Speech Pathology Statement of Purpose: Examples & Tips
Whether you’re an undergraduate student just starting to explore speech pathology or a career changer with years of work experience behind you, writing your statement of purpose (SOP) for a speech pathology graduate program can be intimidating. In this post, we’ll demystify the speech pathology SOP by sharing insights and speech pathology statement of purpose examples from our work with successful applicants. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan and set of tips for crafting an SOP tailored to you and your unique experiences, goals and fit for a speech pathology program. We’ll break down the key pieces admissions committees want to see and how to weave them together into a cohesive narrative that makes you stand out from the applicant crowd. Let’s get started on putting your best foot forward with your speech pathology SOP.
What is a statement of purpose?
As you will see in the speech pathology statement of purpose examples provided at the end of this blog, a statement of purpose is a document that outlines your goals, motivations, and aspirations for pursuing a particular academic program or career path. It serves as a personal introduction to the admissions committee, providing insights into your background, experiences, and future plans.
This document showcases your passion, commitment, and ability to articulate your objectives coherently. It highlights your unique qualities, skills, and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the opportunity at hand.
A well-crafted statement of purpose not only explains why you are interested in a specific field but also demonstrates how your past experiences and future goals align with the program or position you are applying for. It is a crucial component of your application because it gives decision-makers a glimpse into your personality, potential, and suitability for their institution.
What are admissions committees looking for?
Admissions committees are seeking candidates who can clearly articulate their passion for speech pathology and demonstrate a deep understanding of the field. They value candidates who have gained relevant practical experience, whether through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering and can reflect on how these experiences have informed their desire to pursue this career path.
Additionally, they are interested in candidates who can show how they will contribute to the university and the field of speech pathology beyond just academics. They want to see your uniqueness, your drive, and your potential.
Crafting an impactful statement of purpose is no small task. The pressure to present oneself convincingly can certainly lead to anxiety about the quality of your draft. Is it engaging enough? Does it genuinely represent you? Does it make a compelling case for your admission? These are crucial questions to consider as you refine your statement.
Before you start
Before you start writing your statement of purpose for a career in speech pathology, and before you even start looking at speech pathology statement of purpose examples for inspiration, it’s essential to set aside time for introspection and preparation.
This is the first step because it allows you to gain clarity about your motives and aspirations, which will serve as the backbone of your statement. Reflect on why you chose speech pathology – was it a personal experience, an influential mentor, or an inherent fascination with the field? Recalling your journey will help you articulate your passion convincingly.
Secondly, review your experiences in the field. What did you learn during your internships or part-time jobs? How have these experiences shaped you? These insights will highlight your hands-on experience, making your statement more authentic and credible.
Thirdly, think about your future aspirations. How does the specific program you’re applying for align with your career goals? Expressing this alignment will demonstrate your focus and commitment.
Finally, consider your unique traits or experiences. What makes you different from other applicants? How will you contribute to the university and the field of speech pathology? This will help you stand out from the crowd.
This preparatory process, though time-consuming, is crucial because it lays a solid foundation for your statement of purpose. It ensures that your statement is not just a generic narrative but a rich, coherent, and personalized story that resonates with the admissions committee and increases your chances of selection.
Conduct some preliminary research
Thorough research is a cornerstone of writing an impactful statement of purpose, especially for a field as specialized and intricate as speech pathology. Understanding the nuanced expectations of the admissions committee, the intricacies of the program, and the current trends in the field can significantly enhance your statement’s relevance and persuasiveness.
Delving into the university’s course structure, faculty profiles, research focus, and values can help you align your aspirations and experiences with the institution’s vision, thereby demonstrating a clear fit. Furthermore, researching about the evolving landscape of speech pathology can help you showcase your ability to stay abreast with cutting-edge developments and reflect your commitment to lifelong learning. This can be achieved by reading recent academic papers, following relevant blogs, and engaging with professionals in the field.
Lastly, research equips you with a broader understanding of the field, enabling you to articulate your long-term goals and potential contributions with more precision and conviction. Even though this process might appear daunting, the depth and context it adds to your statement of purpose can potentially tip the scales in your favor, making the investment of time and effort well worth it.
Why choose speech pathology?
In your statement of purpose, articulating why you chose speech pathology is of paramount importance. The field of speech pathology is intrinsically linked to the fundamental human need for communication; it is through communication that we express ourselves, form relationships, and navigate our daily lives.
Speech pathologists play a crucial role in fostering and restoring this essential ability, making a significant difference in people’s lives. They work with individuals across the lifespan, from children struggling with language development, to adults recovering from strokes or traumatic brain injuries; they help those with speech and language disorders to swallow difficulties. A career in speech pathology is both challenging and rewarding, offering a dynamic work environment with continual learning and development opportunities.
As demonstrated in the speech pathology statement of purpose examples we provided below, your statement should highlight these aspects, along with any personal experiences or observations that have led to your interest in this field. Reflect on why you’re drawn to the complexity and impact of this profession and how you envision contributing to it. This will not only demonstrate your understanding of the field but also your passion and commitment to it.
Highlight your qualifications
In crafting your statement of purpose, your qualifications should take center stage as they’re a testament to your readiness and aptitude for pursuing a career in speech pathology. Your academic achievements, coursework, research involvements, or any specialized training you’ve undertaken in the field should be highlighted.
Additionally, it’s crucial to narrate any relevant practical experiences that have enriched your understanding of the profession. For instance, if you’ve volunteered or shadowed a speech pathologist, share those experiences. Discuss the insights you gained, the skills you honed, and how these experiences deepened your interest and commitment to speech pathology. It could be your observation of the transformative impact speech therapy had on a patient, or the emotional resilience you witnessed in clients struggling with communication disorders. It might even be your realization of the intricate complexities involved in the diagnosis and treatment of speech and language disorders.
Each of these experiences and insights is invaluable as they provide a glimpse into your hands-on exposure to the field, your understanding of the practitioner’s role, and your capacity to contribute meaningfully to the field. Elaborating on this will not only underscore your qualifications but also substantiate your passion for speech pathology
Share your passion
In your statement of purpose, a vivid portrayal of your passion for the field is paramount as it brings authenticity and personality to your application. It’s not just about stating your interest but demonstrating a genuine commitment to speech pathology and an innate desire to help those afflicted with speech and language disorders.
Anecdotes can be effective tools for this purpose. For example, you might recount a poignant instance when you helped a relative, who struggled with a speech disorder, to communicate a simple yet vital message to their loved ones. The sense of fulfillment you felt in that moment, witnessing the power of effective communication, underscores your passion. Or perhaps it was an interaction with a speech pathologist who deeply impacted a community, inspiring you to follow in similar footsteps.
These narratives provide a personal touch, making your statement more compelling and relatable. As demonstrated in the speech pathology statement of purpose below, they effectively show your readers—not just tell them—about your enthusiasm for speech pathology, your understanding of its transformative potential, and your readiness to devote your professional life to this field.
Showcase research interests
In crafting your statement of purpose for speech pathology, it’s vital to emphasize not only your passion for helping individuals overcome speech and language disorders but also your thirst for continual learning and exploration in the field. This can be effectively conveyed by highlighting your research interests, which may span beyond conventional treatment approaches.
For instance, you may express interest in areas such as discourse analysis, a study that investigates how language is used in social contexts, or aphasia recovery, an area that delves into the complex process of regaining language and communication abilities after a neurological injury. By showcasing these areas of interest, you underscore your readiness to embrace the evolving dynamics of the field.
Moreover, the inclusion of these interests in your statement illustrates your holistic view of speech pathology, suggesting a desire to contribute to the breadth of knowledge in the field, rather than merely applying existing techniques. Therefore, don’t shy away from demonstrating your enthusiasm for research and continual learning, as this could be the distinguishing factor in your statement of purpose.
Discuss Your Career Goals
In your statement of purpose, it’s critical to articulate your short and long-term career goals clearly. Beyond the immediate goal of earning your degree, where do you envision yourself in the next 5 to 10 years?
Perhaps you aspire to specialize in a specific area of speech pathology, or maybe you aim to lead a team in a reputable health institution. Do you dream of implementing groundbreaking research in speech disorders or maybe starting a private practice to serve your local community? Whatever your goals may be, it’s essential to spell them out and, more importantly, to explain how attaining these objectives will enable you to make a bigger impact.
For instance, if your goal is to research novel treatment methods for aphasia, discuss how this will potentially revolutionize the care and recovery of aphasia patients, thereby furthering your impact in this field. Show the reader that you have a clear plan for your future and are prepared to use your education as a stepping stone to achieve your career objectives and make a significant contribution to speech pathology.
Connect Your Goals with the School’s Offerings
It is crucial to seamlessly connect your career goals with the specific offerings of the school you’re applying to, thereby demonstrating concordance between your aspirations and the institution’s objectives. This connection serves a dual purpose.
Firstly, it shows that you’ve done your homework about the school and its speech pathology program, and you’re not just randomly applying. Secondly, it assures the admissions committee that their resources will be well-utilized in fostering your career and that you are likely to succeed in their program.
For instance, if the school is known for its research in childhood speech disorders and this aligns with your career interest, explicitly mention this in your statement of purpose. Highlight how participating in such research will provide you with the necessary skills and exposure to excel in your career and contribute significantly to the field.
Similarly, if the school prides itself in its cutting-edge technology and innovative teaching methods, discuss how these aspects will equip you with the modern tools of the trade, thereby enhancing your efficiency and effectiveness as a future speech pathologist.
Remember, a statement of purpose is not just about you; it’s about how you and the school can mutually benefit and grow from this partnership.
Proofread thoroughly
Finally, a crucial step that cannot be overstressed is thorough proofreading of your statement of purpose. Meticulous proofreading is not merely a finishing touch; it is a crucial aspect that can significantly impact your SOP’s effectiveness. Poor grammar or spelling mistakes can undermine your message, dilute the impact of your words and leave the impression of a lack of attention to detail.
Remember, an SOP is a professional document that should reflect your commitment, precision, and linguistic prowess. It’s a reflection of your academic capability and your respect for the reader’s time and attention. After you’ve written your statement, take a break and revisit it with fresh eyes. Read it out loud, listen for any awkwardness, and correct any grammatical, punctuation or spelling errors. Use software that checks for grammar and punctuation errors.
But don’t stop there. Ask others to review it as well. A fresh perspective can often spot errors or inconsistencies that you might have missed. They can also provide feedback on the flow and overall impact of your statement. Remember, it’s not just about the message but also about how you deliver it. A well-structured, error-free SOP will emphasize your seriousness about the program and your professional attitude, thereby significantly enhancing your chances of selection.
Speech Pathology Statement of Purpose Examples
Speech pathology statement of purpose examples #1:
“My passion for helping others communicate more effectively, combined with my academic background in linguistics, makes me a strong candidate for this program.
Ever since I assisted in a local school where children with speech difficulties were often left behind, I realized the profound impact of speech and language pathologists. Their work goes far beyond teaching kids to articulate sounds; they truly empower people, granting them the gift of communication. This transformative experience ignited my desire to dedicate my professional life to speech pathology.
During my undergraduate studies in Linguistics at XYZ University, I focused on phonetics and phonology, which provided me with a robust foundation for understanding speech sounds and their physical properties. I also worked with Professor ABC, a renowned expert in dyslexia, where I learned the importance of interdisciplinary research in understanding and treating speech disorders. In my research…
To expand my practical experience, I volunteered at a local clinic, providing therapy for children with various speech difficulties. Seeing these children’s progress and their excitement as their communication skills improve has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. This has not only solidified my resolve to pursue speech pathology but also instilled in me the patience, empathy, and resilience required in this profession.
I am particularly drawn to XYZ program because of its emphasis on both theory and clinical practice. The multidisciplinary approach and cutting-edge research conducted at your institution would provide me with the comprehensive education necessary to excel as a speech pathologist. I am looking forward to enrolling in the X, Y and Z courses because…Moreover, I am particularly interested in the work of Professor XYZ, whose research on aphasia aligns with my interests.
In return, I bring to the program my unwavering dedication, academic knowledge, and practical experience. I am especially to engage in X, and Y activities outside the classroom because… I am confident that the master’s program in speech pathology at XYZ University would equip me with the skills and knowledge to make a significant contribution to this field, and I am eager to embark on this journey.”
I firmly believe that successful speech pathology hinges on the integration of in-depth theoretical knowledge with innovative research. This conviction is rooted in my academic studies and practical experiences, and I intend to further this understanding by contributing to the scientific community through high-impact research.
Speech pathology statement of purpose examples #2:
The role of research in advancing the field of speech pathology cannot be overstated. It is through rigorous research that we can uncover new diagnostic techniques, develop more effective therapeutic strategies, and ultimately improve the quality of life for individuals with communication disorders. My undergraduate studies, coupled with my practical experience, have equipped me with a strong foundation in research methods and the clinical application of research findings. As an undergraduate, I engaged in active research. My project, titled XYZ, written under the supervision of Dr. X, studied…My approach was…The conclusions were…
I am particularly interested in exploring the neurological underpinnings of language disorders, which I believe can pave the way for novel treatment approaches. I am especially interested in…The opportunity to work under the guidance of distinguished faculty like Professor XYZ, whose groundbreaking work in aphasia I greatly admire, is a privilege that I am keen to leverage.
My goal is to contribute to the speech pathology field by conducting research that can drive improved clinical practices and outcomes. I am confident that the master’s program at XYZ University, renowned for its research-driven approach, provides the ideal platform for this endeavor. I am excited about the potential to collaborate with the faculty and my peers in pushing the boundaries of our understanding of speech and language disorders. I look forward to the prospect of furthering my studies and contributing my unique perspectives to your program.
In the course of my 10-year career as a speech-language pathologist, I have been fortunate enough to serve a diverse patient population, ranging from young children with articulation disorders to adults recovering from traumatic brain injury. Each patient’s journey has underscored the transformative power of evidence-based, personalized speech therapy. However, I have also noticed gaps in our understanding and treatment of certain complex disorders, particularly in the area of neurologically based communication disorders. It is this curiosity and the desire to contribute to the field in a more meaningful way that draws me to the master’s program in speech pathology at your esteemed institution.
Over the years, I have developed strong clinical competencies, but I believe that there is always more to learn and discover. I am particularly intrigued by the innovative research being conducted at your institution, especially under the tutelage of Professor XYZ, whose pioneering work in the field of aphasia has had a significant impact on my own practice. The prospect of working in a thought-provoking environment, where I can apply my practical knowledge to advance research, is both exciting and challenging.
I am confident that the blend of my clinical expertise and my passion for research will enable me to make a valuable contribution to the program. I am eager to delve into research that can uncover new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, thereby enhancing our capability to serve those in need. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the scientific community and help shape the future of speech pathology.
Surviving the cut
The admissions process for a graduate program in speech pathology is increasingly competitive. Each year, institutions receive applications from a multitude of highly qualified, ambitious candidates who, much like you, aspire to make a significant impact in this challenging field. These candidates are not just academically proficient; they have demonstrated exceptional clinical skills, have a clear research direction, and most importantly, they can articulate their passion and unique contributions in a compelling personal statement.
This rigorous selection process necessitates an application that stands out, showcases your unique journey, and convincingly argues why you would be an invaluable addition to the cohort. Lapses in effectively communicating your motivation and vision could lead to missed opportunities, even if you have a strong academic and clinical background. The stakes are high, and the margin for error is thin.
So, it is of paramount importance to consider seeking assistance in this critical stage of your career progression. Whether it’s mentorship from experienced professionals, proofreading and editing services, or personalized guidance on how to structure your statement of purpose, do not hesitate to reach out for help. The chances of crafting a persuasive application increase significantly with the right assistance, thus maximizing your chances of receiving that coveted admission letter.
We hope the speech pathology statement of purpose examples we provided were helpful to you. Crafting a good statement of purpose isn’t something that you can just jot out in an hour – but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming either.
When it comes to crafting your personal statement, clarity is key. Pare down your essay to the facts that most directly relate to this program and this moment. Show the admissions committee what you’re about and how their program can help make your dreams come true. Dedication and practice are essential components of successful applications, so don’t let anything hold you back. If you feel overwhelmed by the process, remember that The Admit Lab can provide valuable insight to help polish your SOP and other aspects of your application package.Feel free to check out our graduate application services and explore how we can help make sure your SOP propels you toward success. We wish you the best in your journey towards a speech pathology degree!
With a Master’s from McGill University and a Ph.D. from New York University, Dr. Philippe Barr is the founder of The Admit Lab . As a tenure-track professor, Dr. Barr spent a decade teaching and serving on several graduate admission committees at UNC-Chapel Hill before turning to full-time consulting. With more than seven years of experience as a graduate school admissions consultant, Dr. Barr has stewarded the candidate journey across multiple master’s programs and helped hundreds of students get admitted to top-tier graduate programs all over the world .
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Suggestions for Preparing Your Goal Statement (a.k.a., Letter of Intent, Personal Statement, etc.) We recognize that preparing the Goal Statement for your application for Graduate study in speech-language pathology can be a daunting task. This document provides guidance that we hope will help you as you develop your letter.
The Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Admissions Committee does read your Goal Statement and it is an important component of your application "package," so do plan to spend time planning, developing, writing and revising your letter. Two resources you might consider using during this process are the Writing Commons and Career Exploration and Development . There is no specific “formula” for what should be included or how it should be organized, but there are features of letters that we feel make a stronger case for your admission to Graduate Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology. Some of these features are summarized below.
Length: We suggest 1-2 pages.
Content: Strong goal statements tend to:
- Reflect you as an individual and represent your ideas and writing. While it is common to seek general advice or feedback on your letter, we want to read your ideas written in your words, not those of someone else.
- Highlight your strengths, accomplishments, and experiences, including those that may be unique or distinguishing.
- Help the admissions committee identify what knowledge, skills, and attitudes you will contribute to the program and future career as a speech-language pathologist.
- Talk about your preparation and readiness for graduate-level study, including work or volunteer experiences that may relate in some way to being a speech-language pathologist or working with diverse groups of people.
- Discuss and clarify any extenuating circumstances underlying discrepancies/weaknesses with your grades or GRE scores.
- Give some specific examples or evidence to illustrate key points.
Strategies:
- Think about what you would say if you had five minutes to “sell yourself” to the program. Jot down those points as a start on your letter.
- Write a rough draft, getting all your thoughts down on paper.
- Edit down to the strongest and most important points about you.
- Organize those thoughts into paragraphs, then organize the paragraphs into the larger document in an order that makes sense and is clear to the reader.
- Edit the letter, then leave it alone for a day or two. Come back and re-read it, then edit and revise again where you feel you haven’t been clear, or to add or revise points to help “market” yourself to the program.
Letters will be submitted on the CSDCAS application portal.
Links to Other Resources
- Purdue OWL, Writing the Personal Statement
- OWL video on Personal Statement for Grad School
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Reach for the Speech
Sample personal statement for slp grad school.
Tip 4: Let your personality shine
It's okay to mention the activities you do outside of medical school, preparing for residency, and studying! Even at age 14, Tiarra Price, DO knew that binge-watching medical diagnosis shows on TV might have foreshadowed a career in diagnosing diseases as a pathologist. Share why you think being a pathologist suits your personality, and how your life experiences have gotten you to this stage. Demonstrate how pathology aligns with your career goals, values, and ambitions, and don't be afraid to have fun with your statement.
Tip 5: Show a different path
If your path to pathology residency didn't follow the same trajectory as others, this is your opportunity to elaborate. As a college athlete, Chris Bell, DO felt too busy to consider medical school immediately upon graduation. What started as a volunteer opportunity turned into a medical technologist career where he met pathology residents. This ultimately inspired him to apply to medical school.
Demonstrating work experience, professional development, and other activities you did before pursuing medicine can show a future residency program that you have what it takes. Don't forget the personal part of your personal statement; your statement shouldn't make the reader cry (like the beginning of the movie Up), but vulnerability is okay.
Tip 6: Highlight experiences that aren't found in your CV
Tell about the barriers you overcame and what they taught you, even if they didn't make it onto your CV. Your statement is a great place to touch on adversities you faced during your journey and to describe how they led you to application day (eg, overcoming failure, time off from medical school, "red flags").
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Yasamin Mirzabeigi, MD ’s observership plans were put on hold. Leveraging the opportunity to work in a pharmacy while studying for the USMLE, Dr. Mirzabeigi leaned on her experience to help her focus even more on pursuing pathology and becoming a trusted member of the clinical care team.
Tip 7: Lean into a (good) metaphor
Residency and medicine can be like many other parts of life. For example, my personal statement focused on playing football as a college athlete. Draw on experiences where you can showcase your specific interest in pathology while also highlighting areas where you demonstrate positive behaviors in everyday situations (eg, handling success, facing defeat, and dealing with difficult people). These experiences can come from sports or other avenues such as art, music, food, etc.
Your personal statement is your story and your story alone. As residency programs review your application and statement, they should have a solid idea of who you are and what you will bring to their program. Let your personality shine through and make it known that you want to be a pathologist.
Thank you to the following recently matched pathology residents for their contributions to this article and for sharing their personal statements:
- David Afework, MD | PG1Y at Oregon Health & Science University Department of Pathology | Twitter: @pathpapi
- Chris Bell, DO | PG1Y at Loyola University Department of Pathology | Twitter: @PathDad
- Nolan Donahue, DO | PG1Y at Loyola University Department of Pathology | Twitter: @hisDOlogy
- Meredith Herman, DO | PG1Y at University of Michigan Department of Pathology | Twitter: @MeredithKHerman
- Yasamin Mirzabeigi, MD | PG1Y at University of Miami Department of Pathology | Twitter: @YMirzabeigi
- Tiarra Price, DO | PG1Y at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center | Twitter: @TiarraPrice
- Casey Schukow, DO | PG1Y at Beaumont, Royal Oak Pathology Residency | Twitter: @sarcomapathdoc
Casey Schukow, DO, is a pathology resident at Corewell Health in Royal Oak, MI. Prior to this, he completed a transitional year internship at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital (Monroe, MI). He has contributed numerous pages, articles, essays, and book chapters to multiple websites, including KevinMD, Doximity Op-Med, VisualDx, DermNet New Zealand, StatPearls, PathElective, The Pathologist, and Pathology Outlines. Social media has played a key role in his #Path2Path and his research interests include utilizing its different platforms to promote free, high-quality medical education globally. Prior to his residency training, he graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (’22) and attended Hillsdale College (’18) where he earned a degree in Biochemistry. Currently, he serves as an Ambassador for the online platform Knowledge In Knowledge Out, or KiKo.
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8 Tips to Prepare for Speech Pathology Graduate School
- Bouvé Communications
If you’re considering a career as a speech-language pathologist (SLP), you’ll need to complete a graduate program, such as a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, in order to practice. An advanced degree will provide you with both the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience you’ll need when working with patients.
With this in mind, below are eight tips to help you prepare for an SLP graduate program.
Tips for Getting Into a Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program
1. think carefully about your undergraduate degree..
If you know that you are interested in becoming an SLP as an undergraduate, it will be helpful to major in a field related to SLP. Two common choices include a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
While not a requirement, earning a degree in a related field will provide you with foundational knowledge that will help you succeed in your graduate courses. Most related undergraduate programs also include hands-on clinical hours, which you must typically complete anyway before enrolling in a graduate program. Additionally, having a related undergraduate degree can help your application stand out among your peers and increase your chance of admission.
If you have already completed your undergraduate degree in a field outside of speech-language pathology, that’s fine! Just know that you will likely need to complete several prerequisite courses before you begin your graduate program.
2. Apply to multiple programs.
Speech-language pathology graduate programs tend to be highly competitive, typically admitting relatively few students in each cohort. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to apply to multiple programs to improve your chances of being admitted to at least one.
“Because of the competitive nature of the admissions process , it makes sense to apply to multiple programs—even if you have a dream school in mind,” says Lorraine Book, department chair and associate clinical professor at Northeastern’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program.
3. Maintain your grades.
While this tip likely goes without saying, it’s important to maintain your grades and earn as high a GPA as possible in your undergraduate courses. GPA is a key piece of information admissions officers consider when reviewing applications, and it can be the difference between getting into a program or not.
“Admissions counselors pay special attention to the GPA you earned in any prerequisite courses, so at a minimum, you should be mindful of those,” Book says.
The good news is that most programs will list their minimum required GPA on their program pages. With this information, you can retake courses if you are falling below the threshold or find other ways to boost your score.
4. Complete the GREs.
Many programs waived their GRE requirements in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. Those programs may decide they do not need GREs to adequately evaluate applicants, in which case they may permanently no longer require test scores. On the other hand, GREs may become necessary again in the future. As such, Book recommends that all students prepare for and take their GREs to be ready for either scenario.
“You want to study and do well on those exams because those scores are closely evaluated in the admissions process,” Book says. “If you don’t do well the first time, you should try again until you have achieved a score that is at least the minimum required by the university, if not higher.”
5. Think critically about your letters of recommendation.
According to Book, the letters of recommendation you submit with your application are critical pieces of information for admissions officers to evaluate. Therefore, you must be thoughtful about the people that you ask to write your letters of recommendation.
“Most programs look for letters of recommendation written by a professor or course instructor that knows the student well,” Book says. “You don’t just want a letter that says you attended class or earned a certain grade. The letter should be written by somebody who knows you beyond simply the coursework that you took.”
Book recommends that students take the time to develop authentic relationships with their professors and advisors during their undergraduate studies. This way, they’ll have multiple people that can write a strong letter of recommendation. If you have lab experience, research experience, or have completed an independent study, those individuals can all offer powerful recommendations as well.
6. Take the time to write a meaningful personal statement.
In writing your personal statement , Book offers the following pieces of advice:
- Be very mindful of spelling and grammar.
- Tailor your message to the university and program that you are applying to by mentioning certain professors or recent research completed by faculty members.
- Write as genuinely as possible.
“The personal statement is your opportunity to speak directly to an admissions officer,” Book says. “Use that space to tell them about your dreams, your goals, and why you want to be a speech-language pathologist.”
7. Be thorough in your application.
While students may think admissions counselors don’t much consider extracurricular activities at the undergraduate level, Book confirms that they are, in fact, an important part of the process and are something that counselors actively seek.
“Volunteer experience, leadership experience, and research experience are all important,” Book says. “They help the admissions team get a fuller picture of who you are and how you would engage in their programs.”
8. Choose the right program.
Finally, Book mentions the importance of choosing the right program for your interests. For example, if you are interested in working with a specific patient population or within a particular branch of SLP, Book recommends looking for programs that will allow you to explore those interests.
Some programs offer concentrations or learning tracks, while others may offer specialized courses that can be just as helpful.
An Important Part of Your Speech-Language Pathology Journey
Earning your MS in Speech-Language Pathology is one of the most important steps you will complete in beginning your career. By following the tips above, you’ll increase your chances not only of getting into a program but of achieving success once you enroll.
Interested in becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist? Learn more about the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northeastern University.
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- Speech-Language Pathology Forum
Starting personal statements
- personal statements
- applications
By 2020slp May 22, 2017 in Speech-Language Pathology Forum
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Anyone have any wisdom on STARTING personal statements? I have no idea where to begin. Of course, I've done some research and viewed samples but I just don't know where to start. Help?
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UnawareInGeneral
Four score and seven years ago.....
- weewaffle2017 , DDolores and SLPsingballs
Every time I've had to write one I'm fairly certain they all started with a simple introduction followed immediately by a succinct "I am interested in X for X purpose" or something very close to that. I've never been turned down for anything, acceptance to a school, a scholarship or fellowship, or a job interview that has required a personal statement. Literally never. That might have something to do with other aspects of "me", but MAYBE, just MAYBE, it's because my personal statements start in just that manner!
Take that for what you will, I'm not sure why people think a personal statement should start with something that is going to be quoted for centuries to come. Make it succinct, make it flow, answer whatever questions X organization has asked you answer in an intelligent and complete fashion. I'm not sure there's more to it.
Reading examples is a great idea. Also take a look at personal statement prompts of schools you are interested in, if you can find them.
I kept a running document of ANY ideas I had for my personal statement on my computer. It was like a brain dump of bullet points of experiences I wanted to highlight, themes for the essay, and actual language I used in mine. I found it really helpful to have this so I could sort through my ideas. It also helped keep me from becoming overwhelmed by the task because I was worried I would forget good ideas I had or had too many ideas to voice.
You will most likely go through many drafts before writing your final essay, so don't be afraid to get something down on paper. Even if you don't like what you've written, at least you've gotten it out of your system and you can start on another draft!
speechstudent300
Start with a brain storm.
Some things to help:
-why you are interested in the profession
-experience you have in the profession
-why the specific school you are applying to interests you
-your professional and personal goals
-how the school will help you receive your goals
after brainstorming, start to piece together the information into an essay.
Once you have a solid draft, I would suggest handing it over to a professor, SLP, or experienced writer to look over it.
- 2020slp and Luu
I would say that after applying twice, the mistake I made on the first one was not listing my professional goals enough and what I Had to offer the schools. It was more of a fluff story, which is great but I think it needed to be more professional.
That was my downfall. Speech Student300 had a great response and outline you could follow.
I would focus on writing from the heart instead of what would make you sound like an ideal candidate. I feel like committees see right through that. When you write from your heart i think it is easier for the thoughts to flow. When you are done go back and make it sound more professional and make sure you hit the key points the other poster said in some form of fashion. Its all about making sure your passion has a rationale instead of saying "i want to work with/im good at working with/i love...". Speak from the heart and filter out the bs. It may be a process, but you can do it!
- ElKel87 , 2020slp and Louly
WannabSLP124
I found a questionnaire online, that asked a bunch of questions that would be relevant to writing your personal statements. I answered all questions in detail to sort of prep myself and get my brain working. Then I just started writing a statement geared toward each school. Questions were: Why do you want to go? What can you bring to the program? What has prepared you for grad school? What experiences have shaped your interests? etc.
My general advice would be to focus on what you can bring to the program, and show that you are competent to complete the program, rather than just "why you want in".
I asked my professor who is on a graduate admission committee what they like to see and she responded with this:
- Have at least 2-3 people read your personal statement to check if it has correct grammar, good flow, and addresses all parts of the prompt the university gives you.
- Do not try too hard to impress! Be honest, authentic, and not too braggy.
- They've seen a million and one personal statements talking about how the applicant wants to help people. This is okay, but more importantly, it is good to connect your personal strengths and interests to speech language pathology. They want to see that you understand the field you're about to go into.
- Don't mix up your schools! Make sure that you don't have the name of another school in your personal statement because this is definitely an application killer. You should include why you're interested in that particular school/program.
- ElKel87 , 2020slp and Daniel998
The break down of my personal statement:
- A personal story (relating to CSD, of course)
- My background history (family struggles)
- My motivation (stemming off of the two listed above)
- What I want to study/focus on in grad school and why
- Why I believe that particular school was the right fit for me
- What I want to do with my SLP degree/how I can benefit the field
Hope that helps! Good luck.
- 2020slp and katiejSLP
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personal statements
hey guys! so unfortunately this was my second year not getting in anywhere :/ i’m not discouraged bc the last year and a half i’ve been getting really good experience which i hope will balance out my not perfect GPA. my other concern are my essays. i want mine to stand out and not be the typical “i had speech therapy too” but there was not big reason or motivation for choosing speech….. i was hoping you guys could give me some examples of what you wrote your essays on to help me think outside the box! i understand it’s diff for everyone but still
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Making Your Personal Statement Stand Out
When talking about getting into SLP school, most people focus on GRE scores and GPA. Many applicants don’t appreciate how important their Statement of Purpose (SOP) is. Making your personal statement stand out can make all the difference in the process.
In this post, I’ve included my top 4 tips for making your personal statement stand out from the rest
I am a strong advocate of word vomiting your first draft . I even have a whole post on activities you can use to help get your creative juices flowing. After you have that rough first draft, you have to do the very difficult job of giving your statement some structure.
It can feel like an overwhelming task. How do you do it?
I’ve come up with three rough outlines of a personal statement that you might use. I cannot say enough how incredibly important it is that your SOP feel original when read by the committee. Just following one of my suggested structures is not enough to give you a good personal statement. You must personalize it to fit your application. My personal statement didn’t follow one of the structures below, it was more of a combination of all of them. But maybe these will give you some ideas to get started and build from.
By Function
- You’ll need to start off with an engaging story to grab the reader’s attention. I can’t tell you how important this is. Keep it professional, but don’t be scared to give a personal anecdote.
- You can mention any previous job (or volunteer experiences) that have prepared you for graduate studies and clinical work afterward. Many experiences can be relevant! Babysitters get the opportunity to see lots of childhood development. Customer services works witness communication breakdowns (and the potentially challenging-behaviors we use as coping strategies) pretty often. Coaching your son or daughter’s soccer team has surely taught you a thing or two about leadership and mediation.
- Walk the reader through your career path (when relevant) and how it has led you to and prepared you for graduate school in Speech language pathology.
- So, I say “ personal” but I don’t mean “TMI-personal.” I generally think it is better to frame things as “professional” rather than “personal”, but maybe you don’t have a lot of professional experience.
- If it’s relevant, explain why you’re personally prepared for graduate school. Maybe managing a household of 3 children has taught you a lot about time management. Maybe being a full-time working Dad while finishing your bachelor’s degree has taught you perseverance.
- Is there anything in your personal background that makes you uniquely qualified to be an SLP graduate student? Do you speak another language? Do you have a child with a communication or swallowing disorder?
- Have you learned anything particularly Wow in class that has stuck out to you? Maybe about a specific disorder, population, or theory. Have you attended any workshops or conferences that taught you new skills? Have you earned any fellowships or scholarships?
- Apart from “textbook knowledge” has your education prepared you for graduate school in other ways like the ability to work in a team, multicultural considerations, or strong written and oral communication skills?
- Many graduate students in speech pathology want to go into clinical practice, but most professors are engaged in some kind of research. It is an inherent part of graduate school. Take the time to write about research projects you’ve assisted with or been involved in. They can be major faculty led projects or they may be smaller papers or projects you did in a class that were meaningful for you.
- Even if you don’t want to do research, you’ll have to learn how to read, understand, and apply it. Can you think of any situations where you applied research to something you’re doing? Maybe you’re a nurse and you learned about a new patient interviewing technique. Maybe you’re a teacher and you read an article on a more effective reading strategy for ELL’s.
- This is also a great place to express your interest in specific speciality areas of faculty at the school you’re applying to.
- To end this “function-oriented” statement, you’ll want to tie all of these pieces together and also emphasize how the university you’re applying to will enhance your education and skills.
The Time Machine
- Past – Your formation and preparation
- Present – What you’re doing now
- Future – Where you plan to be soon (or in the distant future)
Your Journey
- The Epiphany Moment (or not)
- First Step – What did you do then?
- Next Step – What did you do then?
- Future – Where are you going?
Have a Thesis
When you’re writing an academic paper, you’ll probably take the time to come up with a thesis statement. Why should your SOP be any different?
How do you create one? I really recommend taking the time to reflect and do some pre-writing activities. Reflection is one of the most powerful learning tools. Once you’ve done that, you need to look hard at your application and see what are the overarching ideas: service to others; Language as a means of access; hard science; The vale of research driven techniques.
Try boiling down your application to just three sentences about yourself. They don’t have to be written in fancy, formal language (that can come later). This is not an easy task. Then try and take those three sentences and condense them into one.
Once you have this thesis or central idea and you feel good about, look back through your application with this new idea in mind. Can you tweak anything in your personal statement to better fit this narrative?
Avoid Cliche’s
This is really hard to do, but is really important .
I was talking with a professor about reading grad school applications. We talked about how repetitive they get. She said, “If I see another application with something about “language is what makes us human…” I’m going to barf.”
Cliches are boring. By definition, they’re unoriginal. Do you want your application to be boring and unoriginal? Then don’t use them.
Some common cliches:
- Language is what makes us human
- I want to help people
- Thirst for knowledge
- I’ve always been fascinated by…
- Want to give back
- From a young age…
- For as long as I can remember
- Making a difference in people’s lives
Now, you might be thinking: But those ideas are really important! And you’re right. They are. But you need to find original words to express them.
How to do it? First, read your essay and identify any cliche phrases. Highlight them. Then ask yourself what that phrase or word really means. Can you say it in another way? Can you tell a story to express the same idea? Can you turn the cliche inside out?
Do your research & know the program
I cannot overemphasize the importance of getting to know a little about the program you’re applying to. The minimum you should do is read the department’s website, mission, and vision. It would be much better if you could also talk to faculty, staff, and students. Try to get a feel for what the environment is like and what kinds of things the school values.
Spend time reading the profile of each faculty member and maybe even their CV. Many universities post these on their departmental websites. This is a great way to learn about the research going on.
If you know you’re interested in that school, why does this matter? You know it is an ideal place for you, why waste time on this? Because you want to be their ideal student… and you want them to know it. Treasyri, a now practicing SLP, described it a bit like a date. You have to like them, and they have to like you too.
Once you have learned about a school and what makes it special, try to align your personal statement to it. If the school is a major research institution, you should definitely mention the value of evidence-based practice in your personal statement. Perhaps the department has a study abroad / service trip that they feature prominently on their website; it would definitely be valuable to mention any interest you have in serving the international community or diverse clients.
A Tip from a Pro
Despite my trying hard, I don’t know everything. So I emailed about 10 professors are various graduate programs asking them for their “top tip to help make a personal statement stand out.” Either they don’t want to share or they’re too busy to respond, I only received one response.
Dr. Brady from the University of Kansas said: “ Excellent writing, no grammatical errors, and an interesting story.”
I sincerely hope all of this information is useful to you in drafting your personal statement. Let me know what you think, and if you have any other stellar tips to help make your statement of purpose POP for SLP school.
Looking for more personal statement tips? Check here:
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- Philosophy Statement
Pediatric Speech Language Pathology, DIR/Floortime - Washington DC
My philosophy.
As a speech language pathologist specializing in the treatment of children with developmental disorders, I strive to help my students become fully engaged and effective communicators. I believe that atypical language and social-emotional development is best treated with a strong understanding of, and ability to, address the foundational milestones which occur within the course of typical language development that begins in infancy. Children with atypical language and social-emotional development can go back and improve in the early milestones that they did not fully develop due to their challenges. There are three important themes that emerge when looking through the lens of the course of typical language development which inform my treatment of children with language delays. They are as follows:
Language development and social-emotional development are intertwined.
Functional language development involves much more than just speaking words and following directions. It hinges on the social-emotional milestones through which infants and toddlers must progress to become effective communicators. Language does not develop in a vacuum and therefore cannot progress without development of inter-connected and foundational social-emotional, cognitive and physical capacities. This is especially evident when working with children with autism spectrum disorders. When students do not have strong shared attention and joint attention due to sensory processing and emotional regulation challenges, these areas must be addressed in order for these children to eventually develop meaningful and fully functional language and social capacities (Gerber, 2013). To achieve this whole-child approach, collaboration with other professionals on the child’s team – such as teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists and mental health professionals is critical. (ASHA, 2004).
Pre-language and language abilities typically develop within warm, connected exchanges with adults.
Therefore the treatment of the child should take place within warm and playful interactions with the therapist and the child’s caregivers (Greenspan and Wieder, 1998). As a therapist it’s important to have a strong, positive relationship with students, and the best results for children come about when caregivers are an integral part of the process. Caregivers should take part in sessions if possible, and be coached on how to interact and infuse language learning opportunities into co-created play time as well as the daily home life. Helping parents accept and understand their child’s developmental profile and how to best support their learning is critical to the child’s continued, lifelong, growth and development. (ASHA, 2016).
Language is the expression of one’s ideas and understandings of the world (Lahey,1988).
Children working to develop their language abilities must be taught words and concepts that have meaning to them and thus enable them to express their ideas and deepen their learning. Child-led play is where typical children build and explore their ideas and understanding of the world and this should be focused on with atypical language learners as well, as a way to build language. Play is a driver that can be used therapeutically to build ideas and therefore improve and deepen language skills. Play should be the “work” of the session for the child and not just considered a reward for working on static language skills. By first tuning into each child’s unique interests and then building on those themes, adults can ensure that they will be helping to build a child’s meaningful language and true social interaction abilities (Prizant and Wetherby, 2000).
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2016). Scope of practice in speech-language pathology [Scope of Practice]. Available from www.asha.org/policy/
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2004). Preferred practice patterns for the profession of speech-language pathology [Preferred Practice Patterns]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.
Gerber, S. (2013) Developmental-pragmatic approaches/strategies. In F. Volkmar (Ed.),
Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Greenspan, S. and Wieder, S. (1998). The Child with Special Needs: Cambridge, MA: Perseus Publishing.
Lahey, M. (1988). Language Disorders and Language Development. New York, NY: MacMillan Publishing Company.
Prizant, B. and Wetherby, A. (2000). Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Transactional Developmental Perspective. Paul Brookes. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing.
Copyright © 2022 Liesl Hartmann, Speech Language Therapist - All Rights Reserved.
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Natalie Snyders SLP
Making the life of a busy school SLP easier and a bit more beautiful everyday!
in Helpful Ideas for Other SLPs
Setting Professional Goals as an SLP
As school based slps, many of us are required to write a professional goal for ourselves each year. in my district under the danielson model, we call it an “individual growth plan,” while others may call it “professional development goals,” “professional goal setting,” “professional learning plan,” or something similar..
So, where to start?
Let’s take a look at some sample goals you might choose. .
Keep in mind, you want to make sure your goals are realistic – don’t give yourself too many extra tasks that will interfere with your regular job duties or home life.
Here is the professional goal I wrote for myself during the past school year:
- I will provide packets of information to each teacher, regarding each of their specific students on my caseload, their disorders and goals, and possible academic impact. (by August 2015)
- I will provide packets of information in parent-friendly terms, specific to each student (regarding their disorder and potential academic impact), to be given to parents at the beginning of the school year and at each annual review meeting. (by May 2016)
- I will attend & present at the 2015 national American Speech- Language Hearing Association conference. (in November 2015)
- I will take at least two continuing education courses on topics pertaining to my current caseload. (by May 2016)
Here are some resources and articles if you need ideas for accomplishing this goal:
- From TpT: My Parent and Teacher Explanation Handouts were used for steps one and two. I made lots of copies at the beginning of the year, then kept them on hand for whenever I had an IEP meeting.
- SpeechPathology.com : I used my personal subscription to watch courses on stuttering assessment and treatment.
- If the ASHA conference isn’t convenient and/or too expensive, you could substitute any specific conference or course that would be more realistic for you to attend.
Here’s another example goal:
- I will provide packets of information to each teacher, regarding each of their specific students on my caseload, their disorders and goals, and possible academic impact.
- I will send out a survey to my IEP students’ classroom teachers to determine which classrooms would benefit the most and which available times work best with my existing therapy schedule.
- I will collaborate with at least one general or special education teacher to plan and execute at least one lesson or center time during the first quarter [month, semester] of the school year. [You could repeat this one for each semester or quarter, or name a specific teacher/discipline in each one].
- I will trial the “5 Minute Articulation” approach with at least 5 different students this year in order to determine if shorter, more frequent sessions are more effective than being pulled out from the classroom for traditional, longer therapy sessions.
- I will trial centers for articulation therapy for student groups of 3 or more in order to determine if it is more effective than traditional therapy sessions with all students at the table together.
- From TpT: Parent and Teacher Explanation Handouts
- From Super Power Speech: eMerging SLPs: Merging into the Classroom
- From Nicole Allison: Intervention in the Classroom that Actually Works
- From Simply Speech (via Speech Room News): The Power of Inclusion
- From The Speech Bubble SLP: An Idea for Push-In Artic Therapy and How to Avoid the “Push” of Pushing In
- Keep track of articulation progress quickly with my Articulation Progress Monitoring Tool
- From Speech Musings: Centers for Articulation
- From Simply Speech: A First Attempt at Speech Centers
- I will provide packets of information to each teacher, regarding each of their specific students on my caseload, their disorders and goals, and possible academic impact.
- I will provide packets of information to each parent about the nature of their child’s speech-language disorder and the possible academic impact at the beginning of the year and at each IEP meeting.
- I will send out a survey to parents to determine how each prefers to be contacted, day/time preferences for IEP meetings, and which families would like speech-language homework/activities sent home and how often.
- I will write at least five notes/emails to different parents each month regarding their student’s progress in speech-language therapy and tips to maintain their progress at home.
- I will provide weekly/monthly homework activities for parents who request it during the school year.
- I will maintain a page on the school’s website, offering tips and suggestions for parents to help promote communication skills, which will be updated on a monthly/quarterly basis.
- I will promote awareness of good communication habits and information during Better Hearing and Speech Month in May.
- From TpT: Better Hearing and Speech Month Awareness Packet Freebie
- From TpT: Year Round Monthly Homework Packets
- From TpT: Stuttering Mini-Unit (homework activities included)
- From TpT: Summer Speech-Language Therapy Ideas for Parents Freebie (ideas of games and apps that you might hand out to parents or provide a link to from your website)
And one last example:
- Before the school year begins, I will create a bulletin board of “I Can” statements in student-friendly language. During each therapy session, I will review which statement(s) we will be working on, and then at the end of the session, have each student tell what was targeted.
- During the first week of therapy, I will have each student fill out an individual profile that lists his/her general goal areas and why these areas are important. These will be displayed in the therapy room and reviewed periodically throughout the year as needed.
- I will use progress monitoring checks at least once per quarter to assess student progress with their individual goals. I will review progress individually with each student, and he/she will update their personal goal graph sheet with their progress each quarter.
- I will have my students working on articulation, phonology, and/or fluency fill out a self-rating scale at the beginning and end of the school year.
- From TpT: “I Can” CCSS Aligned Posters (available in 15 different design/color options for K-6th and 6 options for 5th-12th grades)
- From TpT: Student Goal Display Freebie
- From TpT: Progress Monitoring Tools for Speech-Language Therapy
- From TpT: Student Self-Rating Scales for Articulation, Phonology, and Stuttering
What professional goals have you written for yourself?
June 18, 2016 at 4:24 pm
Great post! I am saving it for the day I might have to start doing this. I love the new look of the blog, too! Lovely!
July 25, 2016 at 8:02 pm
Hi Natalie,
I happily stumbled upon your blog this morning and immediately fell in love with your clean graphics and awesome examples. I'm a school psychologist just starting a new blog for other school psychs out there, and began this journey after reading many blogs by SLPs. I can't tell you how many resources and helpful tips I've stumbled upon by others in your field. Case in point: this post effectively described the importance of SMART goals with wonderful examples. I'll be using your tips in my professional plan this year. Thanks for the content!
August 12, 2016 at 4:58 pm
I like the idea of focusing a growth goal towards my skills rather than student performance. I am going to try this approach for this school year. Maybe it'll motivate me to improve my areas of weakness!! Thanks for the examples!
August 12, 2016 at 5:40 pm
Excellent post! I am always looking for new ideas for PDP goals! I purchased your "Speech-Language Therapy Explaination handouts for parents and teachers" from TPT last year and use them all the time! It's an excellent resource and has really helped when I am describing and explaining our services to parents and teachers! Thank you!!!
August 13, 2016 at 6:32 pm
This is great! Thank u for this!!!
May 17, 2017 at 7:38 pm
Saving this post for later! This was excellent! It really gave me some starting ideas on overall goals as well as some action steps. Thanks for sharing!!!
September 21, 2018 at 3:06 pm
Thank you for this helpful information. It can be challenging some years to decide on a goal and write realistic, yet measurable goals for yourself.
October 29, 2018 at 4:17 pm
Thank you Natalie! WE have a 3 year cycle – 2 of professional growth cycles and 1 full evaluation. I feel like we have to keep reinventing the wheel and this is so very helpful. It would be great if we had af professional growth goals bank!
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Personal Statement for Graduate Application for Speech Pathology
porkbunsrule - / 7 Aug 27, 2012 #3 Here are some general feedback: - use active voice, not passive voice. - use adverbs and adjectives sparingly. - short sentences are preferable over long, wordy sentences. - keep academic/professional information to lessons learned, skills acquired, etc.; there is no need to rehash what is already in your resume/CV (which I assume is either submitted with the application, or is asked somewhere else in the application) I disagree. I do not think you answered the long-term goals piece. This will be your last paragraph. Be specific. Something like: "My long-term goal is clear: I hope to..." Then, build from here. Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years? Do not be shy here. Be honest with them (and yourself). Do you want a leadership position in an organization? Public sector? Private company? Do you want to run your own company or clinic? Do you want to pursue a higher degree later on? Etc. Good luck!
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Microsoft Word - Annotated Personal Statement.docx. About this sample personal statement: The following personal statement was composed by a Communication Sciences and Disorders major applying to master's programs in speech-language pathology. This is a program-specific personal statement that is nearly 1,200 words long (longer than the ...
SLP grad school personal statements are probably the single most important part of your application to a masters program. It is what brings everything else together. It gives context to your GPA and GRE scores. A well-written personal statement complements the letters of recommendation from your academic sources.
As you will see in the speech pathology statement of purpose examples provided at the end of this blog, a statement of purpose is a document that outlines your goals, motivations, and aspirations for pursuing a particular academic program or career path. It serves as a personal introduction to the admissions committee, providing insights into ...
disorder case examples specific suggestions for the selection of therapy targets and sample therapy activities Bolded key ... As this Personal Statement Speech Language Pathology, it ends taking place physical one of the favored book Personal Statement Speech Language Pathology collections that we have. This is why you remain in the best ...
Below is a list of topics I talked about in my essay, in order! This is obviously very personalized to me, and my life, but will hopefully help in deciding how and where to start! 1) Intro: I began with a personal story about my brother, what originally sparked my interest in speech-language pathology. 2) Paragraph 2: My work experience during ...
Writing Your Goal Statement Speech Pathology & Audiology | Suggestions for Preparing Your Goal Statement (a.k.a., Letter of Intent, Personal Statement, etc.) We recognize that preparing the Goal Statement for your application for Graduate study in speech-language pathology can be a daunting task. This document provides guidance that we hope will help you as you develop your letter.
ow. The maximum length for both parts together is 1000 words.Part 1: Personal Statement. Describe the personal pers. ective or philosophy that you would bring to your career as a speech-language pathologist. Include specific examples of how your perspective develo. ed and how it would contribute to the. field of speech-language pathology. (20.
Making Your Personal Statement Stand Out. When talking about getting into SLP school, most people focus on GRE scores and GPA. Many applicants don't appreciate how important their Statement of Purpose... Read the full article.
Faculty from Nebraska's Speech-Language Pathology program answer common questions about the personal statement, resume and writing sample sections of the application to the graduate program. Searchable Transcript x. Search: Toggle ... Master's in Speech-Language Pathology: Personal Statement, Resume and Writing Sample FAQ" allowfullscreen ...
Personal Statement. Provide a 400 word statement that includes; an insight as to who you are as a person, what you know about the speech pathology profession, why you would like to become a speech pathologist and any relevant speech pathology work/personal experience.
Sample of a personal statement submitted to Canadian and American graduate schools for Speech-Language Pathology with annotations. Graduate schools often require a personal statement (or statement of purpose or letter of intent). This personal statement was used for my top three schools (got into them all!).
In this post, I am going to give you some tips and tricks on how to customize your personal statement for each school without having to completely re-write it for each one. 1. Research the Department You're Applying to! In my interview with Treasyri (a practicing SLP and blogger: TheSpeechMentor), she described finding a graduate school like ...
Nor is it a regurgitation of your curriculum vitae (CV). Your personal statement should be a brief narrative (500-600 words), starting with a reflection of your personality, achievements, and what brought you to pathology. You will end your personal statement on a high note, with well-thought-out remarks on your goals as a future pathologist ...
Speech-Language Pathologist Personal Statement. 458 Words2 Pages. I will soon hold a Bachelor degree in Communication Disorders and my studies have taught me how to communicate with individuals from all backgrounds, professions, and social classes. It taught me sympathy and understanding of human interaction.
Tips for Getting Into a Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program. 1. Think carefully about your undergraduate degree. If you know that you are interested in becoming an SLP as an undergraduate, it will be helpful to major in a field related to SLP. Two common choices include a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and ...
Be honest, authentic, and not too braggy. They've seen a million and one personal statements talking about how the applicant wants to help people. This is okay, but more importantly, it is good to connect your personal strengths and interests to speech language pathology. They want to see that you understand the field you're about to go into.
Sort by: Search Comments. slpundergrad. • 2 yr. ago. One of the things I did for my personal statements was customize it for each school to make it revolve around that school's specific mission and then write about how my experiences can help me fit into this mission. For example, if one of their goals was like promoting diversity right, I ...
When talking about getting into SLP school, most people focus on GRE scores and GPA. Many applicants don't appreciate how important their Statement of Purpose (SOP) is. Making your personal statement stand out can make all the difference in the process. In this post, I've included my top 4 tips for making your personal statement.
Language is the expression of one's ideas and understandings of the world (Lahey,1988). Children working to develop their language abilities must be taught words and concepts that have meaning to them and thus enable them to express their ideas and deepen their learning. Child-led play is where typical children build and explore their ideas ...
Setting Professional Goals as an SLP. As school based SLPs, many of us are required to write a professional goal for ourselves each year. In my district under the Danielson model, we call it an "Individual Growth Plan," while others may call it "Professional Development Goals," "Professional Goal Setting," "Professional Learning ...
Speech Language Pathology- Graduate Personal Statement [2] ~ 2014 - Graduate; Speech Language Pathology Graduate School Personal Statement [3] ~ 2013 - Graduate; Personal Statement assistance for admission into graduate school for Speech Pathology [2] ~ 2014 - Graduate; I found my true passion.