Kent State/Akron and OSU Programs

[peacegirl95]

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Does anyone know how competitive OSU or Akron/Kent State's Aud. grad programs are? Also, if anyone goes there can you tell me more about it?

 

[CBA300]

Hi there,

I'm a current 4th year student in the Kent/Akron program...what sort of questions did you have?

 

[peacegirl95]

Do you like the program and how it is set up? What does the program focus on when a person applies? Do they focus more on GRE scores, GPA,..etc? In general can you tell me more about your experience? Thank you for all/any help you can give me.🙂

 

[peacegirl95]

Almost forgot, is it difficult to received any type of funding?

 

[CBA300]

Overall I have had a positive experience in the program. I think the strongest aspect of the program by far is the faculty. We have a very distinguished faculty with experience in a wide variety of areas. In addition, they are very caring, understanding, and always willing to help out with problems, whatever they may be. Also, having two universities in the consortium has also been beneficial in that we have two main clinics with a diverse patient base. During the first year, all of the classes are held at Kent State, and during the second and third years, the classes are held at The University of Akron. The two universities are about 15 minutes apart. There are also a number of outside clinical sites that are assigned during each semester and for about 8 weeks in the summer. These sites are throughout the Cleveland and Akron area, so there is a respectable amount of travel between these locations. Speaking of Cleveland, the program partners with the Cleveland Clinic, which serves as one of the outside sites and also reserves about 6-7 fourth year externship positions for students. Those positions can be quite competitive and there is a fairly rigorous interview process. The negatives of the program are probably open to individual interpretation, but in general, I have observed fair amount of "complaining" among the students regarding issues surrounding preceptors, professors/teaching/exam issues, etc. But I doubt there is any program that doesn't have those typical complaints. It also seems to me that our program offers quite a few pediatric based courses whereas I would have preferred to have more courses in other areas.

Regarding admission, I'm not really too sure how applicants are selected. I'm sure the basics such as GPA and GRE are considered. I think a decent GPA and average GRE scores would put you right along with the other applicants. In addition, I think it's important to craft a well written personal statement with clearly outlined goals and a commitment to the program and the field. I think it's important to show your ability and your skills in 1.) working well and getting along with people and 2.) being a problem solver. There are no guarantees for funding, but in years past, I think most students have been offered some form of funding in scholarships and a limited number of graduate student assistanceships. So funding is tenuous for sure, and the faculty do the best the can, but be prepared to take out loans.

I hope this information helps!

 

[peacegirl95]

Thank you so much this information has been a great help!😀

 

[Dan Schwartz]

But I doubt there is any program that doesn't have those typical complaints. It also seems to me that our program offers quite a few pediatric based courses whereas I would have preferred to have more courses in other areas.

Carol Flexor is the Queen of pediatric audiology.