SLP Pre-reqs

[MonicaSLP]

I am a returning student without background in communication disorders. Most schools near me are 2 year programs so I need to do the pre-reqs on my own. I've noticed that each school I'd like to attend has different pre-reqs.

 

How do you manage to squeeze in ALL of the classes that multiple schools require?! I'll be doing it full time, including summers, but isn't it odd that the schools don't have one set standard? I'm going to end up having to take extra classes "just in case" I don't get into my first and second choices.

 

Any tips?

[*Quinn*]

Yep, the lack of standardized pre-reqs does complicate the application processes for us non-COMD background students. I think many applicants choose a post-bach program before applying to grad school, but that doesn't really appeal to me as a plan A because of the additional time and financial expense it requires.

 

There are a few grad programs that will accept students with other undergrad degrees along with those coming from within the field. These grad programs allow you to complete the pre-reqs as a grad student, (the ideal option for me), instead of forcing you to go through the more common leveling program(s) first. (I wish ASHA's edfind had a search option for this!) IF the pre-reqs were standardized across the schools, I think the leveling programs would be more appealing. 

 

Sorry I'm not able to provide any more help; you're certainly not alone in trying to figure out the best way to get all the pre-reqs covered. 

Best of Luck to You!!

[MonicaSLP]

Thanks - I thought I was just overcomplicating things in my head, but I guess not! I am unable to relocate for school, so I'm tied to nearby options. I got waitlisted at the 3 year program I wanted, so my plan is to take the classes and reapply there and at the other local 2 years next year. Especially since I've been out of school for so long, I'm finding the entire process maddening. I also just found out that I can't register for summer classes until the first day of class, since obviously students accepted into the program get priority. So I sit and wait and "hope" there's room for me.

[sayjo]

I am a returning student without background in communication disorders. Most schools near me are 2 year programs so I need to do the pre-reqs on my own. I've noticed that each school I'd like to attend has different pre-reqs.

 

How do you manage to squeeze in ALL of the classes that multiple schools require?! I'll be doing it full time, including summers, but isn't it odd that the schools don't have one set standard? I'm going to end up having to take extra classes "just in case" I don't get into my first and second choices.

 

Any tips?

 

What I did was I began by registering for classes that I knew all my schools wanted.  Standard classes seem to be things like a language development class, anatomy, intro to audiology, etc.  When I applied to schools, I explained that I would have all pre-reqs done by the fall.  Now that I've been accepted, I'm able to cherry-pick my final classes based on my grad school.  For example, if I go to UIUC, they told me that I would just have to take 3 classes over the summer.  I was originally planning on taking five classes, so that's pretty awesome.  Hope that helps!