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SLP Personal Statements
Lauren Hammond is our SLP application essay expert and has been helping people write their Speech-Language Pathology personal statements for several years. Whether you just want some feedback on a draft, or you're staring at a blank Word doc and don't know where to begin, she is happy to help!
Contact Lauren directly at 951-395-4646 (phone or text), or send us an email.
Meet Lauren Hammond
Lauren: I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Literature and Writing, with a concentration in Writing, at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) and my Master’s Degree in English and Comparative Literature at San Diego State University (SDSU). I recently completed my PhD in English at the University of California Riverside (UCR) in September 2023. Upon graduating, I began my current position as UCR's Graduate Writing Center Specialist and Fulbright Program Advisor last summer.
I have been a writing consultant for nearly 10 years now, and I've helped people with research writing, thesis/dissertation projects, rhetorical and literary analyses, writing in the humanities, grammar/sentence mechanics, and more. My focus for VKTP centers on graduate school application materials– including personal statements, diversity statements, and research statements– as well as job market materials for academic and alt-academic positions– resumes, CVs, cover letters, etc.
During my downtime, I love hanging out with my husband, 2-year-old daughter, and our two dogs, Link and Leia! My favorite activities are going on the boat, cruising on the golf cart, and making our way through all of the local eateries. When we aren’t out and about, I typically enjoy reading and watching movies.
Working with Lauren is $225 per hour or $995 for a package purchase of 5 hours. You can reach her at 951-395-4646 (phone or text), or by sending us an email.
3 TIPS FOR COMPELLING SLP PERSONAL STATEMENTS
1. Explain Your Interest in Speech-Language Pathology
- Share a meaningful story: Describe a specific experience that sparked your curiosity about SLP, such as working with individuals with communication challenges, observing therapy sessions, or personal encounters that inspired you to pursue the field.
- Highlight the field’s impact: Connect your interest in SLP to its role in improving communication and quality of life for individuals across diverse settings.
- Focus on your motivation: Clearly convey why this field is a natural fit for your skills and goals.
Example:
"My interest in speech-language pathology began when I volunteered at a rehabilitation center, where I observed the impact therapy had on patients’ confidence and ability to connect with others. One patient’s journey from barely speaking after a stroke to engaging in conversations inspired me to learn more about the methods and dedication behind this transformation."
2. Emphasize Relevant Experiences and Skills
- Share academic and practical preparation: Discuss your coursework in communication sciences, linguistics, or psychology, along with any hands-on experiences like shadowing, volunteering, or working with individuals with communication disorders.
- Show qualities essential for SLPs: Highlight skills like problem-solving, empathy, patience, and adaptability, providing examples of how you’ve demonstrated them in relevant settings.
- Connect your background to your readiness: Explain how your experiences have prepared you to thrive in a graduate program and contribute meaningfully to the field.
Example:
"During my internship at an elementary school, I assisted an SLP with group therapy sessions for students with speech sound disorders. This experience taught me the importance of individualized care and creative problem-solving when addressing diverse needs, as well as the rewarding nature of helping children achieve greater confidence in their communication."
3. Align Your Goals with the Program’s Strengths
- Research the program’s unique features: Mention specific aspects like faculty expertise, clinical opportunities, or areas of specialization that align with your career interests, such as pediatric communication disorders or neurorehabilitation.
- Share your vision for your career: Articulate your goals, whether you aim to work in schools, hospitals, or private practice, and explain how the program will help you achieve them.
- Personalize your statement: Show why this program is the right choice for your education and how its strengths will support your professional development.
Example:
"I am particularly drawn to [Program Name] because of its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and its extensive clinical placements. These opportunities will help me develop the expertise needed to work in hospital settings, where I hope to specialize in treating adults with neurogenic communication disorders."
SLP PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLES
The below is an example of a compelling SLP personal statement - below, we'll explain what makes it work.
When I was ten, my younger brother was diagnosed with a speech delay. I remember sitting with him as he worked through his speech therapy exercises, repeating sounds and words while his therapist encouraged him with patience and creativity. Watching his progress was incredible—he went from struggling to communicate his needs to confidently joining conversations with our family. That experience sparked my interest in speech-language pathology (SLP), although I didn’t fully realize it at the time.
In college, I majored in communication sciences and disorders, where I developed a strong foundation in phonetics, anatomy, and language development. One of my favorite courses was Clinical Methods, where we learned how to design therapy plans and adapt them for different clients. I found myself drawn to the creativity involved in tailoring strategies to meet individual needs, whether that meant using flashcards, games, or even music to engage clients.
To gain practical experience, I worked as a speech therapy aide in a school setting. This role allowed me to support children with a range of speech and language challenges, from articulation disorders to pragmatic language difficulties. One of the most memorable students I worked with was a boy on the autism spectrum who initially avoided all social interactions. Over time, with consistent practice and encouragement, he began initiating conversations with his peers. Being part of that transformation was deeply rewarding and reaffirmed my passion for this field.
I also volunteered at a rehabilitation center, where I assisted with therapy sessions for adults recovering from strokes and traumatic brain injuries. Working with this population taught me the importance of patience, empathy, and celebrating small victories. I’ll never forget one client who was relearning how to swallow and speak after a stroke. Her determination to regain independence was inspiring, and it deepened my understanding of how communication impacts every aspect of life.
Pursuing a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology is the next step in my journey. I am particularly drawn to [University Name] because of its emphasis on evidence-based practice and opportunities for hands-on clinical training. The program’s focus on serving diverse populations aligns with my goal of working in a community setting, where I can help individuals from all backgrounds overcome communication barriers.
In the future, I hope to specialize in pediatric speech therapy, helping children build the communication skills they need to thrive academically and socially. I’m also interested in working with bilingual clients, as I’ve seen how language differences can complicate assessment and treatment. Ultimately, I want to be a speech-language pathologist who not only helps clients meet their goals but also empowers them to feel confident and understood.
Looking back, my brother’s journey with speech therapy planted a seed that has grown into a deep commitment to this field. Through my academic studies and hands-on experiences, I’ve developed the skills, empathy, and determination needed to succeed in this program. I’m excited to continue learning and growing as I take this next step toward a career that has the power to transform lives.
What we like about this statement:
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Personal Story: The narrative begins with a relatable and heartfelt anecdote about the applicant's brother, grounding the essay in a meaningful experience that led to their interest in SLP.
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Academic Preparation: The essay highlights relevant coursework like Clinical Methods and communication sciences, showing the applicant’s strong academic foundation.
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Hands-On Experience: The applicant demonstrates practical skills through roles as a speech therapy aide and a volunteer at a rehabilitation center, covering both pediatric and adult populations.
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Realistic Tone: The language is conversational but professional, making the essay approachable and believable.
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Focus on Program Fit: The applicant connects their goals to specific aspects of the program, such as evidence-based practice and clinical training, showing they’ve researched the program.
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Clear Aspirations: Specific goals like specializing in pediatric therapy and working with bilingual clients demonstrate ambition and focus, while leaving room for growth.
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Impactful Conclusion: The closing ties back to the opening anecdote, creating a full-circle moment that reinforces the applicant’s passion and commitment.
Video: 7 Ways to Write a Crappy Graduate School Personal Statement
For more personal statement tips, check out Vince's video: 7 Ways to Write a Crappy Graduate School Personal Statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
We generally recommend about 4-8 weeks - 6 weeks is a good sweet spot. It takes time to come up with ideas and get those ideas onto paper in a compelling form.
Other than Google, I really like the sample admissions essays in Graduate Admissions Essays by Donald Asher. If you're a DIY kind of person, Asher's advice for the entire graduate admissions process is very good.
Note: The above links are Amazon affiliate links and I earn a commission if you purchase things through them. However, any commission I earn comes at no additional cost to you, and you pay nothing extra. My recommendation is based on extensive experience using this book's advice with dozens of people over the years, and I recommend it because it's helpful and useful, not because of the small commission I receive if you choose to buy it.
MOST personal statements are BORING! Not because the person writing them is boring, but perhaps because:
- Their focus is too broad. They try to cover everything they've done, and nothing ends up standing out.
- They're impersonal. It's a personal statement - the reader needs to get a sense of who you are and what you're actually like - not some sanitized "professional" version of you.
- They're too safe. Ironically, a statement that takes no risks can be the riskiest thing you can do. We're not applying to a program with the intent of blending in with all the other applicants!
Granted, the above things can be overdone, or done wrong. But most statements make no impact, so it's worth thinking about how yours actually can.
Gaining admission into a Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program is like mastering a complex musical instrument — it requires a blend of technical knowledge, hands-on practice, and a deep understanding of the nuances of communication. Here’s a breakdown of the typical preparation process:
The journey usually starts with a bachelor's degree, often in communication sciences and disorders, though it's not always a must. Key coursework includes subjects like linguistics, phonetics, anatomy, psychology, and of course, speech and language development. Excelling in these courses is crucial because they lay the foundational knowledge for understanding speech and language disorders.
Hands-on experience is a significant part of the SLP application. This could be through volunteer work, internships, or shadowing professionals in various settings like schools, clinics, or hospitals. This exposure is not just about gaining experience; it's about demonstrating a genuine interest in and commitment to the field of speech-language pathology.
Many SLP programs require the GRE, and a solid score can strengthen an application. It's seen as a measure of your readiness for the academic rigor of graduate studies.
The application also includes essays and recommendation letters. Essays are a chance to articulate your passion for SLP, reflect on your experiences, and discuss your career aspirations. Recommendation letters should ideally come from individuals who can attest to your academic abilities and potential as a future speech-language pathologist.
Interviews, if part of the application process, are where your communication skills and professional demeanor come into play. These are key traits for a successful SLP, and interviews offer a platform to showcase them.
Extra efforts like participating in relevant research projects or joining speech and hearing associations can also give your application an edge.
In summary, getting into an SLP program is about demonstrating academic proficiency, especially in relevant coursework, gaining practical experience in the field, articulating a clear understanding of and commitment to speech-language pathology, and showcasing the interpersonal skills essential for the profession. It’s a path for those who are passionate about helping others communicate effectively and improve their quality of life.
BTW, Lauren can also help with:
- MS in Business Analytics personal statements
- MBA personal statements
- Law School personal statements
- PsyD personal statements
- Physician Assistant personal statements
- Physical Therapy personal statements
- Speech-Language Pathology personal statements
- Occupational Therapy personal statements
- Marriage and Family Therapy personal statements
- Master's degree personal statements
- Master's of Public Policy personal statements
- Medical Residency personal statements
- Nursing school personal statements
- Veterinary School personal statements
- PhD personal statements
- Post Doc personal statements
- Fellowships and Grants personal statements