Calling All SLP's!

[lindsaylu]

anyone else underwhelmed by the nyu group interviews? ours was later in the day and because it was raining, they canceled the campus tour so we left after being there for only an hour. faculty and grad students were nice and it seemed like a lot of stuff was going on there, but i didn't feel like i "connected" with the program. oh, and apparently this is the 4th or 5th year that they've been doing these interviews. i feel kinda bad for the people that flew out to NYC for this, especially since they didn't seem to write anything down during the actual interviews and everything was sooo nonchalant.

haha, yeah, seriously. their subject line should have been a little more informative.

So, I flew from Alabama to go to that interview. I'm really curious why they do those now? It's pointless. I found out while I was there that they will be accepting 67 students out of 350. And half of those 67 will be non- Communicative Disorders undergrad majors. So, if you are a Communicative Disorders major you are lookin at slim chances.

[ROM]

So glad I found this website, and this thread. Here's my situation:

Accepted: Univ of Washington (MedSLP), Western Washington U, San Diego State Univ

Waiting: CU Boulder, U of the Pacific

I think it will be between UW and SDSU. I'm having a hell of a time deciding, there are so many factors. UW is a more prestigious program, but is way more expensive and crappy weather (though I do love Seattle). SDSU is cheaper for me and I love SD, and they offer the bilingual certification which I,d want to do, but I know nothing about the facilities or faculty (I plan on visiting before April 15).

Advice?? Opinions? Has anyone been able to get in touch with alumni or current students at either of these programs?

[TulipOHare]

Hi folks! Oldbie here. (Applied last year, currently attending the MA program at Temple, love this website just as much as y'all do.)

On 3/16/2010 at 2:45 PM, SDorUWslp said:

So glad I found this website, and this thread. Here's my situation:

Accepted: Univ of Washington (MedSLP), Western Washington U, San Diego State Univ

Waiting: CU Boulder, U of the Pacific

I think it will be between UW and SDSU. I'm having a hell of a time deciding, there are so many factors. UW is a more prestigious program, but is way more expensive and crappy weather (though I do love Seattle). SDSU is cheaper for me and I love SD, and they offer the bilingual certification which I,d want to do, but I know nothing about the facilities or faculty (I plan on visiting before April 15).

Advice?? Opinions? Has anyone been able to get in touch with alumni or current students at either of these programs?

From your description, it sounds like prestige is the only thing U-Dub has over SDSU in your book. So I'd go for SDSU.

Really, MA program prestige only matters if you plan on being a muckety-muck inside the ASHA bureaucracy. If you're aspiring toward a PhD someday, prestige helps, but kicking butt academically and getting good recommendations from your Masters program faculty will help just as much or more. If you just want to get your MA and go to work, prestige really will not make much difference.

GOOD LUCK to everyone waiting and agonizing!

[ROM]

a muckety-muck inside the ASHA bureaucracy

Ha!--love it. Thanks for the advice Tulip, makes sense. I haven't made the decision yet but more and more it looks like SD. Not looking forward to that big -GULP- when I give up my spot at UW, though...

Can anyone point me in the direction of finding general info about departmental funding in our field? I know each field is different, but what's it like for speechies? None of my acceptance letters (or rather, e-mail notifications of acceptance, not the official graduate school acceptance letter, which I haven't received yet) included any info about funding (e.g. TA-ships and the like). All I know is with SDSU I was accepted with "classified" status which apparently means high priority for being offered TA positions. But nothing concrete. Should I contact departments and say, "you know I'd really like to come to your school...is there anything you can do for me? *wink wink*" except not like that at all and way more appropriately.

Or, is it just that masters programs in slp don't offer funding? Or does it completely depend on the school, and private/public status?

[ainos123]

Did anyone else get a postcard from their NYU interviewers today? OMG just send me the decision already!

[flowergirl]

Ha!--love it. Thanks for the advice Tulip, makes sense. I haven't made the decision yet but more and more it looks like SD. Not looking forward to that big -GULP- when I give up my spot at UW, though...

Can anyone point me in the direction of finding general info about departmental funding in our field? I know each field is different, but what's it like for speechies? None of my acceptance letters (or rather, e-mail notifications of acceptance, not the official graduate school acceptance letter, which I haven't received yet) included any info about funding (e.g. TA-ships and the like). All I know is with SDSU I was accepted with "classified" status which apparently means high priority for being offered TA positions. But nothing concrete. Should I contact departments and say, "you know I'd really like to come to your school...is there anything you can do for me? *wink wink*" except not like that at all and way more appropriately.

Or, is it just that masters programs in slp don't offer funding? Or does it completely depend on the school, and private/public status?

I'm surprised that you're picking SD! I don't think that UW is that prestigious, it's a public university. Ivy league is prestigious. UW is ranked #5 in the country for the SLP program and there are reasons why they are ranked well. Currently, I'm taking pre-req classes in the Speech department and I like what I see. The clinic is right next door to where we have our classes. The professors have been nothing but helpful and receptive too all my questions and inquiries. And since I'm changing professions, I have found them available to give me guidance, information and advice.

Also, if you're doing Med-SLP, you also have to remember that UW has its own hospital that's ranked #1 for Primary care, and I think they're still in the top 10 for research. Such a good place to do your internships and stuff.

As far as price, I don't think UW is that expensive. Compared to other places I've looked at: Northwestern, Boston University, Emerson, Columbia, MGH IHP, it's the cheapest considering how highly-ranked it is. (And it's also not in the middle of nowhere:P)

I went to UW for my undergrad but it's in Electrical Engineering. I love Seattle. Everyone's friendly, it's relaxed, diverse and the campus is really nice. I think you should visit. It's a common misconception that it rains all the time, maybe overcast, but not rain

Well, that's all I have I guess. I'm sure someone in the Med SLP waiting list is cursing me for trying to convince you to check out UW. Here's a link to the SLP program ranking: http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-pathology-schools/rankings/

[TulipOHare]

Can anyone point me in the direction of finding general info about departmental funding in our field? I know each field is different, but what's it like for speechies? None of my acceptance letters (or rather, e-mail notifications of acceptance, not the official graduate school acceptance letter, which I haven't received yet) included any info about funding (e.g. TA-ships and the like). All I know is with SDSU I was accepted with "classified" status which apparently means high priority for being offered TA positions. But nothing concrete. Should I contact departments and say, "you know I'd really like to come to your school...is there anything you can do for me? *wink wink*" except not like that at all and way more appropriately.

Or, is it just that masters programs in slp don't offer funding? Or does it completely depend on the school, and private/public status?

On the whole, MA programs really do not offer funding. At a big enough school you might be eligible for a schoolwide type thing.

RAs and TAs, on the other hand... If there's a designated faculty member for answering prospective grad students' questions, or if you've already been assigned an advisor, you could ask them how it's done in the department -- but you could also just e-mail profs directly. Check the department website to see who teaches undergrad classes and who has research labs. In your e-mail, introduce yourself, say you're likely coming to [school] in the fall, say you're interested in RAing for them (if they have a lab) or TAing for them (if they teach undergrad classes), and tell them about any relevant experience or interests you have. Enough people will just e-mail "yah so i need money u got a job? thx" that if you say "I'm interested in [prof's field] because [reason]," it'll be worth something.

What you get out of TA/RAing varies from school to school -- could be a tuition cut, could be free fees, could be health insurance, could be a stipend, could be any combination of the above. It's possible that if UW has any openings, your costs there could come down quite a bit, so it's worth asking.

For anyone looking at schools in cities or areas with major SLP shortages, check your department website or ask somebody to see if there are any programs that will pay your tuition in exchange for a commitment to work (usually in the schools or early intervention) for a certain amount of time after you graduate. I know the county where Maryland is located has one of these, as does the NYC department of education.

[aspirantSLP]

For those who attended the NYU interview, could you tell me what questions they asked? I had to miss the interview in-person, but now I have a phone interview coming up and I just want to prepare myself. I'm assuming the most likely questions would be why SLP and why NYU? Does that sound right or should I prepare myself for curve balls? Also, any suggestions on what questions I should ask them?

Thanks everybody!

[remixed486]

For those who attended the NYU interview, could you tell me what questions they asked? I had to miss the interview in-person, but now I have a phone interview coming up and I just want to prepare myself. I'm assuming the most likely questions would be why SLP and why NYU? Does that sound right or should I prepare myself for curve balls? Also, any suggestions on what questions I should ask them?

Thanks everybody!

I wouldn't worry too much about it. In all, my 2-on-2 interview (2 faculty with 2 applicants) took about 10-15 minutes and they weren't intimidating at all. You should absolutely prepare for the questions you mentioned -- why SLP and why NYU -- and the more you show them how well you will fit into their program, the better. They were particularly impressed with my research experience, so if you have any background, I would advise you to mention it. The other applicant during my interview mentioned her current occupation as a special ed teaching assistant, primarily focusing on children with autism. At that point, the faculty asked her why she was interested in autism and why she wanted to go to NYU's SLP program given those interests. So basically, just be prepared to talk about yourself. Like I said, they were very friendly and were open to answer any questions I had

I don't really have any suggested questions to ask, but I will say that their program is unique in the wide-array of electives they have to offer and research is burgeoning there and these faculty looove talking about what they do...so perhaps you might want to ask questions relating to these points. Otherwise, good luck on your interview!

Edited March 21, 2010 by remixed486

[ainos123]

TC and NYU? Anybody hear yet? I can't wait any longer!

[aspirantSLP]

Thank you, remixed! I had my interview today and I think it went pretty well. For some reason, until I saw your post I hadn't thought of the vague "So, tell me about yourself" question... and that's exactly what they asked first. So thank you for advising me to relax and think more on that track.

I got into Northwestern's master's program and I read in an earlier post that you were impressed with their program. I'm curious to know how you would compare it to NYU's program. I know Northwestern is supposed to be the better program, but I'm more drawn to NYU for my specific research interests and its location. I just keep reading in various forums that NYU's program isn't very good, so I'm curious to know what you think of it.

Thanks:)

[Snygard]

I have not heard anything yet from TC or NYU. I got a letter from Southern CT State Univ. today. Although a backup school, I am sooooo happy I at least got into one. But NYU and TC are my top schools. I am DYING to know! I didn't get that scholarship email from NYU that a few posters on here posted in the results section. I hope that isn't a bad sign...

[remixed486]

Thank you, remixed! I had my interview today and I think it went pretty well. For some reason, until I saw your post I hadn't thought of the vague "So, tell me about yourself" question... and that's exactly what they asked first. So thank you for advising me to relax and think more on that track.

I got into Northwestern's master's program and I read in an earlier post that you were impressed with their program. I'm curious to know how you would compare it to NYU's program. I know Northwestern is supposed to be the better program, but I'm more drawn to NYU for my specific research interests and its location. I just keep reading in various forums that NYU's program isn't very good, so I'm curious to know what you think of it.

Thanks:)

Good to hear your phone interview went well!

I actually went to Northwestern to interview for their PhD program, so I'm afraid I don't know the specifics about their masters program and its offerings. I CAN attest to how productive, amiable and well-known their faculty are within their fields and the doctoral students, your TAs, are also very intelligent, laid-back and personable (possibly me in a few years!).

I don't know why Northwestern's masters program is so great, but I do know why you've only heard negative things about NYU. I have a friend who knows some of the faculty there and she was able to dish about their department in preparation for my interview. Turns out their CSD program is in a major transition right now. Basically, with older faculty retiring and new blood coming in, there's been a lot of administration changes that's affected the structure of the program. NYU gets a lot of flack because their program normally takes 3 years to finish, but it's because they have more elective requirements than other schools. It's not necessarily a bad thing, especially if you want to undertake more specialized coursework and experiences. But if I can graduate from a higher ranked program in less time spending less money, then you know I'm going to pick Northwestern. NYU also seemed a lot less organized than Northwestern's program, and that definitely showed when I came to interview with them...regardless of how friendly they were.

That said, my friend thinks NYU's CSD masters program is alright and headed in the right direction...though I couldn't tell you when things would start stabilizing.

[ainos123]

I have not heard anything yet from TC or NYU. I got a letter from Southern CT State Univ. today. Although a backup school, I am sooooo happy I at least got into one. But NYU and TC are my top schools. I am DYING to know! I didn't get that scholarship email from NYU that a few posters on here posted in the results section. I hope that isn't a bad sign...

Syngard- What scholarship e-mail from NYU are you referring to? I didn't get one either. Oh no!

[Snygard]

Syngard- What scholarship e-mail from NYU are you referring to? I didn't get one either. Oh no!

http://www.thegradcafe.com/survey/index.php?q=NYU+steinhardt

[bananna]

why is TC taking sooo long?? Did everyone else get the email saying there's been a delay due to an unprecedented amount of applicants?

[remixed486]

why is TC taking sooo long?? Did everyone else get the email saying there's been a delay due to an unprecedented amount of applicants?

I was notified yesterday evening that a decision was up online. Not sure if they e-mailed everyone all at once or if they're sending posting these up in waves.

[Snygard]

I was notified yesterday evening that a decision was up online. Not sure if they e-mailed everyone all at once or if they're sending posting these up in waves.

How do we see?

That TC ID number they sent me about a month back did not work.

[ainos123]

How do we see?

That TC ID number they sent me about a month back did not work.

I believe you need to go into the application to view the decision. Therefore, you should probably use the PIN and password you used to log into your application and not your TC ID number. I don't think you will be able to see a decision until you receive the e-mail from them saying a decision has been made on your application. Good luck to you!

[ainos123]

I was notified yesterday evening that a decision was up online. Not sure if they e-mailed everyone all at once or if they're sending posting these up in waves.

Congrats on your acceptance to Teachers College. Do you mind sharing your stats? Also, can you let me know when you submitted your application. I submitted mine on November 11th so I was under the impression I would know by now

[remixed486]

Congrats on your acceptance to Teachers College. Do you mind sharing your stats? Also, can you let me know when you submitted your application. I submitted mine on November 11th so I was under the impression I would know by now

Thanks! I'm sure your notification is coming in soon. I was waiting for what seemed like forever from Boston U while seeing people's acceptances on the results search, so I can understand your frustration. I ended up calling them and literally had to make sure I heard the lady correctly when she gave me the good news, lol. Anyway, I suggest you contact TC if you don't hear anything from them by mid-next week, especially because that's already the end of March.

I'll actually be declining TC's offer, so hopefully that'll open spots for anyone on the waitlist. I submitted my app on 1/3, but received confirmation of all my materials on 1/19.

As for my stats:

- 3.58 cumulative GPA

- cog sci major, music minor

- graduated w/honors 2 yrs ago from top-tier university (not an ivy-league)

- studied abroad in Spain and 2 yrs of Tagalog/Filipino coursework (included this in my app since TC's program seems to favor multiculturalism)

- wrote an undergrad thesis, designated high honors

- lots of research experience: 0.5 yr in 2 social psych labs, 2.5 years in a cognitive development lab, 1.5 yrs in a clinical neuroimaging lab (current occupation, in a rehab facility)

- 1 publication in peer-reviewed journal (translational research)

- no direct work experience in the field of SLP, but have lots of relatable work experience (e.g. conducting studies with traumatic brain injury patients, tutoring math to kids from elementary to high school)

[res2135]

Just for what it's worth, I currently go to one of the colleges at Columbia and I'm dating a TC student (and know a few others) and they all absolutely HATE Teacher's College. None of them are in the SLP program, so that might be good for all I know, but I just thought it might help people to know.

[flowergirl]

Just for what it's worth, I currently go to one of the colleges at Columbia and I'm dating a TC student (and know a few others) and they all absolutely HATE Teacher's College. None of them are in the SLP program, so that might be good for all I know, but I just thought it might help people to know.

Do you know the reasons why they hate Teacher's college? I'm very curious. Still waiting on TC because it's my 1st choice (tie with Northwestern).

[biffy4247]

Hi - Do you like Temple's program? I have not heard back yet, but it's among my top choices.

Hi folks! Oldbie here. (Applied last year, currently attending the MA program at Temple, love this website just as much as y'all do.)

From your description, it sounds like prestige is the only thing U-Dub has over SDSU in your book. So I'd go for SDSU.

Really, MA program prestige only matters if you plan on being a muckety-muck inside the ASHA bureaucracy. If you're aspiring toward a PhD someday, prestige helps, but kicking butt academically and getting good recommendations from your Masters program faculty will help just as much or more. If you just want to get your MA and go to work, prestige really will not make much difference.

GOOD LUCK to everyone waiting and agonizing!

[res2135]

Do you know the reasons why they hate Teacher's college? I'm very curious. Still waiting on TC because it's my 1st choice (tie with Northwestern).

The reasons I have heard are that it's very expensive but they don't feel like they've actually learned anything other theory so they aren't getting their money's worth. Professors are too busy to actually respond to student's emails or really just acknowledge them at all. The funding is terrible/practically non-existant and there are all sorts of hidden fees. Group discussion and stand-alone lecture is the only type of instruction given. Not structured to handle students with jobs, although they claim to be (few night classes). Assignments tend to just be regurgitation of text, rather than meaningfully dealing with the topic at hand. And they don't particularly like a lot of the people (egotistical) nor the campus, which is very small.

ETA: I can tell you from my girlfriend's experience that I have seen pretty much all of these points to be true, and I specifically did not apply to TC because of this, even though some of my family members had gone to TC (decades ago) and wanted me to.

Edited March 24, 2010 by res2135