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).”

The Personal essay must be written within the parameters specified in the CSDCAS instructions. In the personal essay, applicants should address the following question: What is the most valuable life lesson you have learned so far, and how will this contribute to your success as a graduate student in the NAU Clinical Speech-Language Pathology program? The applicant should identify those 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, but applicants are encouraged to use their best judgement in determining how much detail is needed.

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.