Out-of-field student: Pre-req question

[karish11]

Just out of curiosity for out-of-field students, for those who did their major in SLP or completed a post-bacc program for SLP, were all of your pre-reqs complete and accounted for when applying to various graduate schools? 

[SLPzs91]

Yes. CSD undergraduate majors have all of the speech-path prereqs accounted for in their curriculum. There might be some variability as to what topics were covered, but they do fit the prereq conditions for grad programs. Most institutions encourage the ASHA prereqs, but those aren't necessarily required and accounted for. I hope that helps!

[queenleblanc]

At the time I submitted my applications, I had already completed my general Ed requirements (sciences, math, etc.) and completed three of my SLP pre-reqs. Depending on where I got accepted and chose to attend, I had three to five pre-reqs to complete as of January. I am taking one class during the spring semester, and I am taking the final two required classes this summer. Most programs basically state that you need to have at least some of the pre-reqs completed at the time you apply so they have an idea of your performance in CSD classes, and all of them require you to send final transcripts before you enroll in the masters program. They could make you defer admission or re-apply if you dont complete the required coursework by August. More competitive programs may state that you pretty mch need to have all pre-reqs completed because your app is being compared to people majoring in CSD with a lot more background, and basically having the pre-reqs all done gives them a more compelling reason to look at your application. I did not have enough completed at the time of applying for UNC CH, as I had three more to take if I got in there, so I know that was a reason I didn't make the cut even though I went there for undergrad and a previous masters degree.

[Dibbels81]

Negative.  I applied to schools during my post-bacc program with two prerequisites (and a biology) in progress this semester.  I have been accepted to one school so far, so it did not negatively affect my application.  I'm sure they will ask for an official transcript when the semester is finished to make sure that I completed them.  

[karish11]

Okay great thanks!! I was just curious as to whether I should go the whole route and take a SLP post-bacc program or if I should just take 4-5 pre-reqs during the next year and apply for the 2014 application cycle. I applied for 2013 but I didn't get into any schools, and I figured it was because I didn't haven't any SLP classes done. Do you guys have any suggestions? Any advice is really appreciated!! 

[midnight]

Okay great thanks!! I was just curious as to whether I should go the whole route and take a SLP post-bacc program or if I should just take 4-5 pre-reqs during the next year and apply for the 2014 application cycle. I applied for 2013 but I didn't get into any schools, and I figured it was because I didn't haven't any SLP classes done. Do you guys have any suggestions? Any advice is really appreciated!! 

 

karish, have you considered applying to programs with three-year tracks (sorry if you've already discussed this elsewhere)?

 

Anyway, to answer your actual question, I think post-bacc programs are great, but I didn't do one because I was too concerned about putting so much time, effort, and money (and hope!) into classes and not getting accepted to an SLP grad program. But I do think it's a good idea just to go for it all the way if you're considering taking four or five pre-reqs anyway, and I think a complete post-bacc program will give you far more options when it comes to applying to schools.

 

Good luck!

 

ETA: Duh, I guess you did apply to three-year programs if you applied this year. Reading comprehension, hello!

Edited March 25, 2013 by midnight streetlight