SLP Resources
Our fact sheet for SLP school is compiled from reputable internet sources and based on our work with previous students in the field. We hope it helps you navigate and simplify the cryptic admissions process.
SLP School Resources
Central Application Website
Top 10 Schools (US News)
- University of Iowa
- Vanderbilt University
- University of Washington
- University of Wisconsin - Madison
- Northwestern University
- Purdue University - West Lafayette
- MGH Institute of Health Professions
- University of Arizona
- University of Kansas
- University of Pittsburgh
Degree Duration (typical)
- 2 years
Application Opens
- August 2
Application Deadline
- Various - April 1 (the following year)
Standardized Tests Required
- GRE (most programs)
Profile of a Successful Applicant
Recommended Test Score
- 150+ verbal
- 150+ quant
- 3.5+ writing
- (some programs use 300 combined or 50th percentile as minimum)
Recommended GPA
- 3.5+
- 3.0 minimum for most programs
Course Requirements (varies)
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Physics for the Health Sciences
- Statistics for the Health Sciences
- Educational or Developmental Psychology
- Phonetics
- Language Development
- Speech and Hearing
- Introduction to Communication Disorders
- Introduction to Audiology
- Clinical/Diagnostic Procedures in Speech and Language Pathology
Letters of Rec
- 3 required (most programs)
- (letters often come from SLPs, science professors, or work supervisors)
Recommended Experience
- 25+ observation hours of SLPs in a hospital, clinic, school, early childhood intervention, or private practice
- Volunteer or employed research experience
- Experience as tutor, aide, counselor, therapist
- Experience with American Sign Language (ASL)
- Leadership/advocacy in your community/campus
Typical Essay Requirement
- Personal Statement (length varies by program, ranges from ~500 words to ~2-3 pages)
- Supplemental essays (some schools)
Timeline
6+ Months Before Applying
- Take all pre-requisite courses (finishing by the date you apply is ideal)
- Decide whom to ask for letters of recommendation
- Make a GRE Prep Plan
- Sign up for a GRE test date
- Last chance to boost your profile by getting additional exposure to the field, leadership positions, research, etc.
0-3 Months Before Applying
- Write your personal statement (allow yourself at least six weeks if possible)
- Identify a list of schools to apply to - 5-10 is ideal
- Order official transcripts from all undergrad institutions to check for errors and help fill out CSDCAS
- Fill out CSDCAS
- Touch base with letter writers
- Submit your application early - the earlier the better!
After Applying
- Send official test scores to schools (if necessary)
- Complete school-specific essay questions
- Practice your responses to sample interview questions, and do at least one mock interview
- Update schools with any developments in your grades, employment, or activities
- Fill out financial aid paperwork
- Send in deposit to schools of your choice