How do i know how competitive a program actually is???

[n22]

Hey guys! I was wondering how you guys have been determining which schools are the best match for you stats wise? For example, I have looked through the ASHA list of schools and also each program's website as well, and all of their gpa ranges seem huge. Schools that I know are really competitive verse schools that aren't as competitive sometimes both list their gpa range as 2.0-4.0 for example. I have an idea of what my chances are in getting into grad schools in mass since that's where I'm from and know of the programs, but are there other websites/resources that I could use in learning more about other schools out of state? The school websites themselves are always so vague in admissions :/ thanks so much! I just started the process and would appreciate any info 

[twinguy7]

One option is to just email each and every school you would consider applying to and let them know your stats and experience related to the field and ask if they admit people with your overall application package.  I found it fun to do so.  I just had a template email I copied and pasted and sent out to more than 100 programs.  Almost all programs were honest about my chances and some would steer me in the right direction as to which programs would fit me.  

[Yancey]

I would also see how many students apply versus how many are accepted. For example some private schools may accept more students overall because of price or flexibility in enlarging class sizes. 

Edited August 10, 2015 by Yancey

[litesneeze]

Yes, calculating the acceptance rate based on the stats you find ASHA Edfind, and any program's website is a helpful way to gauge schools and their level of competition. Another good way to get a feel about the school is to go to a school's open house. It gives you a great opportunity to find out a school's stats that way, especially if you found something confusing on their website description.

From my experience, many schools in the highly populated metropolitan areas with a large number of applicants are not very receptive with emails asking about the program's stats and mostly refer you to the website for more information. At times, they might even sound a bit discouraging because they do not want to waste time on some applications that do not match to their standards. Private schools were much more welcoming and helpful with emails than public universities.

For me, open houses really helped a lot. Programs will hold their open houses typically in the fall.

[n22]

Thanks everybody!