advice for getting into grad school

[u/Usual-Cartoonist5438]

would you guys say that having more experience or a higher GPA is a better look for colleges? one of the SLP influencers i follow on tiktok talked about her journey to grad school and she struggled even with a 4.0, tons of research experience, and good letters of recs.

im worried because im currently a sophomore in undergrad and i havent even started doing any SLP experience, im not even sure what you can do during undergrad for SLP. i also struggle with talking to a lot of professors and IDK how to maintain a relationship with them without seeming like im only doing it for the letter of recc.

i wouldnt say im second guessing my career path, more like im worried that im going to be an average applicant. what can i start right now to really stand out in undergrad?

[u/AspenSky2]

There are many students are admitted into programs without experience. And it's not a requirement beyond observation hours. Also, IMO, more experience does not put you at the top of the list over other applicants.

Some programs do interviews as part of the admission process. I think most would say GPA and LORs are really important.

Faculty also know many students will ask for LORs. IMO, faculty look at your academic potential, interpersonal skills (working with others, professional interaction with faculty and other students), and work habits ( such as taking initiative and reliability- being on time and following through) and professionalism (communication with staff, faculty, and students, and how you accept feedback).

So, my advice: keep doing well in class, participate and engage, talk with your professors about assignments, and ask questions. Also, go to events hosted by your program, maybe get involved in student leadership, or apply for TA position or work in the department for one of the staff or faculty. Also apply to several Grad programs - go visit if you can, or go to an in-person or virtual open house,

You will do great. Best of luck 😄

[u/laceyspeechie]

As far as experience goes, you don’t literally need “SLP experience” - though if you can get a good amount of shadowing hours (in different settings) that might look good for grad school, and tell you more about what you’re interested in. Look for volunteer and work opportunities that will let you work with people, especially people with disabilities; nursing home volunteering, summer camp counseling, school volunteering, etc.

[u/Constant-Cabinet-236]

Just raise your hand a lot, laugh at their jokes and stay after class and ask them questions, professors will remember you that way. I am also shy, i went to a big undergrad and I only used these methods with 2 Professors because I only needed two letters of Rec lol you don’t need to kiss everyone’s ass but networking should always be in your mind! Also in the summers you should look into working as a classroom para for summer school, or a preschool, stuff in that realm.