Applying to Graduate Schools
1. Research – Begin researching programs and gathering
information, applications, etc. from programs you are interested in applying to.
Different programs have different requirements and application processes; it’s
better to know about these variations on the front end. Give yourself a wide
variety of options (i.e. different locations, large schools, small schools,
etc.) Narrow down your field of choices by the beginning of your senior year.
2. GRE – Thoroughly prepare yourself for the GRE during the summer before your
senior year. Take the exam during the first half of the Fall semester of your
senior year. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to retake the exam if
necessary. See the attached sheet for more information on preparing for and
taking the GRE. Ideally, programs prefer a combined score of 1000 on the verbal
and quantitative sections.
3. GPA – Your within-the-major GPA is very important. Ideally, you should have a
GPA of 3.5 in your Audiology and Speech Pathology classes. Your cumulative GPA
should be as close to 3.5 as possible. You will not necessarily be punished for
a bad freshman year, or a D in Western Civ, but make every attempt possible to
boost your GPA. This can be done through elective courses.
Each program will require one or more copies of your transcript from each
college/university you have attended. Most require official copies directly from
the Registrar’s Office, so it is a good idea to plan ahead and be sure to have
them sent in plenty of time before the deadline.
4. Personal Statement/Letter of Intent – This is a very important part of your
application. This is the only place you have to tell the admissions committee
WHY you have the potential to become an outstanding graduate student and speech
pathologist or audiologist. Take some time to really think about what you want
to say and how you want to say it. This is your chance to redeem yourself for
maybe a poor freshman/sophomore GPA or less than adequate GRE scores. This
statement should be one-two pages long, no longer than two pages, and should say
more than, “I want to help people,” or “I have a passion for working with
children.”
5. Letters of Recommendation – Most schools require 2-4 letters of
recommendation. This is where getting to know your professors really pays off.
The better they know you as an individual person and not just a face in the
crowd, the better they will be able to convey your abilities and potential as a
graduate student. You will also need to provide relevant information that will
be helpful to them while writing your letter. Each professor has his or her own
preferences as to the information they will need, so it is good to ask them in
advance instead of just throwing a pile of papers on their desk. Typically, they
will request a copy of your transcript, personal statement, list of programs you
are applying and the application deadlines, individual rating forms for each
program, GPA and GRE scores and a picture. Ask your professors to write your
letters early, to insure they will have plenty of time to complete them before
the deadline. Remember to be considerate of their schedules, it is usually not a
good idea to ask their help during mid-term and finals week or a week before the
deadline. Also, be sure to follow up with each professor in a timely manner to
see if they have any questions and ensure that your recommendation letter has
been submitted before the deadline.
6. Application and Application Fee – All schools have an application and
application fee that must be paid in order for your application to be processed.
Be sure to research this aspect thoroughly, as some programs require separate
applications to the college or university’s graduate school as well as to the
individual program.
7. Financial Aid/Graduate Assistantships – This is another aspect of the
application process that must be researched completely, as each school has a
different method for awarding aid. Some are merit-based and awarded directly
from your application and require no other type of application and some have a
separate application for each award. Many programs require a resume to be
submitted along with this application, so start early compiling your resume and
assuring it is complete and 100% accurate. It is a good idea to have several
people review your resume before you submit it. Also, there may be several
different sources from within one program where you can apply for aid, be sure
to take advantage of every possibility offered to you.
8. MEET ALL DEADLINES! Deadlines for applications are typically anywhere between
January 15-February 15. Do not be late with any of your application materials.
Organization is key to meeting all deadlines, as you will have materials being
submitted from several different people and it is up to you to make sure it all
arrives on time. It is a good idea to call the program after you feel enough
time as passed for your materials to get there to verify everything has been
received.
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