Questions

[SoCalAud]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hi everyone,

It is that time of the year to start visiting AuD programs and filling out those applications for 2010 admissions.

This upcoming November is the SDSU/UCSD Open House Event for perspective AuD students and I came here to see what kind of questions should I ask while I am there and how to be prepared for this event. I know a lot of you who are reading this might be current AuD students, those like myself who are postbaccs or undergrads and those that are current audiology professionals, so I was wondering what I should do to be prepared for this event? How should I dress (professional or casual), questions that I should ask that are NOT, yet, already on the FAQ portion of their website or catalog?

Please help me and others with the same questions!

Sincerely,

*Future AuDie*

 

[SoCalAud]

anyone???🙁

 

[eardocsavvy]

anyone???🙁

Well I am actually going to something similar to this but it is one on one. I would suggest casual but professional. I would ask questions that are important to you about the program. Ask about externships, financial aid, GA's, capstone projects, professors.. ect. It looks like youre from the area so that shouldnt be a big thing. Is that the only program you are applying to?

 

[SoCalAud]

Thank you so much replying!

I'm a young Communicative Disorders major, so I'm worried about being perceived as if I really have no clue what I'm doing at this doctoral program "open house" event. I am a very ambitious young student. 🙂

Anyway. No, this is not the only school I'm applying to. I will be applying to several schools out of state.

Which program are you attending to meet that individual?

 

[eardocsavvy]

Thank you so much replying!

I'm a young Communicative Disorders major, so I'm worried about being perceived as if I really have no clue what I'm doing at this doctoral program "open house" event. I am a very ambitious young student. 🙂

Anyway. No, this is not the only school I'm applying to. I will be applying to several schools out of state.

Which program are you attending to meet that individual?

I have an interview and a tour scheduled at Washington University in St.Louis. I hope it goes well. I do not think that your age will have anything to do with how they perceive your questions. I was looking at some tips yesterday for interviews and "open houses". The number one tip was to bring a lot of questions, it shows interest and no question is dumb. The program should be what youre looking for in a program and probing to find more of what you want should be easy. Try that. 🙂

 

[Vesti]

I don't know if this is the correct place to post this, but I'll do it anyways...
Since everyone is looking into programs now, is anyone contacting current grad students to see what they say about their program? If so, how do you get their contact info? I'm assuming the schools can't give this info out?

 

[SoCalAud]

NSSLHA has a lot of grad students involved. Search the program you're looking at and see if they have a NSSLHA chapter there. THey should have a website with contact info of current student officers. I would email a few of them. That's how I did it and it worked out pretty well! 🙂

 

[SoCalAud]

I heard a lot of great things about their program! Good luck with the interview!

 

[eardocsavvy]

I heard a lot of great things about their program! Good luck with the interview!

Thank you! Where did you hear about their program? Thanks, I appreciate it.

 

[SoCalAud]

I've been reading all kind of things about their program from other forums on livejournal and blogspot, and a few on here.

 

[audgradbound]

I'm so jealous that you get to go! I'm really interested in SDSU. Where else are you applying?

 

[SoCalAud]

I can bring back info. and put it on here for you. I know SDSU is on everyone's top 5 five schools list. I really like SDSU/UCSD, very nice area and a great program. I don't understand why it's ranked so low?

I will be applying to of course to SDSU, University of Washington, University of Iowa, University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Utah, and AT Still (my audiologist really wants to go there! hehe) and University of Arizona. I will be applying to plenty more schools once I learn more about them.

 

[eardocsavvy]

I can bring back info. and put it on here for you. I know SDSU is on everyone's top 5 five schools list. I really like SDSU/UCSD, very nice area and a great program. I don't understand why it's ranked so low?

I will be applying to of course to SDSU, University of Washington, University of Iowa, University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Utah, and AT Still (my audiologist really wants to go there! hehe) and University of Arizona. I will be applying to plenty more schools once I learn more about them.

I am applying to At Still as well. I heard their program is small at SDSU, very small clinic ect.. so I have heard. Youre only a junior in Undergrad though right?

 

[SoCalAud]

Correct.

And yes, I'm a junior undergraduate. Just one of the few youngsters here.

 

[Vesti]

Are you guys finding it more useful to email schools or call them for information? I would prefer to just email but I find that sometimes they're not the best about responding.

 

[SoCalAud]

Either one is good. I usually email the professors and program directors because I don't know if I'm interrupting a meeting or their lunch. hehe. Yes, sometimes they are not the best about responding. I suggest wait a few weeks after emailing them and if you still get nothing back from them, then I would call them. I'm a nervous freak when it comes to talking on the phone, so I have to PLAN out what I'm going to say and how I'm going to say to those things. We all want to show we're professional students, right?

 

[loveAuD]

Hi there! I'm thinking of UCSD as a school to apply to as well, although I'm currently a junior undergrad. I might make the trip for the open house. It would be really nice to meet other future AuDs🙂 And also I've heard it's good to visit school's to decide if you really would like to apply there (though it's pretty much impossible with this economy to visit each one we might like). Right now I have a 3.2 GPA, hoping to raise that to 3.6 by the time I apply next year!

 

[SoCalAud]

Hi love AuD,

Woah! You and I have a lot in common then! I would love to meet you at the event. Let me know if you're going for sure. I'm going with a few people from CSU, Fullerton, but they're not sure what audiology really is. 😀 hahaha! They're aiming for SLP. So, just let me know and hopefully we'll meet up! 🙂

Talk to ya soon,

Steph

 

[loveAuD]

OMG! You are hard of hearing too🙂 (Read it from previous posts) Have you been your whole life? I was born with my hearing loss. It's' so nice to know other people who are🙂 Now that you replied and said you are going to the open house and with other people, I'm probably going to come. Haha, and I don't get all the people interested in SLP. I'm taking classes online this term through Utah State and I'm astonished by the number of people going for SLP!! But hey, let them go in their direction I guess lol, less competition for us. I'd really like to meet you😀. We can share our information with each other!

 

[SoCalAud]

WOW! This is pure craziness, but I like it! hahaha! I was born with my hearing loss. Profound deaf on the right and moderate on the other. I wear hearing aids, but will be getting cochlear implants soon before AuD school, hopefully. I'll you a message with my email address and we can just go from there.

 

[Vesti]

Does anybody know anything about Uconn or Towson?

 

[cmc271]

Does anybody know anything about Uconn or Towson?

Hey I'm looking at Towson, too. I know one person who attended their SLP program and enjoyed it but I don't know a lot about the AuD program other than what's on the website

 

[teucer]

You're not going to look like you don't know what you're doing at the open house. Most individuals in my program are over-privileged females 23 years of age and younger that have never even held a job of any kind. Many do not have a background of any sort in SLP or audiology. Just saunter in there with primped hair and some nice clothes & a smile and you'll be just fine.

 

[cmc271]

You're not going to look like you don't know what you're doing at the open house. Most individuals in my program are over-privileged females 23 years of age and younger that have never even held a job of any kind. Many do not have a background of any sort in SLP or audiology. Just saunter in there with primped hair and some nice clothes & a smile and you'll be just fine.

You ended up at UAMS right Teuc? This makes things there sound not so pleasant. They're one of the schools on my list since I'm already in AR. How are you liking things?

 

[drcheaud]

I'd be happy to cater to any questions about the application process and such. I just began at AT Still here in AZ. Ask and ye shall receive.

 

[audiology]

I sent you a private message

 

[SoCalAud]

Same here, drcheaud.

 

[Dustbug10]

Teucer is tough on the ladies. 😆

We are both first year students at UAMS. I would be happy to answer any questions regarding the program or AuD school in general. As teuc would tell you, it definitely pays to have a few things in mind before starting.

 

[DFAud]

SoCalAud, to answer your initial question. Always air on the side of professionalism. If you you still have questions call the secretary and ask for the appropriate dress attire.

As for being prepared, research the school's you're applying to. Really research beyond just looking at the requirements for admission. This is what i wish someone told me last year. See what types of research/capstone projects you'll be doing. See if the professors are reputable in their field... what are their specialties: aural rehab, vestibular, speech science, central auditory processing, etc. Find this out by looking to see the work they've published. Most likely, you'll be helping conduct some of their research. It makes it that much easier if you like it. Plus... when it comes to contacts when you need placement sites and jobs.. the professors who are reputable know connections and their recommendation could make the difference between landing a job / not landing one. As much as you need a program....programs need students too. Apply to a few reach, a few middle of the road, a few saftey's and keep your fingers crossed. Plus.... if you go in there and inquire about some of the professors' research interests...you're already ahead of the game. Hope this helps.

 

[cmc271]

Teucer is tough on the ladies. 😆

We are both first year students at UAMS. I would be happy to answer any questions regarding the program or AuD school in general. As teuc would tell you, it definitely pays to have a few things in mind before starting.

I'm finishing my Bachelors up here in Searcy at Harding U so UAMS is one of the schools I'm considering. The AuD teaching my undergrad audiology course just graduated from there this past May so I've kind of been able to get some inside info from him. What sort of GA position did you get? My teacher said that was one of the weaknesses in the program. His GA was at the UAMS hearing clinic I believe and he said it was one of the better ones and that some people got stuck as more of administrative assistants.

 

[SoCalAud]

Teucer,

You're back! Thanks for taking your time to answer my questions. Sorry about the classmates you're working with, but I'm nothing similar to them. 🙂 I actually have a hearing loss and have experienced with being along side of audiologists for my most of life. Although, I will take the idea of making hair look nice. 😀 Have you thought about research in audiology? I know in Los Angeles there is a place called House Ear Institute and they provide a PhD program, so check that out if you're interested in research.

Hope to talk to you soon.

-Steph

 

[SoCalAud]

DFAud,

Thank you for the information. I will carry that in mind when I talk to professors from AuD programs.

How is your AuD education journey going? Where are you attending?

 

[DrAud]

You're not going to look like you don't know what you're doing at the open house. Most individuals in my program are over-privileged females 23 years of age and younger that have never even held a job of any kind. Many do not have a background of any sort in SLP or audiology. Just saunter in there with primped hair and some nice clothes & a smile and you'll be just fine.

Hey Teucer! This is one of the girls in your program. I know you probably didn't write this about me, I hope, because I really try to help you out when I can. However, I don't appreciate what you said about our fellow classmates. For one, you are the only one in our class without a formal education in audiology or speech pathology. Also, all of us girls rarely dress up for class unless you call wearing jeans and a tee shirt dressing up. Speaking of over-privileged backgrounds, isn't your father a doctor? I say this not to put you down but to stand up for my fellow classmates. After all I think we have to all learn to respect each other. Again, not trying to push any buttons, just had to throw my two cents in. 🙂 See ya in class tomorrow!

 

[drcheaud]

Wow.
Thou shalt not put your fellow classmates down.
Thou shalt not take offense when no harm is meant.
I wonder if any of my classmates are on here????? 🙂

 

[audiology]

😱😱😱😱😱
Teucer, good luck!

Then again, I wouldn't mind being an over-privileged young lady, with primped hair who has never had a job...

 

[eardocsavvy]

😱😱😱😱😱
Teucer, good luck!

Then again, I wouldn't mind being an over-privileged young lady, with primped hair who has never had a job...

hahah!!

 

[DrAud]

I'm finishing my Bachelors up here in Searcy at Harding U so UAMS is one of the schools I'm considering. The AuD teaching my undergrad audiology course just graduated from there this past May so I've kind of been able to get some inside info from him. What sort of GA position did you get? My teacher said that was one of the weaknesses in the program. His GA was at the UAMS hearing clinic I believe and he said it was one of the better ones and that some people got stuck as more of administrative assistants.

I can answer your GA question about UAMS. It honestly is the luck of the draw I think. I have a research GA position which I love and is a great experience for when I have to complete the directed research project. Some have GA positions at Children's Hospital doing hearing aid repair and NICU screenings. Others have administrative positions, filing for medicaid and things similar to that. All of the positions have different hour requirements and pay. I am not sure what is available for second and third years though. Also, if you are an out of state student (not sure if you are since Harding does pull in people from all over America 🙂 ) as long as you have a GA position you can pay in state tuition.

 

[elcobb]

Hey Teucer! This is one of the girls in your program. I know you probably didn't write this about me, I hope, because I really try to help you out when I can. However, I don't appreciate what you said about our fellow classmates. For one, you are the only one in our class without a formal education in audiology or speech pathology. Also, all of us girls rarely dress up for class unless you call wearing jeans and a tee shirt dressing up. Speaking of over-privileged backgrounds, isn't your father a doctor? I say this not to put you down but to stand up for my fellow classmates. After all I think we have to all learn to respect each other. Again, not trying to push any buttons, just had to throw my two cents in. 🙂 See ya in class tomorrow!

😱 awkwaaaaaaarrrrrrrd... haha.

As for the being young thing, don't worry. My *extremely small* cohort has both people who graduated college a year early, and were 21 when they started the program... we also have 30 somethings. You'll find your niche!

 

[Dustbug10]

As DrAud said, the girls in our program at UAMS look like complete BUMS! I'm kidding. There are two with severe hearing loss and another with APD I believe. DrAud has disgustingly scarred ear canals. Absolutely appalling. Cringeworthy. I would rather look into a butthole with an otoscope than to experience that again.


*Runs as far away as possible from DrAud*


jk

 

[teucer]

Oh, come now. You are my favorite girl in the class, Dr.Aud, hands down. I did comment on your attractive manner of dress in class not more than 2 weeks ago if I remember...something about "The Loft"? I did run that by my other half, by the way, though we decided that the aforementioned retailer was somewhat overpriced.

I don't know the statistics of who in our class has or hasn't a background, but this was a generalization of individuals that have been accepted into these sorts of programs as a generality. Though, I do have some background. I earned a BGS, meaning I am a "jack of all trades, master of none"...

To answer your other rhetorical question: yes, my father is a doctor...a real doctor, something I will never be regardless of my successful completion of the audiology program. When your family leaves you high and dry after high school graduation, though, it doesn't much matter that papa has an M.D. Ask my fiancee` what it was like living out of a tent while we were homeless for some time and she can give you a better idea of what I am talking about. The military is the one and only reason I am where I am today...and being a disabled veteran is a mixed blesssing as well. I'll show you my left leg sometime.

In any case, you well know my point. Again, if it has to be denoted plainly in writing, I count you and Dustbug10 as my only friends that I can count on for anything in our class. You dress nicely and I think you are a beautiful girl in general---physically maybe the prettiest in class....despite your repulsive tympanic membranes....and sociable enough that I feel that you genuinely enjoy interacting with me. If you prefer a more connotative answer: You're cool.

Hey Teucer! This is one of the girls in your program. I know you probably didn't write this about me, I hope, because I really try to help you out when I can. However, I don't appreciate what you said about our fellow classmates. For one, you are the only one in our class without a formal education in audiology or speech pathology. Also, all of us girls rarely dress up for class unless you call wearing jeans and a tee shirt dressing up. Speaking of over-privileged backgrounds, isn't your father a doctor? I say this not to put you down but to stand up for my fellow classmates. After all I think we have to all learn to respect each other. Again, not trying to push any buttons, just had to throw my two cents in. 🙂 See ya in class tomorrow!

 

[teucer]

You're crazy bro. 🙂 I wish I had the energy to maintain the sort of wittiness you regularly exude, but at this point it has mostly been beaten out of me. But, lucky me: you're here to take care of that for me. I'm good with that.

As DrAud said, the girls in our program at UAMS look like complete BUMS! I'm kidding. There are two with severe hearing loss and another with APD I believe. DrAud has disgustingly scarred ear canals. Absolutely appalling. Cringeworthy. I would rather look into a butthole with an otoscope than to experience that again.


*Runs as far away as possible from DrAud*


jk

 

[teucer]

I regret everyday not waiting for a response from University of South Alabama. In any case, that being said, I'm here and generally enjoy the fact that I have mostly thawed out from my Alaskan nightmare. Stay tuned.

You ended up at UAMS right Teuc? This makes things there sound not so pleasant. They're one of the schools on my list since I'm already in AR. How are you liking things?

 

[teucer]

I've thought about research, but mostly my thoughts have centered around how to avoid it. I wish to be nothing more than a clinically practicing audiologist. If I got offered a professorial job I'd entertain that but again I'd be required to do research depending on what I'd be doing...with maybe the exception of teaching clinic. If I could teach clinic and not focus so much on research I'd be game.

In any case, due to my political leanings as well as some hobbies (along the lines of M14) that I have which would make my moving to California illegal, I must avoid Los Angeles.

Anyway, I am back! Browsing the forums to see what's gone on since I've made the big move. I am glad to see that I have been missed.

Speaking of PhD programs, I would be very interested to see how the PhD programs differ from what the AuD students are doing.

Teucer,

You're back! Thanks for taking your time to answer my questions. Sorry about the classmates you're working with, but I'm nothing similar to them. 🙂 I actually have a hearing loss and have experienced with being along side of audiologists for my most of life. Although, I will take the idea of making hair look nice. 😀 Have you thought about research in audiology? I know in Los Angeles there is a place called House Ear Institute and they provide a PhD program, so check that out if you're interested in research.

Hope to talk to you soon.

-Steph

 

[teucer]

For those of you who remember various conversations held on Student Doctor some months ago: Dustbug is now one of my best allies here @ the "UAMS/UALR consortium" (ya I know...the whole "consortium" thing confuses me too sometimes). Without him and Dr.AuD I would have noone to lean on in my program. They seem to be somewhat detached from the estrogen overflow within the school.

Teucer is tough on the ladies. 😆

We are both first year students at UAMS. I would be happy to answer any questions regarding the program or AuD school in general. As teuc would tell you, it definitely pays to have a few things in mind before starting.

 

[teucer]

Well if you don't get a GA you can always apply to Radio Shack or Big Lots...maybe Harbor Freight Tools? They are connected to the little part of the building where we have class and are literally a dozen yards or so from the classroom (our clinic and classrooms are in a strip mall some distance detached from the main campus). They probably pay better than what you'd get as a GA but getting a job there won't get you in-state tuition. Decisions decisions.

I'm finishing my Bachelors up here in Searcy at Harding U so UAMS is one of the schools I'm considering. The AuD teaching my undergrad audiology course just graduated from there this past May so I've kind of been able to get some inside info from him. What sort of GA position did you get? My teacher said that was one of the weaknesses in the program. His GA was at the UAMS hearing clinic I believe and he said it was one of the better ones and that some people got stuck as more of administrative assistants.

 

[BigAl]

haha i remember that, who would've thought. good to hear you 2 are best buds, cause i was gonna start taking bets on who would come out on top good to see that u still haven't lost your sense of humor either 👍

For those of you who remember various conversations held on Student Doctor some months ago: Dustbug is now one of my best allies here @ the "UAMS/UALR consortium" (ya I know...the whole "consortium" thing confuses me too sometimes). Without him and Dr.AuD I would have noone to lean on in my program. They seem to be somewhat detached from the estrogen overflow within the school.

 

[DrAud]

Yeah you have to catch the Loft on sale 🙂 But they do have good sales! And you are a good guy it is just like Dustbag and I were sayin the other day stuff in writing can come back to haunt you sometimes 🙂

 

[DrAud]

Thanks buddy...at least I have acoustic reflexes. And yes that is the best I can do. I am not mean enough! hahaha

 

[SoCalAud]

Okay, I know you all are not part of an admissions committee for AuD programs, but be honest, do you think those with hearing loss will get into an AuD program and who show serious passion for this field even if their GPA isn't a 4.0?

I noticed many AuD programs require applicants to the have the highest G.P.A. and excellent GRE scores to be considered a competitive applicant, and I think all that is a bunch of crap to look at and use that to pick out applicants. How does a gpa and a gre score show that the applicant is dedicated and willing to work in the audiology field? Did you know that those that got accepted to SDSU/UCSD AuD Program for Fall 2009 and four out of 10 dropped out? I know similar situation in other AuD programs

Plus, I have a classmate in one of my classes right now and about a month ago she decided to switch her concentration from SLP to audiology because she thinks it's more interesting. I think that's great, but don't you need to be a little more serious about this field?

I don't think that with my hearing loss I have the more of an advantage to get in, but i'm using that as a way to show these admissions committees that I know what audiology is and that I'm interested in being a member of this field. I can relate to deaf/hard of hearing patients and know how to talk to parents with children with hearing loss.

The GPA and GRE scores factors shouldn't be the main points to look at to pick to pick future AuD students. To be honest, I know people with 4.0 GPAs who literally cheated their way to get there and I know people who have a 2.6 gpa who are beyond intelligent. The gpa and all is bull**** and I'm sorry to crush some of you who may have worked your butt off to get your high gpa. I work hard, too for my gpa.

Back to my hearing loss, later when I write my letter of intent and talk about my hearing loss and reasons for being interested in this field, will it help me get in if my ending undegrad gpa is not a perfect 4.0, but is maybe a 3.3 or a 3.5 and if my gre score ends up being a 1000?

 

[teucer]

You worry too much.