The admissions committee works to identify students who will have success both in graduate school and as a speech-language pathologist.

For these outcomes, students need the following skills for success:

1. Academic ability and preparation. Students need a firm foundation in core speech-language-hearing concepts as well as broader knowledge of related fields so that they are able to learn how to apply this knowledge to clinical situations.
   Measures used for evaluation: SPLH program grade point average, overall GPA, letters of reference, and résumé.
   
   
2. Communication skills. Speech-language pathologists need to communicate clearly and effectively with clients, families, and other professionals in both spoken and written formats.
   Measures used for evaluation: student essay, letters of reference, and résumé.
   
   
3. Interpersonal skills. Speech-language pathologists work with clients, families, and other professionals. Thus, they need to be able to work collaboratively and effectively with a wide range of people.
   Measures used for evaluation: résumé (for experience with (1) teamwork (2) working with others in any context, especially individuals with disabilities and (3) clinical experience), and letters of reference.
   
   
4. Analytical skills. As part of evidence-based practice, speech-language pathologists must critically read, analyze, interpret, and apply research to clinical practice. Thus, they need a firm foundation in research, critical thinking, and clinical application.
   Measures used for evaluation: data essay, résumé (for research and clinical experience), and letters of reference.
   
   
5. Potential for professionalism. Speech-language pathologists work in busy (sometimes stressful) environments. They need to be organized, reliable, and respectful. In addition, beginning speech-language pathologists are always learning and improving. They need to be able to grow from constructive feedback.
   Measures used for evaluation: letters of reference and student essay.
   
   
6. Potential for leadership. Speech-language pathologists advocate for their clients to ensure that appropriate services are received. Likewise, many choose to advocate for the profession at the local, state, or national level.
   Measures used for evaluation: résumé (for leadership experience) and letters of reference.
   
   
7. Cultural and linguistic diversity. Speech-language pathologists have diverse and multilingual caseloads requiring them to value and work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds that differ from their own.
   Measures used for evaluation: résumé (for personal or academic cultural experiences) and letters of reference.