MillyFutureSLP

Hey there!
I'm an African American male with cerebral palsy pursuing SLP. I attend the University of Pittsburgh, and like many of you, this field has such a personal effect on my life. This application season seems more daunting and stressful than prior years, for applicants are even more qualified and engaged in research, volunteerism, academics, NSSLHA, etc. Nonetheless, I've read and heard from various professors, clinicians, colleagues, and sites that diversity is key in expanding the profession and making it more comprehensive on all levels. Most SLPs tend to be Caucasian women and in general, 90-95% of SLPs in the U.S. are women, so how much more can this field become diverse? Also, what are some efforts we as aspiring speech pathologists can do to make the field more diverse in terms of gender, race, and ethnicity? Lastly, on a more personal note, I'm applying/applied to such schools like UNC, Vanderbilt, Temple, Maryland, Northeastern,Penn State, and Bloomsburg. How much do big name SLP programs take into account diverse applicants, and should this be a main priority or simply to admit the best qualified candidates?

Hey there!
I'm an African American male with cerebral palsy pursuing SLP. I attend the University of Pittsburgh, and like many of you, this field has such a personal effect on my life. This application season seems more daunting and stressful than prior years, for applicants are even more qualified and engaged in research, volunteerism, academics, NSSLHA, etc. Nonetheless, I've read and heard from various professors, clinicians, colleagues, and sites that diversity is key in expanding the profession and making it more comprehensive on all levels. Most SLPs tend to be Caucasian women and in general, 90-95% of SLPs in the U.S. are women, so how much more can this field become diverse? Also, what are some efforts we as aspiring speech pathologists can do to make the field more diverse in terms of gender, race, and ethnicity? Lastly, on a more personal note, I'm applying/applied to such schools like UNC, Vanderbilt, Temple, Maryland, Northeastern,Penn State, and Bloomsburg. How much do big name SLP programs take into account diverse applicants, and should this be a main priority or simply to admit the best qualified candidates?