Using Acronyms and Citing ASHA in SOP

[Gkj _ Speech]

Hello everyone!

While editing my SOP, I realized I had a few questions:

1. I'm referencing the Scope of Practice on ASHA's website. Do I need to officially cite it?

2. Can I use common acronyms without explaining them?  Examples: OT, ABA, ASHA, BCBA, AAC, SLP, IEP?

3. This may sound odd... but am I supposed to sign my SOP at the end? I know some programs call them Letters of Intent. If not, should I include my name in the beginning and state what program I'm applying for? Or just hop right into why I want to be an SLP?  

 

Thanks, everyone!

[bibliophile222]

I just wrote mine like an essay, without a signature or salutation. As far as abbreviations go, I would spell it out the first time and then put the abbreviations in parentheses, like so: "Occupational Therapists (OTs)..." This follows APA formatting and is how journal articles or textbooks would write it. I'm not as sure about citations, since this is a personal essay, but my gut says yes, when in doubt cite (in APA!).