scmk8 Posted August 11, 2015 Posted August 11, 2015 I am going to finish my undergrad in CSD this fall semester and have been preparing to apply for spring semester for the graduate programs at the University of Central Florida, Baylor University, and University of Texas - Dallas. There is not a lot of graduate schools that do spring admissions and I feel like maybe I should hold my applications until fall because there will be more options of schools available. I guess basically I'm worried about attending UCF or Baylor because of their rankings as compared to many other SLP graduate programs such as University of Florida or University of Texas Austin. UTD has a great SLP program, which I am well aware of, so I am not too worried about that, but I have been reading blogs and comments online about UCF and Baylor that are making me really ambivalent about applying there. I am from New York and have no idea about Texas or Florida schools. Should I just wait until next fall? Or should I not care about rankings and get my masters earlier?
eggfish Posted August 11, 2015 Posted August 11, 2015 From my understanding, it can't hurt to go to a school with a good reputation, but rankings really don't matter much in this field if the schools you are looking at are accredited by ASHA. Just make sure the school is a right fit for you. If you do decide to wait until the fall, you could always use that time to build up your resume or retake the GRE to get into a top-notch school or earn scholarships. This decision is very subjective, so research the schools and go with your gut. There is nothing wrong with going to UCF or Baylor. scmk8 1
Yancey Posted August 12, 2015 Posted August 12, 2015 The competition may seem less in the Spring because less people are applying, but also less schools are admitting and thus there are still not a lot of spots. I graduated in Fall and waited until Fall to apply. My thoughts on your other question is that rankings aren't everything! It is more important that you ask yourself what you want in a school and think about what I consider sometimes less obvious aspects. I would ask myself things like: Do I want a school close to family/friends/support? Am I wanting/willing to move out of state? Pay high price for tuition? Prefer large/small class size? More research focused vs. more clinically practical course work (All schools should,and I presume most do, use research (EBP) to support their treatments. I mean more in terms of students reading lots of journals, working on a thesis, or research projects). Competition for placements (just because a school has a hospital or something as part of their clinic does not mean every student will get that placement). The atmosphere of the students/campus (is it collaborative? Competitive? Do the students feel supported and encouraged?). There are so many more important things to focus on than rankings. Just because someone doesn't go to a "top ranked" school doesn't mean they won't end up with their dream job at some point. And just because a school seems to be the "top" doesn't mean it's s good fit for every student (good stats or not-so-stellar). Sorry about the rant. Ultimately it's up to you and where you'd be happy. And if you don't think it's one of those schools then don't feel pressured to apply. But maybe a school might surprise you! I just feel like in our field, so many students get caught up in this idea of reputation, but this is going to be a clinical job of treating patients for many of us. A big research university doesn't necessarily mean a better education. It can be great, but so can a local smaller college. I would just recommend thinking about what you value in a grad school and clinical education and use that to decide what schools would be a good fit (top or not). scmk8 1
Crimson Wife Posted August 12, 2015 Posted August 12, 2015 There is a shortage of SLP's so I really wouldn't obsess over the rankings. It's not like law school where employers can afford to be super-picky because there's a glut of graduates. If you complete your master's and your licensure, you will find a job somewhere. scmk8 1
jpiccolo Posted August 12, 2015 Posted August 12, 2015 It's nice to consider rankings a little but keep them in perspective. Some higher ranking schools are more academic/research oriented which might be a pro if that's more important to you. The highest ranked school I got into was the university of Utah but some things I learned about the program made me glad I went elsewhere. Not that it is bad, just that others were a better fit. It may be more beneficial for you to find current or graduated students and ask about their experiences. You'll get a better idea of what the profs are like and if students are happy with the program and extern opportunities. scmk8 1
scmk8 Posted August 12, 2015 Author Posted August 12, 2015 Thank you everyone for all your advice! I definitely need to go over what I really want from graduate school, and find students who are currently in the programs. It's also really assuring to know that rankings shouldn't be the determining factor of my decision for attending a school. I guess what's important is to see if I get accepted to these programs first, before I make any decisions! Thanks again!
mr479 Posted August 13, 2015 Posted August 13, 2015 There are actually plenty of options for Spring, you just have to be willing to move. Do you have the list of schools that take Spring applicants?
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