Grad School Application Resource Center
Applying to graduate school for Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. This page brings together timelines, tools, tips, and firsthand advice to help you confidently navigate every step of the process. Whether you're just starting your search or getting ready to hit “submit,” these resources are here to guide you.
Timeline
Freshman–Sophomore Years
+Take foundational courses in communication sciences and disorders, psychology, linguistics, and biology. Learn about both professions—speech-language pathology and audiology—and the settings in which they work.
Join your school’s NSSLHA chapter. Volunteer in healthcare or educational settings. Observe speech-language pathologists and audiologists in action.
Maintain a record of:
• Observation hours
• Volunteer or clinical experiences
• Research or academic projects
• Leadership and extracurricular involvement
Junior Year
+Use tools like EdFind to identify programs of interest and track their prerequisites, attend open houses, and connect with faculty whose research aligns with your interests.
What matters most to you in a graduate program? Utilize our criteria checklist [PDF] to determine which criteria matter most to you.
• Finalize a shortlist of programs based on your personal criteria
• Continue building experience through research, leadership, and observation
• Update your resume or CV
Summer Before Senior Year
+• Create or log into your CSDCAS account (usually opens in July)
• Need assistance with CSDCAS fees? Look into their Fee Assistance Program.
• Obtain unofficial transcripts to help with coursework entry
• Draft your personal statement and request feedback
• Reach out to three recommenders—provide them with your resume, deadlines, and relevant context.
Financial aid will help you to pay for your schooling, and it can take many forms!
Look into:
• Graduate assistantships or fellowships offered by programs
• Scholarships for CSD students
• Federal grants and loans
• Work-study programs
Senior Year–Fall
+• Request official transcripts to be sent to CSDCAS (via Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, or by mail)
• Complete your coursework entry
• Finalize your personal statement and supplemental materials
• Submit your applications several weeks ahead of the deadline, if possible
• Use the Check Status page in CSDCAS to monitor receipt of transcripts and letters of recommendation
• Follow up with recommenders and institutions if items are missing
• Monitor your email for communications from programs
Senior Year–Winter to Spring
+• Attend interviews (virtual or in-person),
• Ask deeper questions about supervision models, clinical placements, and support systems.
Revisit your personal criteria to evaluate:
• Program fit and culture
• Financial aid packages and total cost
• Research and clinical opportunities
• Location, faculty mentorship, and graduate outcomes
Most programs require a final decision by April 15. Once you’ve committed, notify all other programs of your choice.
Finding the Right Program for You
Grad programs aren’t one-size-fits-all. What matters to you—location, clinical opportunities, mentorship, support for DEIB—will shape which programs feel like the right fit.
Start here:
- Download the Grad School Criteria Checklist [PDF] to help you compare programs based on your priorities.
Grad School Criteria Checklist [PDF]
Hear from students and experts:
- Raw Conversations: How to Pick Grad Schools From a DEIB Standpoint (Zoom Recording)
- Top 6 Takeaways from Office Hours: Grad School Search and Applications
- Top 5 Takeaways from Office Hours: SLP Grad School Student Panel
Use the right tools:
- Search accredited programs with ASHA EdFind.
- Watch a short tutorial on how to get the most out of EdFind.
Connect with schools:
- Virtual Grad School Fair – October 15, 2025
- In-Person Grad School Fair – November 20–21, 2025
Catch up on past events:
- Grad School Search and Applications (Virtual Event Recording)
- SLP Grad Student Panel (Virtual Event Recording)
Applying for Graduate School
Staying Organized
Keeping track of multiple graduate school applications can be overwhelming. To help you manage deadlines, application components, letters of recommendation, and essay prompts all in one place, we’ve created this easy-to-use tracker.
Simply download the spreadsheet, add your schools, update your progress using the dropdown menus, and keep everything organized throughout your application journey.
Grad School Application Tracker [XLS]
Understanding CSDCAS
Most graduate programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders use CSDCAS (a centralized application service) to streamline applications. However, some programs still require direct applications through their own admissions portals. Understanding the differences between these options can help you stay organized and submit a strong, timely application.
Direct Application
- Submit materials directly to the school.
- Each school may have different requirements and deadlines.
CSDCAS
- Streamlines multiple applications into a single system.
- Tracks materials and status across programs.
- Helpful guides: CSDCAS Quick Start Guide | Preparing and Strengthening your CSDCAS Application Webinar
- Start your CSDCAS application early to account for processing times.
- Pay attention to school-specific requirements even when using CSDCAS.
- If application fees are a barrier, CSDCAS offers a Fee Assistance Program for the initial application fee on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to Write a Personal Statement
A strong personal statement is critical for your graduate application. Use these resources to craft your statement:
How to Request Letters of Recommendation
Strong letters of recommendation can significantly impact your graduate application. Use these strategies to help your recommenders write effective, personalized letters.
- Ask early and provide plenty of context for your recommenders.
- Share your resume, transcript, and personal statement draft.
- Include examples and outlines for request emails or forms.
After Applying
Once your applications are submitted, it’s time to focus on preparing for interviews, asking the right questions, and navigating the next steps — whether that’s acceptances or setbacks.
Interview Preparation
Interviews are a critical part of the graduate school process. Preparation can differ depending on whether your interview is virtual or in-person. Consider practicing common questions, reviewing your personal statement, and preparing examples that highlight your skills.
Helpful Resources:
- Virtual Interviewing Tips – ASHA Career Portal
- Elevate Your Interview Skills – ASHA CSD Professionals
Questions to Ask
Having thoughtful questions ready demonstrates your interest and helps you evaluate each program. Consider asking about:
- Clinical placement opportunities
- Research or lab experiences
- Faculty mentorship and support
- Program culture and cohort dynamics
Navigating Challenges
Rejections and waitlists are a normal part of the graduate application process. Stay proactive by:
- Seeking feedback where possible
- Reassessing your options for next year
- Identifying alternate programs or opportunities to strengthen your application
Moving Forward After Grad School Rejections
A rejection doesn’t define your potential. Use this time to build skills, gain additional experience, or refine your application for the next cycle. Staying reflective and proactive can position you for success in future applications.
Read more: Moving Forward After Grad School Rejections
- Practice common interview questions and review your personal statement.
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask programs about placements, research, and mentorship.
- Use rejections or waitlists as opportunities to reflect, gain experience, and strengthen future applications.
- Check ASHA’s Career Portal for helpful interview resources and guidance.