Indiana University vs. Purdue Speech Pathology

[bethany1222]

Very last minute, but I am trying to decide between these two schools!

 

IU offered me funding three days ago: grad assistant position covering most of my tuition plus a stipend, but only for the first year. I visited this past weekend and loved the campus. Spoke with department members and liked what I heard.

 

Purdue offered me funding hours ago. Large scholarship over two years that works out to about the same as what I would be getting from IU. Have not visited or talked to department member.

 

Here's my thought process: I know I like Indiana and it is still a well-ranked school. GA position would look good on job applications, but will be a bit of work. I have not visited Purdue but I have heard good things. Better ranking, more prestigious, and funding in form of scholarship means no added work. Also 2 hours closer to home.

 

I am freaking out because the offers came very last minute. Was not strongly considering either school before funding. If anyone has any advice, or any details on either program it would be greatly appreciated!!!

[tchris]

Hello, I don't have much advice regarding the particular schools, but I do have some on the thought that "GA position would look good on job applications."  I was considering the possibility of a GA position and also thought it would be helpful in getting a job after graduation.  I reached out to one of the SLPs I shadowed and asked her advice about what factors she thought were most important when deciding.  She said that what helped her most in securing a job out of grad school was her clinical experiences and recommendations from clinical supervisors.  Having research experiences was beneficial, but really only mattered for pursuing a PhD.  For me, the best decision was to forgo the possibility of a GA position because I wanted to be able to focus on my clinical placements.  I was afraid that I would pile my plate too high with a GA on top of classes and clinic.  

 

This was the best personal decision for me, and the GA position might be really beneficial to you.  I just wanted to share some info that I thought was helpful in making a decision.

[waiting n waiting]

I have accepted Purdue because of their high ranking and I am hoping coming from Purdue will help me land a job a little easier.i have talked to slps and they don't care if someone had a GA position or not. They look at the school and referrals. Hope this helps!!

[bethany1222]

Thanks! That does help a bit in the decision. Aside from the ranking and reputation, what did you like about Purdue's program? I never got a chance to visit there.

[waiting n waiting]

I liked how they get you experience in every area and expose you to many disorders. Also, ASHA requires 350 clinical clock hrs Purdue goes above and beyond and gets you over 500. So you graduate ready and more equipped than any other school. Also, it's the closest to Indy for clinical hrs and externship sites. High ranked school. Professors CARE. And also they are building a brand new state of art building for us that is top notch. They will have a language preschool there, adult stroke group, and many other awesome on campus clinics. Truly top notch school.

[emmmyd]

I visited both schools this year.  They were both really wonderful.  One thing Purdue had that IU didn't was that they will have a brand new facility like Waiting mentioned.  I remember that really stood out to me because most likely you will pretty much live there  Both seemed like excellent programs.  The scholarship sounds like it would give you an extra 10-20 hours a week to do class work that would be spent on the GA.  Best of luck making a choice!

[waiting n waiting]

Emmyd ...where r u going for grad school?

Edited April 16, 2014 by waiting n waiting

[waiting n waiting]

Emmyd...where r u going for grad school?

[bethany1222]

I liked how they get you experience in every area and expose you to many disorders. Also, ASHA requires 350 clinical clock hrs Purdue goes above and beyond and gets you over 500. So you graduate ready and more equipped than any other school. Also, it's the closest to Indy for clinical hrs and externship sites. High ranked school. Professors CARE. And also they are building a brand new state of art building for us that is top notch. They will have a language preschool there, adult stroke group, and many other awesome on campus clinics. Truly top notch school.

 

 

I visited both schools this year.  They were both really wonderful.  One thing Purdue had that IU didn't was that they will have a brand new facility like Waiting mentioned.  I remember that really stood out to me because most likely you will pretty much live there  Both seemed like excellent programs.  The scholarship sounds like it would give you an extra 10-20 hours a week to do class work that would be spent on the GA.  Best of luck making a choice!

It's good to hear these things! I wasn't able to attend the open house because I had something else going on and wasn't strongly considering Purdue at the time. But they gave me a deadline extension so I'll visit on Friday. I talked to the graduate secretary and she talked about the new building, but said for next year that only clinics will be in there because it is not finished, so classes are in separate buildings. Still very nice though! I also talked to a grad student and she gave me a lot of good insight for the program.. I could tell she really loved it there. Waiting, what makes you say that the professors care? Did you get that sense at the open house or from previous students?

[emmmyd]

Emmyd ...where r u going for grad school?

I am out-of-field so as I was looking for grad programs last year I found a post-bac that was a great fit for me that I started in January and will be done in November just in time to apply for grad school next year.  

[karita]

Is anyone else going to IU on here??