2013 SLP Admissions Thread!

[junowhat]

I've definitely been stressing over finances .. MGH didn't mention any scholarships so I assume I didn't get any there. Right now MGH is my top choice as I live in Boston already, but if UVM comes at me with something great financially, it would be hard to turn away. I also would love to get back to Vermont at some point If I wind up going that way, I'll be sure to check in with you to see what you've decided!

 

Definitely, please do!!!!

 

It's so tough... I've heard back from UNC, UVM, and JMU so far (and no funding so far from any of them) and so right now, my first choice is probably UNC..... but the money thing is really weighing on me.

 

This is actually something I've been thinking about for a while, and maybe it's super obvious but I think it's a good discussion question for everyone reading these boards: do you all think it's worth taking out a ton of money in loans to finance this education?  I know SLPs are really in demand and it's a pretty competitive salary, BUT out-of-state tuition is so high and I'm terrified of the thought of paying off those loans forever!  What does everyone think?  And if by some chance you get offered money from a school that is maybe not so highly ranked, is it better to go to the better program anyway?  From what I've seen, seems like a lot of you are applying out of state so I'm not the only one. Thoughts?

[junowhat]

Mine still just says complete . I'm starting to get worried... It seems like not many people have been rejected yet, so I'm worried that if it doesn't say accepted it means I was rejected. But trying to stay positive, fingers crossed.

 

Don't give up hope yet!!! Someone else's answer was up and mine still said complete as well. Besides, looks like you have a ton of interviews so you are still definitely in good shape no matter what happens.  It's not over til it's over!!! 

[diazslp]

I'm getting really nervous about UT Austin.  Is anyone familiar with the program?  I've heard it's amazing and Austin is a thriving city.  I'd love some insight if you've visited or attended as a student!

 

It's a great school in general, but specifically for speech language pathology their program is outstanding.  Judging by your credentials you listed, you look like you have a really great shot of getting in! If you don't mind sharing, I'm curious about your research experience? What and where?

[diazslp]

Ugh!  Someone just posted in the results that they emailed UT Austin about adding something new to their app and the response back said decisions will be sent out the week of March 18   A lot longer than I had hoped!  Guess they are waiting until after spring break.  So now I have been told all 3 schools I'm waiting for won't notify for the next couple weeks.  Boo!  Guess I better take a chill pill and stop obsessing in the meantime.

That was me.  I totally thought we were hearing back from them this week, but I guess not. Don't know if this means we get to enjoy spring break more, or less now. Womp womp.  

[midnight]

Definitely, please do!!!!

 

It's so tough... I've heard back from UNC, UVM, and JMU so far (and no funding so far from any of them) and so right now, my first choice is probably UNC..... but the money thing is really weighing on me.

 

This is actually something I've been thinking about for a while, and maybe it's super obvious but I think it's a good discussion question for everyone reading these boards: do you all think it's worth taking out a ton of money in loans to finance this education?  I know SLPs are really in demand and it's a pretty competitive salary, BUT out-of-state tuition is so high and I'm terrified of the thought of paying off those loans forever!  What does everyone think?  And if by some chance you get offered money from a school that is maybe not so highly ranked, is it better to go to the better program anyway?  From what I've seen, seems like a lot of you are applying out of state so I'm not the only one. Thoughts?

 

In my opinion, I think a school like Chapel Hill is worth the cost if you really love the program. Its location, reputation, and resources are top-notch, and SLP job placement is so high that you will be able to find work and likely not have any issues paying back your loans.

 

HOWEVER, any program you choose will equip you for a career, and if expenses are too stressful or taxing for you, there's absolutely no shame in choosing a cheaper school.

 

In previous years, many people here have turned down BU, Northwestern, NYU, etc., due to cost. You should do what makes you comfortable, but it's also a good idea to weigh the pros and cons.

Edited March 6, 2013 by midnight streetlight

[Nebraska19]

Definitely, please do!!!!

 

It's so tough... I've heard back from UNC, UVM, and JMU so far (and no funding so far from any of them) and so right now, my first choice is probably UNC..... but the money thing is really weighing on me.

 

This is actually something I've been thinking about for a while, and maybe it's super obvious but I think it's a good discussion question for everyone reading these boards: do you all think it's worth taking out a ton of money in loans to finance this education?  I know SLPs are really in demand and it's a pretty competitive salary, BUT out-of-state tuition is so high and I'm terrified of the thought of paying off those loans forever!  What does everyone think?  And if by some chance you get offered money from a school that is maybe not so highly ranked, is it better to go to the better program anyway?  From what I've seen, seems like a lot of you are applying out of state so I'm not the only one. Thoughts?

 

I think the only reason that you should consider a more expensive school is if you want a PhD and reputation matters, but honestly the most important aspect is if you feel comfortable with the expenses and know that you can handle the tuition. I don't know what you want to do with your degree, some people want to continue to get a PhD and others just want to get a job after the masters. If you don't plan on getting a PhD then I think you should go with the cheaper school. As long as the program is ASHA approved and has an employment rate at or close to 100% after graduation then you will be fine. Even if you want to continue to a PhD I would still chose a cheaper school because the stress of finances is not worth it.

 

I had to apply to a lot of out of state schools because of my circumstance and I won't lie, the number one priority for me was how much the tuition cost and the funding that was given to students. I think people should take the cheaper option with schools whenever possible,

[futureslpgirl]

So anyone else heard from UCF I saw ppl started posting rejects and I only saw like one acceptance

Checked my portal and it still says no decision made. Getting nervous!

[kd0110]

I was just wondering if anyone has any ideas or information about writing samples given during interviews? I have an interview coming up and they have a writing sample portion that has to be completed within 30 minutes prior to the interview. I researched and almost everything I found about interviews and writing samples were giving suggestions on creating or choosing a sample to bring with you to an interview. However, because this sample is done just before the interview I wanted to get an idea of what to expect. Any info and suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thanks, and good luck to everyone with their applications

[katieliz456]

I was just wondering if anyone has any ideas or information about writing samples given during interviews? I have an interview coming up and they have a writing sample portion that has to be completed within 30 minutes prior to the interview. I researched and almost everything I found about interviews and writing samples were giving suggestions on creating or choosing a sample to bring with you to an interview. However, because this sample is done just before the interview I wanted to get an idea of what to expect. Any info and suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thanks, and good luck to everyone with their applications

I had to do a writing sample for one of my interviews. They gave us a clinical scenario/case study and asked us if we would use Treatment Approach A or Treatment Approach B, and why.  They said they were mainly looking for general writing ability, grammar, spelling, conventions, etc. rather than specific clinical knowledge.

[futureslpgirl]

Me too. I'm so anxious because I haven't been accepted anywhere yet, and I keep seeing people that have been accepted to so many places, including places I've applied and haven't heard back from yet.

Hey Srh! I see you've applied to syracuse as well. Have you been contacted about an interview yet?

[futureslpgirl]

Checked my portal and it still says no decision made. Getting nervous!

Oh and it is UCF's spring break this week so I find it kind of curious that people are receiving notification right now. According to the results boards it looks like people received notification during the last week of March last year.

[mystiqueSLP]

Definitely, please do!!!!

 

It's so tough... I've heard back from UNC, UVM, and JMU so far (and no funding so far from any of them) and so right now, my first choice is probably UNC..... but the money thing is really weighing on me.

 

This is actually something I've been thinking about for a while, and maybe it's super obvious but I think it's a good discussion question for everyone reading these boards: do you all think it's worth taking out a ton of money in loans to finance this education?  I know SLPs are really in demand and it's a pretty competitive salary, BUT out-of-state tuition is so high and I'm terrified of the thought of paying off those loans forever!  What does everyone think?  And if by some chance you get offered money from a school that is maybe not so highly ranked, is it better to go to the better program anyway?  From what I've seen, seems like a lot of you are applying out of state so I'm not the only one. Thoughts?

 

I'm really concerned about the money thing as well. I've only been accepted to NYU and their tuition terrifies me - I also submitted the FAFSA after their deadline too. I have no idea what I will do if I don't get accepted anywhere else. It's close to home so I'll definitely commute to cut costs but I might not attend altogether if I have to take out too much in loans 

[srh]

Hey Srh! I see you've applied to syracuse as well. Have you been contacted about an interview yet?

 

Hey futureslpgirl! Syracuse emailed me Monday asking to schedule a telephone interview. I'm doing it Thursday. What about you?

[srh]

I was just wondering if anyone has any ideas or information about writing samples given during interviews? I have an interview coming up and they have a writing sample portion that has to be completed within 30 minutes prior to the interview. I researched and almost everything I found about interviews and writing samples were giving suggestions on creating or choosing a sample to bring with you to an interview. However, because this sample is done just before the interview I wanted to get an idea of what to expect. Any info and suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thanks, and good luck to everyone with their applications

 

I think it really depends on the school. At my interview at Brooklyn College, they gave each of us a blue book with a quote inside, and we basically had to respond/give a reaction to the quote. But as Katieliz said, I think the main thing they're looking for is overall writing ability (grammar, clarity, etc) no matter what kind of prompt they give you.

[midnight]

I'm really concerned about the money thing as well. I've only been accepted to NYU and their tuition terrifies me - I also submitted the FAFSA after their deadline too. I have no idea what I will do if I don't get accepted anywhere else. It's close to home so I'll definitely commute to cut costs but I might not attend altogether if I have to take out too much in loans 

 

What happens when you submit the FAFSA after the school's deadline? Does that affect anything other than possible in-house NYU financial aid offers?

[mystiqueSLP]

I emailed the financial aid office right after receiving the acceptance email about that and they haven't replied yet.

 

But from the information I've gathered online, I believe I'm automatically disqualified from getting any scholarships or funding. I don't think there are assistantships for NYU grad students going for their MS degree either. 

 

I doubt I would have received anything even if I did apply before the deadline since I was accepted by the skin of my teeth. I just wish I didn't miss the deadline so at least I would have had some hope of maybe receiving in-house aid.

 

I've started treating NYU as a rejection because of this issue :/

[midnight]

I emailed the financial aid office right after receiving the acceptance email about that and they haven't replied yet.

 

But from the information I've gathered online, I believe I'm automatically disqualified from getting any scholarships or funding. I don't think there are assistantships for NYU grad students going for their MS degree either. 

 

I doubt I would have received anything even if I did apply before the deadline since I was accepted by the skin of my teeth. I just wish I didn't miss the deadline so at least I would have had some hope of maybe receiving in-house aid.

 

I've started treating NYU as a rejection because of this issue :/

 

Oh, that's disappointing, but be gentle to yourself since NYU has a ridiculously early deadline and quite honestly I don't think they're very generous with aid under the best of circumstances. (And I realize that I sound overly negative here. Oops. It's a great school in a great city; it's just expensive!)

 

Also, you're still waiting for your state school and several other schools to get back to you--everything might work out just fine in the end!

Edited March 6, 2013 by midnight streetlight

[mystiqueSLP]

Oh, that's disappointing, but be gentle to yourself since NYU has a ridiculously early deadline and quite honestly I don't think they're very generous with aid under the best of circumstances. (And I realize that I sound overly negative here. Oops. It's a great school in a great city; it's just expensive!)

 

Also, you're still waiting for your state school and several other schools to get back to you--everything might work out just fine in the end!

 

 

Thanks, I've heard the same about their aid (or lack thereof) from friends who were accepted for undergrad. It's a shame because I really do like their program, location, and study abroad opportunity.

 

Out of all of the schools I applied to, I think NYU was the least competitive one (according to EdFind). If anything, my state school might be the most competitive one due to the amount of applications vs. number of seats (I don't know how accurate these numbers are but only 7% are accepted!).

 

I was rejected by Indiana recently (expected, haven't updated my signature yet) so I have three more schools to go.

 

Hope there's good news all around by the end of the week!

[midnight]

Thanks, I've heard the same about their aid (or lack thereof) from friends who were accepted for undergrad. It's a shame because I really do like their program, location, and study abroad opportunity.

 

Out of all of the schools I applied to, I think NYU was the least competitive one (according to EdFind). If anything, my state school might be the most competitive one due to the amount of applications vs. number of seats (I don't know how accurate these numbers are but only 7% are accepted!).

 

I was rejected by Indiana recently (expected, haven't updated my signature yet) so I have three more schools to go.

 

Hope there's good news all around by the end of the week!

 

Wow, I didn't realize that Montclair was that competitive. (I'm not sure why I'm habitually surprised by the craziness of SLP admissions.)

 

Can you try Kean, Stockton, and William Paterson if you need to reapply?

[mystiqueSLP]

Wow, I didn't realize that Montclair was that competitive. (I'm not sure why I'm habitually surprised by the craziness of SLP admissions.)

 

Can you try Kean, Stockton, and William Paterson if you need to reapply?

 

I'll have to look into their pre-req requirements. I was trying to avoid applying to any school in NJ though (my lab director said it would be tougher to get into state schools since they'll see you as using them as a safety), my parents wanted me to apply to Montclair.

 

SLP admissions really does seem unpredictable though. I've been stalking the results page and comparing my stats to people who were accepted in previous years at SDSU and TC and it's hard to predict. It surprises me that a lot of people have to apply multiple times because they didn't get in anywhere the year before despite having good stats.

[sugarmilk]

I think it really depends on the school. At my interview at Brooklyn College, they gave each of us a blue book with a quote inside, and we basically had to respond/give a reaction to the quote. But as Katieliz said, I think the main thing they're looking for is overall writing ability (grammar, clarity, etc) no matter what kind of prompt they give you.

You had an interview at Brooklyn already? Yikes, I guess that means I'm out...

[SLPjmar]

We had a snow day today, so there is nothing for me to do but sit and wait .

[queenleblanc]

We got to watch the snow at my school... The kids are nuts, but of course the rest of my county didn't get snow so we are stuck at school while the county office keeps on blindly believing that the snow is not going to affect the roads out in the rural parts of the county... Ugh!!!

Checking my email incessantly isn't helping my overall stress level. Internally I know that I won't hear until at minimum Friday, and prbably not until next week.... Trying to keep my mind busy with work and maybe a few minutes on Gradcafe is really a good stress reliever today.

[SLPjmar]

There isn't even that much snow! We were told accumulations of 12"+, but it looks like maybe an inch has stuck to the ground. Now some weather reports are saying the bulk will come overnight. I'm hoping so, because I have a HUGE aural rehab exam tomorrow (and it is my birthday! ) so I would love to have school canceled again. 

[miscarthur]

I'll have to look into their pre-req requirements. I was trying to avoid applying to any school in NJ though (my lab director said it would be tougher to get into state schools since they'll see you as using them as a safety), my parents wanted me to apply to Montclair.

 

SLP admissions really does seem unpredictable though. I've been stalking the results page and comparing my stats to people who were accepted in previous years at SDSU and TC and it's hard to predict. It surprises me that a lot of people have to apply multiple times because they didn't get in anywhere the year before despite having good stats.

 

GPA/GRE alone provide very little information -- it's all about the factors that you can't see, like the personal statement, research/work experience, publications, etc., that really sets an applicant apart. (IMO)