CDS Student Hub - Non-Grad School Timeline

Non-Graduate Timeline

If you’ve considered graduate school but do not plan on attending right away OR are uncertain about which path to pursue, this is a general guide to help you navigate your undergraduate senior year and beyond.

A few questions to ask yourself before making a decision

Do I want to go to grad school?
Why do I want to go to grad school?
Am I financially prepared to attend graduate school?
- Spreadsheet of Speech Pathology programs in California (CSUs only)
Is this field worth committing additional years of study?
Do I need a graduate degree for the job I want?
How will grad school affect my work-life balance, relationships, and mental health?

Checklist

Taking one or several gap years can be beneficial, but if you are planning on continuing your education, you’d want to make sure that you are prepared by the time applications open up. There are several things you can do during your gap year: You can save up for school, gain work/volunteer experience, or spend time doing things you like! Do you have any of the following? Use the checklist below to mark what you’ve completed.

⬜ A resume

⬜Volunteering hours

⬜Shadowing hours

⬜Work experience (this is optional, but can supplement your application)

⬜A list of people who you can ask for letters of recommendations (5-6 minimum)

⬜Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score (may not be needed depending on the program)

⬜A list of graduate programs you are interested in

⬜Personal statement ideas

⬜Attended CSHA (optional)

⬜Attended ASHA Convention (optional)