Admissions

Admissions

1. Which Degree do I apply for?
• The Masters of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders is the most common degree for those students who wish to become a Professional Speech-Language Pathologist. The Graduate requirements are designed to integrate outstanding academic and clinical experiences.

• The Masters of Arts Degree is offered for those students who are interested in obtaining greater research experience or who are planning on continuing on for their Ph.D. Degree. Typically the M.A. Degree requires an additional semester to perform the research and writing requirements. If interested in this track, please contact the Graduate Program Director to discuss the advantages.

2. When are the application deadlines?
The Graduate Program accepts new students in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Completion of the application process should be completed by the following deadlines.
• Fall Applications: February 15th
• Summer Applications: February 15th
• Spring Applications: September 15th

3. Do I need to start the application process well in advance of the deadlines?
Yes, Many people do not realize (until it is too late) that it takes time to get your materials turned in. All materials (Application, Official GRE scores, Transcripts from every college or university you have attended, and recommendations) must be received by the deadline to be fully considered. Often these take considerable time to be sent, so it is best to request these materials at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance. It is NOT necessary to send everything at the same time to the Graduate School. The Graduate school will merge your materials as they arrive.

4. Do I need to submit any additional materials with my application?
Yes, To be considered for our program, all applicants must submit the following materials: * Online Application * Current GRE Scores * Transcripts (from every college or university attended) * Three letters of recommendation * Personal Statement

5. Are my previous grades important?
Yes, Both the overall grade point average and the major grade point average play an important part in the admission process. They also play an important role in the determination of who is eligible for merit based scholarship funds. Both the overall GPA and major GPA reflect on the ability to succeed as a graduate student. If for some reason you feel your overall GPA does not reflect your abilities, you may wish to include a letter explaining why (such as a late change in major).

6. Is there a cutoff for GPAs or GREs?
No, There is no particular GPA or GRE cutoff. The slots are filled with the applicants that show the greatest potential to succeed as a Graduate Student.

7. Do I need to take the GRE? Are the GRE scores important?
Yes, All applicants are required to take the General GRE and have the official scores submitted to Baylor University. The GRE scores play an important role in the admission process. They also play an important role in the determination of who is eligible for merit based scholarship funds. Applicants who do not perform as well as they would like often ask if it is possible to retake the GRE. We encourage you to take the GRE early so that you will have the chance to retake it if you feel it does not reflect your best abilities. We also encourage you to obtain the best possible scores on the GRE because it is to your advantage. There is no disadvantage to retaking the GRE since only the best set of scores is considered.

8. I did not major in Communication Sciences & Disorders. Can I still apply to the Graduate Program?
Yes, You may apply for the Graduate Program for Fall admission. As a non-major, you are required to take the prerequisite or "leveling" courses before you can take Graduate level courses. The prerequisites may be taken while you are in the Graduate Program or prior to applying.

Please Note: We can only accept non-major or "leveling" students for Fall admission. We can not accept leveling applicants for Summer or Spring semesters. If you decide to take pre-requisite courses at a different university, there is no guarantee that these courses will be transferable in our graduate program.

9. Are other factors considered beyond the GPAs and GREs?
Yes, When determining the potential to succeed as a Graduate student, we review and consider the entire application and all materials you submit. You can include additional information in the online application, or you can submit the materials to the Graduate school in the form of a letter or resume.

10. What do I need to do to be considered for Merit Scholarships?
All applicants are automatically considered for Merit based Scholarship funds. These scholarships are provided by the department on a merit bases, meaning that they are awarded to the students who have demonstrated the highest level of performance. There are other sources of needs based financial support available and information can be obtained from the Baylor Student financial aid website.

11. I'm ready to apply. How do I start?
Applications are submitted online by going to the Graduate School website and choosing "Apply Now" You will be asked the department name (Communications Sciences & Disorders) and the degree you are applying for (Masters of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders). You will be allowed to work on the application and modify it as many times as you want. When finished, choose "Submit Application" and your final application will be submitted to the Graduate School. Keep in mind that it is important to request the other required materials as early as possible (3 recommendations, official transcripts, and official GRE scores).

12. Where do I send my letters of recommendation?
When you complete the online application for the graduate program, there will be a place to enter your recommenders' email addresses and they will be sent a link to the recommendation form.

13. Who should I contact if I would like some additional information?
Kathryn Williams
Email: Kathryn_Williams@baylor.edu
Phone: (254)710-2567

Dr. J. David Garrett
Email: David_Garrett@baylor.edu

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