How much can my extra involvement as an undergrad and related professional experience after graduating help my chances?

[sheldojm]

Looking at my first three semesters on my transcript is slightly painful, but subsequent grades show that I worked my butt off after that and was successful in my efforts to get back into good academic standing. Starting the CSD major made me excited to be in school and enthusiastic about my future. Good grades naturally followed. My numbers are a little low, if just looking at grades and scores, but I feel that my volunteer and research involvement make me a strong applicant because of the breadth and depth of these experiences. I have been out of school for 4 years and as I start the application process again, am wondering if I'm crazy for thinking I might have a chance at grad school.

CSD GPA 3.75

Overall, GPA 3.36 (rough start affected overall GPA quite a bit, but after my 3rd semester grades were strong)

GRE Verbal: 149, Quantitative:144, Analytical, 4.0  Taking again in October because I've been out of school for 4 years and my score is expired. 

Experience: 3 semesters of undergrad research with multiple presentations and National ASHA conference, volunteered weekly with local aphasia group for over a year, pediatric SLP summer group volunteer, volunteered with school SLP working with ESL student, Instructional intern for a semester 

I also have had a semester of undergrad clinical experience, and believe through research and volunteer work I will have two strong academic LoRs. The director of the organization I work for will also write me a very positive recommendation. 

Since out of school I have advanced to a management position within an organization that provides intensive communicative and behavioral supports to adults with autism. This job relates very closely to the field and the experience is invaluable to me. I realize I probably risked less than perfect grades by committing so much time to research and volunteering as an undergraduate student, but I see myself as a more well rounded applicant because of these experiences. I know that many of these opportunities would have been granted to other interested students rather than me if the professors didn't think I was going to be successful in them. I also think the time away from school has been important for developing new skills that will allow me to bring something unique to the program.

Just wondering if the admissions committee will look kindly on someone who had a rough start before starting the major, became a great student, then was out of school for four years developing relevant skills after completing undergrad.

Does anybody have a success story in what they felt was a long shot? Thanks for your input!

Edited September 21, 2015 by sheldojm

[hopefulspeechie16]

I'm in a very similar position as you. I have some unique experiences that have gotten me on the news and I've done an honors study. My GPA and GRE are just like yours. I hope that schools will look beyond these numbers and accept us for our passion and experiences in the field. 

[sheldojm]

I'm in a very similar position as you. I have some unique experiences that have gotten me on the news and I've done an honors study. My GPA and GRE are just like yours. I hope that schools will look beyond these numbers and accept us for our passion and experiences in the field. 

Thanks for sharing! Good luck with your applications this Fall!