What attracted you to the SLP field?
My uncle had a stroke, and as a consequence, has aphasia. Hearing him describe his therapy sessions, in which linguistics plays a big role, and watching him gradually improve and become happier inspired me to pursue a career in the SLP field. It’s an opportunity to apply linguistics in a meaningful way.
What do you think made your SLP application successful?
I started working in the Experimental Syntax (XSyn) Lab in October 2014. I wanted to see the behind-the-scenes of linguistic experimentation and learn more about the current research topics in the linguistic field. Working in the XSyn lab was a major factor in my acceptance to the SLP program. I’ve learned so many skills and so much about linguistic research through the lab and I was able to use this knowledge in building my application. Further, I was also able to meet many wonderful people in the lab who supported me and helped me achieve my goals.
I started thinking about references very early in my undergraduate career, so I had a clear idea as to who to choose when the time came. Working in the lab made me a more familiar face in the department, and I made a point to get to know professors around the department. For future applicants, I recommend going to office hours to talk to professors so you are more memorable and giving professors plenty of warning and time to write your reference letter.
When it came to writing my Letter of Intent, I started early and revised it many times. Starting early gave me time to get feedback from others and incorporate their feedback into my letter. I recommend avoiding clichés in your letter, and focus on selling yourself and how you can contribute to the field.
Rita Parmar, the Linguistics Undergraduate Advisor, was a great resource and was tremendous help whenever I was unsure about anything. She’s also extremely kind and willing to help, and gives great advice if you need it. I am so grateful to have had her as an advisor, and my application would have been a lot more stressful without her help.
Any advice for future SLP applicants?
Your GPA is very, very important, but so is your mental health! Enjoy your undergraduate years and don't stress too much if it takes you a few more years that you'd hoped (it certainly took me a longer undergraduate career than I originally thought). If your GPA is slipping, consider a lighter course load. If you don't overwhelm yourself, you'll find that linguistics is much more fun, and your undergraduate years will be a lot more vibrant."
