Love For Lauren

"Very happy to have worked with Vince on my GRE prep and Lauren on my personal essay writing. Both were integral to my success in getting accepted to my ideal grad school. Vince had a very straightforward and understandable approach toward taking the test which helped remove the test anxiety I definitely would have otherwise felt. I knew exactly what was coming weeks before I sat down to take it and managed to score about 10-15 points higher than I would have without his help. Lauren was equally helpful in editing my essay - both on the finer details as well as big picture ideas and concepts. I wholeheartedly believe their assistance throughout the GRE and grad school application process is what pushed me over the edge and got me accepted into my ideal program at my ideal school. 5 stars, no question."

- Clifford Grant (see review on Google Maps)

"I worked with Lauren Hammond on my personal statement and she was amazing!! I spent a couple months working with her and it was one of the best decisions that I feel elevated my grad school applications. I came into the first meeting with a draft essay that was basically my resume and was all over the place. Lauren helped me nail down my story and what I am passionate about. I ended up writing an amazing personal statement with great feedback from Lauren that I felt really showed readers who I am. She was super flexible with the times we met and I ended up getting into my TOP choice schools (Johns Hopkins, Brown, etc). I would definitely work with her again!"

- Aster M. (see review on Google Maps)

"Lauren Hammond was so incredibly helpful with my personal statements for grad school. I really needed help with organization, staying focused on a coherent narrative and content-building, which she was phenomenal with. She's also a really sweet person and a pleasure to work with! Can't recommend her enough."

- Mira Park (see review on Google Maps)

"As I was applying to PhD programs, I was struggling to write my personal statements. I searched online for hours to try and find something or someone that looked worth spending the money on and I came across Lauren Hammond at Vince Kotchian Test Prep. I was only planning on doing maybe one session to help get me started but Lauren was SO good that I continued working with her for weeks. She gave such valuable feedback and felt like she truly cared about making my work the best it can be. I even recommended her to my other colleagues who were applying to grad school and they felt the same way. I currently have 3 interviews for grad school and I couldn't have gotten those without her help!"

- Mikayla Haas (see review on Google Maps)

"Lauren Hammond was amazing. She provided me with thoughtful feedback that structured and strengthened my graduate school application essays. She was great at asking questions to push me to be a better writer. You can tell she genuinely cares about her students and wants to see you succeed. Additionally she is flexible in scheduling and will make deadlines work with your timeline. I was accepted into my top school choice and appreciate Lauren for her help in the process. If you or someone you know is looking for an essay tutor for graduate applications, Lauren is definitely the best!"

- Renee Begin (see review on Google Maps)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I spend writing my SLP personal statement?

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.

Where can I find some good examples of personal statements?

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.

How can I make my personal statement stand out?

MOST personal statements are BORING! Not because the person writing them is boring, but perhaps because:

1. Their focus is too broad. They try to cover everything they've done, and nothing ends up standing out.
2. 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.
3. 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.

For more personal statement tips, check out Vince's video: 7 Ways to Write a Crappy Graduate School Personal Statement.

What are the basics of applying to an SLP program?

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.