portnut2014 Posted January 26, 2014 Posted January 26, 2014 This thread is really nice to see. I've been trying to find people that are similar to me (don't have 4.0 GPAs, 155+ GRE scores or tons of impressive research experience). I'm applying to Eastern Michigan University, Illinois State University, Saint Xavier University, Portland State and University of Washington. I tried to pick places that seemed less competitive. PSU and UW are probably completely out of the question, but I figured I'd at least *try* My overall GPA is 3.52 which seems like a really forgettable number. In my eyes, it's impressive. I know that I've worked my butt off through college, but my advisors aren't as encouraging. I keep being told that it's not very competitive and that I really need to have a backup plan. Waiting to hear back from schools has caused me so much anxiety! It's so stressful not knowing whether or not I'm going to be moving in seven months! But this thread has definitely made me feel a little bit better tonight knowing that the applicant pool isn't only full of people with 4.0 GPAs, wonderfully high GRE scores and an insane amount of lab or research experience. twinguy7, AuDorBust and OptimisticSpeechie 3
Ssen Posted January 26, 2014 Posted January 26, 2014 Ssen, I only applied to three. This is because of their affordability. I applied to three CUNYs. I simply can't afford to go to another private school. I already owe thousands in loans. I know what you mean I've got a lot of loans already and will be taking more out if I get into a program. Good luck!!
ImpulsiveNixie Posted January 26, 2014 Posted January 26, 2014 When I think of loans - I always look into the average salary and starting pay to cheer me up.
caterpillar Posted January 26, 2014 Posted January 26, 2014 When I think of loans - I always look into the average salary and starting pay to cheer me up. Hahaha basically. There's absolutely no way for us to pay for grad school without more loans, so at this point we've stopped worrying about it and are just looking forward to him being in a profession that has a quality starting pay.
ImpulsiveNixie Posted January 26, 2014 Posted January 26, 2014 I don't know the details because I've never been interested in working in the schools or with autism (apologies autismadvocate) but I know that California has some programs that will pay off students loans and other debt. That might be an interesting thing to look into.
autismadvocate Posted January 27, 2014 Posted January 27, 2014 Haha, no need for apologies ImpulsiveNixie! To each his/her/ze's own! lol Personally, I find a lot of areas of SLP practice fascinating - if I weren't committed to autism, I would totally do something with aphasia or bilingualism. Agreed about California, though, that does sound interesting!
sayjo Posted January 27, 2014 Posted January 27, 2014 Just FYI to everyone - Illinois has a tuition waiver that I know Illinois State accepts (I'm not sure about other schools). If you get the waiver, you need to work in a school in Illinois for two years after you graduate. Here is the link. I'm nervous about loans too - I have a family member that went to Rush and is now over $100,000 in debt!! I mean, Rush is a good school, but I don't think any school is worth that much $$$. I guess the upside is that said family member now has a pretty well-paying job, but still. That number makes me freak out!
twinguy7 Posted January 27, 2014 Author Posted January 27, 2014 Well, I found BYU less competitive based on # of applications received vs. # offers. According to ASHA they only had 77 applicants last year and they offered admission to 32 of those 77. They are competitive with grades though, but at least they only look at your last 60 credits and put most of their weight on your Comm Disorder classes Also, they are a lot less competitive than the program near me... UT-Austin... which received 388 applications last year and made 49 offers- YIKES. I still applied there since it is the only program close enough that I wouldn't have to up root my family and move, but it is a long shot trying to get in. You guessed right, I am LDS LDS here too. Hopefully you will not have to uproot your family! In me and my wifes case, we would love to get accepted somewhere outside of CA. We are in Los Angeles County right now and it is EXPENSIVE!
mheroux92 Posted January 29, 2014 Posted January 29, 2014 I'm hoping that my application is considered "competitive" but I'm not applying in the big-name cities. My most competitive is approximately a 1/12, but hey. I guess that's just life.
SweetPea21 Posted January 29, 2014 Posted January 29, 2014 (edited) Twinguy7- We have family in that area, it is expensive! Best luck to you and your wife! Edited January 29, 2014 by SweetPea21
AmandaLeeW23 Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 I too am applying to less competitive programs because my GRE scores are not great, AT ALL! Actually they are pretty low. I am applying all in Texas and Oklahoma. I am applying to UNT,TWU, West Texas A&M, Stephen F. Austin, Texas State, Northeastern State Univ, and Oklahoma State University- because I went there for undergrad. I know some of those programs aren't less competitive but.... I applied to a few of them last year and was wait listed so this year I am hoping for a more successful go around.
twinguy7 Posted January 30, 2014 Author Posted January 30, 2014 Sounds like you have a great shot at getting in this year AmandaLee! All I could hope for is some wait lists like you got last year! How did the whole wait list process go? Any insight? What was it like being on a wait list for a few months? Highs and lows? I wanna know what it will be like if I get a wait list!
ballerina18 Posted January 31, 2014 Posted January 31, 2014 Great idea for a thread. =) I am also applying to "less competitive" programs. This is my second year applying. Last year I only applied to one program (Idaho State University- where I completed my post-bacc). I was waitlisted and ultimately not accepted so I am crossing my fingers for this year. I am limited to where I can apply because I have a family and we live in a little town far away from any SLP programs. I am applying to the distance programs at all three universities listed below. I'm really nervous about not getting accepted. My GRE scores are certainly not impressive so I am hoping my grades, SOP, and volunteer experience will impress the admissions committee. Good luck to everyone!
twinguy7 Posted January 31, 2014 Author Posted January 31, 2014 I sent off my 14th and FINAL application packet to Jackson State yesterday! Ahhhhh Finally DONE! Now just need to keep busy for 6 weeks to keep the anxiety down.... or just sign myself up for some Biofeedback(stress) sessions at my work!
caterpillar Posted January 31, 2014 Posted January 31, 2014 I sent off my 14th and FINAL application packet to Jackson State yesterday! Ahhhhh Finally DONE! Now just need to keep busy for 6 weeks to keep the anxiety down.... or just sign myself up for some Biofeedback(stress) sessions at my work! You're ahead of the game! Their due date is soooooooo late. I know my husband submitted the little online form, but I'm pretty positive he hasn't sent off the paper form yet because he hasn't asked me (ye olde secretary of transcript requests) to send his transcripts! I imagine harassing his one consistently-late LOR writer will keep him busy in the coming month.
twinguy7 Posted January 31, 2014 Author Posted January 31, 2014 You're ahead of the game! Their due date is soooooooo late. I know my husband submitted the little online form, but I'm pretty positive he hasn't sent off the paper form yet because he hasn't asked me (ye olde secretary of transcript requests) to send his transcripts! I imagine harassing his one consistently-late LOR writer will keep him busy in the coming month. Yea, Jackson had a statement letter AND 3 questions to respond to. The questions took me longer to do than the statement. Jackson's deadline is the 1st, yet it looks like they still get their acceptances out by mid-march, just 2 week so later! Amazing compared to all these other schools!
DeafAudi Posted January 31, 2014 Posted January 31, 2014 I hope I'm not derailing this thread but I'm just wondering if early-mid March is the norm for notifications. In Canada, it is more like late March- early April. Thanks!
ImpulsiveNixie Posted January 31, 2014 Posted January 31, 2014 It really depends on the program but every one I applied to regardless of whether I had a Jan 15 or Feb 1 deadline all said mid-march.
AmandaLeeW23 Posted February 4, 2014 Posted February 4, 2014 I am keeping my fingers crossed. Being waitlisted sucked for me honestly, I was constantly waiting for some kind of sign that I was still being considered and most of the schools never gave me a rejection notice after they went through all their rounds. I emailed asking where I was in line but no one was ever able to tell me soooo that wasn't fun but... it did give me some hope that atleast I wasn't denied right off the bat. Today I received a call from West Texas about setting up an interview so I am pretty excited about that (aside from being super nervous). Meaganm15 1
Sunshine5535 Posted February 4, 2014 Posted February 4, 2014 Anyone have an idea if University of Central Florida is considered a 'less competitive' Speech program? I know they admit more than once a year and a larger number of students than most programs but I don't know if that makes them any easier than others solely because of that...... Thoughts?
twinguy7 Posted February 4, 2014 Author Posted February 4, 2014 I am keeping my fingers crossed. Being waitlisted sucked for me honestly, I was constantly waiting for some kind of sign that I was still being considered and most of the schools never gave me a rejection notice after they went through all their rounds. I emailed asking where I was in line but no one was ever able to tell me soooo that wasn't fun but... it did give me some hope that atleast I wasn't denied right off the bat. Today I received a call from West Texas about setting up an interview so I am pretty excited about that (aside from being super nervous). I see. That is exciting about West Texas! I applied there and have not heard a thing. When are they setting up the interviews for(date)?
AmandaLeeW23 Posted February 5, 2014 Posted February 5, 2014 I am interviewing next week. I had a friend who interviewed Monday so, I heard there is a lot of interviews being given out something around 100, so I am sure you will be getting a call soon! I need to start preparing... NOW!
twinguy7 Posted February 10, 2014 Author Posted February 10, 2014 Good luck on that interview this week~
twinguy7 Posted February 10, 2014 Author Posted February 10, 2014 (edited) Got notification from Idaho State that my app. is complete and will hear back in April! eeeek! Long time. I also received an email from Fort Hays State. Scheduled a phone interview for Wednesday 2/12! Edited February 10, 2014 by twinguy7
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