Personal essay

This serves as an applicant’s introductory letter and writing sample. Begin your essay by filling in the blanks of the following sentence:  “I am applying for the ___________  (Full Time; Full-Time Leveler; or Part-time Summers) track with an anticipated start semester of _________ (Summer or Fall), _______ (Year).”

In the personal essay, applicants should address the following prompt: What are your reasons for pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology and how does Northern Arizona University’s graduate program align with your personal and professional interests?  The applicant should identify any factors which they would like the Admissions Committee to consider in reviewing the application.

Essays should be approximately 500 words or two pages double-spaced in 12 point font.

The Admissions Committee views the essay as an opportunity to gain information about an individual applicant that is not reflected by the traditional indicators (GPA, GRE scores, etc.). The essay component is considered quite seriously in terms of the applicant’s investment in its content, organization, spelling, grammar and attention to detail.  The essay is an essential vehicle for understanding an applicant’s motivation, professional goals and specific interests within the profession.