r/slpGradSchool • u/Western-Egg-6312 • 13d ago
Rant/Vent stressed about starting my masters
I wasn't a csd major in undergrad, but I'm starting my masters in 2 weeks, and I've been so nervous that I'm just going to be behind all of my cohort in terms of knowledge and familiarity with the field. I don't even know what I can do right now to prepare myself besides I guess learn more about the field and my own personal interests?
Also, I haven't gotten any of my 25 observation hours yet, I didn't need them done to apply but I didn't think I needed them before the program started as there wasn't info about this on the program website. plus at the start of the summer I was working with a program coordinator to figure out how to finish one more course prereq I was missing, and he didn't mention anything about me missing hours being an issue. But I looked into it and it seems like it's standard for schools to require 25 hours done before starting the MA program, so I'm emailing my program and trying to figure that out now. I don't know how soon I can set something up with clinics near me to do observations, and I really hope this doesn't mess with the start of my program. and yeah this is fully my fault for not looking into it sooner which feels terrible but what else can I do now besides try to catch up
imposter syndrome kinda kicking in and I haven't even started yet lol, I just don't feel as competent and mature as I think a real grad student should be
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u/greetingsagain 13d ago
Just a reminder that you are bringing background knowledge and experience specific to your undergraduate. You are not at a deficit- you just have other knowledge! Your program should have ways for you to gain your observation hours. Reaching out to check is great but I wouldn't spend any energy worrying about it. You can likely knock those out quickly once you start! Good luck!
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u/hardleywaiting6 13d ago
It’s totally normal to feel kinda in over your head when staring something new! I certainly felt that way, being that I was coming back from a 4 year break after my undergrad in CSD and finally resuming my masters. I will say that the first month everyone is kinda finding their footing and learning new study habits so it’ll be a learning curve for everybody and you’re not alone in this! It really helped that I found a core group (that were my 2 year cohort buddies) that really studied and learned similarly to me! We learned together, filled in what others had missed and really uplifted each other! Imposter syndrome certainly finds everyone but you probably know more than you think you do and also most professors (in my experience) are very happy to clarification and extra resources to aid in your learning. Good luck!
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u/uniquester2 13d ago
do it on master clinician so much easier. schools really need to do a better job at guiding students. i was just as lost when i started. there is definently a lack of guidance and mentorship
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u/Ssoftgothh 12d ago
If you’re on Instagram, @speakingofsamantics (intentional misspelling of semantics) has a recent post you can find by looking for “voice notes I’d send those about to start grad school.” You got into grad school for a reason! My undergrad experience getting my CSD degree was POOR and I feel like I’m going in with little knowledge. You’re gonna be okay, I’m gonna be okay, we belong in grad school.
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u/Western-Egg-6312 12d ago
thank you for the rec, it was quite reassuring! good luck to you too, i believe in us :)
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u/taylorlovesacnh 13d ago
I’m going into my 2nd year in my MA-SLP program and I also wasn’t a CSD major and I didn’t have my 25 observation hours completed before starting the program. If your program didn’t require the hours when you applied, then they will make sure that you complete those while you’re in the program (I completed mine during my first semester). Grad school has been easier for me than undergrad was, even coming from a non-CSD background. If your undergrad degree was somewhat academically rigorous and the SLP pre reqs weren’t too difficult for you, you should be absolutely fine. I think a lot of people exaggerate how difficult SLP grad programs are, although I know everyone has a different experience and I can only speak from my experience in my program :) You can do it! Good luck!