How to Apply : Application Tips

Required Application Materials

1. Official transcript showing GPA.
2. Official record of GRE score (from ETS)
3. Three letters of recommendation
4. Letter of intent (and possibly cover letter).
5. Resume

GPA/Transcript

• GPA of 3.0 for the Au.D program or 3.2 for the SLP program is typically firm. The last 60 hours of the undergraduate degree (or hours since you achieve junior standing) are counted. Most persons admitted have undergraduate GPA substantially above 3.0.
• Performance in post-bacc courses typically weighted more heavily than performance in actual undergraduate major.

GRE

• Particularly low scores will prevent you from being admitted, even if GPA is high.
• Analytical writing score IS part of criteria considered – especially if it may offset a lower verbal score.
• Take the GRE in plenty of time for scores to arrive before the deadline. It takes 6-8 weeks for scores to arrive at USF after you take the test.
• Allow yourself time to take the GRE twice.
• If improved scores arrive after your application arrives in the department, notify admissions chair (or academic secretary) and bring a hardcopy of scores to the department in person.
• Get as high a score as you can: persons with highest scores (combined GRE and GPA) are most likely to receive scholarships or GA positions.

Letters of Recommendation

• Typically best to have two from professors who are familiar with your work in CSD and one from another professor or supervisor of clinical/volunteer experiences.
• Work supervisor is acceptable, but not typically all that helpful – may not weighted very heavily.
• Letter from a family friend will not typically be that useful.
• At least one letter writer should be able to attest to your ability to interact appropriately with clients (this may be something that could be addressed by a work supervisor, if you worked with the public).
• How to get good letters from a professor.
  • Make sure he/she knows you and has a good opinion of you.
  • Come to office hours / participate in class / ask questions after.
  • Have good work and personal interaction habits: Don’t be disruptive or habitually late for class. Be respectful. Hand in work promptly.
  • When asking for a letter of recommendation, give the professor plenty of time before the deadline, chat with him/her about your background a bit, and provide background information (GRE score, GPA, resume, letter of intent).
  • If you are earlier on (i.e., a junior), volunteer to assist a professor in their research, if there is an area that interests you particularly.
  • Try to make things easy for the letter writer:
    • List of number of copies that need to be sent out, where each letter should be sent, and the deadline for each letter
    • Make sure you tell the recommender whether the letter needs to be in a sealed envelope signed across the back or not. That may not be necessary at USF, but many professors prefer to do this. It is required at some other universities.
    • Indicate where the letter should be sent when it is completed. You might want to give a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the recommender if you want a copy to be sent to you. You can also provide envelopes addressed to other programs if you are applying to other places besides USF.
      

Letter of Intent

• Should be 1-2 pages, typically.
• Opportunity to make your case for admission.
• Explain why you want to pursue this career, why you want to attend graduate school, and why you want to attend this school.
• Show that you know the program – what professors’ research areas you’re most interested, unique features of the department, etc.
• Explain why you believe you’ll be successful in graduate school.
• Point out your strengths and achievements, e.g., volunteering, academic, research, or other experiences. Special skills: bilingualism, experience with children/elderly, special computer skills, etc.
• Address weaknesses or possible negatives on your record (don’t hope we won’t notice) – e.g., classes you did poorly in, etc.
  • If isolated to one semester, address what happened and how you’ve addressed the problem (w/o too much personal detail typically).
  • If GRE is low, try to improve, but if GPA is high, focus on that.
  • If you had to work a lot outside, explain this, but also explain how this will change in graduate school. Typically, better to finish slower with better grades.

Admissions Process

• All materials must be received by the graduate school by the February 1 deadline
• Do not hand deliver to the graduate school (more have been lost this way).
• Applications arrive at the department in mid-late February.
• Typically you will be contacted by the graduate school or by the department if anything is missing (typically by email). Save copies, sometimes (rarely) items you submitted go missing.
• Committee will meet during early-mid March
• Letters typically start going out in mid to late March.
• Waiting list - It may take a while to go down the list. We try to press people to make a decision, but some are waiting to hear from other programs. If you accept and then decide not to attend, PLEASE tell us so we can admit someone else.
  

Important CSD Graduate School Policies

• If your GPA falls below 3.0, you will be placed on academic probation.
• No grade below B- can be used for credit.
• Two grades of C+ or below result in recommendation for dismissal.
• GA positions
  • Very limited
  • Typically given to students with strong files, but preference of relevant instructor may also be considered.
  • Obtain application from academic/departmental secretary once you’ve been admitted.
  • Covers most of tuition (for up to 9 hours) and stipend ($10/hr for 10 hrs/wk).
    

Appeals for Reconsideration

• A student who is denied admission may file an appeal, once a decision has been made.
• Appeal MUST provide information that was not formerly available to the committee or show improvement in the application: e.g., improved GPA, GRE; skills or experience not previously considered. View the apeal for reconsideration form.
  

Other:

• Don’t wait too long if working as an assistant – professors may not know you anymore.
• Experience as an assistant will not make up for poor undergraduate grades.