I am finishing graduate school...please ask me any questions!

[slpgirl19]

Hi,

 

I will be finishing graduate school this August! I have been through it all: classes, practicum, clinical writing, etc., etc. If any of you have questions about graduate school, please feel free to ask me! I run a blog called Discovering SLP (http://discoveringslp.blogspot.com/) and would love to write a post about frequently asked grad school questions. I will answer questions here and choose some to include on the blog. Thanks!  

 

 

[Coconut Water]

What, if anything, would you have done differently in grad school? How would you have prepared yourself better? 

Edited July 15, 2014 by Coconut Water

[lisa19]

Would you recommend purchasing all your textbooks?

 

How much did you read in graduate school?

 

What was the social atmosphere like outside of the classroom, both for yourself and others?

 

How do undergraduate and graduate courses differ?

 

Thanks so much!

Edited July 15, 2014 by lisa19

[slpgirl19]

What I would have done differently:

 

1. I would have established excellent study habits from the very beginning. There are some classes that will take up a lot of your time and, for those courses, it's almost impossible to start assignments a day before the due date. Time management and organization are SUPER important in grad school.   

 

2. During my practicums, I began saving resources in specific folders on my computer. I wish I had started doing this as soon as I began grad school.

 

3. Not stressed the small stuff!

 

How would I have prepared myself better?

 

In terms of academics, I think I was prepared because I was a psychology/linguistics double major. I had also taken several pre-reqs. In my experience (this is only me) I don't think it was necessary to review textbooks or study guides before beginning a program if you have some speech-path background. I think I would have mentally prepared myself for the fact that that things would not go perfectly from the beginning and that grad school is a learning experience in which you will make mistakes. In the end, it will be worth it and you will feel so much more confident as a clinician!

[Missthang]

Can you give examples of activities/games/etc. you used with particular clients and how they helped with your treatment goals? Adult & kid examples please

[arthritiskid]

Hey slpgirl! Thanks so much for providing some input from your experiences with us! We appreciate it! I am currently preparing to enter my program next month and have an overwhelming amount of emotions including excitement, nervousness and anxiety! I have one question that I can think of at the moment, though I'm sure there will be more!

 

Did you work at all during your program? I am a part time lifeguard at a YMCA in my area and just got recerted this year and was tossing around the idea of working at the local Y where I'm moving for 3-5 hours a week just for some extra spending money. I think I'll wait until after the first couple weeks to decide, but I just wanted to ask you about your experience  

 

Thanks in advance!  

[slpgirl19]

Would you recommend purchasing all your textbooks?

This is a tough question because I knew the population I wanted to work with when I began grad school. As a result, I bought textbooks that I thought I would refer to in the future. I rented textbooks for other courses. Overall, I would recommend buying textbooks and reselling them if you feel that they won't be useful to you later on in your career. My biggest piece of advice related to textbooks is to NOT buy books at the campus bookstore. I have had a lot of success buying/renting from Amazon. There is also a good website called Big Words (www.bigwords.com) that compares textbook prices on different websites. 

 

How much did you read in graduate school?

There is a fair amount of reading. It was not overwhelming though. There was a lot of writing! 

 

What was the social atmosphere like outside of the classroom, both for yourself and others?

This really varies from program to program, I think. I commuted to my program so I am not sure about the social opportunities outside of the classroom. However, in the classroom, everyone tried really hard to collaborate and work together.

 

How do undergraduate and graduate courses differ?

Depends on the course. In general, undergraduate classes focus more on theories and basic knowledge (and there's a lot of things we have to know!). Graduate classes are generally more practical, although there is a lot of "textbook" information taught as well.

Edited July 16, 2014 by slpgirl19

[slpgirl19]

@arthritiskid: Thank you for your kind words! 3-5 hours a week should be doable. A lot of people in my program were baby-sitters. I think it's smart to wait a few weeks to decide though.

[twinguy7]

First, Thanks for offering your advice/assistance slpgirl19....

 

I am in the dilemma of what type of computer to get for grad school.   As far as the computer you brought to classes, what did you use and what did you see others using?  what would you recommend?  

 

In undergrad I used an IPAD for classes and took all my notes on it.  I had a desktop or Laptop at home for when I needed to write papers, but never needed a laptop for classes.   What do you suggest for classroom work?  

 

DO a lot of grads get iPads to use for therapy?  Did you?  Thanks!

[slpgirl19]

@twinguy7: We were allowed to sign out iPads for therapy sessions at the on-campus clinic. We were not provided with iPads to take home. I LOVE my iPad and think it's amazing. There are so many awesome apps out there to use during therapy sessions. I personally do not like taking notes on the iPad, but if that has worked for you in undergrad, it should be fine in grad school as well. Most people in my program used MacBooks in class. I used an old Windows laptop to take notes and did paperwork on the laptop/a desktop at home.

Edited July 16, 2014 by slpgirl19

[slpfall14]

Slpgirl19, 

 

I've been reading a lot online about what to actually bring to grad school.  A lot of folks recommended a laminator, label maker, and tape recorder.  Are there any other heavy duty, 'machine-type' things you'd recommend (besides the obvious- notebooks, folders, etc.) besides thee ones I listed above?  Thanks for being a great resource!!

[slpgirl19]

@slpfall14: I think a laptop and a printer are important to bring. I only bought a laminator in my last semester of graduate school and use it occasionally. I don't think it's necessary to have, especially before you begin seeing clients. A tape recorder is useful. I never needed to use a label maker in grad school. An iPad is a great tool, but again, not necessary until you see clients.

[slpgirl19]

Can you give examples of activities/games/etc. you used with particular clients and how they helped with your treatment goals? Adult & kid examples please.

 

There are too many to list! I have found the iPad to be a great tool. Please read my blog post about it (http://discoveringslp.blogspot.com/2014/07/best-slp-apps.html#.U8bX4EB0EtA). The website, Teachers Pay Teachers, is also awesome. Some examples of free products: http://discoveringslp.blogspot.com/search/label/Teachers%20Pay%20Teachers#.U8bYGUB0EtA.

 

A few ideas:

 

For young children:

-Great toy ideas from Playing with Words 365: http://www.playingwithwords365.com/toy-recommendations-for-speech-language-development/ (scroll to "Tips on Using Specific Toys to Help Expand Your Child’s Speech & Language Skills"),

-Super Duper Animal Buddies

 

For articulation clients, I made bingo boards with words that contained the sound they were working on. A frequently used resource for artic is Webber's Jumbo Articulation Drill Book. A variety of games can be utilized as reinforcers (Don't Spill the Beans, Pop up Pirate) during artic sessions. 

 

For my school-age clients, I created a lot of my own materials. Using children's literature in therapy is great because it's fun for the kids and you can target a variety of goals (wh-questions, inferencing, etc.). 

 

Older clients: This really depends on the population you work with. Materials for older clients should be tailored to their interests. There are some adult language apps available. Some possible games for adults: Jeopardy, Trivial Pursuit,  Family Feud.

 

These are just some general ideas. You should tailor activities to each individual client. Please don't purchase anything I have mentioned until you know you need it!

Edited July 16, 2014 by slpgirl19

[ballerina18]

Hi slpgirl19,

 

Thank you for offering to answer our questions. I have a lot ;-)

 

1. I'm curious to read your thoughts on the praxis and comp exams and how to best study for each.
2. Did you choose to do a thesis or portfolio during your program? Why did you choose that route?
3. When do you think is the best time to take the Praxis so that a student isn't overwhelmed with exams and comps at the same time? Do you recommend specific praxis study tools?
4. When did you start your job hunt for a CF? Did you reach out to specific institutions or did you simply respond to online job postings? Do you feel there is a lot of competition out there for medical CF positions?
5. Did you attend any SLP conferences (ASHA) or present any research during grad school? Would you recommend attending conferences?
6. What do you think is the best way to network during grad school?
7. Did you have any awkward experiences during clinicals? What helped you to get through those awkward moments or those times where you didn't know what to say/do next?
8. What is the best advice you received in grad school about clinicals, cf year, getting through classes, and being successful?

Thank you =) I'm off to check out your blog!

[Missthang]

Thank you for the great response. I will definitely be checking out your page too!

[slpgirl19]

I'm curious to read your thoughts on the praxis and comp exams and how to best study for each.

For the Praxis, I used the "yellow and purple book" (Advanced Review of Speech-Language Pathology). ETS also sells practice tests that are very helpful to take before the actual test!

 

Did you choose to do a thesis or portfolio during your program? Why did you choose that route?

We were not required to do either of these during our program.

 

When do you think is the best time to take the Praxis so that a student isn't overwhelmed with exams and comps at the same time? Do you recommend specific praxis study tools?

Many students in my program chose to take the Praxis during winter break between on-campus clinic and off-campus clinic. Our university was closed from about December 18th-January 22nd. I took it during my first off-campus practicum. At that point, I was done with all of my courses and did not have any other exams to study for.

 

When did you start your job hunt for a CF? Did you reach out to specific institutions or did you simply respond to online job postings? Do you feel there is a lot of competition out there for medical CF positions?

I started looking right before my second off-campus placement started. I reached out to both specific schools and looked online. I feel that there is a lot of competition for the medical CF positions. I have heard that it is easier to find a CF at a skilled nursing facility than a hospital.

 

Did you attend any SLP conferences (ASHA) or present any research during grad school? Would you recommend attending conferences?

I did not attend ASHA. Some people in my program did, but I do not feel it is necessary during grad school. I hope to go to the one in Orlando though (this year)!

 

What do you think is the best way to network during grad school?

Have good relationships with your clinical supervisors! This is so important because they are the people that will be your references. Also, if you love your off-campus placement(s), definitely consider a CF there if one becomes available. Always be professional (e-mails, in person meetings, etc.) with everyone you meet...that was emphasized a lot to us. 

 

What is the best advice you received in grad school about clinicals, cf year, getting through classes, and being successful?

I received a lot of great advice:

-Be compassionate toward your clients

-Be organized and don't procrastinate

-Always treat others with respect and act professionally

-Don't stress the small stuff

-Be passionate about what you do

-Individualize sessions for your clients; tailor materials to their needs

-Look for resources...there is so much out there!

 

I have a blog post about some of these topics here: http://discoveringslp.blogspot.com/2014/06/surviving-graduate-school.html#.U8k170B0EtA

Useful advice here too: http://speechymusings.com/2014/07/15/30-pieces-of-advice-for-new-slps/

Edited July 18, 2014 by slpgirl19

[rks2010]

Thanks for answering all our questions! I have a few...

1. How much preparation did you have for the praxis? Was it difficult to manage studying that on top of other coursework and exams?

2. DO you think it's necessary to study a lot and review past notes prior to starting grad school?

3. What was the biggest adjustment going from undergrad to grad

4. At your school, were supervisors helpful in aiding you in figuring out lesson plan ideas for clients?

5. This might be silly but..Did you ever have any free time in grad school or were you basically always studying or preparing?

6. What was the most stressful part of beginning grad school?

[slpgirl19]

1. How much preparation did you have for the praxis? Was it difficult to manage studying that on top of other coursework and exams?

My program prepared me well for the Praxis. I did not have to do a significant amount of additional studying. However, everyone is different in terms of their program preparation level, multiple-choice test-taking skills, etc. I recommend studying using the Advanced Review of Speech-Language Pathology and ETS practice tests. I took the Praxis after I was done with all my coursework (during off-campus practicum).

 

2. DO you think it's necessary to study a lot and review past notes prior to starting grad school?

From my experience, no. I guess this depends on whether you have some basic knowledge of speech pathology, completed pre-reqs, etc. My undergraduate majors were linguistics and psychology. I completed four prerequisite courses before starting grad school. However, I don't want to discourage people from looking over past notes if they feel they need to.

 

3. What was the biggest adjustment going from undergrad to grad?

Paperwork! Clinical writing is very different from English essays.

More pressure to perform and do well

"Hands on" work vs. theory learning

Overall higher expectations

 

4. At your school, were supervisors helpful in aiding you in figuring out lesson plan ideas for clients?

Yes. They provided both general directions for how to conduct treatment sessions as well as specific ideas for games/activities.

 

5. This might be silly but..Did you ever have any free time in grad school or were you basically always studying or preparing?

Depended on the semester! If I only had classes (no practicum), I had free time. During the practicums, free time was generally more limited.

 

6. What was the most stressful part of beginning grad school?

Not knowing what to expect

Being nervous that it would be overwhelming

Edited July 19, 2014 by slpgirl19

[slpgirl19]

Thank you so much for your great questions! I will be making a blog post about them soon! I am having a Rafflecopter giveaway for the next 3 days ($10 gift card to Teachers Pay Teachers). Please check it out and share with fellow speechies!

 

http://discoveringslp.blogspot.com/

[bkjo21]

thank you so much for creating this post! I am reading through your blog and have bookmarked it for future reference!  I start my program this fall.  It is a Sunday program.  Each semester is 16 weeks with two 8-week cycles.  Each cycle we take 2 classes, so it will be very fast passed.  I am very nervous and a little excited!  What materials do you recommend purchasing or having with you for your first week of grad school classes?

[slpgirl19]

What materials do you recommend purchasing or having with you for your first week of grad school classes?

 

Similar materials as undergrad classes:

 

-Notebooks

-Binders

-Laptop (not absolutely necessary, but a big help...does not need to be new and fancy)

-Medium-large bag or backpack

 

Let me know if you were wondering about any specific materials!

[AmandaLeeW23]

I am about to finish my first semester of grad school. I feel like it has FLOWN by already. I definitely think the anxiety of the unknown has been the worst, plus I took a year off so getting back into school mode... I'm still working on. Also trying to figure out how to manage my time (big procrastinator) My anxiety now is that I won't remember all the information from all these classes. SO much information in such short periods of time. What helped you study to retain information the best? Did you ever feel like you didn't remember it all? (It gives me anxiety because I feel like we have to know it all, but in reality we DON'T we are always able to reference back) What population do you want to work with? Also if you could have done anything differently what would you have done- if you haven't already answered this. And was it all worth it? Where is your CFY? How did you pass/study for comps and praxis?!  So excited that I came across your blog! Will definitely be adding it to my favorites page. 

[kumapanda]

Is the PRAXIS hard?  How did you prepare yourself for the test?  How diffcult was it for you to find a job after graduation?

[slpgirl19]

Thank you for your latest questions! I will be answering them soon!

[rks2010]

When do students normally start searching for cfy positions? Do they normally begin right after graduatio?