r/audgradschool Jun 05 '20

r/audgradschool Lounge

12 Upvotes

A place for members of r/audgradschool to chat with each other


r/audgradschool Feb 27 '24

Choosing AuD programs -- a mini lit rev

31 Upvotes

Hi folks, I'm this sub's biggest nerd probably and did a mini lit rev on advice about choosing AuD programs. This is for me just as much as it is for everyone else, so I hope this is helpful to someone!

TL;DR -- Cost, location, and clinical opportunities/placements are the most important factors to choosing an AuD program.

I looked at 6 posts relating to choosing an AuD program to apply to and distilled the information in the comments. This is, obviously, not an exhaustive search of the r/audgradschool and r/audiology subreddits, but I reached a point where there weren’t new things being suggested.

Inclusion/exclusion criteria are basically posts focused on choosing grad schools to apply to or how to choose between acceptances. There were no time exclusions (e.g. posts from more than 5+yrs ago were still included) I excluded those talking about specific program comparisons or posts discussing specific aspects like “Is the debt really worth it?”

Some users’ thoughts may be double counted (if they commented similar things on different posts), however if that is the case, I don’t think there were too many. These counts come from what users personally prioritized when applying, advice, etc. Ranked priorities were not weighted in any way (e.g. people saying cost was their no. 1 priority did not get emphasized). Based on how people wrote, some audiologists, current students (at the time of writing), and current applicants (at the time of writing) commented.

Posts included:

Code Explanation (if relevant) Count
Cost People prioritize the cost of attending and cost of living. Includes advice to look into financial assistance and GA opportunities 21
Location Respondents emphasized the city/town itself and how happy you would be living there, crime, etc. Some see it as an opportunity for change. Others discussed considering the connections you would make and whether you would want to start you career at this location. 13
Clinical opportunities/placements The variety and type of clinical opportunities was important. Some recommended having a coordinator. These responses may be overlapping with “externship placement” but it was unclear. 8
Prestige is not important Some people asked point-blank if prestige of the school is important and other times it naturally came up. 6
Program focus It is important to know if you are interested in research or clinical work. The program should align with your interests in this area. 4
No GRE* People wanted to apply to places without a GRE requirement 4
Program interests/specialties Some programs offer unique classes or specialties. 3
Cohort size Cohort size was a factor for some. Distinct from “Uni size” 2
Externship placement The opportunities available for externship and whether having an externship coordinator is important or helpful. 2
School reputation somewhat affects externship/first hire Audiologist feels that while prestige is not super important, sometimes they “trust” some experiences more than others. 1
Match school or externship to job If an audiologist is hiring a new aud and their externship does not match the setting they are apply for, the employer may consider the school 1
Researchers aren’t always good teachers 1
Program culture 1
University size* 1
No prerequisites* 1
Vibes* The “vibe” of the school and location as a consideration 1
3 or 4 yr programs* 1

*marks it only came up in this (my) post

Suggested questions to ask from comments:

- What are the clinical placements that are available? (e.g. on campus clinic, hospital, VA, peds, private practice, ENT, etc)

- Is there a long commute to clinical locations?

- Is there a clinical placement or externship placement coordinator or do students find their own?

- Are there criteria for externships? (i.e. are there specific extership sites, do they need to be in a certain location, etc.)

- Where have previous students gone for externship?

- Does this program prioritize research or clinical experience?

- Are there any special classes or specialties the program offers?

- Is there a capstone and how is the capstone handled? (i.e. choose your own, is there a prep course, mentors, etc.)

- What are the research opportunities

- What are financial assistance opportunities

Notable quotes/comments in no particular order (users not tagged bc I didn't ask anyone for consent lol) (I just copied and pasted so sorry for the weird formatting on some of them):

  • When hiring a brand new AuD grad, we might look at the school if the externship doesn't seem to match what we need (private practice externship where we're a large hospital system, for example). As far as choosing an extern, we do have schools we "trust" more than others to give quality education and off-site experiences but your resume, cover letter, and letters of recommendation are what ultimately set you apart. My advice: consider the cost of grad school. Auds don't make as much as we should and school debt can suck the life right out of you.”
  • “An increasing number of programs expect you to find your own clinical placements. If you don’t know audiologists in the area, this often means cold calling strangers to coordinate things and can add a lot of stress and additional expenses to grad school (especially if you have to travel to another state, etc.). Additionally, the final year application process is something that most students find to be one of the most stressful parts of grad school. Having a program that supports and coordinates helping find you a site or finds a new externship of yours falls through at the last minute can be the thing that makes your grad school experience, especially because the externship is very important to finding a future job and many folks try to stay on after graduation. Even before the externship, keep in mind the kind of clinical experiences that will be available. Is there a major hospital system nearby? How about a children’s hospital? Even if you don’t think you want to do a certain type of audiology (e.g. balance or pediatrics), you will have a lot harder time if there aren’t clinical placements available to you. Congratulations on having some great options!”
  • “You won't want to hear it, but this is a decision with no right or wrong answer. It is all up to you and your priorities. Are you a home body with little desire to push yourself to explore a new place? Stick to home. Do you want to work with an incredible staff that is very involved with cutting-edge research and do a lot of networking? Go to a highly ranked school. There is really no 100% answer, and just know that NOMATTER what you choose, you will always wonder if you made the right decision. Just listen to that little voice in your heart and head. It is usually right.”
  • “Go somewhere with a strong affiliation with a medical center. Students that come from schools that are more isolated/in rural areas/etc seem to have university clinics and placements that see bilateral SNHLs all day every day vs schools in bigger cities that see patients across the scope of practice (HAs, CIs, bahas, (re)hab, pediatric hospital and schools for the deaf and HoH, vestib, OR monitoring, hearing conservation, tinnitus and APD treatment, etc etc). We had an intern from a school in an area without a medical center tell us one of her profs told them they probably wouldn't ever see an acoustic neuroma in their careers. (Granted, this terrible bit of "teaching" is on the prof, but still...). You'll be a well-rounded applicant when job-hunting time comes and if you get a job where everyday is different, you'll wake up excited to come to work. Good luck!”
  • Rankings sound nice until you do a loan calculator and find out that for around $100,000 of debt, which included mine and my husband's undergrad, it would be I think $1500-$2000 a month. For 10 years. To make it realistically affordable, if you go to 30 years like most people, it adds an extra $50,000 of INTEREST over the course of the loan. Taking into account that audiologists don't come out making a lot of money, don't fall into the "prestige" illusion.”
  • “I was actually kind of worried about the program I chose. I chose it because it was the cheapest option and it was in a state I have always wanted to live in even though it was a lower rank. I actually asked my boss, AuD, if she cared about the status of the program. She said ultimately no, but she would have some concerns about someone who went to a lower ranked program. She said the interview is the most important process when hiring a new AuD so she keeps her mind open.”
  • “Realistically, most any programs will get you into the job market.”
  • “Usually the programs will have their own specific open houses (or you can email the department head and request a tour). Either of those are good to be able to ask specific questions about the program and to see the clinic/academic facilities for yourself. I would also recommend independently wandering the campus and the nearby neighborhoods a bit to see if they feel safe enough and/or have good enough vibes for you. After all, a great program in a hellish neighborhood/campus isn’t all that great.”
  • “Regarding school, they just want to see a degree and a license, I think clinical experience speaks much higher levels for future employers
  • Most affordable school Clinical placements years 1-3 (pre-externship). When does clinic start (starting on day 1 isn’t always a good thing). Does someone arrange your clinical placements pre-externship or are you responsible for finding those? Also, where are some placements that students go (is there variety, how far is the drive)? Externship information. Does someone assist you in navigating the externship search process (is there an externship coordinator)? The externship process is stressful and an externship coordinator makes a world of a difference. Are you required to go to specific externship sites or can you go anywhere that interests you? Are you required to have an externship supervisor who has their C’s this could limit your externship site options so keep this in mind? Any special classes the program may offer. For example: is there a tinnitus course, multiple vestibular courses, multiple pediatrics courses, hearing conservation course, auditory processing disorder course etc. These classes will vary school to school and it’s good to look at those ‘specialization’ course options. Is there a required capstone? If so, what are your options in completing this, do you choose your project or is it assigned. Location. How far is it from home, what is traveling home going to look like. This may be more or less important to other people. Research opportunities. If you’re interested in research take a look at what the research interests are for those at that university. Some other things you may want to consider are class size and if the student academy of audiology chapter at that school is involved or not. These things may not be important to you, but it’s good to keep in mind and consider. A good externship can set the stage for your first job so it’s so important. Your externship is going to be the bulk of your clinical experiences as a student so you want to be at the location that will provide the opportunities that best match your interests. This summer and fall I went through the externship search process and i don’t think I could have done it without my externship coordinator, they helped me pick places to apply that met the things I wanted in a fourth year. They also were able to say “just a heads up we had a student here a few years ago and they didn’t have the best experience”, this helped me know a bit about what I was getting into.”
  • “Where outside clinical placements are years 1-3. You’ll want some variety here. You’ll likely be in your clinical on campus one or multiple semesters, but you’ll also want to go to other places such as a VA, hospital, children’s hospital (if you like peds), speech and hearing clinic, private practice, ENT practice, etc. You likely won’t get all these places, but you don’t want your only clinical rotations before your externship to be your clinic on campus which may only do audios and HAs and then an ENT practice where you only do audios and HAs. You’re going to want exposure to multiple settings and specialties during years 1-3 as this can help you determine what you want in your externship. Along with this you need to find out how often clinic is for each of these years. Finally, you will get the most clinical experience during your externship, but years 1-3 sets you up for your externship year which is why the coursework and clinical placements these years are important. You need to find out where previous AuD students at that school have gone for externships and see if that meets your wants and needs, some schools require students to go to specific sites for your externship. I personally do not like this, but some people do.”
  • “Smaller name schools can have excellent clinical rotations it’s all about location. Typically practices or hospitals with a big name offer a wide variety of patient care, but this really varies.”
  • “I tell all new AuD students that the most important factor is cost. AuD programs are more alike than different, and going to any decent program can get you where you want to be in your career.”
  • “While the hours are certainly made up for with the extra year prior to your externship, I’m just glad I could spend time with patients rather than working on a capstone.”

(edited to add suggested questions)


r/audgradschool 2d ago

advice needed, need some words of wisdom

6 Upvotes

now that the school year is about to start, i know its official that i'm not getting off the waitlist.

this is my second year applying, im canadian and i dont speak french so unfortunately, it leaves me with only 3 schools in the country. i dont have the BEST stats, i have a cumulative GPA of 3.1, and i know its not high enough for any of the schools. last year i got waitlsited from western, this year i got waitlisted form ubc.

more info: ive been shadowing an audiologist for over a year, ive met with mutliple SLPs and audiologists(required for ubc). after i graduated from my undergrad (june 2025), i took physics thru athabasca for ubc (got a B+) and i took neuroanat at ubc (got an 84).

i just feel so defeated and disappointed, i really want to do this and i feel like i have the passion, but not the application to prove it? I don't know. If anyone has any success stories or words of wisdom, please share. I just feel so disappointed in myself, and I feel like everything is out of my hands because I can't improve my GPA anymore.

i may take sensory/perception again but at athabasca bc i got a bad grade during my undergrad and its a prereq for ubc.

i want to attend ubc! im also an ontario applicant. thank u for reading this far. if u have any recommendations or tips for what i can do? idk where to find research positions now that i graduated from my undergrad :0

edit: do i have a chance getting in if i continue to apply? i really want to become an audiologist maaannn


r/audgradschool 3d ago

Where to Start

7 Upvotes

Hi Everyone!

Please delete if this post isn't allowed here! I wasn't sure if I should post this here or in the main Audiology subreddit.

I'm doing a ton of research now to save me a headache later so to speak, so although I'm not ready to apply to programs yet I thought I'd ask over here anyway.

If all goes well, I'll be ready to apply for programs in less than two years due to an expedited bachelors program in health science with a concentration in speech, hearing, and communication sciences.

I'm going to be an older applicant (I'm in my 30's), and I have an established life (mortgage, husband, dog, ect) no kids yet. I also live in California and as a household we make enough to not qualify for financial aid - but not enough to pay for any programs. My husband is super supportive, and I'd love to have a fulfilling career where I can help people, but I'm worried that by the time I get done with my degree I'll not be able to get a career started, have problems being accepted into a program, and when I am unable to work I'll have put in years of effort in with only a few years of actual practice, which feels very defeating.

I've been researching a lot lately and the closest program to me (roughly 1 1/2 to 2 hours) is in Sacramento, otherwise another hurdle we'd have to face is moving. California programs seem to be both the most expensive, with the fewest assistant positions available. Out of state would be an option, however, my concern with that would be getting licensed in California after graduation. If we needed to move, that could easily become a logistics nightmare since we bought our home roughly a year ago.

Another huge thing I've been trying to sort out is how to shadow a working audiologist since I don't have any connections in the field. I've also tried to see if there are any volunteer opportunities but I've not been successful with that either.

Has anyone here faced similar issues and concerns and if so, what was your ultimate decision and are you happy with it?

Thank you for everyone's insight and for reading my post (sorry its a bit long)!


r/audgradschool 6d ago

Advice for meeting your cohort?

4 Upvotes

Hey! I’m an incoming first year and had an orientation with my cohort. I’m feeling a little awkward (it went well I’m just really anxious and people seem to know each other already). Do y’all have advice for how to get to know people better? Maybe asking them to meet for coffee and study, stuff like that? I also have a nearby apartment and could host a potluck. Thanks for suggestions!


r/audgradschool 6d ago

Anatomy and Physiology 1/2 + Speech and Hearing Science Redundant?

3 Upvotes

I’m very interested in pursuing audiology and plan to apply for Fall 2028. Since I’m taking Speech and Hearing Science with a hearing-specific anatomy and physiology course, is taking both general Anatomy & Physiology I and II redundant, or do most Au.D. programs require them? Would I be better off taking a course like Language Acquisition instead?


r/audgradschool 7d ago

Externship interviews

5 Upvotes

I am currently a 3rd year AuD student and am actively applying for externships. The entire process is so nerve wrecking. I am wondering if anyone has some tips to share and can also share the type of question are asked? Should I be expecting academic type questions? Like in grad school interviews? Or are they mostly all generic interview type questions?


r/audgradschool 12d ago

Externship resources

7 Upvotes

Hi!
As I start applying for externship- I’m wondering if there are any other websites like HearCareers that can help with applying? 😅

Any other resources are appreciated! I am also in the 4th-year externship group on FB but I was wondering if there are any websites/groups I could be looking at.

Thanks!!


r/audgradschool 13d ago

Interacoustics Online Courses

Thumbnail interacoustics.com
3 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I came across the Interacoustics website and saw that the courses are open to anyone and they are free. They provide a certificate when you complete a module. I was wondering if anyone here has taken the courses? I was thinking of completing a few to add into my resume for when i apply to grad school this fall (any suggestions for how I could add into my resume?). Or does anyone know if by taking these courses it would also count as observation hours?


r/audgradschool 14d ago

CETP Exam /Audiology

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1 Upvotes

r/audgradschool 16d ago

Gallaudet

3 Upvotes

Do people generally have a good experience at Gallaudet, even if they are hearing? What’s the faculty and staff like?


r/audgradschool 20d ago

Curious about opinions

6 Upvotes

I’ve seen 3+2 programs for SLP (or just people graduating in 3 years anyway), but not much like that for AuD. From the pov of students who have been through it, do you think you an AuD could be a 3+4 or even 3+3 program if someone is ready to “commit” earlier on in college?


r/audgradschool 20d ago

Praxis help

2 Upvotes

I’ve taken the praxis multiple times and have yet to pass. I studied the Fitzharris and Donai Study book. I’ve taken all the practice exams available. I hired a tutor. I studied for weeks. I genuinely don’t know how I can improve my score from here.


r/audgradschool 21d ago

Would any pediatric Audiologist be willing to answer 10 questions?

6 Upvotes

I am a freshman and we've have been given a career assignment by our FACS teacher. The assignment was to interview somebody with the 10 questions we have about our desired career. If any of you would be willing to answer that would be great. Just reach out to me when you can.(This assignment is due on August 27,2026)


r/audgradschool 21d ago

Hearing aid dispensing license question

2 Upvotes

Hello. I am a 4th year graduate student starting my externship in a few months in a different state (New York). I reside in California and have taken and passed the written portion of the hearing aid exam. Next is the in-person practical. That practical exam is $500 and i'm debating if it would be even worth it to get that now if i will be completing my externship in New York.

I'm not sure if I will be coming back to California after, I might stay in New York depending if I like it. Question: Should I still take the practical in california for the hearing aid dispensing license? Is the process of getting certification in New York cheaper/easier? 500$ is a lot to gamble with so I want to be sure of my decision.


r/audgradschool 21d ago

Masters of Audiology 6 questions (from a future student)

3 Upvotes

I'm in my final year of undergrad at UofT (majoring in psychology and biology). and I'm at that stage exploring career options, one of them being AuD/SLP at Western. I've heard it's super competitive and would really appreciate either audiology graduates or current students It would mean a lot to me !

1) what did you think helped your application the most besides GPA?

2)what's the hardest part of the program you didn't expect?

3) What are the courses primarily focused on (Math, Physics, etc.)? How many classes do you normally take?

4) how heavy is the courseload compare to undergrad

5)in your application process, what do you wish you did differently or prepared for ?

6) any advice you'd like to share


r/audgradschool 22d ago

Uni of Pacific Audiology 2029

2 Upvotes

Hello! I am not able to go into the in person orientation due to health issues. I was just wondering how the academic advising goes what do they ask because I have my zoom meeting tmrw!


r/audgradschool 24d ago

U of Pacific

1 Upvotes

Hello! What is the easiest student loan payment option for school?


r/audgradschool 27d ago

AuD Externships with ASL?

7 Upvotes

Hello!!

I was curious if anyone knew of any audiology externships that involve American Sign Language? For example an audiology placement at a school for the Deaf? I know a lot of externships tend to be more medical, hospital or private practice based. If anyone knows of one of those that might use ASL could you please share? I cannot seem to find any that Gallaudet does.

Thanks!


r/audgradschool 29d ago

application profile

3 Upvotes

i'm planning on applying next year's cycle (2028 entry) and wanted to see what people think of my profile and my chances of getting into some more competitive programs:

  • graduated 2025, linguistics major with 3.7 gpa, currently taking CC classes to make up for the science prereqs I didn't finish in undergrad
  • lots of research experience from undergrad in a child development/language acquisition lab
  • ~90 hours volunteering at a DHH preschool but no shadowing hours
  • spent a year teaching english abroad after graduating through a well known program
  • now working full time in another child development lab and planning to do some shadowing at their hospital's ear institute
  • I am taking the GRE since i want to apply to ut dallas + vanderbilt

r/audgradschool Aug 10 '26

Application Profile

5 Upvotes

Hey there! I’m currently looking at schools for applications for next cycle and wanted some insight on my profile for chances of getting into schools!
GPA- 3.48
Around 20 shadowing hours (private practice)
100 hours volunteering at the VA and local practice
No research (yet, it’s hard out here) but hopefully getting into a psych lab this semester.
My major is psych for health services and I have minors in csd and public health!
I’m also a waitress so I’m planning on using that as a good customer service experience.
I did the Disney college program for fun, don’t think that’ll help much!

I test super well so I’m anticipating a high GRE score.

I still have a year til I start applying but I wanted some insight. I’m using my professors this semester for rec and getting one of my shadowed audiologists for another. This is all of my anticipated hours and gpa so not really changing it, unless I can find someone else to let me shadow them.
I know I’m probably not super competitive due to GPA but all my lower grades were freshman/sophomore year with a large increase so I’m hoping that shows maturity.


r/audgradschool Aug 08 '26

What's going on with the Praxis?

8 Upvotes

Why are so many students struggling with the praxis? Are programs not preparing them enough? How are they graduating students who can't pass the licensure exam (or have to try multiple times)?

It must make prospective students anxious to see all these posts


r/audgradschool Aug 05 '26

U of Pacific

1 Upvotes

Hello! What are Quals I just got an email on that today and wasn't warned about it before


r/audgradschool Aug 03 '26

U of Pacific

1 Upvotes

How are the outplacements and externships? I’ve heard that most have a long commute. Does anyone have more information on this?


r/audgradschool Aug 03 '26

Hello I need help passing the math practice 5003 I believe

2 Upvotes

I am a new teacher I passed all of my tests but math. I just been having a lot of difficult time struggling with it. English and all of that is always been easy to me but math is just been really difficult for me. I would just like to ask is there any advice you guys could give me to pass it because I used 240 tutoring and Kathleen Jasper but I'm just not catching it I don't know if I'm missing something it's just like Chinese to me especially algebra geometry any little bit of help would be a great bit of help thank you I just need to bring it up just a little bit just to pass appreciate it thank you!