Decision Help!

[sarahcd]

Hello!

 

I'm not sure if this is the type of thing that is relevant to this forum, but I would love some advice from anyone who is willing to help on my grad school decision. Advice from friends, family, etc, is always nice; but everyone here knows the field and it is much more helpful to get feedback from my co-SLPs (and future SLPs!)

 

Im not going to mentioned the names because I don't know if thats kosher (but Ill give them if Im asked!)

 

Basically, the first schools I am considering is:

 

Pros

 

1) In a big city with AWESOME clinical opportunities

2) Really great research I would be involved in

3) Very reuptable i.e. it will look great on a resume

4) Gave me a scholarship that will mean I essentially only need to pay for one year of school rather than 2! And thats not counting an RA position or finanical aid yet

 

Cons

 

1) Even after my scholarship, tuition will come out to around $45,000, plus I will need to take out extra loans just for rent and stuff since I wont have time to work enough to support myself

2) Cost of living will be high Im assuming!

3) Im already in a LOT of debt from undergrad

 

Second school

 

Pros

 

1) Received a TA position; essentially my tuition will come out to around $30,000 total, if not less!

2) Since our field is so great, even if I go to this less-known school Ill still get a job and get all my CF hours in, they will just be at much less notable and competitive locations

3) Cheaper cost of living

 

Cons

 

1) less known, less competitive school

2) Placements will be fine, but not really stand out, aka I wont really stand out in an applicant pool for a job

 

I'm worried about money in a REALLY big way, but Im also worried that I'd be passing up a huge opportunity to become really competitive in the field and set myself up for success in the future!

 

Im sure more people have this same problem, let me know how you decided! And congratulations to all acceptances!!!!

[NWFreeheel11]

My step mother is an SLP and went to a state school that is decent but not fancy shiny and she has never been without work. There is a high demand for sure. 

 

In a field that doesn't pay heaps and heaps, taking loans that will leave you strapped for years is not that advisable. Here is how I see it:

 

You can either 

 

a. Take the fancy one with more debt and get a slightly better first job, but you will spend more time paying off debt and not having freedom from finances. 

 

OR

 

b. Go to the better funded school and take a job right after that may be one rung down the career ladder. If you are good at what you do, in a year or two you will be easily qualified for the same job you MAY have been able to take right out of the shiny school, but you are two years closer to paying off your already lower debt. 

 

In both scenarios, you would realistically get to the same career level of paid off debt and job title, but the first keeps you strapped for cash longer and the second allows you to enjoy your life sooner in your career. Happiness and financial stability is worth its weight and will help you be better at your job with that stresser gone. 

 

I would take "b". Not all those things that shine are made of gold. ;-)

Edited March 21, 2015 by NWFreeheel11

[CBG321]

Are you positive that the B option is any less notable?  I don't think a better school has any significant impact on your ability to get a job after you graduate.  So if the program B is capable of giving you a good education that will make you a good clinician, I'd go with that over a flashy name.  

 

I haven't heard of anyone getting a better job because of what school they went to.  Perhaps go to the less expensive school and really make sure you get to do you CFY at a prestigious place.  That will be your real-world experience and they are your biggest advocates for hiring after you've completed your degree b/c they are the ones that deem you competent and capable.  (At least that's the impression I get).  

 

If two people are interviewing from different schools i'd take the one with a better personality not the better school.  Maybe you'll have more opportunities at the less known school to make deep connections with Professors who aren't busy making a name for the school but are maybe instead focusing on their students education?  Not to say the more expensive school doesn't, but charging an extra 40k makes all the things they offer pretty easy.

 

Last advice maybe try to reach out to a current student and ask how prepared they feel and if they enjoy the program!

 

Congratulations on getting in!  Either way you will get many opportunities and i'm sure you will end up in whatever job setting you most prefer  Good luck picking!

[hopefulslp2b]

I'm having the same issue!

[Liz113]

For me, it's not worth taking on extra debt unless the other school has a professor or research or a specific training focus that you are looking to get involved in. 

[MonicaSLP]

Don't go into more debt! One day you will have a family and want a house and pay for daycare and want to save for retirement and travel every so often....those loan payments will make a big difference. If by chance you don't want a family, you will still want to travel, and live wherever you want to and enjoy your life without that stress. Trust me.

[sarahcd]

Thank you so much everyone! This makes me feel a lot more confident in my decision