MagentaMacaron

This answer may not be relevant depending on the nature of your related work experience, however: My advice would be to obtain as much experience related to SLP as possible (volunteering, shadowing etc.) to strengthen your application. A variety of populations is important as well (kids, adults, special needs etc.). Experience is important, because if you make the minimum cut offs, you need to stand out in some way. That being said, the quality of your experiences has to be high enough so that you can reflect on them in your statement of purpose. I have been told to "show not tell", so drawing on my experiences has been the best help with my SOP (what has motivated me to pursue SLP, what populations I would like to work with and why, issues in the field etc.). Having practical experience will also let them know that you are serious and understand what you're getting into. Acceptances/rejections can be so random, so program "fit" is also very important. Apply to programs that will meet your goals and be very explicit why. Oh, and apply broadly!! I can't stress this enough, go for both "reach" schools and "safety" schools. Every program has a unique formula that weighs GPA/GRE/letters/SOP/CV differently..so you never know what may work in your favour. I have definitely felt that "anxiety about the future" (and still do!), but try not to worry, because it seems like you are on the right track.