Applying to Graduate School 101

      FIRST & FOREMOST

1.      Take a Deep Breath

2.      Remember how much you want this

3.      Make sure you stay organized

4.      Keep a Sweet treat in the kitchen for those stressful days

5.      Find something to distract you from the stress/nerves like: a TV show, the gym, hanging with friends, anything you like and do this at least once a week!!! Having “Me” time is very important!

6.      Remember nothing worthwhile comes easy, and if it was easy everyone would be doing it!

Time to Get Started!!                                         

•           Look into the schools you want to apply to and make a word document with their deadlines, admissions requirements, and address! This will help you in the long run…..TRUST ME. Organization will be your best friend! Don’t be afraid to apply to schools far away or a lot of  schools depending on your financial situation and the competitiveness of your program. 
•          Research if you are required to take the GRE’s, MAT, or GMAT for your program. Register for your test early, and remember not everyone is a great standardized test taker (I personally am not). Go in with an open mind the first time and try your best. Treat yourself to drinks, ice cream, or a nice dinner after, you deserve a break.

-Tip for the GRE’s: if you know where you want to apply send your scores the day you take your test. You will save yourself $100, because you can send them to four schools for free that day. Each time you send your scores it is $25.

• .         Ask your recommenders if they will write your letters of recommendation early, you want to give them plenty of time! Make them a folder with your resume, description of what you want to go to grad school for, un-official transcripts, the schools and their deadlines you are applying to, along with envelopes with an address and stamp for the school. This makes their lives easier, which ultimately makes your life easier. Less hassle for them means the better your letter could be, the quicker they could send it out, and the more appreciative that person is of your organization. The application process is changing, more and more schools are going paperless. Keep this in mind before asking your recommender for a letter. If the school(s) you are applying to is paperless, you may want to print out instructions for how to submit your letter for them. Additionally, make your online profile for those paperless schools early, so you are already in the system and are more familiar with the system.

• .         Start writing your resume and personal statements! Proof read, proof read, and proof read these. Have your friends, parents, siblings, co-workers and so forth read your personal statements. You can read your statement 100 times but, they may find something you didn’t. Bring your letter to your schools career center to get looked at, Christy Cunningham is AMAZING at Stockton!! Go early though, September-October would be great depending on your deadline! Each school is different and will require different essays. Also be on the lookout for two essays for some schools.

Tip:  -The hardest thing to do is write about yourself, don’t get discouraged!

- Make your personal statement unique and different!

- Add meaningful experiences, research topics that interest you, and things that make you a unique candidate. Schools want to see what you can bring to their program.

- You have to think like this; if there are 300 applicants applying for 30 spots, why should they pick you?

• .         For very competitive programs like Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy start the process early!! Some schools use general application systems such as CSDCAS, OTCAS, and PTCAS. Start these applications very early on. In addition, when you are submitting them, I would recommend to do so at least two months before your deadline. It can take some time for your application to be verified from them and sent to your school. Additionally, look to see if schools want your application to be completed, submitted, or verified by the deadline as these are different stages of the applicant process. The verification process takes the longest as that is the last step, keep that in mind.

Thoughts to Keep in Mind

- Stay organized

-    - Submit your best work, proofread everything AT LEAST twice. Then have someone else proofread it!

-          Take your time, do not rush through the application process.

-    Go see the schools you’re applying to! A school can look pretty and sound great online however, seeing it first-hand and speaking with faculty can completely change your mind!

-      - Apply to a random school down south or out west, do not be afraid to take a chance especially if your program is highly competitive.

-          Remember you can do this, this is step one to your dream career!

I hope you found this information helpful, if you have any additional questions about applying to graduate school (especially Stockton) feel free to comment below or email gradschool@stockton.edu.

-Jessica

That's a Wrap!

         It's official the Fall semester is officially completed! Now, it is time to enjoy some much needed relaxation and family/friend time over this winter break. I hope everyone has a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season, see you in 2016 for the Spring semester!

-Jessica

Graduate Research Symosium

Each semester The School of Graduate & Continuing Studies hosts a Graduate Research Symposium. This is an evening filed with some wonderful presentations of graduate students' research, capstone projects, and scholarship. Not to mention refreshments and great company! If you are a Stockton Graduate Student and interested is presenting your work at the next Graduate Research Symposium this spring please visit  http://intraweb.stockton.edu/eyos/page.cfm?siteID=73&pageID=323.

Here are some highlights from this semester's Graduate Research Symposium!

-Jessica 

Stockton's Speech & Hearing Clinic

       One of the many wonderful benefits of pursuing your Master's of Science in Communication Disorders at Stockton University is our Speech & Hearing Clinic. The clinic is conveniently located 5 minutes away from Stockton's main campus on Jimmie Leads Road.

Stockton Speech & Hearing Clinic Video

More information about the Stockton Speech & Hearing Clinic

Purpose

The major role of the Speech and Hearing Clinic is to introduce students to hands-on therapeutic techniques in speech-language and audiological disorders by providing a supervised learning experience in which to offer services to the community. Each student is expected to complete specified direct clock hours of observation, therapy, and evaluation. Certified members of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association closely supervise all students.
The Speech and Hearing Clinic is a function of the degree programs in Speech Pathology and Audiology at Stockton University. The clinic has two major purposes:

• To serve as a training ground for students who are preparing to become speech-language pathologists
• To provide therapeutic and diagnostic services for children and adults with disorders of communication

Clinic Services

The services of Stockton University Speech and Hearing Clinic are of two kinds: evaluation of speech, language, and hearing; and rehabilitation for those who need such help. 
Evaluations are conducted on an individual basis. As a result of the evaluation, a client may be enrolled in therapy, referred for additional testing, or referred to other resources.
Therapy sessions are performed by graduate students who work under the careful supervision of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association. Clients are seen once or twice a week for individual 50 minute sessions. 


      Students in Stockton's MSCD program complete their first clinical practicum at the clinic under direct supervision of ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologists. I can say from experience, clinic I is what gave me my true confidents as a clinician. I had an amazing supervisor, challenging clients, and learned more than ever imaginable. Ironically, I am still using things I learned with my school-aged clients in my current geriatric population.

 For more information on the Stockton Speech & Hearing Clinic please visit:

Website: http://intraweb.stockton.edu/eyos/page.cfm?siteID=168&pageID=53

Facebook: Stockton Speech & Hearing Clinic

                                                                                           -Jessica

The Final Countdown......

           It is hard to believe that in almost 9 months (pending I pass my praxis and comprehensive program examination lol fingers crossed) I will be a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist! My cohort found out earlier this month that we have the option to graduate this August or stay on our regular track for December. I have chosen to graduate this August. I chose this route for a few reasons: 1.) money, this will save me a whole semester of having to pay out of pocket for additional fees and possibly increased tuition. 2.) That final fall semester I would only be taking one class which seems silly to me. 3.) I will now be able to start my Clinical Fellowship in September verses January. This will not only allow me to finish sooner, but there will more opportunities (especially in schools). 4.) Finally, the obvious. I have been in school for a total of 18 going on 19 years, and as much as I love it I am ready to start my career and the next chapter of my life!

I know this route will not be easily but, I know it will be worth it. Next semester, I will be taking 1 core course, 2 electives, and completing my final clinical practicum in a school setting along with a class component. This summer, I will be taking a total of 3 courses, studying for my comprehensive program examination (which I will be taking in August), and studying for my praxis. In addition, I will be back in the office of Graduate & Continuing Studies which I CANNOT WAIT FOR, I miss my grad family!

When I think about the next couple of months I could cry inside of panic, stress, anxiety, and more. However, I know I am not in it alone. Other people in my cohort have chosen this option as well and we have already been taking about have study groups, wine nights, sleepovers, and more. The support of my cohort and family is what will help keep me pushing forward. Furthermore, the reward after it all is the real prize. Every day I will get to change/improve people’s lives and make a true impact on them. That feeling alone is motivation enough!

-Jessica 

Scholarships 101 at Stockton

As a Stockton student we have the opportunity to apply for Foundation Scholarships through the Stockton Foundation.

 What exactly is the Stockton Foundation?

The Stockton University Scholarship Program is administered by the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs in conjunction with the Office of Enrollment Management. The scholarship program, made possible by both University funding and private donations to the Stockton University Foundation, provides awards to outstanding freshmen, upperclassmen and graduate students. Awards to upperclassmen and graduate students are determined by a presidential-appointed Scholarship Selection Committee. This Committee includes representatives of the faculty, administration, and Board of Directors of the Stockton University Foundation.

Who can apply for these scholarships?

Qualified students may apply to the Scholarship Program on an annual basis. Successful applicants exhibit high academic achievement as well as leadership and service to the University and community. Award recipients maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and are fully matriculated students.

This year’s application process information:

The Stockton University Foundation application process for the 2016-2017 academic year will begin Friday, January 29 and remain open until Tuesday, March 29. Qualified students will receive a link to apply online starting Friday, January 29, 2016.

Link to the Foundation Scholarship website: https://intraweb.stockton.edu/eyos/page.cfm?siteID=221&pageID=243

My Foundation Scholarship Story  

I was beyond fortunate to have graduated with a Bachelors of Arts from Stockton in 2014 with minimal debt. Thanks to my parents starting a college fund for me when I was little, and being able to financially support me throughout my undergraduate career. This allowed me to solely focus on my education, and fully immersing myself in all that Stockton had to offer.

However, when it came time to paying for graduate school, I knew it was on me. I was beyond blessed to have received a graduate assistantship through the office of graduate and continuing studies during my first year of graduate school. During my spring semester of my first year though, the fear of money really began to set in. This is when I knew I needed to look for additional recourse. This is when, I applied for the Stockton Foundation Scholarships. For the first time I felt worthy enough of these awards, and knew I had the academic achievements to even begin to be considered. I am currently in my second year of the Masters of Science in Communication Disorders program, which means I am completing my clinical externships and unable to work. Additionally, I am taking 12 credits which has greatly increased my tuition. This year I received two foundation scholarships, and was selected to be the student speaker to represent The School of Graduate & Continuing Studies. These scholarships mean more to me than words could ever express. These awards helped take the financial burden off of myself and my family, have kept me from having to take out a private loan this semester, as my federal aid didn’t fully cover my tuition, and most of all they have put me at ease. 

If you are Stockton student I strongly encourage you to apply. If you are not a Stockton student see what opportunities your college/university offers for you. Applying/asking questions take no time and can lead you your goal!

Highlights from the scholarship dinner this year!

-Jessica 

Working in a SNF as an SLP!

This semester I have had the privilege of working at a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) as a speech-language pathologist student. Not only do I work with some wonderful people and have an excellent supervisor, I absolutely love my patients. I love them so much, that I become sad when I have to discharge them, especially the ones I become very close with. I see my patients every day for at least 30-45 minutes, for 2-4 weeks minimum and sometimes as long as 2 months. Needless to say, we get to know one another pretty well. I learn about their likes/dislikes, hobbies, families, and get to know them on a “friends” basis. By the end of their therapy I no longer consider them my patients, I consider them my friends! This week I actually had a patient come back and visit. When I saw them standing in the doorway I had to do a double take because, they looked so wonderful. I had worked with this patient on their voice. When we met they were aphonic (which means had no voice). After a month and a half of working with me they began regaining their voice back. By the time they were discharged they were producing short sentences, and we both couldn’t be happier. I will always and remember what they said to me at the end of our last session:

 I told them how proud I was of them for how far they have come and their continued motivation in therapy. They responded with “I can use my voice again because of you, thank you”.

Needless to say my heart instantly sank, I almost cried, and I realized in that very moment that I realized the sleepless nights, lack of a social life, beyond stress, and total craziness of grad school is all worth it. It was in that moment, that I received the greatest gift every imaginable, knowing that I made a difference in someone’s life. There is no better form of motivation then knowing you made a difference and seeing your patients making such remarkable progress.

So I say to you all, it will be worth it! When you make connections with your patients, see them make progress, and realize you are making a difference in their lives there is no greater motivation! Remember nothing is impossible and you can do anything you put your mind to! I know I am loving this experience and can’t wait to see what the rest of this journey has in store for me.

Feel free to comment below with any questions about working in a Skilled Nursing Facility =)

-Jessica 

Midterms, Time Managament, and Orangization!

 

 

         Thank goodness, midterms are over! This semester is by far my most challenging and demanding yet. Between working at my clinical full time and attending classes 3-4 nights a week it was difficult to find time to study. I tried to study on the weekends, my nights off from class, before class, and on my lunch break at my clinical. I would even try to record myself reading my notecards or talk out what I could remember to myself while driving (every moment counted). What helped me the most was having a study group the day of my exams. I met with 4-5 girls in my cohort. and went over our entire review. This gave us the chance to talk things out and share how we remember things with each other. After all, we all learn differently!

       I am proud to say I survived getting a brand new case load and midterms all in one week. Now the biggest challenge of all ...............waiting for my grades lol. 

 Graduate school has forced me to master my time management and organizational skills , without either of these I would lose my mind.

Here are some time management and organizational tips that help get me through!

• Write everything down in your planner! My planner is my life. I spend an hour at the start of each semester going through my syllabus's and writing everything out.
• Color code classes. All my classes are color coded by highlighter in my planner. Then I take it a step further and even buy binders to match.
• Plan!!! plan out time to study for exams, work on presentations, and homework.
• Give yourself a break! Breaks and rest are a must otherwise your brain will go into overload and you will be fried.
• Files will be your best friend! I make files on my computer for every class I have every year (ex: research or second year of grad school). This makes it easy for me to find and keep track of things.

These are just some things that work for me. Feel free to comment below with what works for you, maybe I can learn something new =)

 

Until next time!

-Jessica