Friday, August 23, 2013

Here we go again!

Well...I just started my second semester of grad school, and it has been a hectic week! Yesterday (only the second day back) I was assigned my first diagnostic....I'm so nervous!. Today I met with my supervisor and went over my diagnostic plan annndddddd IT WAS APPROVED! YAY! Sometimes in grad school you kinda feel as though you don't know what you are doing but in the end it always works out. So as of right now I'm feeling pretty confident but, I bet come Thursday when I do the evaluation I will look something like the video below haha sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself to get through all the madness grad school throws at ya. ;) Well, in the meantime, I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

Blessings,
SLP2Be

Thursday, August 15, 2013

I'm never getting into grad school...(for you nervous undergrads)



"I'm never getting into grad school." Man...I wish I had a dollar for every time I've said that during undergrad. haha. I was the ultimate worry wart, and I'm not afraid to admit it! So for all of you worry wart undergrads like me I thought I would share some advice for "getting into grad school."

Steps to Take During Application Process
1. Make a list of all possible graduate programs you want to apply to in a word document. (include due dates for application)

2. Under each graduate program make a checklist of each requirement and item you have to turn in for the application. (ex. transcripts, GRE scores, resume, interview, recommendations, etc.)

3. Next, make a list of your strengths. (ex. high GPA, work experience, extra-curricular activities, etc.)

4. Now, look for programs that will highlight YOUR personal strengths. (For example, I did not have the strongest GRE score so I applied to more schools who asked for a resume or statement of purpose.)

5. Once you have narrowed down your programs START WORKING ON THEM NOW! Most programs like for you to have all your items turned in at least 2 months in advance. Schools have to process all of the items and sync them into their system. If they are not in the system by the application due date then the program will likely deny you :( So start working on them now and use the checklist you created under each program. Mark off each requirement once you have sent them in.

6. Once you have sent everything in RELAX!! I cannot stress this enough! This is your last semester of undergrad! Live it up! and enjoy! Don't waste away your last semester of undergrad worrying :) Have fun! Hint-All grades are sent in and done (I'm not saying fail everything and not try) but you don't have to worry as much.


Tips

  • If you need a recommendation from a teacher give them the materials 3 months in advance. This allows them a month to complete it in order to have it turned in two months in advance. Also, ask them either in person or email if they will write a recommendation before submitting their names. If they say "yes" ask what information they want in order to complete it (ex. resume, etc.)
  • Make sure the program you apply to is ASHA accredited. 
  • EdFind Use this ASHA link to search for specific programs in specific states. I used this frequently during the application process.
  • Do NOT apply to just one program. Most people on average apply anywhere from 6 to 8 programs.
  • Be yourself in an interview. Practice with your friends before the actual interview.
  • Statement of Purpose: If this is a requirement, talk about why you want to be an SLP, why you think you would be a great SLP, and why you want to attend the program.

Blessings,
SLP2Be

P.S. If you have any questions comment below :)


New blogger

Hi! :) 
This is my very first attempt at blogging, and I'm not quite sure how all of this is going to turn out. However, I wanted use this as an outlet to all of the many stresses grad school brings about. haha. So a little bit about myself...I just completed my first semester of grad school (a quick 2 month summer semester) I feel as if I am still in the "honeymoon period" where everyday I walk into the clinic thinking "I can't believe I'm here!" and "Did I really get into grad school?" haha I have a feeling that when fall semester rolls around this will quickly go away when I get into my core classes and have a more difficult clinic caseload. This past semester I took 4 simple classes (mostly electives) and had a caseload of 8 clients for a total of six weeks. In the fall, my schedule will be crazy because I will be completing diagnostics for the first time AND taking Neuro pt.1...SUPER NERVOUS! Anyways, I hope you all enjoy this journey with me complete with laughing, crying, and many happy dances.

Blessings,

SLP2Be