Online Prereqs (bio, stats, etc.) VS. In-person?

[SopranoSLP]

Hi all,

I just met with an advisor at a top 3 school who said that, when the "out of field" prereqs are taken online, the admissions committee will default to considering the in-person, brick-and-mortar classes instead. Does anyone know if this is the case at most schools, or just at this one? I've been out of school for 6 years now, and there's virtually no way I can take those 4 science prereqs in person, given my work schedule... but my previous degrees are in Music, so I really need to prove myself on the science front! So yeah, is the disregard for online science courses typical?!

Thoughts? Thanks!! :-)

[thespeechblog.com]

I took 3 SHS pre-reqs, bio, and physics online - I got into several schools including a top ranked program. So... it might just be true at that school. I have heard though that many grad schools look for and account for grade inflation. 

[MastersHoping]

While I personally am a big fan of online courses and personally find them as valuable, if not more valuable sometimes, than in-person courses, there might still be an implicit prejudice against them. So, it might be the case that if you and someone else were virtually identical but the other person took the courses in person, they might be looked upon more favorably. However, having them taken online, especially given your circumstances, is significantly better than nothing. You should feel justifiably proud of yourself for taking the initiative.

 

Good luck.

[SopranoSLP]

16 hours ago, mcamp said:

I took 3 SHS pre-reqs, bio, and physics online - I got into several schools including a top ranked program. So... it might just be true at that school. I have heard though that many grad schools look for and account for grade inflation. 

Ok, good to know! I'm curious… Did you take your 3 SHS pre-reqs before or after bio/physics? As a non-CSD applicant, I want to demonstrate clear, SLP-specific interest, so I thought I'd start with a SHS prereq this summer (while I start studying for the GRE), and then take bio, etc. this fall. Should I reorganize the ol' Excel spreadsheet plan and start with Bio this summer instead? Does it not really matter? It seems like there's a "right" answer to all this, but perhaps not. Thanks!

Your blog is awesome, btw! So encouraging and insightful. :-)

[Jolie717]

I personally have always avoided the sciences during summer and winter sessions, as I feel the faster pace doesn't do the subject matter any justice.  I assume you've taken summer and/or winter courses previously?  Which SHS were you thinking of taking during the summer?  

BTW, I highly recommend the free Magoosh vocabulary app - I pulled it out and practiced and took timed quizzes etc every time I had a spare minute, and it definitely helped.  Take as many timed/scored practice GRE exams as you can - I used the Manhattan series.  Even if you only buy one book in their series, you get access to 6 online practice exams that are scored.

[SopranoSLP]

1 hour ago, Jolie717 said:

I personally have always avoided the sciences during summer and winter sessions, as I feel the faster pace doesn't do the subject matter any justice.  I assume you've taken summer and/or winter courses previously?  Which SHS were you thinking of taking during the summer?  

BTW, I highly recommend the free Magoosh vocabulary app - I pulled it out and practiced and took timed quizzes etc every time I had a spare minute, and it definitely helped.  Take as many timed/scored practice GRE exams as you can - I used the Manhattan series.  Even if you only buy one book in their series, you get access to 6 online practice exams that are scored.

Hmm, that's an interesting observation about the shortened time frame… In that case, maybe I am better off waiting until the fall for the bio, stats, etc. I was going to take Iowa's A&P of Speech Production online over the summer. It's an 8 week course, and that material seems the most likely to be standardized from school to school (for pre-req purposes). I mean, there's not a lot of wiggle room when it comes to anatomy, right? 

I'm pretty set for GRE prep, but I appreciate the tips! I'm all over the Magoosh situation, plus I have a few review books that include a number of practice tests. :-)

[thespeechblog.com]

8 hours ago, SopranoSLP said:

Ok, good to know! I'm curious… Did you take your 3 SHS pre-reqs before or after bio/physics? As a non-CSD applicant, I want to demonstrate clear, SLP-specific interest, so I thought I'd start with a SHS prereq this summer (while I start studying for the GRE), and then take bio, etc. this fall. Should I reorganize the ol' Excel spreadsheet plan and start with Bio this summer instead? Does it not really matter? It seems like there's a "right" answer to all this, but perhaps not. Thanks!

Your blog is awesome, btw! So encouraging and insightful. :-)

I'm always flattered when anyone says that things I say are insightful thanks for the kind words about my blog!

As for the timing... I'm not sure. I can tell you what I did. I did my SHS courses through USU - I started with 2 over my first summer, then another the following fall semester. That meant I'd finished the 3 before I submitted my applications (which was required to apply to UNM). I figured at this point, if I got into a program I wouldn't need anymore SHS pre-reqs because they'd be included in the 3 years masters. BUT I knew I'd need Bio and Physics no matter what. So I took Bio this past spring semester. When I found out I was accepted, I got with my advisor and she recommended knocking out physics this summer. My plan if I had not gotten in would have been to take another 2 SHS courses this summer and another 2 in the fall to continue to boost my GPA and application for the second round. I hope I explained that clearly... it's a little confusing. 

I don't think there is one "right" answer but rather lots of options for each person  

For you it seems like taking SHS courses to start is a good idea. You might consider if you can get in 1 more SHS course in the fall before applications are due since it will show on your application, and I agree with your thinking that it more strongly demonstrates your interest than a bio class. 

[Jolie717]

On May 25, 2016 at 11:15 AM, SopranoSLP said:

Hmm, that's an interesting observation about the shortened time frame… In that case, maybe I am better off waiting until the fall for the bio, stats, etc. I was going to take Iowa's A&P of Speech Production online over the summer. It's an 8 week course, and that material seems the most likely to be standardized from school to school (for pre-req purposes). I mean, there's not a lot of wiggle room when it comes to anatomy, right? 

I'm pretty set for GRE prep, but I appreciate the tips! I'm all over the Magoosh situation, plus I have a few review books that include a number of practice tests. :-)

I just reread your initial post and remembered you were a music major.  Have you taken any previous anatomy or physiology courses?  If not, you may find A&P Speech Production challenging.  I thought it was easy, but I had already taken anatomy and physiology classes in the past whereas some classmates hadn't and found it very difficult.  Since you are just starting out, I would recommend you take the easiest course possible due to the condensed format of a summer course.

[SopranoSLP]

13 hours ago, Jolie717 said:

I just reread your initial post and remembered you were a music major.  Have you taken any previous anatomy or physiology courses?  If not, you may find A&P Speech Production challenging.  I thought it was easy, but I had already taken anatomy and physiology classes in the past whereas some classmates hadn't and found it very difficult.  Since you are just starting out, I would recommend you take the easiest course possible due to the condensed format of a summer course.

True, but I've taken vocal pedagogy classes that involved a fair amount of vocal anatomy, so I actually feel like A&P Speech Production is probably the closest to my current comfort zone. (That and phonetics, I suppose.) We do have to know more than just how to sing! :-) I'm optimistic. Thanks!

Edited May 27, 2016 by SopranoSLP
typo

[Jolie717]

11 hours ago, SopranoSLP said:

True, but I've taken vocal pedagogy classes that involved a fair amount of vocal anatomy, so I actually feel like A&P Speech Production is probably the closest to my current comfort zone. (That and phonetics, I suppose.) We do have to know more than just how to sing! :-) I'm optimistic. Thanks!

You'll be fine then - sounds like you have a great background (and an unusual one) so that will make you stand out.