How to Optimize Graduate School Applications

Prepared by the 2019 Multicultural Issues Board

Returning to an Academic Frame of Mind

Outline steps you have taken to return to college
Define professional and personal time constraints
Search for colleges/universities that offer the degree using available resources (e.g., ASHA's EdFind)
Choose whether to attend full-time or part-time
Determine if you will attend face to face or online
Factor in how completion of a college degree corresponds within your current and future career path

GRE (if required): Verbal, Quantitative, Writing
Overall GPA and Major GPA
Plan to complete pre-requisite classes (if applicable)
Approved U.S. Institution equivalence for coursework taken at foreign institutions by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)

Answer the prompts (if any) directly.
Highlight your previous career or academic experience(s)
Emphasize skills (i.e., military training, international studies) that are unique and specifically attributable to college
Emphasize your skills and any aspects of diversity that prepare you to work with individuals from different social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
Highlight language background, e.g., spoken or manual languages and proficiency level.

Shadowing or clinical observation
Research experiences: thesis, working in labs, data coding, etc.
Employment history: SLPA, other related work experience including military service.
Military transition history: Warrior-Scholar Project, Service to School
Leadership: NSSLHA, school organizations, community service, military experience …etc.

Follow the instructions of each application.
Complete specific portions (if applicable) of the application for professional students.
Start early and allow enough time to complete each application.
- Submit the entire application and all required materials by the deadline.
- Request your official transcripts early.
Visit the program website to get information about admissions criteria, GRE/GPA statistics,
Visit the program website to get information about how to transfer credits or obtain college credits for learning experiences outside the class room.
Visit the university website to get information about how to participate (if applicable) in the Yellow Ribbon Program or Veterans Benefits.
Visit the university’s financial aid website to get information about free tuition or Military Discounts.
Visit the university’s website to get information about student support services (i.e., childcare services, work study, career mentoring/advising...etc.)
Visit the program website to get information about completion rates and after graduation employment rates.