Masters in Speech-Language Pathology: Do I have a chance?

[EGL0722]

Hi guys,

So I'm applying for my Masters in SLP this Fall, and I'm wondering if I'll have a decent shot of getting in. My educational background is a little complicated, but to sum it up: I started out as a political science major at UMass in Fall of 2008, but I decided I wanted to pursue rehab studies so I transferred to Temple University in the Spring of 2010. However, in August 2011, I suffered a major concussion that forced me to withdraw from Temple for the semester. Also, due to issues with my academic plan after that (because my major was so small), Temple was going to require that I stay 2 extra years to finish my undergrad degree; instead, I decided to finish out my studies at UMass (returning to poli sci) so that I would only graduate 1 year behind schedule. I've addressed this in my personal statements.

My GPA at UMass is currently 3.46, GPA at Temple was 3.98 (and I've had straight As for the last 60+ hours of coursework). I know I will be getting excellent recommendations, and if schools take the best of my GRE scores, I'll have V = 160, Q = 150, and AW = 5.5. I'm also taking the GRE again on Thursday to see if I can bring up the Quantitative section just a little bit more. I've also had several people read my personal statements (completely updated, not what was posted on this site before) -- one of whom received an M.D. and a PhD from Harvard -- and everyone seems to think my personal statements are very, very strong. Here's the schools I'll be applying to:

Boston University

Northeastern University

Emerson College

MGH Institute of Health Professions

University of Rhode Island

Temple University

Southern Connecticut State University

Montclair State University

Loyola Maryland

Baylor University

UT Dallas

Western Carolina University

I think I have a pretty decent selection of reach schools and seemingly "safety" schools -- though that seems impossible given how popular SLP is now -- so I'm hoping I'll be okay. Based on these stats, do you think I stand a chance of getting in anywhere? Thanks so much for the help!!

[joyousnoel]

Hello I am also wondering if I have a chance in becoming a therapist. I have been hearing impaired since I was a baby. I hear fine, not great. People have told me that I speak very well and never knew I was deaf - Thanks to all my therapists who got me where I am today. Is there a physical requirement needed to perform the job?

[GandalfTheGrey]

Hello I am also wondering if I have a chance in becoming a therapist. I have been hearing impaired since I was a baby. I hear fine, not great. People have told me that I speak very well and never knew I was deaf - Thanks to all my therapists who got me where I am today. Is there a physical requirement needed to perform the job?

Different schools have different requirements, so consider getting in touch with professors at different programs to explain your situation. A hearing impairment might prevent you from attending certain programs, but it shouldn't prevent you from becoming a speech pathologist. I know a student with a voice disorder and a student with a speech disorder who got accepted to various programs, so I don't see why a hearing impairment should be any different. You should also check out the ASHA website (www.asha.org) - I think they actually have scholarships that are specifically for speech students with disabilities.

[GandalfTheGrey]

Hi guys,

So I'm applying for my Masters in SLP this Fall, and I'm wondering if I'll have a decent shot of getting in. My educational background is a little complicated, but to sum it up: I started out as a political science major at UMass in Fall of 2008, but I decided I wanted to pursue rehab studies so I transferred to Temple University in the Spring of 2010. However, in August 2011, I suffered a major concussion that forced me to withdraw from Temple for the semester. Also, due to issues with my academic plan after that (because my major was so small), Temple was going to require that I stay 2 extra years to finish my undergrad degree; instead, I decided to finish out my studies at UMass (returning to poli sci) so that I would only graduate 1 year behind schedule. I've addressed this in my personal statements.

My GPA at UMass is currently 3.46, GPA at Temple was 3.98 (and I've had straight As for the last 60+ hours of coursework). I know I will be getting excellent recommendations, and if schools take the best of my GRE scores, I'll have V = 160, Q = 150, and AW = 5.5. I'm also taking the GRE again on Thursday to see if I can bring up the Quantitative section just a little bit more. I've also had several people read my personal statements (completely updated, not what was posted on this site before) -- one of whom received an M.D. and a PhD from Harvard -- and everyone seems to think my personal statements are very, very strong. Here's the schools I'll be applying to:

Boston University

Northeastern University

Emerson College

MGH Institute of Health Professions

University of Rhode Island

Temple University

Southern Connecticut State University

Montclair State University

Loyola Maryland

Baylor University

UT Dallas

Western Carolina University

I think I have a pretty decent selection of reach schools and seemingly "safety" schools -- though that seems impossible given how popular SLP is now -- so I'm hoping I'll be okay. Based on these stats, do you think I stand a chance of getting in anywhere? Thanks so much for the help!!

The short answer to your question, "Do I have a chance?", is yes. I think with your background, your personal statement is going to be very important and it sounds like you have an excellent personal statement. Remember, though, that the field is very competitive and nothing is guaranteed. That said, I think you could save yourself some money by narrowing down your list a bit before applying. If any of the schools you are applying to are in your area, definitely visit them before applying to make sure the school would be a good fit.

I noticed you didn't say anything about the prereqs in your post - did you do those during your time at Temple? If you haven't done your prereqs yet, I would consider taking a year off to get them done. It will save you money by shortening the master's program, and also give you a chance to raise your GPA, especially since grad schools tend to weigh grades in Communication Disorders classes heavily. Let me know if you have any specific questions, and best of luck with the application season!

[sarahb1188]

Hello I am also wondering if I have a chance in becoming a therapist. I have been hearing impaired since I was a baby. I hear fine, not great. People have told me that I speak very well and never knew I was deaf - Thanks to all my therapists who got me where I am today. Is there a physical requirement needed to perform the job?

Your hearing impairment should NOT prevent you from becoming a SLP. I recently lost the majority of hearing in my left ear and when I went to one of my professors (an SLP) concerned about it she told me that she, along with another professor of mine (also, an SLP), both had hearing loss! She reassured me that I would be fine!

As for a program denying you admission because of your loss....I am pretty sure that is against the law!