SLP Graduate School Test Scores and GPA

If you are searching for the right graduate school(s) to apply for a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology, you have probably asked the question, “What do I need to score on the GRE in order to be competitive?” If you find a specific answer on any of the graduate school’s websites, let me know, because they are more elusive than the last ice cube at the bottom of a cup. No matter how many people you ask, and despite your polite e-mails to program directors requesting the information, many Universities just don’t post a requirement for whatever reason.

Then, to throw a wrench in your SLP graduate school plans, in 2010 the GRE ‘revised’ their test and changed the scoring.  And don’t get me started on the application fees; you may need to take out a loan just to apply for these places. Jeesh…could applications be more complicated?! (check out one of my posts for help)

She looks way to calm to be thinking of the GRE

So of course you ask your friends who have already been admitted into an SLP graduate program or you search the all-knowing Google for answers. Just in case your friends don’t have a good answer, or you don’t have any friends, or Google failed you, I am here to offer some suggestions on what you should aim for.

Aim for a 153 in the Verbal (or higher) on the Revised GRE. This is equivalent to a 500 on the old Verbal scoring scales.

Aim for a 144 in the Quantitative (or higher) on the Revised GRE. This is equivalent to a 500 on the old Quantitative scoring scales.

These scores should make you very competitive. If you are anywhere below, within 5 points, you should still be all right. With all of that being said, focus on your Verbal score; many universities could overlook a lower Quantitative score if you are a walking dictionary with some fancy score of 170 on your report. Higher GRE scores can help offset a lower GPA.

Your undergraduate GPA  should be around 3.5 or higher; to be very competitive aim for 3.75 or higher. I know many an SLP grad student whose GPA wasn’t as high as either of these, but they also had some STELLAR GRE scores, jam-packed resume’s, and clock hours to start with grad school (up to 25 observation, 25 direct therapy or 50 total).

I would like to end this post by sharing my own scores and GPA background:  I am a 2nd year Speech-Language Pathology Graduate student. I was admitted to my program immediately after graduating with a GRE score of 152 (Verbal) and 141 (Quantitative) and graduated summa cum laude. I had no therapy hours but had lots of related work and volunteer experience via NSSLHA. If you are reading this and were admitted to your program with lower scores or GPA, then good for you; I love when deserving people get into SLP programs.

*Check out Texas State Universities AWESOME GRE preparation website, especially their informative PowerPoint by an ETS representative*

*These GRE test score recommendations are my own; not affiliated with my program or university, only suggestions since none are to be found*

Get involved. Study hard. Stay positive. Whip the GRE!

I shall end with a recommendation to read this hilarious post:

Sir Timmer & the Quest for the Parchment of Knowledge: A tale of student Loans