Certificate of Preparation for Advanced Studies in Speech-Language Pathology (Certificate of Pre-SLP)

SOP Content: Your Statement of Purpose should answer the following questions in essay format:

1. Discuss the specific factors that attracted you to the field of Speech-Language Pathology/Communication Disorders and Sciences?
2. What one area or population in communication disorders and sciences interests you the most at this point and why?
3. We have many applicants to the PreSLP program. What unique experiences, strengths and/or perspectives will you bring that will enable you to become a successful student in our program?

SOP Formatting: Please use the following guidelines to properly format your Statement of Purpose:

• No more than three pages in length, single-spaced paragraph spacing, 12-point type, Times New Roman font 
• File naming convention: last name_first name_SOP (ex. Smith_John_SOP)
• PDF or Word file formats only

Resume Content: The contents of your resume should be an accurate snapshot of your education and relevant work history, as it relates to your application to this program.

Resume Formatting: Please use the following guidelines to properly format your resume:

• File naming convention: last name_first name_resume (ex. Smith_John_Resume)
• PDF or Word file formats only

Unofficial Transcripts: attach copies of unofficial academic records/transcripts from any/all academic institutions you have attended in the past, in doc, docx, pdf, jpeg, img, tif and txt formats only.

Please note that these transcripts are unofficial copies only. Official copies of your transcripts still must be sent per the instructions on the Application Instructions webpage.

Recommendations Required: Applicants will need three (3) recommendations submitted to the department as a part of the program application. These recommendations should be from either academic or professional sources, not personal references.

During the application, you will be asked to provide the name and email of three recommenders who will be sent electronic recommendation requests by email once you complete your online application. 

What is FERPA and How Does It Affect Application Recommendations: All students who are admitted and matriculated to the program will have access to the information provided on any recommendations submitted on their behalf, under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), unless such access is waived.

You Choice to Waive or Not Waive: During the online application, you will be asked whether you waive or do not waive, this “FERPA Access” to your recommendations. Your choice will be disclosed to your chosen recommenders within the request email. This waiver is voluntary and cannot be a condition of admission, award, or employment, and is specific only to these recommendations.

As an applicant, you have the right to view your recommender’s submission; however, please be aware that many recommenders may expect you to waive this right. As such, they may be less likely to submit a recommendation if they know that you will be able to read it. Please carefully consider this when making your waiver choice.

‘I waive my right…’ means that you will NOT be able to see what your recommenders write.

‘I do not waive my right…’ means that you WILL be able to see what they write, after the admission process is over.
 

Timing of Recommendations: Recommendations request emails are only sent after your online application is submitted to the email addresses you provide in your application, so please give your references ample time to complete their recommendation. We recommend contacting your recommenders prior to starting your application here. This gives the individuals writing your letters ample time to write you a strong letter. 

Please advise your recommenders that these requests will be sent by the CSUN Tseng College for Graduate, International and Midcareer Education’s “CSUN Adobe Sign” from the echosign@echosign.com email address, and to check their spam and/or junk mail filters before contacting our office about missing requests. 

Changing your Recommenders/Waiver Choice: If you need to change either your recommender or your waiver choice after submitting your application, please contact us at prog.support1@csun.edu for next steps.