FAQs ABOUT APPLYING TO GRADUATE SCHOOL IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS

Plan on taking the GREs during the summer before your senior year. That will give you the entire summer to prepare - and - if necessary - time to take them again during the Fall semester at a point when you are not swamped with midterms or finals. (Top of page)

How many times should I take the GREs?

Because you need to break 1000 on the Quantitative (Math) and Verbal combined to get your application into the pile to be looked at, plan on taking them twice. Prepare well for the first time and cross your fingers for a score > 1000! (Top of page)

How should I prepare for the GREs?

Understand that the score on this test has major implications for your entire career. Do not walk into the testing situation blind. At the very least buy any one of the test prep books that comes with a CD-ROM with practice items. There are also on-line test prep courses and on-line practice tests. You may want to consider taking one of the very expensive test prep course (e.g. Kaplan). Set aside one or two hours everyday to practice. Before you go into the test, sit down and practice taking the practice tests on the computer in timed situations to get your mind and body ready for the ordeal. For more information on the GREs, go to the ETS website at www.gre.org. (Top of page)

Do I have to have the second GRE scores at the time I apply?

No. By the time you take them the second time it is likely you will know where you want to go. The testing service will send them to the institutions you designate. Somewhere in your application - perhaps the essay - indicate that you have taken or are scheduled to take them again and that the scores are forthcoming. (Top of page)

So I have to send the GRE scores at the time I take the test?

To save some money, you should have a good idea where you want to go to grad school when you take the GREs. The initial testing fee includes score reports to 4 schools. Additional schools cost extra. Plan accordingly. Note: The schools you designate will receive ALL scores from every taking of the test. (Top of page)

If I leave one blank do I loose a point?

The test is scored by the number of correct answers, not incorrect answers. Check with the information provided by the testing service to confirm that you are not penalized for guessing. Narrow your choices and guess or, if you have no idea, choose “C” or another letter. BUT - whatever letter you choose, always use the SAME letter for every guess response. Go to the GRE website for test taking strategies. (Top of page)

What do graduate programs look at in the application?

GPA overall, GPA in the major, GRE scores, personal statement, resume, and letters of recommendation. Different programs assign different weights to each of these. Often the GRE scores are used to sort the applications. That’s why it is important to earn a combined score of > 1000 on the math and verbal portions. (Top of page)

What are graduate programs looking for?

They are struggling to choose those students who have the greatest potential as clinicians. They realize that many students who have above average statistics and who do not get accepted would make excellent clinicians. They are concerned with the lack of space for these students in existing programs.. They also realize that academically outstanding students do not necessarily make the best clinicians. (Top of page)

Do graduate programs look at only people with undergraduate Communication Disorders Degrees?

No. Graduate programs appear to like a balance of students and look at students from backgrounds other than COMD. However, the majority of slots are usually given to students with undergraduate COMD degrees. (Top of page)

Are there advantages to applying two years in a row?

Possibly. Persistence may pay off. Looking at persistent BSC students who met the basic admissions requirements on the lower end of the 3.0 - 4.0 GPA scale, several were accepted into programs after their second or third application. (Top of page)

Should an average student spend money and apply to graduate school for the September after graduation or work for a year and then apply?

Of course you should apply! What if you get accepted? If you are not accepted, you must work anyway and that will give you yet another experience to include in your personal statement the next time you apply. (Top of page)

What should I do if I know someone who might be able to “pull strings” and get me into a graduate program?

It would be best to get accepted on your own merit. Pulling strings may alienate the people who will be running your life for the next two years and determining your career after that. It may also backfire and your application may wind up on the bottom of the pile. (Top of page)

If I receive a graduate assistantship do I take classes for free?

This is called a tuition waiver and sometimes it is part of an assistantship. Typically a student performs a job and receives a stipend (salary) for the semester(s) they have been awarded the assistantship. (Top of page)

Are loans available?

Yes. It is likely that you will need to take out several of these. Consult the Financial Aid Office on campus for help. (Top of page)

How long is a graduate program in Communication Disorders?

Full time programs typically run 2 years and the summer in-between for a total of 5 semesters. (Top of page)

Can I go to graduate school part-time?

Very few graduate programs in COMD have a part time component. They want you in and out to make room for other students. Plan on attending full time. (Top of page)

How many classes will I take each semester?

Programs vary but plan on 3 to 5 classes and clinical practicum each semester. Schools on the quarter system may have 2 to 3 classes and practicum each quarter. Note: Classes are usually held in the evening so you are available to do clinic during the day. Classes and clinic run through the summer as well. (Top of page)

How many clients will I work with each semester?

Programs vary. The number of clients also varies by clinical placement site. (Top of page)

Will I be able to work while I attend graduate school?

Do not plan on it. Graduate programs expect and demand your full attention. Plan on taking out major loans. Plan on working very hard the summer before graduate school and saving every cent for spending money. If it happens that you have time to work - good luck. (Top of page)

Will I need a car?

Yes. You may be able to use public transportation to get to some schools, but it is likely that you will have difficulty using public transportation to get to off campus clinical placements. (Top of page)

Do I need to know sign language?

No. In fact, wait as long as possible before taking sign classes. You loose it if you don’t use it. (Top of page)

Which semester grades are sent with my application?

Because you will apply during the spring semester, the previous Fall semester transcript will go with your application. The program that accepts you and you choose to attend will request a final transcript before you start. Note: Transcripts from all the institutions you attended have to be sent with your application. However, the overall GPA and the major GPA from the institution granting the degree are usually the ones that are of greater weight. (Top of page)

Does it matter if my Masters degree is a M.A., M.S., or M.ED.?

No. Just get one! The different forms of Masters degrees depend on where in the college or university the graduate program is housed. For example, a graduate program within a school of education would likely award the M.Ed. (Top of page)

When should I ask people for letters of recommendation?

It is extremely helpful to the people writing letters if you can put together a packet of recommendation forms and autobiographical information before winter break. (Top of page)

Should I request an interview?

Some programs require interviews. Go. Bring samples of your written work and anything related to your clinical practicum experience. Many schools do not encourage interviews. You may try to get one anyway. Bring the same materials with you. (Top of page)

Should I visit graduate schools?

Sure! Try to imagine yourself on that campus. If the program will grant you and interview, bring evidence of your competency with you. If an interview is not an option, ask to meet with one or two NSSLHA members. Find out if they are satisfied with the academic and clinical aspects of the program, strengths, weaknesses, etc. (Top of page)

Where can I find more information on graduate programs in Communication Disorders?

BSC Career Planning and Placement Center - information on GREs and programs

BSC NSSLHA catalog file - catalogs of programs located in the Speech-Language-Hearing Center

Internet sites:

www.asha.org

Click on “Students” to find the list of ASHA accredited graduate programs

www.gre.org

GRE information, test taking strategies, etc. (Top of page)