Montclair University and other low-ranking schools from US News

[Curlylets]

I want to apply to an SLP program, and I know I'm not a strong applicant because of my undergraduate gpa which was 3.21/lack letters of recommendation.  I would like to attend Montclair University because of proximity but am wary because it is ranked so low (154) in US news and world report.  I am going back to school because I want to train in a career that helps individuals with developmental disabilities, but one that pays well too.  My GREs are 150 - Q and 164 - V, 4 - Writing.  I don't know my chances for schools like NYU and Columbia which are also close by.  For those of you that have gone to Montclair or other low ranking schools, how's life been? Have your career opportunities/prospects been affected by your choice of school?  I know it really matters when applying to law school, (if you only get accepted to a low tier school you might want to reconsider your choice in career) but does it matter in SLP? I know I'm asking several questions but any feedback would be appreciated !  

[Chandru1]

Montclair should post their employment outcomes on their website. I would bet they have a great employment rate.

[sayjo]

 

Rankings tend to be based on the school's research reputation - NOT how good/bad the program is.  As long as the program is accredited and you are able to get your Cs, you can find a job.

Edited December 3, 2014 by sayjo

[jpiccolo]

I haven't heard that it makes any difference to attend a low ranking school. Every school's stats I've seen say 100% job placement. Considering how tough it is to get into any program in this field just be willing to be flexible and apply to a variety of schools. I'm keeping my options as open as possible after getting 5 rejections last year. 

[Curlylets]

Yeah I'm really scared I won't be accepted, I'm currently trying to take prerequiste coursework, and really hoping to get into school that are around me like Montclair, I guess I shouldn't give the rankings too much credit since actually getting into Montclair probably will not be easy no matter their ranking

[Yancey]

Rankings do not matter. I just went through the application process and I am attending graduate school. Now that I am in a graduate program I realize some of the things I should have looked at that I did not put as much emphasis on. My program has both positive and aspects I wish were different based on things I now know would have facilitated my learning better. I wish I had looked at if the school makes you start clinic your first semester or if clinic begins later, class size, and electives, number and type of placements offered. I also think it is important to look at the emphasis the school has (what focus is important to the professors/college itself), the quality and type of research (are the teaching practices that are outdated or not using EBP -like using NSOME with language disorders), is their an emphasis on integrating the research with practical approaches so you know how to make the research "real," are test essay, multiple choice or some other format, is their an on-campus clinic or is it all external placements? These are some questions that I think can be more effective to contemplate when selecting a school versus some arbitrary ranking system whose criterion is not based on all aspects important to students. There are high ranking and lower ranking programs that are solid and there are higher and lower ranking schools that are lackluster. The backbone of a school is really the clinical philosophy of the professors. They will be teaching you and some may become mentors, make sure they know current research and practices in the field.  The best advice is to find one you know will make you a strong clinician and that you won't regret choosing because you picked it based on rankings alone and not fit. Good luck!

[argslp]

I currently attend the program at Montclair and have observed SLP's in various settings around the state. Although Montclair has a "lower" ranking in this report, it is one of the most reputable programs in the state. The students in my program rarely have trouble getting externship placements because we are known to be extremely well-prepared to work in the field. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first semester at Montclair and feel very prepared to begin clinic in the spring. I applied to twelve schools last year and was accepted to seven of them. Montclair stood out as the best choice for me. If I had chosen my school based on the rankings alone, I would have missed out on the great academic experience that I am receiving.