What do these schools want?!

[smartypants14]

So,

I will be applying again for Spring and Summer. Anyone have any insight they may want to share for the second year applicants?! Im considering applying to less populated areas and programs in texas.

 

Does anyone have any information on Baylor?

 

Thanks

[NorcalSLP]

So,

I will be applying again for Spring and Summer. Anyone have any insight they may want to share for the second year applicants?! Im considering applying to less populated areas and programs in texas.

 

Does anyone have any information on Baylor?

 

Thanks

From my understanding Baylor is pretty competitive. I could be wrong but I think it is also an accelerated program (you get out in a year and a half instead of two years) but that is second hand information.

 

I think you have a ton of great work experience and you are clearly passionate about the field. Unfortunately stats like yours that are good for many other fields are considered "low" for SLP. This provides a bit of a challenge when it comes to applying to schools because while you would make a great SLP (I assume haven't met you haha) some schools will not be able to look much past the GPA and GRE scores when making decisions (they will simply have too many applicants to do this). I was a second year applicant when I got into my current program but had a bit of a different situation that you. I did not have a background in SLP. I did a post bacc, did research and increased my related volunteer experience. I should mention that I did not come out of my post bacc with a stellar (I had a 3.49) GPA (which when I applied was better than it would have been had I been applying now). But I did a TON of research into the schools I was applying to, what they looked for etc. I applied to schools that I knew (thought) would look at more than just my GPA. I also highlighted my experience and passion in my personal statement. I think what you need to do for your second go round is figure out what schools are going to take a more holistic look at your application (there is a thread on here about "less competitive" grad schools), and then figure out if they have spring admissions. Don't just apply to places because they have spring admissions, that is a waste of your time, money and mental well being. Additionally (and this may be hard to hear) schools generally have a pretty good gauge as to whether or not a student will be successful in that program. You want to find a program that is a good fit for you, and doing research into how the programs look at applications, what their focus is, what level of support they offer is key to your success for the two+ years you will be there. It's what I did and I have my highest GPA EVER because the program fits so well with my learning stye. Best of luck! Many of us have had to apply multiple times. 

[ljhslp]

I'd suggest researching, researching, researching. Start finding less competitive schools (there are a list of them on here) and see which of those offer spring and summer admissions. Just because there aren't as many applicants doesn't mean it's not a great school. Usually, it just means it's not in the most exciting location. Email the schools you're interested in (that offer spring admissions), give them your stats, and tell them what you're doing to better your application at this time. I directly asked them if I would be a competitive applicant or not. Actually, most of the schools were really awesome about it. They told me right away (and very directly) what their stats were the last cycle, if I would be competitive and why, and what I can do to become a more competitive applicant before the application cycle begins again. I'm not sure how you did on your GRE, but I'd suggest retaking that and studying, studying, studying. Many people on here have said it helped them (and they got great scores, too). Also, do some volunteering, and get some related work experience during your time off. I took a year off because I didn't think my application was strong enough, but I think my experience being an SLPA, volunteering through MN reading corps, etc. really helped me to get accepted and waitlisted at my schools. I say this because my statistics really aren't that great either (3.65 GPA, 150V and 159Q). Also, in the process of emailing all these schools last fall, I learned that many of them prefer people who have had a year or two off because they're more likely to be matured and ready for the next phase of their schooling. Obviously this doesn't go for all schools, but it's very common. Good luck!

[caterpillar]

 Im considering applying to less populated areas 

 

Honestly, I firmly believe this is what got my husband into grad school this year. His stats are okay but his overall isn't amazing and the 3.0AW is enough that any of the schools in "exciting"/popular areas (big coastal cities and popular cities in between) could easily be used as an immediate reason to deny admission. So we looked at states we had never considered living in - much of the south and midwest made that list. Then we started looking at the minimum admission requirements on ASHA, and shortened the list further. Then shortened it by location (mainly, towns of under 10k people weren't going to make the list) only because we had a finite amount of funds to pay for application fees and transcripts to all these places. 

 

You see the results in my signature. By comparison, he applied to University of Washington (denied), San Diego State (denied), and CSU East Bay (waitlisted, then denied) last year.

Edited May 1, 2014 by caterpillar

[Missthang]

I would not consider Baylor any easier to get in to.

 

I'm in Texas and applied to 7 schools all in-state. I was advised by one of my LOR writers who was also one of my professors and she strongly encouraged me to apply possibly in Louisiana or another nearby state for safety reasons. I didn't listen and told her I'm a Texas girl and can't see my self anywhere else...Anyways! I applied to the following:

Lamar University, Texas State, Abilene Christian, University of Houston, Texas Woman's (Denton), University of North Texas, Stephen F. Austin State.

 

Not sure what your stats are but here's a general idea of mine. GRE: "low" verbal score compared to averages for schools current cohort, higher than avg. on quantitative and writing sections. Cumulative GPA of 3.4-3.5, major GPA 3.7-3.8, NSSLHA officer, research assistant outside of my university, tons and tons of volunteering, 4 yrs work experience with children, and so on. I knew that I really couldn't apply to any schools that only accept outstanding GRE and GPA bc that's not me. However, I believe that my application was overall really good and showed my well roundedness (not just about awesome scores & grades).

I was accepted to Lamar, Texas State, U of H. Waitlisted at UNT & ACU (later accepted to ACU). Decline at TWU and still haven't heard from SFA (this application process was a nightmare... not sure if they even officially received everything of mine). I did not apply to places like Baylor or other Texas schools bc I was either told they were too competitive and I didn't stand a chance & a few bc the deadline dates were too early (all of the ones I applied to had a 2/1 deadline date).

 

Really research your schools using the ASHA website to see stats, requirements and averages for students admitted to see where you fall among what they're looking for. Like I said, I don't know your stats but apply to "safety" schools that you know won't automatically toss your application incase you don't meet their minimum requirements.

[Sarah_nichole93]

On 5/1/2014 at 8:56 AM, Missthang said:

I would not consider Baylor any easier to get in to.

 

I'm in Texas and applied to 7 schools all in-state. I was advised by one of my LOR writers who was also one of my professors and she strongly encouraged me to apply possibly in Louisiana or another nearby state for safety reasons. I didn't listen and told her I'm a Texas girl and can't see my self anywhere else...Anyways! I applied to the following:

Lamar University, Texas State, Abilene Christian, University of Houston, Texas Woman's (Denton), University of North Texas, Stephen F. Austin State.

 

Not sure what your stats are but here's a general idea of mine. GRE: "low" verbal score compared to averages for schools current cohort, higher than avg. on quantitative and writing sections. Cumulative GPA of 3.4-3.5, major GPA 3.7-3.8, NSSLHA officer, research assistant outside of my university, tons and tons of volunteering, 4 yrs work experience with children, and so on. I knew that I really couldn't apply to any schools that only accept outstanding GRE and GPA bc that's not me. However, I believe that my application was overall really good and showed my well roundedness (not just about awesome scores & grades).

I was accepted to Lamar, Texas State, U of H. Waitlisted at UNT & ACU (later accepted to ACU). Decline at TWU and still haven't heard from SFA (this application process was a nightmare... not sure if they even officially received everything of mine). I did not apply to places like Baylor or other Texas schools bc I was either told they were too competitive and I didn't stand a chance & a few bc the deadline dates were too early (all of the ones I applied to had a 2/1 deadline date).

 

Really research your schools using the ASHA website to see stats, requirements and averages for students admitted to see where you fall among what they're looking for. Like I said, I don't know your stats but apply to "safety" schools that you know won't automatically toss your application incase you don't meet their minimum requirements.

How long did it take you to get acceptance at ACU?

[S_H19]

Apply to schools with Interviews! That made all of the difference for me! I scored a 139 on the quant (yes, you read that right) and honestly thought I wouldn't stand a chance. So far I have been accepted at every program I interviewed at (3), rejected by 2 (no interview), and waitlisted at 2 (no interview)! 

I had amazing extra curriculars, LORs, and a great personal statement which I think was enough to get the interview despite my average GPA and low GRE. An interview really gives you a chance to show what you have to offer outside of your stats and show them that you have the interpersonal skills to succeed as a clinician. 

Best of luck! 

[AlwaysaFalcon]

I agree with @S_H19 and @caterpillar!!! Apply to programs with interviews. This way a program can place your face with what they see on paper. It also is a good way to make a personal connection and make you seem personable. I think one of the reasons I got accepted after 3 application cycles was because I applied to programs with less "competition" aka less applicants and a higher ratio of acceptance with those that do apply. I also applied all over the US.