Well, I'm slogging my way through the application process. I must say I do appreciate those schools that use the CDSCAS! Finally have my letter of rec, but have horrible writer's block on my SOP. I am normally a prolific writer, but the sheer gravity of this essay is overwhelming!
My school selection is a little different, my fiance and I decided to apply to schools that had both our programs or at least schools in the same city... unfortunately we have oddball programs (audiology & medical physics -- yes we're both nerds) so there aren't many school/cities with both. In no particular order:
1. Wayne State
2. Vanderbilt
3. SUNY Buffalo
4. U of Oklahoma
5. U of Wisconsin
6. SDSU
I attended teh SDSU open house and really liked the faculty and the program. I did ask about their earlier drop rate, which had ceased -- they are no longer having the drops. They admitted they had accepted individuals who really had no concept what audiology was and decided they didn't like it once the started the program. Personally, I can't imagine applying to a graduate program without making a point of
knowing that I want to do that career! I really liked their proctoring quarter - students are put onto teams with the otolaryngologists at the UCSD medical school and participate in team treatment of patients. And you get to observe no less than five surgeries during this segment -- that would be so intriguing!!
I am becoming more and more enchanted with Vanderbilt. Looking at the different programs I'm realizing I really want a program that integrates their audiology department with the medical school. The research options at Vanderbilt and the structure of their program looks so appealing. I'm going to visit Vanderbilt next month so I'm sure I'll be even more enamored. But I'm afraid to get to focused on any one program lest I not get in.
Wayne state looks interesting too. I really don't know much about the other schools yet. Still working on researching those more thoroughly. I'd like to visit more schools but time and cost are a factor. I probably should visit Wayne State -- the program might impress me enough to get over the fact that it's in downtown Detroit
I spent a lot of time in my younger years in that area and don't have the greatest memories of downtown Detroit -- though I hear it's been revitalized.
I've done my undergrad in CSD. My overall GPA is 3.75, my last 60 is 3.85 right now (if I keep up the As it will be 3.89 for grad in May). I write the GRE on the 20th so we'll see how that goes. But I don't any volunteer/shadow experience which makes me nervous for these applications. I have a job and have been taking 15-18 units a semester so I haven't had time. I'm planning on getting at least some hours in over the winter break. But I am an adult student who has been a dental assistant for nearly 20 years so I have a lot of clinical experience -- I know I enjoy working with patients and some of the realities of clinical life. Dentistry & Audiology actually have a lot in common as far as the nature of the work/practice management etc for private practice.
As for research areas... I've no idea. It is all fascinating to me! At the moment I want to be a part of almost every research avenue I read about. Like a kid in a candy store.
So input on any of the schools would be great. Anyone here attending any of these schools? Visited them?