Need advice... please! :)

[jpark089]

Hello all! Looking forward to receiving some advice and hearing some words of wisdom J

 

Here is my current situation-

 

I graduated last year (June 2013) with a B.S. in Anthropology.

However, I graduated in 3 years… and didn’t have that extra year to boost my GPA, so my GPA is pretty low. (3.21 cumulative, 3.57 major GPA)

With that being said, I know how competitive it is to get into Master’s programs.

Also, I realize that I do need to complete a post-bac program/leveling program since my undergraduate major was not in Speech Pathology.

I haven’t taken my GREs yet, but I plan on studying and hopefully getting a good score!

 

I thought that it would be a good idea to get my license as a SLPA, work for a year or two, and then apply for Master’s (hoping that my work experience would level out my low GPA…).

However, the class that I need for the SLPA program (it’s the prereq for other SLPA classes) is full and this class is offered only once a year.

 

I would like to get into a Master’s program as soon as possible!

Would you recommend:

1. Getting the SLPA license, working for a year or two, then applying (Hopefully I would be able to get my SLPA license by next year)

2. Volunteering/Interning, Studying and taking the GRE, applying for a post-bac program for next fall, then applying for a Master’s

 

I have considered online post-bac/leveling programs as well, but they seem to be so expensive and I think I would learn better while learning in person.

 

Do you have any other suggestions/advice?

 

Thank you so much!!!

[HippoPirate]

If you're in a hurry to get your Master's, why not take all your post-bac courses this fall/next spring and try applying this winter to less competitive programs? If you don't get in anywhere for next fall, work as a SLPA for a year or volunteer and maybe take some electives while you try again. 

 

A lot of post-bac programs don't have competitive admission or require application months in advance. I decided to do mine a couple weeks before classes started. If you can't find a program like this in your area, there are a few online options.

[dial1010usa]

I think the most important thing is your GPA then GRE and then experience. I would suggest you to do post-bac program. You don't have to waste $$ for SLPA. You already have BS degree, take CBEST and get substitute teacher job in school. All they look for experience with kids. Apply lots of schools you will get job even for teacher aid if $$ is an issue.

Good Luck!!

[Missthang]

I think your option 2 is the best bet. While grad schools really like to see a well rounded application (including lots of volunteering esp. in populations of people that SLPs serve), you definitely want to have the highest GPA you can get and great GRE scores as well. If those don't meet their minimum requirements, then chances are they may not even bother to look at your working experience as an SLPA or whatever else you have going for you. I think getting some great volunteering experience or shadowing an SLP will look just as good on your resume along with a high GPA, GRE scores, awesome LORs, personal statement etc. I do know of several people who did not get in to grad school when they applied as seniors and even after working 1, 2, even 3 yrs as SLPAs it still didn't happen for them. Of course that's not saying it's not helpful to do that, but if you're wanting to fast track then I say stick with taking classes and boosting your GPA, hardcore studying for the GRE and any extra time volunteering/shadowing/observing. Hope this helps!

[jpark089]

If you're in a hurry to get your Master's, why not take all your post-bac courses this fall/next spring and try applying this winter to less competitive programs? If you don't get in anywhere for next fall, work as a SLPA for a year or volunteer and maybe take some electives while you try again. 

 

A lot of post-bac programs don't have competitive admission or require application months in advance. I decided to do mine a couple weeks before classes started. If you can't find a program like this in your area, there are a few online options.

 

 

I think the most important thing is your GPA then GRE and then experience. I would suggest you to do post-bac program. You don't have to waste $$ for SLPA. You already have BS degree, take CBEST and get substitute teacher job in school. All they look for experience with kids. Apply lots of schools you will get job even for teacher aid if $$ is an issue.

Good Luck!!

 

 

I think your option 2 is the best bet. While grad schools really like to see a well rounded application (including lots of volunteering esp. in populations of people that SLPs serve), you definitely want to have the highest GPA you can get and great GRE scores as well. If those don't meet their minimum requirements, then chances are they may not even bother to look at your working experience as an SLPA or whatever else you have going for you. I think getting some great volunteering experience or shadowing an SLP will look just as good on your resume along with a high GPA, GRE scores, awesome LORs, personal statement etc. I do know of several people who did not get in to grad school when they applied as seniors and even after working 1, 2, even 3 yrs as SLPAs it still didn't happen for them. Of course that's not saying it's not helpful to do that, but if you're wanting to fast track then I say stick with taking classes and boosting your GPA, hardcore studying for the GRE and any extra time volunteering/shadowing/observing. Hope this helps!

 

Hippopirate, dial1010usa, Missthang,

 

THANK YOU for your replies!

I will be taking some prerequisite classes this fall at a local community college (anatomy, statistics, speech).

I plan on studying for the GREs as well and take the exam soon (to be able to apply for grad schools/post bac programs for next year!)

I will also try to work/volunteer/shadow in my spare time!

 

Thank you for taking the time to reply!

[spursnpearls]

From experience...

I didn't graduate early, and I had a rather high GPA coming out of undergrad. I see you're from LA... post-bac IS competitive around here (and grad school is worse). I was absolutely shocked that I got into LB, even with my GPA. (I also applied and was accepted to CSULA and CSUF for post-bac).  The schools around LA actually do have you apply in the fall for the following fall... it's just like applying to grad school. Because it's so competitive around here for grad school, I am finishing up my post-bac now, but I added one last class this summer to get my SLPA licensure so that I can work between now and grad school, whenever that is going to happen. I would definitely recommend having a fall back, but realize that getting an SLPA certification from a community college is not viewed as equivalent (at least in the LA area) to getting an SLPA certification and having a bachelor's degree (especially in-major). I.e., on paper, most places would hire me, who went through CD coursework and am now licensed, over someone who did an AA program at a community college. It's up to you and how fast you want to get school done, but just as something to think about... if you have a grad program you're looking at, try to get into post-bac there, or  better, find one that has a continuous enrollment (i.e. you get admitted for post bad and then they let you continue straight into master's work.) Do not bank on going to post-bac in this area, though, and being a shoe-in for the grad program, no matter what they tell you. (LB, for example, did not even interview one of us from their own program for the traditional master's). Message me if you have more questions. 

[takeuwithme]

I am in the same situation.  I'm not confident taking prerequisites and going to grad school are going to work for me.  I have a BA in Sociology/Human Services with minor in Spanish.  Haven't worked in the field since 2007 for many reasons.  Wouldn't SLPA experience help get me in the Master's program, because if I don't get my SLPA, then I have no speech language experience at all on my resume.  I am mainly going to SLPA for experience and finances.  I am making crap pay compared to a SLPA.  SLPA salary would help me finance grad school, might take 2 years but not as long as if I don't have SLPA.  Obviously I'll apply to scholarships, but who knows.  I have a student loan that I have on deferment from my BA.  So all I can get are scholarships.  I found an online SLPA program that will be affordable with the pay I'm making.  Another reason SLPA degree will help me with is the Grad program studies.  SLPA should give me a lot of knowledge to make sure I succeed in the grad program.  

 

I have an online Masters program in SLP in mind but am worried about final semester of doing 40 hours a week in a 9 week span while working part time as a SLPA.  I'm hoping the SLPA job will count towards some of those hours and work other places to complete the rest.  

 

Thank you for listening.  

Edited April 22, 2015 by takeuwithme

[Arcanelady27]

I am in the same situation.  I'm not confident taking prerequisites and going to grad school are going to work for me.  I have a BA in Sociology/Human Services with minor in Spanish.  Haven't worked in the field since 2007 for many reasons.  Wouldn't SLPA experience help get me in the Master's program, because if I don't get my SLPA, then I have no speech language experience at all on my resume.  I am mainly going to SLPA for experience and finances.  I am making crap pay compared to a SLPA.  SLPA salary would help me finance grad school, might take 2 years but not as long as if I don't have SLPA.  Obviously I'll apply to scholarships, but who knows.  I have a student loan that I have on deferment from my BA.  So all I can get are scholarships.  I found an online SLPA program that will be affordable with the pay I'm making.  Another reason SLPA degree will help me with is the Grad program studies.  SLPA should give me a lot of knowledge to make sure I succeed in the grad program.  

 

I have an online Masters program in SLP in mind but am worried about final semester of doing 40 hours a week in a 9 week span while working part time as a SLPA.  I'm hoping the SLPA job will count towards some of those hours and work other places to complete the rest.  

 

Thank you for listening.  

It appears to me getting your SLPA will help you in more ways than one.  However, getting your SLPA is no guarantee you will get into a grad program.  Many who apply for grad studies ,in SLP,  do not necessarily have experience in the field. They have volunteer experience and observation hours that are often required for completion of a BA in SLP. As someone mentioned, there are people who went to school for SLPA and still did not get to grad school after three years of applying.

Edited April 22, 2015 by Arcanelady27

[takeuwithme]

It appears to me getting your SLPA will help you in more ways than one.  However, getting your SLPA is no guarantee you will get into a grad program.  Many who apply for grad studies ,in SLP,  do not necessarily have experience in the field. They have volunteer experience and observation hours that are often required for completion of a BA in SLP. As someone mentioned, there are people who went to school for SLPA and still did not get to grad school after three years of applying.

 

Yes I am aware of that.  I am hoping to work as SLPA for a year and I hear grad schools want experience with kids and high GPAs and good GRE, etc.  I might take two part time SLPA to get a variety of experience.  This is why I am researching ahead of time to see what the people who got in grad school did to get accepted.

 

Did you get accepted in grad school? If so, how is it going? If not, what are your plans? 

 

Thanks for your input 

[Arcanelady27]

Yes I am aware of that.  I am hoping to work as SLPA for a year and I hear grad schools want experience with kids and high GPAs and good GRE, etc.  I might take two part time SLPA to get a variety of experience.  This is why I am researching ahead of time to see what the people who got in grad school did to get accepted.

 

Did you get accepted in grad school? If so, how is it going? If not, what are your plans? 

 

Thanks for your input 

I have not been accepted. However, I am limited to affordable schools within my city.  My plans are to retake the GRE  for the fourth time. I know that ASHA changed their requirements and I am not sure my biology class satisfies their new requirements. I also believe I must take a physics or chemistry. I will register to take these classes and hopefully boost my overall GPA. 

Edited April 22, 2015 by Arcanelady27

[takeuwithme]

I have not been accepted. However, I am limited to affordable schools within my city.  My plans are to retake the GRE  for the fourth time. I know that ASHA changed their requirements and I am not sure my biology class satisfies their new requirements. I also believe I must take a physics or chemistry. I will register to take these classes and hopefully boost my overall GPA. 

Have you tried Tseng college? It's in CA but it's all online.  It's through California State University.  It is accredited too.  I'm thinking of UW Eau Claire since (WI) I live in IL and it's online part time program after working as SLPA.  Tseng would be my b/u plan even though it's 100 dollars more/credit.  It's 725/credit at Tseng.  Is there a GRE study guide or something people can use to prepare for the GRE? Wow physics and chemistry you have to take? I didn't know that.  I took Chemistry at a community college, but the teacher sucked, I got a C in the class.  Probably not good.  

 

Here is the link for Tseng:  http://tsengcollege.csun.edu/programs/CDS/faq

 

So are you volunteering or are you working in speech field to get experience? I plan on getting SLPA license and working for a year, and then try.  I am worried about his GRE and other scores won't be good enough though.  I am going to make sure my GPA is really good during SLPA because my GPA during college ( I have a BA in sociology/human services) was 3.11.  However, I was taking Spanish classes in addition to my sociology and human services classes.  Human Services classes were grad level.  She is a good friend of mine but she was really tough on us.  It looks like GPA of 3.0 is the minimum for this grad school, but obviously they mean 3.5 or better.  I wish there was a Facebook group that could give people like us ideas on how to succeed in getting accepted into grad school.  It seems like people work hard at everything they need and are still denied.  I wonder why that is.

 

UW Eau Claire says this about chem/physics:  Some students may need to add other credits in order to meet credential and/or licensure standards. These additional courses may include human or animal biology, chemistry or physics, child/human development, statistics, neurology, sign language, assessment and treatment for voice, articulation/phonology, child language, fluency, hearing disorders, and guided clinical observation (during which you earn 25 observation hours).

 

Hope this helps! 

[SLP2B111]

Hey TakeUWithme! 

 

Just wanted to respond to your comment about an online forum -- there is an online FB page that was originally created to help people navigate SLP2B education. Search FB for IMAGES (Insight, Mentoring and Guidance for Aspiring SLPs). It was started by an SLP in Illinois. 

 

I'm not sure where in Illinois you are, but College of DuPage also has a SLPA program. I know you need an online program, but in case you need some additional pre-reqs or want to speak with someone about Illinois licensing, CoD might be a good resource. 

 

As for the Science classes, this is generally more of an ASHA requirement for licensing than a school requirement. Check the ASHA website about this as I think they provide more specifics -- I think it is something like you need a biological science and a physical science but there are different classes that would fall under these categories. 

 

When you're ready for grad school, Governor's State has a part time program. It is not online, but is pretty reasonably priced but, from what I've heard the PT program is uber competitive as it is the only one in the area. I'm pretty sure there is a distance program in Idaho as well. If you contact ASHA they can give you a list of schools that are ASHA approved and provide online/distance programs. Some of them require some on-campus visits so you'll want to check on that. Arizona also has a summers only program that is specifically for SLPAs. So you'd work at a school during the school year and be there at during the summers. The one thing that makes distance programs difficult is that you do have to get in a certain number of clinical hours and those are a bit more difficult to obtain if you don't have a University clinic in which to do the hours. It is also a bit difficult if you are in Chicagoland b/c most of the SLP grad programs here cover different geographical regions so they already have agreements in place for their students to have the clinical hours. If you're an SLPA, though, you may be able to do  some of your hours at your job site. If you're further outside Chicago, it will likely be a bit easier. 

 

IF you are planning on being a school based SLPA, you may want to call around to the districts near you to see what the job potential is like. I know a few of the larger districts, including Chicago Public Schools, no longer employ SLPAs. 

[takeuwithme]

First of all, Thank you SOOO much for the IMAGAS info.  There are over 2500 members and I joined, waiting approval.  This will be a GREAT resource, and I live in IL also.

 

2nd, I got approved to SLPA online program through Lake Region State College, so no need to worry about that.  I start in the fall. 

 

I will check out ASHA I have been looking there a lot for other resources as well.  According to national statistics, IL has above average SLPA job opportunities. 

 

For Grad schools, I will need an online program, which I found UW Eau Claire (WI) which is a part time online grad program, and I will do a one week residency per year for 3 years.  For the residency, I will take vacation time for that, which I'm not worried.  I am worried about the last semester working 40 hours a week for 9 weeks maybe more while working 20 hours a week at a SLPA job.  I will probably be working two part time SLPA jobs after I get SLPA for a year or two to get some experience, and then apply to grad school.  I was also looking at Tseng College(CA State University) as a b/u to Eau Claire, but it's more expensive than Eau Claire, but I wouldn't have to a residency, just 400 hours in my community for the practicum.  I wouldn't mind not having a university clinic, but doing the 400 hours in my community at various locations addressing multiple populations.  I think the only hard part is doing 40 hours/week and 20 hrs at my SLPA job, was praying I could use 20 hrs at my SLPA job for part of my 400, but unsure if that's possible. and getting accepted into grad school.  Those will be my challenges.  I will definitely be doing school placements if that's what it takes to get me into grad school, after acceptance (if it happens) then I'll drop the school one and keep the other part time SLPA which will be adult I'm hoping for.  I wouldn't mind working with kids, but it just depends on what I get.  In the long run, I am hoping to get into a nursing home with elderly after all is done.  My long-term goal would be to work afternoons, evenings and weekends, which I've found are mostly in nursing homes.  or skilled nursing facilities.  If I have to work days during grad school, then i'll struggle through it.  I've worked days before, it's just I don't prefer it.   I'm not in Chicago, but a suburb.  There are multiple SLPA jobs I know of in a city about 40 mins away, or I was thinking of working for a contract agency where I travel to different cities where I am needed.  I am open to that at this point.  

 

I am really unhappy in my current job.  I definitely will be leaving that job once I get a SLPA job.  

 

Thank you so much for your help! 

 

Hey TakeUWithme! 

 

Just wanted to respond to your comment about an online forum -- there is an online FB page that was originally created to help people navigate SLP2B education. Search FB for IMAGES (Insight, Mentoring and Guidance for Aspiring SLPs). It was started by an SLP in Illinois. 

 

I'm not sure where in Illinois you are, but College of DuPage also has a SLPA program. I know you need an online program, but in case you need some additional pre-reqs or want to speak with someone about Illinois licensing, CoD might be a good resource. 

 

As for the Science classes, this is generally more of an ASHA requirement for licensing than a school requirement. Check the ASHA website about this as I think they provide more specifics -- I think it is something like you need a biological science and a physical science but there are different classes that would fall under these categories. 

 

When you're ready for grad school, Governor's State has a part time program. It is not online, but is pretty reasonably priced but, from what I've heard the PT program is uber competitive as it is the only one in the area. I'm pretty sure there is a distance program in Idaho as well. If you contact ASHA they can give you a list of schools that are ASHA approved and provide online/distance programs. Some of them require some on-campus visits so you'll want to check on that. Arizona also has a summers only program that is specifically for SLPAs. So you'd work at a school during the school year and be there at during the summers. The one thing that makes distance programs difficult is that you do have to get in a certain number of clinical hours and those are a bit more difficult to obtain if you don't have a University clinic in which to do the hours. It is also a bit difficult if you are in Chicagoland b/c most of the SLP grad programs here cover different geographical regions so they already have agreements in place for their students to have the clinical hours. If you're an SLPA, though, you may be able to do  some of your hours at your job site. If you're further outside Chicago, it will likely be a bit easier. 

 

IF you are planning on being a school based SLPA, you may want to call around to the districts near you to see what the job potential is like. I know a few of the larger districts, including Chicago Public Schools, no longer employ SLPAs. 

[Arcanelady27]

Have you tried Tseng college? It's in CA but it's all online.  It's through California State University.  It is accredited too.  I'm thinking of UW Eau Claire since (WI) I live in IL and it's online part time program after working as SLPA.  Tseng would be my b/u plan even though it's 100 dollars more/credit.  It's 725/credit at Tseng.  Is there a GRE study guide or something people can use to prepare for the GRE? Wow physics and chemistry you have to take? I didn't know that.  I took Chemistry at a community college, but the teacher sucked, I got a C in the class.  Probably not good.  

 

Here is the link for Tseng:  http://tsengcollege.csun.edu/programs/CDS/faq

 

So are you volunteering or are you working in speech field to get experience? I plan on getting SLPA license and working for a year, and then try.  I am worried about his GRE and other scores won't be good enough though.  I am going to make sure my GPA is really good during SLPA because my GPA during college ( I have a BA in sociology/human services) was 3.11.  However, I was taking Spanish classes in addition to my sociology and human services classes.  Human Services classes were grad level.  She is a good friend of mine but she was really tough on us.  It looks like GPA of 3.0 is the minimum for this grad school, but obviously they mean 3.5 or better.  I wish there was a Facebook group that could give people like us ideas on how to succeed in getting accepted into grad school.  It seems like people work hard at everything they need and are still denied.  I wonder why that is.

 

UW Eau Claire says this about chem/physics:  Some students may need to add other credits in order to meet credential and/or licensure standards. These additional courses may include human or animal biology, chemistry or physics, child/human development, statistics, neurology, sign language, assessment and treatment for voice, articulation/phonology, child language, fluency, hearing disorders, and guided clinical observation (during which you earn 25 observation hours).

 

Hope this helps! 

I have looked at UW Eau Claire. I would need six more credits to have their minimum  My GPA for my undergrad degree I did 12 years ago is 3.01 My post bacc GPA is 3.38. I am hoping with chemistry or physics class I can pull it up to a 3.4 or 3.5. 

Currently, I have a job that gives me a small school stipend a year. I hope to use it to pay for school. I volunteered at a rehab hospital.

Unfortunately, I live in a state SLPA are not used. 

[takeuwithme]

I have looked at UW Eau Claire. I would need six more credits to have their minimum  My GPA for my undergrad degree I did 12 years ago is 3.01 My post bacc GPA is 3.38. I am hoping with chemistry or physics class I can pull it up to a 3.4 or 3.5. 

Currently, I have a job that gives me a small school stipend a year. I hope to use it to pay for school. I volunteered at a rehab hospital.

Unfortunately, I live in a state SLPA are not used. 

Sorry to hear that.  Did you check out Tseng College? What six credits do you need? In what subject? My GPA 14 years ago was 3.11.  I am confused about ASHA's new requirement on physics or chemistry.  I took chemistry, but I got a C.  The website's requirement is written confusing.

 

http://www.asha.org/Certification/Certification-Standards-for-SLP--General-Information/#difference

 

That's too bad SLPA aren't used in your state.  That is great that you have a job with a stipend.  Wow, that would be great if I had that.  How long did you volunteer at a rehab hospital and how many hours did you put in? 

 

Thank you. 

[Arcanelady27]

Sorry to hear that.  Did you check out Tseng College? What six credits do you need? In what subject? My GPA 14 years ago was 3.11.  I am confused about ASHA's new requirement on physics or chemistry.  I took chemistry, but I got a C.  The website's requirement is written confusing.

 

http://www.asha.org/Certification/Certification-Standards-for-SLP--General-Information/#difference

 

That's too bad SLPA aren't used in your state.  That is great that you have a job with a stipend.  Wow, that would be great if I had that.  How long did you volunteer at a rehab hospital and how many hours did you put in? 

 

Thank you. 

I think they want a minimum grade of C for the courses required by ASHA. UW Eau Claire told me I would need courses that focus on specific communication disorders. The ones I took focused on all of them. 

I volunteered for one semester. I did 15 hours a week. 

[mr479]

SLPA would be a waste. It won't help you get into grad school, unfortunately. And you will have to do the postbac courses no matter what. So do well in those. Aim for a 4.0 and your GPA will definitely go up!

[mr479]

Hippopirate, dial1010usa, Missthang,

 

THANK YOU for your replies!

I will be taking some prerequisite classes this fall at a local community college (anatomy, statistics, speech).

I plan on studying for the GREs as well and take the exam soon (to be able to apply for grad schools/post bac programs for next year!)

I will also try to work/volunteer/shadow in my spare time!

 

Thank you for taking the time to reply!

If these courses are a part of an SLPA program, they will not be accepted for admission into an SLP Masters program even if the subject matter is the same. You should take any prereqs at a 4-year college or university.

[takeuwithme]

I think they want a minimum grade of C for the courses required by ASHA. UW Eau Claire told me I would need courses that focus on specific communication disorders. The ones I took focused on all of them. 

I volunteered for one semester. I did 15 hours a week. 

 

They want a minimum of a C, which I have, but will I be denied because it wasn't a B or A? Well I am taking a free online geometry refresher course.  It is really helpful.  The GRE guide geometry questions were too difficult for me before this class! 

[Arcanelady27]

They want a minimum of a C, which I have, but will I be denied because it wasn't a B or A? Well I am taking a free online geometry refresher course.  It is really helpful.  The GRE guide geometry questions were too difficult for me before this class! 

Some schools require the classes to be no less than a B. It really depends on the school. For example, Hunter College wants a B or higher in these courses. Whereas some schools, as long as you meet their GPA requirement, it does not matter.