Spring 2016Page 1
PROCESS OF APPLYING TO GRADUATE SCHOOL IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
When is the best time to take the GREs?
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.
How many times should I take the GREs?
Because you need to break 300 on the Quantitative (Math) and Verbal combined to get your application into the pile to be looked at, plan on taking them twice. You also need around an Analytical Writing Score of 4.0.
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. 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
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.
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.
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.
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 300 on the math and verbal portions.
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.
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 CSD. However, the majority of slots are usually given to students with undergraduate CSD degrees.
Are there advantages to applying two years in a row?
Possibly. Persistence may pay off. Looking at persistent BSU 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. There are programs that are part-time, where students can graduate at their own pace.
Can I go to graduate school part-time?
Very few graduate programs in CSD have a part time component. They want you in and out to make room for other students. Plan on attending full time.
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.
How many clients will I work with each semester?
Programs vary. The number of clients also varies by clinical placement site.
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.
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.
Do I need to know sign language?
No. In fact, wait as long as possible before taking sign classes. You lose it if you don’t use it.
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.
Does it matter if my Masters degree is a M.A., M.S., or M.ED.?
No. Just get one! The different forms of Master’s 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.
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.
Should I request an interview?
Some programs require interviews. 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.
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.
Where can I find more information on graduate programs in Communication Disorders?
BSU Career Planning and PlacementCenter - information on GREs and programs
BSU NSSLHA catalog file - catalogs of programs located in the Speech-Language-Hearing Center
Internet sites:
Click on “Students” to find the list of ASHA accredited graduate programs
GRE information, test taking strategies, etc.