Portland State SLP

[slpnut]

So I just found out today that I got into PSU for the SLP masters! I'm so excited and so relieved.  At the same time I'm still awaiting a few other schools to see what happens.

 

Even though I'm currently attending PSU, I don't feel like I know enough about the graduate program.  Does anyone have any insight? Are you all thinking of attending PSU also? Pros and cons? Lets get the discussion rolling

[mmsmith23]

Hey! I also applied to Portland State. I'm not from Oregon but I got a letter from the school saying they hope I consider them in making my choice although I have not heard anything official as far as acceptance/wait list/rejection. Was your letter explicit in saying you were accepted and did you receive this other letter too?

[slpnut]

I'm also not from Oregon, but am in the PSU post-bac. 

 

I'm not quite sure what your letter means and I didn't receive a letter that says anything like that.  Maybe inquire with the department to be sure?

 

My letter says:

 

"On behalf of the faculty in the Speech and Hearing Science Department at Portland State University, I extend my congratulations on your acceptance into our master's degree program in speech-language pathology."

 

And then it goes on to say that we need to accept or decline by April 15th and then some other details.

 

Hope this info helps!

[eihpos]

This is my second year doing post-bacc at PSU and my letter also definitely explicitly said I was admitted.  mmsmith23, I would advise you to get in touch and ask for some specifics.  

 

I've talked to some grad students who are very happy there, but I think it depends on what you are looking for.  For instance, if you are interested in being part of faculty research, I haven't had the impression that there are that many opportunities for students to be involved.  That being said, I feel like as a post-bacc here it is hard to get a sense of what the grad program will be like, because so many of our classes are taught by adjuncts.  It seems like most of the faculty time is spent with the grad students, which would appear to be a plus.  The faculty I have had the opportunity to get to know a little better seem very committed to the students.

 

I am definitely considering PSU, but depends on what my final results are.  

[Squirrel]

Congrats AJV and EIHPOS! I haven't heard anything yet so I guess that is bad news. I am surprised because I was accepted into a more competitive school but I guess that is how the ball bounces. Has anyone received wait list info yet for Portland State? AJV- as far as pros and cons of PSU, I think one pro is cost is better compared to other schools. A con would be the lack of access to faculty. I think it is a bad sign if faculty doesn't seem to care about post-bacc students.... because post-bacc students will also become grad students. Just my opinion.  Have been super impressed with some adjunct but unfortunately they are not the faculty.  

[eihpos]

Congrats AJV and EIHPOS! I haven't heard anything yet so I guess that is bad news. I am surprised because I was accepted into a more competitive school but I guess that is how the ball bounces. Has anyone received wait list info yet for Portland State? AJV- as far as pros and cons of PSU, I think one pro is cost is better compared to other schools. A con would be the lack of access to faculty. I think it is a bad sign if faculty doesn't seem to care about post-bacc students.... because post-bacc students will also become grad students. Just my opinion.  Have been super impressed with some adjunct but unfortunately they are not the faculty.  

Thanks!  I don't know if they sent all the letters out on the same day, but I feel like they should!  So tired of acceptances being made before any other info goes out...I was going crazy about Pacific earlier this week!  

 

I'm mixed in feelings about the faculty...I get the impression that post-baccs don't see them much because of budget issues- it's just cheaper for the university to hire adjuncts to teach the undergrad classes.  I do wish we got to see more of them though.  I think it would be worth finding some current grad students to  talk to.  Agree that the cost is a definite pro!  

 

Good luck Squirrel, still may not be too late for good news!

[Squirrel]

AJV- as far as pros/cons:

 

another thing to consider is where you want to end up living and working. SLP is a great field b/c you could probably get a job anywhere but you will be most connected right off the bat in the city you go to gradschool and thus better chance of getting a more desirable job right off the bat. I have a masters in another field and I ended up working in the city I got my masters in for almost 9 years. So that is something to also take into consideration.  

 

I don't really feel like a number at PSU (as some people say) and everyone has been very helpful and super nice. And it is very cool they have a stellar post-bacc program.  Where would we be without PSU?  It is worth trying to find out though if there are some faculty members you are going to connect with and who could serve as mentors. 

[slpnut]

This is my second year doing post-bacc at PSU and my letter also definitely explicitly said I was admitted.  mmsmith23, I would advise you to get in touch and ask for some specifics.  

 

I've talked to some grad students who are very happy there, but I think it depends on what you are looking for.  For instance, if you are interested in being part of faculty research, I haven't had the impression that there are that many opportunities for students to be involved.  That being said, I feel like as a post-bacc here it is hard to get a sense of what the grad program will be like, because so many of our classes are taught by adjuncts.  It seems like most of the faculty time is spent with the grad students, which would appear to be a plus.  The faculty I have had the opportunity to get to know a little better seem very committed to the students.

 

I am definitely considering PSU, but depends on what my final results are.  

 

I'm a one-year post-bac and while research isn't my primary interest, I have gotten involved in a couple labs.  Profs seemed pretty approachable if you want to get involved. But for me, the research isn't the main concern of the grad program.  I'm a bit more concerned about there being 50 students- do you think this is a negative?  I agree, we've been taught by more adjuncts, but definitely the faculty that I've gotten to know have been very helpful and passionate about teaching.

[slpnut]

AJV- as far as pros/cons:

 

another thing to consider is where you want to end up living and working. SLP is a great field b/c you could probably get a job anywhere but you will be most connected right off the bat in the city you go to gradschool and thus better chance of getting a more desirable job right off the bat. I have a masters in another field and I ended up working in the city I got my masters in for almost 9 years. So that is something to also take into consideration.  

 

I don't really feel like a number at PSU (as some people say) and everyone has been very helpful and super nice. And it is very cool they have a stellar post-bacc program.  Where would we be without PSU?  It is worth trying to find out though if there are some faculty members you are going to connect with and who could serve as mentors. 

 

Ya I agree with you Squirrel- if there is a specific area of interest we have, and there are faculty interested in the same areas then they could be great mentors. I don't think this would be hard to find, as they seem to be pretty even in terms of faculty who have a child emphasis and faculty with an adult emphasis.

 

And also, as far as I know, no one has received waitlist info about PSU yet, just acceptances.

 

Thanks!  I don't know if they sent all the letters out on the same day, but I feel like they should!  So tired of acceptances being made before any other info goes out...I was going crazy about Pacific earlier this week!  

 

I'm mixed in feelings about the faculty...I get the impression that post-baccs don't see them much because of budget issues- it's just cheaper for the university to hire adjuncts to teach the undergrad classes.  I do wish we got to see more of them though.  I think it would be worth finding some current grad students to  talk to.  Agree that the cost is a definite pro!  

 

Good luck Squirrel, still may not be too late for good news!

 

So I got waitlisted for Pacific! I was really impressed with their program and faculty when I went for the interview, and just felt the program was more intimate.  What do you think?  There seem to be a lot of differences between the two programs and I don't know what I would do if I got admitted into Pacific- what would you do?

 

Pacific:

30 student intake

very new program- but may not have very established community connections?

took some of the PSU faculty

semester system

located further away

seems to be balanced in terms of adult and child emphasis

nicer facility

grad students seem to genuinely get along and be a family

 

PSU:

50 student intake

very well-established and recognized program- well affiliated in the community

faculty may be less approachable? perhaps not as eager with students as pacific?

quarter system

central location

balanced in terms of adult and child emphasis

basement of Neuberger

grad students don't seem as friendly?- anytime I've had to walk into the grad lab

 

Thoughts?

[eihpos]

So I got waitlisted for Pacific! I was really impressed with their program and faculty when I went for the interview, and just felt the program was more intimate.  What do you think?  There seem to be a lot of differences between the two programs and I don't know what I would do if I got admitted into Pacific- what would you do?

 

Pacific:

30 student intake

very new program- but may not have very established community connections?

took some of the PSU faculty

semester system

located further away

seems to be balanced in terms of adult and child emphasis

nicer facility

grad students seem to genuinely get along and be a family

 

PSU:

50 student intake

very well-established and recognized program- well affiliated in the community

faculty may be less approachable? perhaps not as eager with students as pacific?

quarter system

central location

balanced in terms of adult and child emphasis

basement of Neuberger

grad students don't seem as friendly?- anytime I've had to walk into the grad lab

 

Thoughts?

I was just thinking about the cohort size at PSU- they are not doing a summer cohort this year, so do you know if they will still be admitting 50 students?  I didn't think to ask this when I spoke to one of my profs last week about being accepted.

 

I know that Pacific faculty were handpicked for their teaching skills, which is somewhat rare for a university program.  As mentioned,  I do really like the faculty I have chatted with at PSU, but they were probably hired for more global reasons.  I wonder if the friendliness of grad students at Pacific has to do with the fact that it was an interview day?  They knew that we were all prospective students and I'm sure the people who volunteered are exceptionally happy with the program.  This isn't to say the feeling isn't genuine, I am just wondering if they are truly representative of the whole group.  Have you spoken to students outside of the interview day?  I think this is also worth taking into consideration when thinking about grad students at PSU, although you may have interacted with more of them since you are involved in two labs.

 

When I went to the grad student panel last year at PSU (2011-2012) the grad students were all happy with the program and described themselves as a family.  They had all volunteered their time though, so again, they are probably among the most satisfied students.  

 

Another big difference to think about is that Pacific practicums are all in the community, which makes their program very unique.  I was very interested in that aspect of the program.

 

If it came down to it, I would probably choose PSU over Pacific (although there are other schools I am still waiting on).  The cost of PSU is cheaper and I am a bit wary of going to such a new program.  I was really excited about the program on the interview day, but they do not seem ready to suit my personal interests.  There is no research going on yet (which you did mention is not a game changer for you) and the faculty doesn't quite fit my professional area of interest.  However, I can vouch that Dr. Mandulak and Dr. Lemoncello are great professors,  and I probably would not have earned such a solid A in A + P if it had been taught by someone other than Dr. Lemoncello.  

[slpnut]

I was just thinking about the cohort size at PSU- they are not doing a summer cohort this year, so do you know if they will still be admitting 50 students?  I didn't think to ask this when I spoke to one of my profs last week about being accepted.

 

I know that Pacific faculty were handpicked for their teaching skills, which is somewhat rare for a university program.  As mentioned,  I do really like the faculty I have chatted with at PSU, but they were probably hired for more global reasons.  I wonder if the friendliness of grad students at Pacific has to do with the fact that it was an interview day?  They knew that we were all prospective students and I'm sure the people who volunteered are exceptionally happy with the program.  This isn't to say the feeling isn't genuine, I am just wondering if they are truly representative of the whole group.  Have you spoken to students outside of the interview day?  I think this is also worth taking into consideration when thinking about grad students at PSU, although you may have interacted with more of them since you are involved in two labs.

 

When I went to the grad student panel last year at PSU (2011-2012) the grad students were all happy with the program and described themselves as a family.  They had all volunteered their time though, so again, they are probably among the most satisfied students.  

 

Another big difference to think about is that Pacific practicums are all in the community, which makes their program very unique.  I was very interested in that aspect of the program.

 

If it came down to it, I would probably choose PSU over Pacific (although there are other schools I am still waiting on).  The cost of PSU is cheaper and I am a bit wary of going to such a new program.  I was really excited about the program on the interview day, but they do not seem ready to suit my personal interests.  There is no research going on yet (which you did mention is not a game changer for you) and the faculty doesn't quite fit my professional area of interest.  However, I can vouch that Dr. Mandulak and Dr. Lemoncello are great professors,  and I probably would not have earned such a solid A in A + P if it had been taught by someone other than Dr. Lemoncello.  

 

So I heard back from Rebecca Field and she said they are not doing a summer and fall start.  They are admitting 50 student, all of whom will start in Fall 2013.  There will still be two cohorts though, I guess just meaning that you will take classes in a slightly different order- which could be good because you will be with the same 25 students throughout the 2 years, so then perhaps the larger class size of 50 wouldn't make a huge difference.

 

No, I haven't spoken to any Pacific students outside of interview day and you are right that it could be that they were representative of those who really loved the Pacific program.  I just feel that they were really genuine, and did give both sides of the story because a few of them did let us know there were issues with this being a new program and that they did have to go to the profs and say hey this isn't working- but the good thing was that it seemed the profs were very receptive to feedback.  At PSU, I don't know how receptive they would be to student feedback since the program is already well established.  I think it was just this really warm feeling and sense of community at Pacific- and I'm not sure if thats just cause it was interview day and they were on their best behaviour and feeding us brownies and cookies haha

 

I agree that a lot of PSU students have great things to say about the graduate program and really enjoy it.  I was also trying to compare coursework and it looks like PSU has more variety of children and adult courses, whereas Pacific seems to have more adult speciality?  I am interested in working with children but I also want to learn it all and be versatile, so then PSU would be much better. Between Dr. Larsen, Dr. Costanza-Smith and Dr. Donaldson, they really know what they're doing when it comes to children.

 

I'm glad you brought up practicums- one of the things I liked about Pacific was that observations, and all clinical is off-campus which brings a nice change in environments daily.  Whereas with PSU you're mainly in Neuberger basement 5 days a week :S  How do you think their clinical experiences compare? Someone was telling me that you do practicum immediately in the 2nd semester? Whereas at PSU they make you observe grad students for way longer? I am a bit confused about this.

 

Great discussion

[Squirrel]

SLP Nut--I have spoken to students/faculty outside of interview day and everyone is genuinely nice and truly love Pacific. They all seem to be eating from the happy tree. They are all happy and nice! If money is not of major concern to you, I think pacific is worth it. Yes, it is true you observe first semester and second semester start a practicum. That is a selling point for me. Limited patience with observing other grad students at this point.... I think Pacific has just as many connections since the coordinator who was at PSU for 20 years went to Pacific and I am sure all the contacts went with her. Wouldn't worry about that.  But if you are focused on children, PSU is also a good choice. They are both good schools. You really can't make a wrong decision but I think Pacific would be a more pleasant experience overall. Just my 2 cents.

[slpnut]

Squirrel- I agree about the happy tree comment haha I don't know what it is about them!

 

I pay out-of-state tuition, so the difference between PSU and Pacific is really not much.

 

Do you mean that at PSU you observe grad students, but at Pacific you observe certified SLP's?  Someone recently mentioned this to me.

 

Ahh its so confusing, but as of now I'm still on the Pacific waitlist so don't really have a decision to make yet haha I agree that Pacific seemed more pleasant than PSU so I'm really not sure what to think!

 

Thanks for your feedback

[Squirrel]

From what I have been told by PSU grad students, the first year at PSU you observe other grad students in the clinic. I think you would learn a lot more getting out in the real world right away and observing certified SLPs working in real-life environments.

 

Others may feel differently but personally for me, it is a better choice to go with Pacific as I have several years of work experience in another field and I don't think I would have the patience (at this point because of my past experience) sitting observing other grad students for a year who are also learning.

[eihpos]

From what I have been told by PSU grad students, the first year at PSU you observe other grad students in the clinic. I think you would learn a lot more getting out in the real world right away and observing certified SLPs working in real-life environments.

 

Others may feel differently but personally for me, it is a better choice to go with Pacific as I have several years of work experience in another field and I don't think I would have the patience (at this point because of my past experience) sitting observing other grad students for a year who are also learning.

Yes, at PSU you observe grad students whereas at Pacific you are immediately observing professionals.  I think this is one of the biggest perks of going to Pacific, although I am also on the wait list and didn't make tier 1 so I will probably not be going!  I think most graduate programs have you observe grad students, so PSU does not differ from the average institution in that way.  I have had professors at PSU mention to me that they would rather we observed SLP's, so at least they are sensitive to the fact that grad students are not always perfect examples for us!

[slpnut]

From what I have been told by PSU grad students, the first year at PSU you observe other grad students in the clinic. I think you would learn a lot more getting out in the real world right away and observing certified SLPs working in real-life environments.

 

Others may feel differently but personally for me, it is a better choice to go with Pacific as I have several years of work experience in another field and I don't think I would have the patience (at this point because of my past experience) sitting observing other grad students for a year who are also learning.

 

 

Yes, at PSU you observe grad students whereas at Pacific you are immediately observing professionals.  I think this is one of the biggest perks of going to Pacific, although I am also on the wait list and didn't make tier 1 so I will probably not be going!  I think most graduate programs have you observe grad students, so PSU does not differ from the average institution in that way.  I have had professors at PSU mention to me that they would rather we observed SLP's, so at least they are sensitive to the fact that grad students are not always perfect examples for us!

 

I've been talking to a 1st year PSU grad student and she's been able to give me a lot of information about how all of the clinical works for PSU.  She said that you complete 3 different clinics in the 1st year in 3 areas- 1 pediatric, 1 adult, then another pediatric or adult (you can let the clinic coordinator know if you have  particular interest in one area over the other and she'll try to make it work for you.) Once you have three PSU clinics under your belt (and are taken off probationary status), you are elligible for externshipships. She said that "Having clinic" means you have clients and will be assessing them, creating goals for the term, writing reports, making lesson plans, and administering treatment.  And that you are not just observing grad students but it is more hands on.

 

She also had an interesting take on the difference between the on-campus clinic and Pacific sending you out into the community: This is the way I look at it: at Pacific, you're paying for something you could have coordinated on your own as an undergrad/post-bacc. At PSU, you get right into it and get your feet wet in terms of working with clients.  Pacific doesn't have their own clinic so they've chosen to have the first semester be structured observations in the community. PSU does have their own clinic, so the students are given structured guidance in a clinic setting.

 

I see her point- in that many of us have already observed SLP's in their clinics, etc. as part of our experience to get into grad school.  If thats what we are going to be doing with Pacific again, at least for the first term, its true, it is something we could even arrange ourselves to do right now.

 

In terms of externships: It's different for the medical (hospital) placements, skilled nursing facilities (SNF), and schools.  Most of the externships for hospitals have an application process (and possible an interview).  The SNF placements and schools are based on your preference which you give to the clinic coordinator by ranking them. From what I gather it's highly likely to get the school and SNF placements you are interested in, it's the hospital placements where you may have your heart set on it and you don't get it.  It's unlikely you wouldn't get any of your top choices.  We're not just competing with PSU grad students for medical placements anymore, Pacific University (and some U of O I've heard) students are applying for them also.

 

Hope this info helps you guys! It really helped me to understand the PSU program a bit better.  And hopefully there will be some more good info at the session with the PSU chair this week.

[Squirrel]

Thanks SLPNut. Great info.  I got into PSU now and I don't know what to do.  I would rather go to Pacific but PSU would be better as far as access and livability.  aaaah. 

[slpnut]

Aww ya I know its been a tricky decision for a lot of people- I'm glad this info helped somewhat. Congrats on getting into PSU too

[eihpos]

Thanks for the info slpnut!  I've gotten to talk to a couple of grad students recently as well (from PSU) and they have said they are pretty happy and feel they get enough support from the faculty.  I went to the info session and learned some new things as well.  I didn't realize we could potentially do three externships, which I'm happy about.  I can see how there will likely be competition for placements, but hopefully it will be a little better than living somewhere like New York or the Bay Area where there are even more programs sending students out.  I'm leaning towards accepting at PSU on Monday, but it's a big decision to make.  And then I have to worry about hearing from my wait-lists!  Have any of you made an acceptance decision yet?

[eihpos]

Also, saw the giant grad student lounge.  With computers!  And a fridge!  Ultimately, definitely not a deal breaker, but it was nice to see there's a space I didn't even know existed!

[Squirrel]

whaddya all decide?

[slpnut]

Thanks for the info slpnut!  I've gotten to talk to a couple of grad students recently as well (from PSU) and they have said they are pretty happy and feel they get enough support from the faculty.  I went to the info session and learned some new things as well.  I didn't realize we could potentially do three externships, which I'm happy about.  I can see how there will likely be competition for placements, but hopefully it will be a little better than living somewhere like New York or the Bay Area where there are even more programs sending students out.  I'm leaning towards accepting at PSU on Monday, but it's a big decision to make.  And then I have to worry about hearing from my wait-lists!  Have any of you made an acceptance decision yet?

 

Ya I thought the info session was really helpful too! I even emailed some faculty afterwards to ask a few additional questions and they were all really great, except for one who still hasn't replied.

 

Also, saw the giant grad student lounge.  With computers!  And a fridge!  Ultimately, definitely not a deal breaker, but it was nice to see there's a space I didn't even know existed!

 

Its nothing glamourous but I'm thankful for that fridge haha

 

whaddya all decide?

 

So I'm still waiting on one more school, but had to go ahead and accept PSU as the deadline was yesterday.  Even if I get into Pacific off the waitlist I think I'm set on PSU- I think I'll have more opportunities there.

 

What about you guys eiphos and squirrel??

[eihpos]

I accepted to PSU but just found out I was also accepted to UT!  I don't know what to do...

[slpnut]

I accepted to PSU but just found out I was also accepted to UT!  I don't know what to do...

 

Oh wow, congratulations!! I don't know much about the UT program at all, so maybe it comes down to- do you want to be in Texas or Portland? 

[Aznslp]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if any of you know how much spots are open currently for the Fall 2013 admittance. I've been waitlisted here and two other places. Wish me luck.