UCF vs. Ole Miss

[courtz13]

I have been accepted into both UCF and Ole MIss. I am really torn between both schools..

UCF- I was accepted into their summer program which starts May 16th. With that date, I would need to leave my job as a one-on-one aid, pack up and move within a month. I also was accepted as an out-of-field applicant. I am required to take some more courses at the undergraduate level that my undergrad school did not require. In hopes of finding out how many extra undergraduate courses I need to take, the school could not provide that answer to me. This could potentially add on another semester, year, or maybe just one course but I would risk leaving my job and not knowing until orientation which is the Friday before classes start on Monday. 

Ole Miss- I was accepted for their fall program, which gives me time to relocate myself reasonably. I would not have to take any pre-requisite courses. Unfortunately, Ole Miss is ranked #141, whereas UCF is ranked #53. Their facility is small and a bit dated. I am concerned with the area around Oxford and traveling, at least an hour to memphis for off campus clinicals during my second year. Another issue that could be a flaw is the school focuses on pediatrics (which I want to do 100%) but I am worried that if given a job opportunity with adults is my only option right out of school, how am I to know I will get the education on adults as needed. I truly loved oxford and the school itself.  

I am looking for thoughts and opinions anyone may have.  

[Tommye Hunter]

 I'd  go with Ole Miss which has a strong reputation.  Those rankings are not based on quality as much as they are on who all responds to the questionnaires.  Look at how many ASHA presidents have been affiliated with Ole Miss vs. UCF.   Oxford is tiny but you'll only be there a couple of years and then the world will be open to you.  All programs have to make sure we get competencies in the Big Nine with adults and children so you'll be fine.

[speechietobe]

I don't know anything about Ole Miss but I attend undergrad at UCF so just my two cents on the program here: the program is great and the clinic is state of the art! All of the grad students love it and I really love all of the supervisors that are there whenever I'm in the clinic. The professors truly care about everyone and want you to learn, succeed, and thrive.  Also, Orlando is huge and there are SO many options for placements when it comes time for externships. If you were accepted as an out of field app won't you have to take more classes at whichever school you choose? Sorry if thats wrong thats just the impression I was under! If you want, the next time I'm in the clinic I can ask around grad student that was out of field and see how much longer it took them to graduate!  

Ultimately, you are going to get a great education no matter where you end up. ASHA's requirements make it so that you will take generally the same curriculum wherever you go. I don't think you can go wrong either way and when you finish you'll be an in demand SLP no matter what! Just factor in costs and where you'll be more comfortable and you'll be fine  good luck!