Gap Year Opportunities to Improve Low GPA?

[colormespeech]

Hello,

I will be graduating with a degree in CSD at the end of this week and have already opted to take a gap year. Due to unfortunate circumstances, I realize that my GPA during my final semester will contain a D in one course. This would cause my cumulative GPA to drop to a 3.10. My major GPA is about 3.20, which is higher but not too high. These scores are due to my first year being fairly rough since I am an out-of-state student, it was my first time on my own, and I also attended a predominately white institution as a person of color (which was very difficult especially since where I grew up was incredibly diverse). Once I was able to really find myself and the motivation to better myself, my C's and D's eventually became A's and B's. While I did not obtain straight A's, I was still able to average a B each semester after my freshman year leading up to my senior year. 

While my grades may not be what is expected of me as an applicant, I decided to invest in other experiences that would hopefully boost me up. I was heavily involved within my campus community. I served as president and eventually vice president of an organization that I helped start on-campus which addressed the need for diversity and inclusion. My work experiences include working at a park district catered to individuals with disabilities where I worked with mainly teenagers and adults. I have also worked at a preschool for children with disabilities and have completed a clinical experience working with children in a language acquisition classroom under a licensed SLP (my area of interest).  

I am currently figuring out ways to further boost my chances of being admitted to at least one program during my year away from school. I will be taking the GRE in time for the next application season. I have also looked into working in the schools as a teacher/teacher assistant. I am currently awaiting approval for licensure as a paraprofessional in my current state of residence. 

I am interested in finding more opportunities to offset my low GPA. I was doing so well during my last semester so to suddenly have my last 60 hours marked with a D is very upsetting. Especially after researching and hearing how many graduate admissions councils focus on your last 60 hours the most. Since I am an out-of-state student and am not interested in continuing my studies at my university due to cost, I was wondering if there were other ways to improve my grades or just general ways to further boost me up as an applicant since I cannot retake the course at my institution. While my grades may be B-average, I have a lot of passion and a variety of experiences to bring to the table. I am interested in finding more opportunities to learn and grow not only to impress admissions but for myself. 

Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated! 

[speechstudent300]

Hi! If you are willing to retake some classes, you can search online for programs that have online pre-reqs of CSD courses. I believe Sacred Heart University has a pre-req program online. 

As far as experiences, I would suggest getting a variety of experiences in various settings. This will show grad programs that you are well-rounded and can succeed in diverse clinical placements.

Jobs/Experiences you can look into

-ABA therapy.

-Rehabilitation tech/aide (working under the supervision of  speech, occupational, and physical therapists) (usually in a SNF or hospital)

-Research opportunities 

[pbandj]

I second the response above! In terms of experience, it sounds like you're pretty solid in your plans moving forward! Make meaningful connections with the professionals you'll meet because they may be able to provide excellent LORs. To improve your GPA, I also agree that you can try searching for online classes if you are willing to do so. 

Some new suggestions to boost your application: For the GRE, I studied using Magoosh and it helped me a lot. I know others on this forum have recommended it as well. Begin your personal statement early and work on it continuously. The personal statement is how the admissions committee will really see your depth and passion, so you take your time on it. Get feedback from lots of people. If you can approach a CSD professor with your personal statement for suggestions, that would be even better - especially if the professor is part of an admissions committee! 

Also, compile a list of potential graduate programs if you have not already done so, and try to apply to a diverse set of programs if you can. There are fantastic threads here discussing programs that accept "lower stats." While some of these programs may be out-of-state for you, they may end up being relatively affordable because of lower cost of living, lower tuition, etc. If you are willing to apply to a broad set of programs, I think you would increase your chances of acceptance.

You have fantastic experiences already and those will definitely help you! Good luck with your gap year. Hoping for the best  

[colormespeech]

Thank you so much for the suggestions! 

I started looking into post-bacc and pre-SLP programs. However, I know they are targeted at individuals who are out-of-field. Would I be allowed to apply since I would already be graduating with a CSD degree? I have never gotten below a B- in any of my major classes but I have never succeeded in getting a A. I was always a couple points shy. In reality, I would like to redo all of my major courses because I know I would have been capable of getting As if only I knew what to focus on the first time around. I also struggled with making connections to professors besides the SLP I did my practicum experience under so most of my LORs will come from supervisors and I know know graduate programs require LORs from mainly faculty. 

As for professional experiences, prior to my post on this forum I had been applying to a number of different preschools as a lead or assistant teacher. Since then I have also started applying for ABA therapist positions. 

Edited May 10, 2017 by speechismyfavorite

[Crimson Wife]

Are you a member of NSSLSHA? I know they have a minority mentoring program that might be a good thing for you to look into.

[SpeechLaedy]

10 hours ago, Crimson Wife said:

Are you a member of NSSLSHA? I know they have a minority mentoring program that might be a good thing for you to look into.

Aw man! I've never heard of this till now! And the due date was yesterdayyy. Sounds like such a great opportunity. I'll have to try to remember that next year. Thanks so much for sharing that!

[pbandj]

On 5/10/2017 at 6:25 AM, speechismyfavorite said:

Thank you so much for the suggestions! 

I started looking into post-bacc and pre-SLP programs. However, I know they are targeted at individuals who are out-of-field. Would I be allowed to apply since I would already be graduating with a CSD degree? I have never gotten below a B- in any of my major classes but I have never succeeded in getting a A. I was always a couple points shy. In reality, I would like to redo all of my major courses because I know I would have been capable of getting As if only I knew what to focus on the first time around. I also struggled with making connections to professors besides the SLP I did my practicum experience under so most of my LORs will come from supervisors and I know know graduate programs require LORs from mainly faculty. 

As for professional experiences, prior to my post on this forum I had been applying to a number of different preschools as a lead or assistant teacher. Since then I have also started applying for ABA therapist positions. 

This may not be applicable everywhere, but at some universities, I believe you are allowed to take online courses without having to go through the entire program. I'm not really sure whether completing a whole post-bacc program is possible, or even really beneficial. I think you can do with retaking just some courses to boost your GPA a little. A higher GRE score can help offset a lower GPA, too.

Also, I know programs generally like receiving at least 2 LORs from faculty, but don't forget you can branch out of CSD for that. For one of my programs, I asked a classics professor to write me a LOR and it worked out! Granted, she is now the associate dean of her college, has known me since my freshman year, and she is familiar with my work in both academics and extracurricular activities. There are a lot of factors that go into choosing a LOR and every case is different, but in general, I personally believe having a strong LOR from faculty outside of CSD beats a generic LOR from faculty within CSD. You mention helping start an on-campus organization - was there faculty involved from whom you can ask a LOR? If you really want another CSD professor for a LOR, again you may want to consider retaking a course online and making a connection with that professor. It may be more difficult to maintain contact with a professor online, but I've heard of it being done before.

And ABA therapy is great! Does your state have SLPAs? That may be a good option.

[colormespeech]

15 hours ago, pbandj said:

This may not be applicable everywhere, but at some universities, I believe you are allowed to take online courses without having to go through the entire program. I'm not really sure whether completing a whole post-bacc program is possible, or even really beneficial. I think you can do with retaking just some courses to boost your GPA a little. A higher GRE score can help offset a lower GPA, too.

Also, I know programs generally like receiving at least 2 LORs from faculty, but don't forget you can branch out of CSD for that. For one of my programs, I asked a classics professor to write me a LOR and it worked out! Granted, she is now the associate dean of her college, has known me since my freshman year, and she is familiar with my work in both academics and extracurricular activities. There are a lot of factors that go into choosing a LOR and every case is different, but in general, I personally believe having a strong LOR from faculty outside of CSD beats a generic LOR from faculty within CSD. You mention helping start an on-campus organization - was there faculty involved from whom you can ask a LOR? If you really want another CSD professor for a LOR, again you may want to consider retaking a course online and making a connection with that professor. It may be more difficult to maintain contact with a professor online, but I've heard of it being done before.

And ABA therapy is great! Does your state have SLPAs? That may be a good option.

I apologize if you initially received a reply from another account. I accidentally replied thinking that I was using my own account when it turned out to be my friend's. 

Anyway, yes we do have SLPAs in our state! I was thinking about studying hard for the GRE and aiming for a high score, writing a great SOP, getting great LORs, and getting more work experience in a related field for this upcoming admissions season. If I did not get in, I was considering enrolling in an SLPA program and working as one for the next few years before applying again. I was wondering if this would be the recommended route or if enrolling in an SLPA program now would be better. 

[WannabSLP124]

I wouldn't worry too much about your LOR's not being from faculty. Yes it is helpful, but it's better to have a well written LOR from someone that really knows you, rather than a professor who barely remembers your name. All of my LOR's came from supervisors (SLPs) from various settings. Having a variety references is also good!

On 5/10/2017 at 8:25 AM, speechismyfavorite said:

Thank you so much for the suggestions! 

I started looking into post-bacc and pre-SLP programs. However, I know they are targeted at individuals who are out-of-field. Would I be allowed to apply since I would already be graduating with a CSD degree? I have never gotten below a B- in any of my major classes but I have never succeeded in getting a A. I was always a couple points shy. In reality, I would like to redo all of my major courses because I know I would have been capable of getting As if only I knew what to focus on the first time around. I also struggled with making connections to professors besides the SLP I did my practicum experience under so most of my LORs will come from supervisors and I know know graduate programs require LORs from mainly faculty. 

As for professional experiences, prior to my post on this forum I had been applying to a number of different preschools as a lead or assistant teacher. Since then I have also started applying for ABA therapist positions. 

 

[colormespeech]

Thank you so much for all the suggestions everyone! It really does give me hope and a sense of direction for where I need to go next. 

As of now, I have basically been applying to any and every job opportunity that would be valuable for me as a future SLP. I currently have interviews as an assistant teacher in early childhood development. I have applied for full and part-time ABA therapist and behavior technician/specialist positions, paraprofessional positions, and even some recreational aide positions. I have also contacted locations for volunteer experience with an emphasis on those with certified SLPs. I was unsure about whether to go through with my assistant teacher interviews since I noticed many other individuals in my situation are leaning more towards one-on-one and behavioral intervention. However, my main focus is on early intervention and I wanted to seek out opportunities that enhanced my ability to create lesson plans and implement engaging learning strategies. 

I will also be studying for the GRE starting this August. How much time is recommended for studying?

[pbandj]

You're doing awesome! Good luck on your job applications.

For the GRE, I would say the amount of time studying depends on how comfortable you are with standardized tests. I definitely think consistent, shorter study sessions of focused studying will beat cramming for hours. The maximum amount of time you should commit to really studying is about two months, maybe three; any longer and you might burn out and lose commitment, and may even forget what you worked on at the start of your studying. Do a couple of practice tests before the real one to practice your pacing. Good luck! I used Magoosh and the free online resources from ETS.

[speechk]

On 5/12/2017 at 7:46 AM, speechismyfavorite said:

I apologize if you initially received a reply from another account. I accidentally replied thinking that I was using my own account when it turned out to be my friend's. 

Anyway, yes we do have SLPAs in our state! I was thinking about studying hard for the GRE and aiming for a high score, writing a great SOP, getting great LORs, and getting more work experience in a related field for this upcoming admissions season. If I did not get in, I was considering enrolling in an SLPA program and working as one for the next few years before applying again. I was wondering if this would be the recommended route or if enrolling in an SLPA program now would be better. 

Hi! Depending on what state you live in you might not need to enroll in a SLPA program to become licensed as a SLPA. I went through something similar with my grades and taking a few years off before getting into grad school. I worked as teaching assistant for two years and did internships with schools for Autistic children and at private speech therapy centers. By observing at these speech therapy centers I was able to rack up quite a few observation hours. This allowed me to apply for a SLPA license. For example in NH and MA, as long as you have a CDIS Bachelors degree, the required observation hours and some LOR you can become licensed as a SLPA. Definitely look into the requirements by the state before enrolling in a separate program for licensure. I would highly recommend working as a SLPA during your gap year! I have learned so much more working as a SLPA than I did sitting in class during undergrad, and its really reaffirmed my decision to become a SLP. Good luck!!