UT Dallas

[hopefulspeechie16]

Congrats to those who got accepted!  Seems like UTD is focusing much more on the numbers this year as last year a lot of average or below average stats were accepted. 

[BamaBelle]

12 minutes ago, speechie94 said:

Congrats to those who got accepted!  Seems like UTD is focusing much more on the numbers this year as last year a lot of average or below average stats were accepted. 

Maybe, but it's also still early in the admissions process. Maybe at this point they're just accepting the higher stats, but will move to accepting people with more average scores. Last year they sent out acceptances through late March/early April.

[CBG321]

17 hours ago, BamaBelle said:

Maybe, but it's also still early in the admissions process. Maybe at this point they're just accepting the higher stats, but will move to accepting people with more average scores. Last year they sent out acceptances through late March/early April.

I feel like my application was well rounded, but I definitely did not have a 4.0!  So while my cumulative GRE scores were slightly above their 305 average, my GPA was slightly below their 3.8 average listed on their website.  

If you are confident they know why you want to go to their program specifically, I think they still look at the overall application so don't lose hope quite yet.  As far as I can tell they care the most about whether a student is a good fit for their program and knows why they applied there.  At least in regards to my own personal application and communication that has been my conclusion.  

[Pronounce]

CBG321: Were you accepted to Dallas?  When did you hear back?

 

[CBG321]

9 hours ago, Pronounce said:

CBG321: Were you accepted to Dallas?  When did you hear back?

 

Yes, and Jan 22nd via email 

[Kanga]

I am the mom of an applicant (and a SLP myself) and she heard back today (2-16) from Dr. Stillman. It was a very happy conversation when she called!! She was offered in state tuition. Her application was complete way back in early November, so the wait was hard. Hearing others get accepted had me very worried she was not going to be accepted, because it had been so long. So I have no idea how applications are reviewed, in what order, fall vs. summer, etc. BTW, her stats are 3.92 (4.0 in field), 162/152/4.5. She also applied for fall, not summer.

She's still waiting to hear from her other schools, but having an acceptance is  a huge relief.

As a mom, I notice the program is so large. Does this mean all the grad classes are big? Or are multiple sections offered? Anybody have any insight into this?

[racoomelon]

On February 16, 2016 at 1:19 PM, Kanga said:

I notice the program is so large. Does this mean all the grad classes are big? Or are multiple sections offered? Anybody have any insight into this?

I've noticed that too! I actually got on to ask if anyone has any information about the program here that they'd like to share. None of the other programs I've applied to are nearly as large as UTD's seems to be, and I'm wondering what a typical class would look like.

Also, if anyone's visited the campus I'd love to hear your thoughts on it! I don't think I'll be able to go until after I've made a decision on which program I'd like to attend. I haven't been to UTD since I was a senior in high school, and I visited when everyone had left for Winter Break (so it was kind of deserted at the time).

[CBG321]

On 2/16/2016 at 0:19 PM, Kanga said:

 

 

1 hour ago, racoomelon said:

I've noticed that too! I actually got on to ask if anyone has any information about the program here that they'd like to share. None of the other programs I've applied to are nearly as large as UTD's seems to be, and I'm wondering what a typical class would look like.

Also, if anyone's visited the campus I'd love to hear your thoughts on it! I don't think I'll be able to go until after I've made a decision on which program I'd like to attend. I haven't been to UTD since I was a senior in high school, and I visited when everyone had left for Winter Break (so it was kind of deserted at the time).

Hi I don't know much about class size but do have contact info for a current student so if I manage to get the info i'll come back here and post it for everyone.

I have visited the clinic which is what our "campus" will be.  I did not however get any insight on what our classroom space looks like, Idk why/how that slipped my mind but the program is really neat so i'll use that in my defense!  

Compared to my current school's clinic theirs' is AMAZING, not only do they have multiple treatment rooms that are all kind of interconnected with a U-shape of rooms and doors but also a mock-preschool classroom that looks and functions like a real preschool as far as I could tell.  I witnessed some group therapy in session where each child had a student sitting next to them in the "classroom."  Very cool and something I think most programs do not have.  My school has small rooms that are very stark with a table in the center.  

Also they have an indoor playground space that is really cool, not sure the therapy correlation because it was awhile ago but still another unique resource.

And people wise all the students were EXTREMELY friendly and all very happy to be there.  They were smiling, in grad school...that is something I have not witnessed from many programs so I weigh that pretty heavily  

 

Edited February 26, 2016 by CBG321

[delete-account]

On February 16, 2016 at 2:19 PM, Kanga said:

As a mom, I notice the program is so large. Does this mean all the grad classes are big? Or are multiple sections offered? Anybody have any insight into this?

On February 26, 2016 at 2:32 PM, racoomelon said:

I've noticed that too! I actually got on to ask if anyone has any information about the program here that they'd like to share. None of the other programs I've applied to are nearly as large as UTD's seems to be, and I'm wondering what a typical class would look like.

Hey all! I am a current student at UTD - in my 2nd semester. I absolutely love it and am SO excited for everyone who's gotten accepted! And for those who haven't yet, no worries, acceptances are sent out on a rolling basis.

As for the questions about class size... It is one of the largest programs, so the classes are larger. The 6 core classes (Neuro 1, Motor Speech, Voice, Stuttering, Assessment and Intervention, and Dysphagia)  will be the biggest, and for the most part, they are in a lecture hall that seats probably 150 people. It has cushioned chairs with those little desk tops that flip up from the side of the chair, and a powerpoint screen and stage at the front of the room.  Assessment and Intervention was in a different, smaller room that seats maybe 80 comfortably, and it has chairs attached to long, skinny tables (this room is actually a favorite of mine, because there are outlets in the tables so you can charge your laptop without stretching a cord across the floor). Most electives have smaller class sizes, as people's interests begin to diverge. One of my electives has more people and it's in the lecture hall, and one is smaller and in a conference room. So it really just depends. 

There are not multiple sections offered - certain core classes are only offered in the Fall, others in the Spring, and Dysphagia in the Summer. Because there are only 6 core classes, though, you still get to take a TON of electives once you've gotten them out of the way. 

That being said - don't be intimidated by the large classes! The professors are still very accessible, especially for the core classes, and there's a good chance they'll be your practicum supervisor, clinical advisor, academic advisor, etc. so you'll get to know them really well. They're also accessible before and after class. The larger classes all have TAs who pitch in, too. The professors all encourage asking questions and class participation, so even in a large class, you're discussing things with peers, asking questions, answering questions, etc. 

I really encourage you to come visit and see the program for yourself! Let me know if I can do anything more to help! 

Edited February 28, 2016 by Schatzie15
adding info

[rjs1990]

If you receive a generic email asking you to check your portal, does this mean a rejection? It sounds like if you are accepted, you receive an email from Dr. Stillman notifying you directly of your acceptance. Maybe this is just done for early acceptances. Thanks!

[CBG321]

On 2/28/2016 at 7:28 PM, Schatzie15 said:

Hey all! I am a current student at UTD - in my 2nd semester. I absolutely love it and am SO excited for everyone who's gotten accepted! And for those who haven't yet, no worries, acceptances are sent out on a rolling basis.

As for the questions about class size... It is one of the largest programs, so the classes are larger. The 6 core classes (Neuro 1, Motor Speech, Voice, Stuttering, Assessment and Intervention, and Dysphagia)  will be the biggest, and for the most part, they are in a lecture hall that seats probably 150 people. It has cushioned chairs with those little desk tops that flip up from the side of the chair, and a powerpoint screen and stage at the front of the room.  Assessment and Intervention was in a different, smaller room that seats maybe 80 comfortably, and it has chairs attached to long, skinny tables (this room is actually a favorite of mine, because there are outlets in the tables so you can charge your laptop without stretching a cord across the floor). Most electives have smaller class sizes, as people's interests begin to diverge. One of my electives has more people and it's in the lecture hall, and one is smaller and in a conference room. So it really just depends. 

There are not multiple sections offered - certain core classes are only offered in the Fall, others in the Spring, and Dysphagia in the Summer. Because there are only 6 core classes, though, you still get to take a TON of electives once you've gotten them out of the way. 

That being said - don't be intimidated by the large classes! The professors are still very accessible, especially for the core classes, and there's a good chance they'll be your practicum supervisor, clinical advisor, academic advisor, etc. so you'll get to know them really well. They're also accessible before and after class. The larger classes all have TAs who pitch in, too. The professors all encourage asking questions and class participation, so even in a large class, you're discussing things with peers, asking questions, answering questions, etc. 

I really encourage you to come visit and see the program for yourself! Let me know if I can do anything more to help! 

Thanks for all the great information!  I'll ask here so ppl can see if they are also curious.  With the in-house clinics do we get to pick and choose or are we assigned them?  For instance online I see they have accent reduction for adults, and a large variety of clinics for younger children, preverbal, CLASS etc.  

[BamaBelle]

@Schatzie15 thanks for sharing! Your posts about Dallas have really helped me to fall in love with the program. One thing I'm concerned about with the size of the program is the closeness of the students. The grad students at my current program seem like a family, and I'd like to have something similar in my graduate program. Is this possible at Dallas?

[tex_hart]

I'm in my last semester at UT Dallas and thought I'd chime in.  BamaBelle, I think UTD has a very helpful and kind student body.  While it is impossible to create one big 50 person family, I think people form groups of friends based on their practicums and classmates.  The way things are graded in the program does not create an atmosphere of competition (no curves) so people are generally helpful with one another.  Like someone said earlier, the department is quite small and you will most likely be lectured by the some of your practicum supervisors.  On campus practicum supervisors want you to succeed and understand that this can all be new and scary.  I have always felt supported.  In my opinion, the first semester is the hardest semester in terms of workload but it is more than doable with time management.  

CGB321, the first semester, you will generally be placed in an adult/pediatric core; students don't usually give their input.  However, if you had a specific interest, you might be able to talk to someone and ask that you are placed in the pediatric core that focuses on (autism, receptive/expressive delays, etc).  There is not really a big difference with adult cores.  But, then with the other non-core on-campus practicums, you can add on experiences if they are available and fit into your schedule.  These are generally one day opportunities like the accent reduction, swallow studies, and dementia programs.  My advice for the first semester is to just stick with your core practicum as the workload will keep you busy.  Most of the pediatric cores are 4 mornings a week, which means you will earn a lot of hours but will be incredibly busy with mornings and afternoons full from M-Th.  The only way I'd recommend adding a second practicum is if you are assigned the adult core, as that is 2 days/week. 

 

 

 

[BamaBelle]

That's really helpful! Thanks! How many clients would you typically see in a semester?

[BamaBelle]

Also, is there anything you wish you had known about the program before you arrived?

[racoomelon]

Just to chime in on this, do you have any information about assistantships/funding?

[CascadingMelody]

Just chiming in to stay on top of this thread.  I got an admission offer from UTD, and I am just feeling uncertain as to whether it would be a good school for me.  I want to work with adults on the medical side of our field, and would love to hear from any current students on whether they know/feel that UTD would be a good fit.  

[tex_hart]

BamaBelle: The number of client would vary.  Because UTD practicums are generally community/group based (adult is group therapy and pediatric is more like a preschool), it's hard to compare to other schools.  With the adult groups, there are probably 10-15 adults with TBI/aphasia and 15ish students.  Students lead group therapy (discussion group, book club, games/recreation, etc.) but then are also assigned a client within that group for individual therapy (you create therapy plans, take data, assess, write reports, etc. for this client).  The same general idea for the preschool as well.  I don't really remember the exact hours, but the on campus practicums generally run 2-3 hours in the morning and you are earning hours towards your 400 hours the entire time the group is meeting. 

racoomelon: I'm sorry, I don't have personal experience with funding.  I know they send out emails all the time for additional babysitting jobs (the preschool program parents love to hire students and they pay really well).

CascadingMelody: I may be biased, but I think it would be an excellent fit.  The size of UTD allows you to specialize and take classes according to your interests.  UTD is extremely well regarded and offers many experiences and coursework.  They will encourage you to do a public school placement but won't require it--and I know several girls who never did another pediatric experience after their pediatric core.  Depending on your start semester, you could do your pediatric core in the summer and then you'd be totally done with kids--aside from some of the required coursework.  Aside from outside placements at hospitals, you could participate in UTD practicums that include a rehab group at a hospital (you have more freedom than the core adult placement but are only there for a couple of hours and supervised by a UTD faculty member so its a good step in between the core and going to a hospital), dysphagia/swallow studies, and dementia groups/research. I enjoy all of the ages so my placements have included birth-3, a school serving preschool-6th grade, and adult medical. 

 

[hopefulspeechie16]

16 hours ago, tex_hart said:

BamaBelle: The number of client would vary.  Because UTD practicums are generally community/group based (adult is group therapy and pediatric is more like a preschool), it's hard to compare to other schools.  With the adult groups, there are probably 10-15 adults with TBI/aphasia and 15ish students.  Students lead group therapy (discussion group, book club, games/recreation, etc.) but then are also assigned a client within that group for individual therapy (you create therapy plans, take data, assess, write reports, etc. for this client).  The same general idea for the preschool as well.  I don't really remember the exact hours, but the on campus practicums generally run 2-3 hours in the morning and you are earning hours towards your 400 hours the entire time the group is meeting. 

racoomelon: I'm sorry, I don't have personal experience with funding.  I know they send out emails all the time for additional babysitting jobs (the preschool program parents love to hire students and they pay really well).

CascadingMelody: I may be biased, but I think it would be an excellent fit.  The size of UTD allows you to specialize and take classes according to your interests.  UTD is extremely well regarded and offers many experiences and coursework.  They will encourage you to do a public school placement but won't require it--and I know several girls who never did another pediatric experience after their pediatric core.  Depending on your start semester, you could do your pediatric core in the summer and then you'd be totally done with kids--aside from some of the required coursework.  Aside from outside placements at hospitals, you could participate in UTD practicums that include a rehab group at a hospital (you have more freedom than the core adult placement but are only there for a couple of hours and supervised by a UTD faculty member so its a good step in between the core and going to a hospital), dysphagia/swallow studies, and dementia groups/research. I enjoy all of the ages so my placements have included birth-3, a school serving preschool-6th grade, and adult medical. 

 

Is a car an absolute must for getting to placements there?

[tex_hart]

I'd say at car is necessary.  You could probably get away without one the first two semesters IF you are not a leveling student, live across the street from campus, and are assigned to practicums only at the downtown Callier clinic (you could probably let them know your situation and request placements in Dallas).  However, for the other three semesters, you would most likely need a car unless you were able to orchestrate all very close placements within a bus ride away.  I know people who used DART/light rail/Uber during grad school.  Its probably not impossible but I think it'd be extremely challenging and perhaps limiting. 

[racoomelon]

Can someone expand on housing options? I'm looking at Zillow right now and it looks like housing is pretty pricey. I don't know the area, so I don't want to look into a cheap apartment only to find out that I chose the most dangerous side of town to live in. 

Edited March 7, 2016 by racoomelon

[Rorororosy]

I did some research with Dr. Evans at UT Dallas and I can say that they are amazing along with the Callier Center! Congrats everyone! 

[EESpeechie]

10 hours ago, racoomelon said:

Can someone expand on housing options? I'm looking at Zillow right now and it looks like housing is pretty pricey. I don't know the area, so I don't want to look into a cheap apartment only to find out that I chose the most dangerous side of town to live in. 

I'm starting the process of looking for apartments to have a price range when making the final decision. Personally, I'm looking closely at Uptown Dallas. I've read that it's relatively safe and is a young professionals area. There's lots to do. Price wise, it's a lot. It looks like it would run anywhere between $800-$1500 for a one bedroom and $1500-$2500 for a two bedroom. There's also some apartments right across from the medical campus that fall into the lower end of that price range. 

Online, it said students also live in The Village but I haven't looked into that area as much

If anyone else has any other input, I would appreciate it! 

Edited March 8, 2016 by EESpeechie

[Rorororosy]

Yes I lived in Dallas for a long time. Send me the places you're looking at, honestly, I would avoid uptown unless you're into that scene, it can get really loud! The gayberhood is awesome! There are some cute places around there that just opened up and its soo close, it would take me 5 minutes when I was going there. 

 

75129 area code. Its safe as long as you stay off the strip on the weekend nights, but I loved it. It was close to katy trail, I would walk there and there is a bunch of restaurants there

 

 

[CBG321]

12 minutes ago, Rorororosy said:

Yes I lived in Dallas for a long time. Send me the places you're looking at, honestly, I would avoid uptown unless you're into that scene, it can get really loud! The gayberhood is awesome! There are some cute places around there that just opened up and its soo close, it would take me 5 minutes when I was going there. 

 

75129 area code. Its safe as long as you stay off the strip on the weekend nights, but I loved it. It was close to katy trail, I would walk there and there is a bunch of restaurants there

 

 

I'm looking for safe but quiet...where would that be haha?  I'd like to be within about 15 minutes of the Callier Center.  ( 1966 Inwood Rd, Dallas, TX 75235).

And the village looks really nice I drove past it when I briefly visited the program BUT multiple apartment complex's there seem to have a cockroach infestation according to online reviews...disappointed but I don't want to deal with that so i'm looking elsewhere.

Where is the "gayberhood"  What would we type in to live there haha?  Or is that the 75129 area code?