retaking classes to get into a masters program...

[namiekiwi]

I graduated from the university of Central Florida in December 2009. My overal gpa is 2.9 and my upper level course gpa is a 3.1. I've already applied twice to masters programs (mostly online). I have 4 Cs in my speech classes and I was wondering if retaking classes will improve my chances of getting into a graduate program. I've had some experience as a speech therapist assistant overseas and I have worked as a behavioral therapist for 15 months. Any advice is appreciated .

[midnight]

I graduated from the university of Central Florida in December 2009. My overal gpa is 2.9 and my upper level course gpa is a 3.1. I've already applied twice to masters programs (mostly online). I have 4 Cs in my speech classes and I was wondering if retaking classes will improve my chances of getting into a graduate program. I've had some experience as a speech therapist assistant overseas and I have worked as a behavioral therapist for 15 months. Any advice is appreciated .

 

Do you have an undergrad degree in CSD? I don't know if it makes sense for you to retake undergrad speech classes, but doing a post-bac program might be a good idea and a way to redeem yourself. I'm not quite sure how that works, though.

 

Also have you taken the GRE? Are the other elements of your application strong?

Edited January 18, 2013 by midnight streetlight

[queenleblanc]

The overall GPA is a key piece to most admissions professors I've talked with.  Being just below the 3.0 mark can be a problem at bigger or more well-known programs.  Try applying to smaller or newer programs (which are all going to be great because ASHA certifications are tough).  If there is anything you could do to beef up your undergraduate GPA, that would be the best route to try.  Call your university to see if there is anything you can do, perhaps enroll in a post-bacc program that CAN help your GPA (check on this before you enroll and pay tuition).  

 

As far as retaking classes, I'm in a post-bacc program doing pre-SLP classes because my undergraduate degree is out-of-field.  If your bachelor's degree is in CSD, retaking may not be the best route to go unless you want to better your grade in certain classes that look poor on your transcript.  

 

With the lower GPA, make sure you have a strong SOP, LOR's, and really write up about your experiences in therapy (etc) and look for programs that may not get as many applicants (the EdFind on the ASHA website gives an average number of applicants for each program).