was reading about how helpful it can be, in certain positions), but those are trivial skills considering I have never taken a basic class in speech disorders outside of Psych 101.

I feel like I have a lot of momentum that could help me - I have good GRE scores, a high undergrad GPA, and a year of experience working with Deaf youth with developmental disorders. Any opinions? Should I direct these questions to individual programs? Any general advice? Thanks a lot guys.

[scharpe1]

From what you've said, it sounds like you have a strong application. The only question would be if you meet the specific prerequisite requirements for each school. Some schools require 12 prereq courses, others 5, others none. I'll be starting at Vanderbilt in the fall and I know that they accept students who have no background, as well as students who were have undergrad majors in the field. My background was in a completely unrelated field and I took courses online with Utah State University. If the programs you are interested have prerequisites, you might want to look into USU's program because they offer a broad range of SLP courses and charge everyone in-state tuition. If you want to hear more about their program, feel free to send me a pm. Good luck!

[Hopeful SLP]

Northwestern (which I see is on your list) especially loves out of field applicants. 1/2 of the students they take each year have a non-COMD background. with high GRE scores and a high GPA, you'd likely be a perfect candidate. they would place you on the 3 year track (so you'd be taking all prereqs at their school, which means more $$ for tuition), but I think you can defer acceptance for a year and take prereqs somewhere else (much cheaper).

anyways, I'd give it a shot!

[MA-SLP FTW]

Hello all! I've been reading through these forums and you all seem like such a nice bunch; I figured I would contribute my...well, I would say 2 cents, but it's more of a plea for 2 cents worth of advice.

Essentially, I just found SLP about a month ago. I went to UPitt for undergrad, a well-known school in the field it seems, but had a different set of interests at the time and have had little-to-no CommD experience. However, I have always been completely absorbed with language, and have a relatively strong phonetics / speech structures background from an undergrad major in Linguistics. In short, after talking with a local SLP recently, I buckled down and started researching -- it turns out SLP is not only SUPER INTERESTING, but is a perfect combination of the things I've been searching for in a career.

So, schools - I keep seeing that "schools are always looking for students with diverse backgrounds," and "you can transition from another career!", but how true is that? Obviously this would vary by school (and by my actual courses taken in college), but is there any use in even applying to any program this year? I'm fluent in French (would love to do McGill's program and live in Montreal), and in ASL (I was reading about how helpful it can be, in certain positions), but those are trivial skills considering I have never taken a basic class in speech disorders outside of Psych 101.

I feel like I have a lot of momentum that could help me - I have good GRE scores, a high undergrad GPA, and a year of experience working with Deaf youth with developmental disorders. Any opinions? Should I direct these questions to individual programs? Any general advice? Thanks a lot guys.

Hello there and welcome! You're definitely not too late for the party in SLP.

I got my BA in English 6 years ago. I made the mistake of not doing enough homework about speech pathology programs before applying the first time around. What I wish I would have realized then is that the interactions that you will have with programs during your fact-finding expeditions are critical to determining which one is for you. I asked many programs directly if they were open to "non-traditional" students, how they weighed application materials, what they were looking for in their applicants.

If you're still looking at programs, do your homework: look at what they're researching - are there professors who are distinguished in the areas you find interesting? Reach out to them. ComD is a small field and if you can't get letters of recommendation from department professors it will help to have already communicated with people at your desired schools.

Some programs will allow you to take pre-requisite courses up to the summer before you begin your full-time graduate enrollment. I can't speak for all schools, but Ohio State offers all required undergrad courses over the summer (online). While you couldn't enroll in all of them (too many hours), you could certainly finish up pre-reqs before starting the program. Other schools offer a limited number of classes over the summer online or on-campus to help you finish things up.

Best of luck - as scharpe1 said, you sound like you have a strong application!

Also, there's a professor at Ohio State with a background very similar to yours. If you haven't already found her, you're welcome to PM me and I'll give you her e-mail address.

[GandalfTheGrey]

Ionictoaster:

Linguists represent! I also did my undergrad degree in Linguistics, and realized during my senior year that I was interested in SLP. Since my school did not have a communication disorders department, I waited until after I graduated to do a post-bacc in communication disorders. I wouldn't recommend taking the courses in person like I did, especially if you already have a strong background in something related, so I would suggest at least considering an online option for your pre-reqs. I really like the perspective that linguistics has offered me in the pre-req courses and I'm excited to start grad school in the fall.

I applied while taking the pre-reqs, and I definitely think it is doable. I held off on writing my personal statement until I was well into my first semester of pre-reqs so I could know more about the field and let that show through in my SOP. It never hurts to try and speak with individual programs, but many of them (especially the large, well-known ones that you are applying to) may not have the time to spend too much time with an individual applicant.

I'll be starting the master's program in the fall at one of the schools you are applying to, so feel free to PM me if you want to talk about specifics of the school, or ask more specific questions about the transition from Ling to ComDis.

Good luck!

[ionictoaster]

Good talk, everyone, good talk. Thanks for your help and quick responses!

I think I've narrowed down a few schools that have relatively few prereqs, seem fairly open to non-backgrounders, and have programs and professors that fit my interests: McGill, University of British Columbia, Ohio State, Gallaudet, and Northwestern.

For a few of those, I would only need between 1-3 prereq classes before next Fall...so I'll plan on taking those classes ASAP, shadowing a couple SLPs, communicating with those schools, and applying this year. We'll see what happens! I definitely cannot justify taking out another full year of loans just to take a handful undergrad-level classes at an expensive, uppity private school (sorry, NU), but if I don't get in this year I will re-up and finish prereqs online somewhere (perhaps USU, thanks for the tip!) over the next 2 years and try again!

I honestly feel a little silly with how much of a whirlwind decision this is; I realize it's probably not the most practical or normal way to go about things, but I feel like I just got lit on fire. The more I read about everyone's experiences in school, and research in the field in general, the more excited I get. It's cool stuff!

Question, though: why are there seriously NO DUDES in this business at all? I was looking at current students profiles at a few different universities, and there are no Y chromosomes to be found anywhere. I know all applications *should* be based on merit and not quota-material, but...is there any chance that being a guy will help/hurt my case?

[MA-SLP FTW]

Question, though: why are there seriously NO DUDES in this business at all? I was looking at current students profiles at a few different universities, and there are no Y chromosomes to be found anywhere. I know all applications *should* be based on merit and not quota-material, but...is there any chance that being a guy will help/hurt my case?

This is hilarious! I really, truly, LOLed at this. I think that ComD is kind of a well-kept secret at this point, probably because most folks only identify SLPs as school-based clinicians. My husband was the only dude in his undergrad nursing program (over a decade ago), and I don't think it ever worked against him. Couldn't tell you if it ever gave him an edge, but I doubt it.

I hadn't even started my pre-reqs when I applied the first time (oops). So to have anything under your belt will certainly help you.

This site is a good resource too (until people start posting on the Status Updates page, at which point you'll hate it). Enjoy it while you can!

[redheadedasian]

Here's a random topic: a school that I was admitted to, but will not be attending, sent me a survey basically asking why I picked Rush instead. Is it possible to be TOO honest on these things? I was thoroughly unimpressed with this school and thought they had a right to know. I've already turned it in, but will it jeopardize my professional reputation even if I don't ever, say, apply for a job at this institution? What if someone who graduated from there ends up interviewing me? How honest do they really want you to be?

[GandalfTheGrey]

Here's a random topic: a school that I was admitted to, but will not be attending, sent me a survey basically asking why I picked Rush instead. Is it possible to be TOO honest on these things? I was thoroughly unimpressed with this school and thought they had a right to know. I've already turned it in, but will it jeopardize my professional reputation even if I don't ever, say, apply for a job at this institution? What if someone who graduated from there ends up interviewing me? How honest do they really want you to be?

Usually, surveys like that promise not to link your email address (or other identifying info) with your responses and they view the responses in aggregate which would make it difficult for someone to put your responses together and identify you. If you are concerned, I would reread the intro page of the survey or the email containing the survey to see what they say about privacy.

I'm sure they appreciate your honesty, and I wouldn't worry about it jeopardizing your career as long as you didn't write anything offensive or obscene - they are looking for ways to improve their program or make it more attractive, so constructive criticism might actually be what they are looking for. Regardless of what you wrote in the survey, I can guarantee that they will not be posting your comments alongside your name for all alumni to see before interviewing potential employees =)

[FutureSLP8]

Has anyone applied to CSUN's distance learning program for the 2013 Cohort?

[puh-tuh-kuh]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning on applying soon for Fall 2013. Wanted to see what everyone thought. I've got a 3.65 from USU for all of their COMD classes, I got my first B.A. in psych with a 3.4. I've been working at a school for six years now as a school aide. I've been volunteering at that same school for those six years also. I'm in California, and want to stay in state, but it sounds like it's really hard to get in everywhere! Life got crazy, and I haven't taken my GRE's yet, or gotten LOR (I know, it's late ...I'm working on it!) I have a couple of questions, if anyone can help! I was thinking of applying to CSULB, CSUF, SDSU, SJSU. I'm considering going out of state.

1) How hard are these schools to get into? Anyone get into these schools?

2) Is anyone going to any of those schools? What do you love/hate about it?

3) On average how many schools did you apply to?

Thanks for any help!

[tspeechie]

Hi mangodelilah,

I'm sorry I cannot address your prospective schools specifically but I do have some input. I got my post-bac from the Utah State online program as well. I got into Cal State Northridge and this is my first semester there. I was disheartened to find out they want me to take four undergrad classes (plus a clinic) before I can start the master's program. I actually have to redo all of the 25 observation hours earned in COMD5900 (apparently they find the Utah students lacking in that area). In addition to an observation class, I have to take Fluency ( I was prepared for that since Utah didn't offer it), Early Intervention (didn't I already have that?!), and Computer Applications in Communication Disorders (basically AAC). So, I thought I was going to hit the ground running in the master's program and instead I am taking five undergrad classes this semester. On top of that, that adds one more semester of school to my student loans. Not cheap! So, one other way to consider your options might be time and money. Which schools will require less makeup classes when you start? Maybe not the first consideration, but I am dreading the student loan bill when I'm done! A semester is significant, in my book. Good luck!

P.S. Try not to wait until the last minute to get your apps done! I did and I thought I would have a coronary before it was all over. It's hard to squeeze it in on top of everything else you have to do.

[puh-tuh-kuh]

Wow. Thanks so much. I had read about maybe needing to make up classes, but wasn't aware that it would be so many! (Especially with those 25 hours of observation). I am definitely going to ask for letters and get that done in the next two weeks. I wish every school had the same deadlines! This all just seems like an uphill battle. Glad to know you got through it. Do you mind me asking how you like the campus so far? Are you hoping to work in a hospital or school? I'm not applying to CSUN because it seems more geared towards working in rehab/hospital and I'm definitely set on working at a school.

[tspeechie]

Wow. Thanks so much. I had read about maybe needing to make up classes, but wasn't aware that it would be so many! (Especially with those 25 hours of observation). I am definitely going to ask for letters and get that done in the next two weeks. I wish every school had the same deadlines! This all just seems like an uphill battle. Glad to know you got through it. Do you mind me asking how you like the campus so far? Are you hoping to work in a hospital or school? I'm not applying to CSUN because it seems more geared towards working in rehab/hospital and I'm definitely set on working at a school.

So far I like the campus. Since I did my post-bac online, I don't have much to compare it to though. The building where all of the CD classes are held is sort of an outpost at the corner of campus. I haven't had much time to do much exploring yet. This is the second week of school so it's all still a whirlwind in my head. Five classes is not fun. I am hoping for a medical setting.

[NorcalSLP]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning on applying soon for Fall 2013. Wanted to see what everyone thought. I've got a 3.65 from USU for all of their COMD classes, I got my first B.A. in psych with a 3.4. I've been working at a school for six years now as a school aide. I've been volunteering at that same school for those six years also. I'm in California, and want to stay in state, but it sounds like it's really hard to get in everywhere! Life got crazy, and I haven't taken my GRE's yet, or gotten LOR (I know, it's late ...I'm working on it!) I have a couple of questions, if anyone can help! I was thinking of applying to CSULB, CSUF, SDSU, SJSU. I'm considering going out of state.

1) How hard are these schools to get into? Anyone get into these schools?

2) Is anyone going to any of those schools? What do you love/hate about it?

3) On average how many schools did you apply to?

Thanks for any help!

If you are able to I would add more NON Cal State schools. The Cal States are a mess and a half right now (which I am assuming you kinda know as you are from CA). Your GPA is not bad but because the CSUs are SO competitive you may find it hard to get in. If you have to stay in CA for family or financial reasons look at some of the private schools there (Redlands, Chapman, UoP) if not look outside of CA (I understand wanting to stay there as I intend to return post graduation but there are some wonderful programs just a few states over). I don't want to be mean but I think by only applying to four Cal States you are setting yourself up for disappointment (note: I would say the exact same thing to someone applying with a 4.0 and GREs in the 90th percentile). As far as SJSU goes if you decide to apply there you need to be on them like crazy. I (and two of people in my post bacc cohort) had serious issues with them loosing/misplacing my application. It was never read and they claim the "never received it". Sorry if I seem harsh but the Cal States are a really tough ticket and you have time to add more schools to your list. Best of luck! And the application process does end...I promise.

[puh-tuh-kuh]

Thanks so much! I am considering going out of state, it would just be really tough. My cousin went to SJSU for graduate school also, so I know that their administration isn't always the greatest. I really do need all of these wake-up calls though. Glad to know it does end somewhere!

[caterpillar]

Who's ready for the next application cycle? Woot! It's my first time applying (and hopefully my last) and I feel like I'm on an emotional roller coaster--excited, nervous, anxious, etc. I don't know how I'm going to make it through the next ten months!

Where are prospective applicants looking to apply? I'm looking at Northwestern, Illinois State, University of Illinois, University of Pittsburgh, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Rush, Emerson, Boston University, and Northeastern. I'm a city girl, so I'm looking to stay near a big city...but I'm also worried that I'm applying to some very tough programs and I don't have enough "safety" schools in case things don't go my way.

I'm taking the GRE in late August and starting applications in September. Any advice during this tedious application process? Any helpful comments are much appreciated!

Hi! I lurk here on behalf of my husband, who originally was going to apply for Fall 2012 ... money issues held him back, and he's in line to apply for Fall 2013. His stats are good (4.0 post-bacc, 3.3 BA in Psych, 3 years of experience in SPED) but he hasn't yet taken the GRE and he's not the fastest typist, so that's his wildcard. He's looking at University of Washington, SJSU, CSUEB, Sacramento State, SFSU, Northern Arizona University, CU-Boulder, and Arizona State University ... we'll see how financially feasible such a large list is. He and I enjoyed how helpful this board can be last time, so I'm back again a-lurkin' on his behalf. Good lucky everyone!

[TalkItOut_9]

Applying is definitely putting a dent in my wallet, but I'm really betting on this application cycle. I cannot imagine having to go through this process again.

I'm having trouble starting my personal statement(s) for some of my schools. Does anyone have any advice on this? Each of my schools have different prompts, but they're eerily similar to each other. If you applied in the past, did you write a different statement for each school or did you write one or two different statements?

[GandalfTheGrey]

Applying is definitely putting a dent in my wallet, but I'm really betting on this application cycle. I cannot imagine having to go through this process again.

I'm having trouble starting my personal statement(s) for some of my schools. Does anyone have any advice on this? Each of my schools have different prompts, but they're eerily similar to each other. If you applied in the past, did you write a different statement for each school or did you write one or two different statements?

I applied to eight schools and wrote nine different essays. I started by writing a generic essay that I then tweaked for each school. For example, when applying to a school that offered scholarships to bilingual SLPs, I would mention that I speak Spanish early in the essay and then go back to it at the end to write specifically about the scholarship. The biggest changes from essay to essay were the final paragraphs of each essay which focused specifically on the school, but I would make alterations throughout so that it didn't look like I had just added on an ending to a generic essay. You also want to make sure that your essay highlights how you will fit into the particular program you are applying to, so make sure you've really done your research and attended info sessions (online or in person) before writing your final essay for each school.

Before beginning my generic essay, I found it helpful to do some prewriting so I had a sense of what I wanted to write about and how I wanted to structure my personal statement. I wrote one very rough draft that was basically a laundry list of things in my life relating to being an SLP. I then moved things around, cut things, and expanded sections that seemed the most relevant. Since I intended for that rough draft to be messy, I didn't feel the pressure I normally feel when writing and I was able to get my thoughts down. Since I'm a huge nerd, I then wrote a second very rough draft that pretty much focused on relating my nerdy (and not SLP-related) interests to SLP. I knew that I wouldn't use either of those rough drafts in my final essays, but doing that preparation made it easier to start and finish my actual personal statement since I knew what I wanted to include and how I wanted to portray myself. If you are having trouble starting your essay, I highly recommend doing something like this so you can at least have something written down as a starting point.

Good luck with everything!

[slpnut]

Hi everyone!

I haven't seen many Canadians posting on these. I'm from Vancouver, and going to be applying to both Canadian and American schools this Fall for Fall 2013 admissions. I am really nervous and don't know if I stand a chance. A bit about myself- I finished my BA in Psychology with a minor in Counseling and Human Development. My cumulative GPA is not great, only a 3.0. My last 60 credits are a bit better, about 3.4. I'm going to be beginning Portland State University's Post-Bac program in 2 weeks. I've volunteered in an SLP clinic working mainly with children for 1.5 years, done private "speech" tutoring (SLP recommended me to work on speech and lang activities with one of her clients), lots of varied volunteer experience (a lot with children), worked and planned summer camps for 5-9 year olds, lots of leadership/team management experiences. Took the GRE and got a 306 and 4.0 on writing.

I have an idea of the competitiveness of the few Canadian programs, and they are looking for extremely high marks. However, I don't know many people who have attended schools for SLP in the states. I am looking for schools with strong clinical programs as that is my main interest. As well, I'm looking for the cheapest schools possible, tuition is SO expensive when coming from Canada! I am hoping that doing the post-bac will give me the opportunity to boost my last 60 credit GPA and prerequisite/post-bac GPA. I think I have great practical experiences and have done well at them, but unfortunately my grades on paper don't reflect this and I'm not sure how to convey that I am cut out for a masters program because I feel that when they see the 3.0 CGPA they will disregard my application.

This will be my first time applying, so I'm trying to be realistic about the fact that even though I am applying to the US to increase my chances, its still very competitive so I may not get in.

Any advice on my application and how to make it better would be much appreciated!! Do I stand a chance?? Any suggestions on the best schools for me to apply to? I don't want to put all my eggs in the Boston U/Rush/MGH, etc. basket as they seem extremely competitive from what I've read. I'd appreciate any suggestions

[GandalfTheGrey]

Hi everyone!

I haven't seen many Canadians posting on these. I'm from Vancouver, and going to be applying to both Canadian and American schools this Fall for Fall 2013 admissions. I am really nervous and don't know if I stand a chance. A bit about myself- I finished my BA in Psychology with a minor in Counseling and Human Development. My cumulative GPA is not great, only a 3.0. My last 60 credits are a bit better, about 3.4. I'm going to be beginning Portland State University's Post-Bac program in 2 weeks. I've volunteered in an SLP clinic working mainly with children for 1.5 years, done private "speech" tutoring (SLP recommended me to work on speech and lang activities with one of her clients), lots of varied volunteer experience (a lot with children), worked and planned summer camps for 5-9 year olds, lots of leadership/team management experiences. Took the GRE and got a 306 and 4.0 on writing.

I have an idea of the competitiveness of the few Canadian programs, and they are looking for extremely high marks. However, I don't know many people who have attended schools for SLP in the states. I am looking for schools with strong clinical programs as that is my main interest. As well, I'm looking for the cheapest schools possible, tuition is SO expensive when coming from Canada! I am hoping that doing the post-bac will give me the opportunity to boost my last 60 credit GPA and prerequisite/post-bac GPA. I think I have great practical experiences and have done well at them, but unfortunately my grades on paper don't reflect this and I'm not sure how to convey that I am cut out for a masters program because I feel that when they see the 3.0 CGPA they will disregard my application.

This will be my first time applying, so I'm trying to be realistic about the fact that even though I am applying to the US to increase my chances, its still very competitive so I may not get in.

Any advice on my application and how to make it better would be much appreciated!! Do I stand a chance?? Any suggestions on the best schools for me to apply to? I don't want to put all my eggs in the Boston U/Rush/MGH, etc. basket as they seem extremely competitive from what I've read. I'd appreciate any suggestions

A good source of information about SLP schools in the US is ASHA Edfind: www.asha.org/edfind

It tells you the accreditation information for each school, which is really important because you need to go to an accredited school if you want to be able to find a job after you graduate. The website also gives some admissions stats about each school, including the average GRE scores and GPA of accepted applicants, so you can get a sense of how you compare to their average accepted student. Some of that data is a few years old, but overall it is a good starting point. I think that your experience volunteering in the Speech clinic will help you, so mention that in your personal statement and see if the supervising SLP can write you a letter of recommendation.

The best thing you can do for yourself now is get good grades in the post-bacc. Schools sometimes weigh science and communication disorders classes more heavily, so this is really your chance to show grad schools how successful you will be in their program.

I wouldn't worry about schools throwing out your application without reading it, but you should definitely add a number of schools to your list that are less competitive than the ones you listed.

[steph8796]

Is anyone applying to any of the following SLP schools for spring '13: Old Dominion U, UCF, St. Rose, or UT Dallas? Just wanted to stay in touch with other applicants. If there's another forum for SLP spring 2013 apps that you know of, please point me there

So, I need some opinions on my chances of getting in. From reading through these forums - it looks a little bleak for me haha. But just thought I'd ask. My stats are not that great and, unfortunately, this is my third time applying after 2 years of waitlists/rejections. My undergrad degree is from Boston U in journalism (archaeology minor) and I had a 3.3 GPA. My GREs are: 156V, 153Q, 4.5AW.

I've taken 7 post-bacc prereqs (As and Bs) and am now enrolled in USU's 2nd Bachelor's degree where I plan to get straight As (lol - it seems like you have to to get in anywhere!). But, thankfully, I'm really enjoying the USU program. It would just be nice if I could get in with the prereqs I've already spent a ton of time and money on. I'm retaking almost all of them in the 2nd bachelor's (bc they only transfer in one class).

By the end of this semester, I'll have taken 10 classes in SLP (predicted grades: 7 As, 3Bs) and have done some shadowing at private practices. I've worked with autistic kids too.

The schools I previously applied to (and got rejected from) are: Emerson (twice), MGH, Teachers, and USF. I realize a lot of those schools have tough admissions stats - I didn't really know all that when I applied originally. But it seems now most schools are super hard to get into for this field.

So, what do you think my chances are? Anyone?

Also, in anticipation of being rejected for spring '13, I'm also applying to fall 13. I already have one app done (Nova), and will start the others later this fall once I confirm I did get rejected.

Thanks everyone!

~Steph

[caterpillar]

Is anyone applying to any of the following SLP schools for spring '13: Old Dominion U, UCF, St. Rose, or UT Dallas? Just wanted to stay in touch with other applicants. If there's another forum for SLP spring 2013 apps that you know of, please point me there

So, I need some opinions on my chances of getting in. From reading through these forums - it looks a little bleak for me haha. But just thought I'd ask. My stats are not that great and, unfortunately, this is my third time applying after 2 years of waitlists/rejections. My undergrad degree is from Boston U in journalism (archaeology minor) and I had a 3.3 GPA. My GREs are: 156V, 153Q, 4.5AW.

I've taken 7 post-bacc prereqs (As and Bs) and am now enrolled in USU's 2nd Bachelor's degree where I plan to get straight As (lol - it seems like you have to to get in anywhere!). But, thankfully, I'm really enjoying the USU program. It would just be nice if I could get in with the prereqs I've already spent a ton of time and money on. I'm retaking almost all of them in the 2nd bachelor's (bc they only transfer in one class).

By the end of this semester, I'll have taken 10 classes in SLP (predicted grades: 7 As, 3Bs) and have done some shadowing at private practices. I've worked with autistic kids too.

The schools I previously applied to (and got rejected from) are: Emerson (twice), MGH, Teachers, and USF. I realize a lot of those schools have tough admissions stats - I didn't really know all that when I applied originally. But it seems now most schools are super hard to get into for this field.

So, what do you think my chances are? Anyone?

Also, in anticipation of being rejected for spring '13, I'm also applying to fall 13. I already have one app done (Nova), and will start the others later this fall once I confirm I did get rejected.

Thanks everyone!

~Steph

I would say that, as is the standard with this field, your chances are decent with no guarantee. Applying to a wide range of schools ("backups" can end up being rejections while "dream schools" somehow admit despite long odds - if you read back through this thread and the SLP community on LJ, you'll see stories like this) seems to be the best bet, and having solid LORs in addition to the raw numbers. Good luck!