Common SLP grad school interview questions focus on your clinical interests (pediatric vs. adult populations, specific disorders), relevant experience, strengths and weaknesses, and program-specific motivation. Expect questions like “What areas of speech-language pathology interest you most?”, “What skills can you bring to the program?”, and “Describe your clinical experience.” Interviews typically last 20-30 minutes and are increasingly conducted via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
You’ve officially cleared the first major hurdle: your application impressed the SLP graduate admissions committee enough to earn you an interview invitation. Give yourself credit for your strong GPA, compelling personal statement, and solid recommendations.
- Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
- Grand Canyon University - Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. - This STEM program focuses on training aspiring speech-language pathologists to offer compassionate, effective services to individuals with communication disorders
- Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
- NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
- Pepperdine University - Embark on a transformative professional and personal journey in the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program from Pepperdine University. Our program brings together rigorous academics, research-driven faculty teaching, and robust clinical experiences, all wrapped within our Christian mission to serve our communities and improve the lives of others.
Now comes the next challenge. Competition for spots in speech-language pathology master’s programs is fierce, with acceptance rates at many programs hovering around 10-15%. The interview often determines who gets those coveted acceptance letters.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know: what questions to expect, how to craft authentic answers, virtual interview best practices, and strategies to stand out from other qualified candidates.
Step 1: Essential Pre-Interview Preparation
Preparation makes the difference between a good interview and a great one. Before you sit down with the admissions committee, complete these essential steps.
Research the Program Thoroughly
If you’re interviewing, you’ve already researched CAA-accredited SLP graduate programs to learn about graduation rates and clinical requirements. Now dig deeper into program specifics:
- Review faculty research interests and publications
- Understand the program’s clinical training model and partner sites
- Know whether they offer an SLP thesis track or clinical research paper option
- Research opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Check the program’s specialty areas (medical SLP, school-based, AAC, etc.)
Prepare Your Materials
Bring these items to your interview (physical copies for in-person, digital versions ready for virtual):
- Professional portfolio: Resume/CV, relevant coursework, clinical observation hours log, certifications
- Notebook and pen: For taking notes during the interview and jotting down committee member names
- Questions list: Thoughtful questions about the program (more on this below)
- References sheet: Contact information for your recommenders, in case it comes up
Logistics Planning
Don’t let logistical issues derail your interview day. For in-person interviews, do a dry run a few days beforehand to calculate drive time and locate parking. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early to account for unexpected delays and give yourself time to settle your nerves.
For virtual interviews, test your technology 24 hours in advance and again 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
Step 2: Understanding Interview Formats
SLP graduate programs use different interview formats. Understanding which format you’ll encounter helps you prepare appropriately.
| Interview Format | Description | Typical Duration | Preparation Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open File | Committee has reviewed your complete application before the interview | 20-30 minutes | Prepare to expand on application details; expect specific questions about your experiences |
| Closed File | Committee knows minimal information about you (name, basic stats only) | 20-30 minutes | Be ready to introduce yourself completely; tell your story from scratch |
| MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) | 6-10 stations with different scenarios or questions at each | 5-8 minutes per station | Practice thinking on your feet; prepare for ethical scenarios and clinical problem-solving |
| Panel Interview | Multiple faculty members interview you simultaneously | 45-60 minutes | Practice making eye contact with multiple people; address answers to the person who asked |
| One-on-One | Individual conversation with one faculty member or admissions staff | 20-30 minutes | Build rapport quickly; prepare for more conversational flow |
Important Note: Most schools use an “open file” format, meaning they’ve already studied your application and understand your background. However, some schools use a “closed file” interview process that allows them to approach the interview without significant information about you. You may not know which format you’re walking into, so prepare for both scenarios.
Step 3: Common Interview Questions & Answers
Preparing for your interview doesn’t mean memorizing scripted answers. There’s nothing natural about reciting memorized responses verbatim. Instead, understand the questions you’ll likely face and develop authentic ways to answer them that showcase your genuine interest and experience.
About Your Background and Skills
“What skills can you bring to this program?”
Answer by highlighting both hard and soft skills relevant to SLP. Your hard skills might include strong writing abilities, research experience, proficiency with assessment tools, or background working as an SLP assistant. Your soft skills could include active listening, adaptability, cultural competence, or collaborative teamwork.
Strong answer example: “I bring a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. I’ve completed 150 observation hours across three different clinical settings, which gave me exposure to diverse assessment and treatment approaches. I also worked as a behavioral aide with children with autism for two years, which strengthened my ability to modify communication strategies based on individual needs and taught me patience and creative problem-solving. My undergraduate research on bilingual language development has also prepared me to work with diverse populations.”
“Walk me through your background and why you’re pursuing SLP.”
Tell your story concisely. Connect your past experiences to your future goals. Make it personal but professional.
Strong answer approach: Start with what sparked your interest, describe experiences that confirmed your path, and explain what specifically draws you to the field now. Avoid clichés like “I just love helping people” without specific examples.
About Your Clinical Interests
“What areas of speech-language pathology interest you most?”
Even without direct clinical experience, you likely have preferences about populations, settings, or disorder types. Be specific and explain why.
Example 1: “I volunteered at an assisted living facility during my summers in high school and found working with older adults highly rewarding. I’m particularly interested in medical SLP, specifically working with patients recovering from stroke or managing dysphagia. I’m drawn to the complexity of medical cases and the direct impact SLPs have on quality of life and safety.”
Example 2: “I experienced stuttering as a child and still have vivid memories of working with an SLP who changed my confidence completely. I’m passionate about fluency disorders and want to specialize in helping children and adolescents develop communication confidence, not just fluency techniques.”
About Your Strengths
“What are your greatest strengths?”
This is your opportunity to showcase what makes you a strong candidate. Don’t be modest, but be genuine. Most importantly, provide concrete examples of how you’ve demonstrated these strengths.
Strong answer structure: Name the strength, explain why it matters in SLP, then give a specific example.
Example: “I’m highly organized and manage my time effectively, which I know is critical in graduate school and clinical practice. I worked 30 hours per week while completing my bachelor’s degree and maintained a 3.8 GPA by using detailed planning systems and prioritizing tasks strategically. I also learned to adapt when unexpected challenges arose, like when I had to balance a family emergency during finals week while still meeting all my commitments.”
About Your Weaknesses
“What’s an area where you need to grow or improve?”
Don’t give a fake weakness disguised as a strength (“I care too much”). Show self-awareness by identifying a real area for growth, then explain the specific steps you’re taking to address it.
Weak answer: “I’m a perfectionist” (This is overused and doesn’t demonstrate real self-reflection)
Strong answer: “I tend to take on too many commitments because I’m genuinely interested in a lot of things. This has occasionally led to stress when everything hits at once. I’ve learned to be more selective about what I commit to and more realistic about my capacity. I now use time-blocking techniques and check in with my advisors before adding new responsibilities. It’s still something I’m working on, but I’m much better at recognizing my limits and communicating them clearly.”
About This Specific Program
“Why are you interested in our program specifically?”
This question tests whether you’ve done your homework. Generic answers like “Your program has a great reputation” won’t cut it. Reference specific faculty, clinical opportunities, research labs, or program features.
Strong answer elements:
- Mention specific faculty whose research aligns with your interests
- Reference unique clinical partnerships or specialty tracks
- Connect program strengths to your specific goals
- Demonstrate you understand what makes this program distinct
Example: “I’m particularly drawn to your program’s emphasis on medical SLP and your partnership with University Hospital’s stroke rehabilitation unit. Dr. Martinez’s research on aphasia therapy outcomes directly aligns with my interest in neurogenic communication disorders. I’m also excited about your interprofessional education model, where SLP students work alongside OT and PT students, because I believe collaboration is essential for holistic patient care.”
Clinical Scenario Questions
Some programs ask hypothetical clinical questions to assess your problem-solving and ethical reasoning. You’re not expected to know everything, they’re evaluating your thought process.
“A parent disagrees with your treatment recommendations for their child. How would you handle this?”
Strong approach: Acknowledge the parent’s perspective, explain your reasoning using evidence-based practice, seek to understand their concerns, and emphasize collaboration. Show you can balance clinical expertise with family-centered care.
Step 4: Virtual Interview Best Practices
Most SLP graduate programs now conduct initial interviews virtually via Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. Whether you’re interviewing with an out-of-state program or a local one that prefers remote screening, you need to be as prepared for a virtual interview as you would be for an in-person meeting.
Technical Setup
Test everything 24 hours in advance:
- Internet connection: Use an ethernet cable if possible for the most stable connection. If you must use Wi-Fi, position yourself close to the router and close unnecessary applications and browser tabs.
- Camera quality: Ensure your webcam works properly. Position it at eye level (stack books under your laptop if needed) so you’re not looking down at the camera.
- Microphone and audio: Test your microphone quality. Earbuds or headphones often provide clearer audio than computer speakers and reduce echo. Make sure the volume is appropriate.
- Lighting: Face a window or light source. Avoid backlighting (sitting in front of a window) which makes you appear dark. Ring lights are inexpensive and effective.
- Background: Choose a neutral, uncluttered background. If you don’t have a clean wall space, use a virtual background (test it beforehand to ensure it doesn’t glitch).
Professional Presence Online
| Element | Best Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Dress | Wear full business professional attire (yes, including pants/skirt) | You feel more professional when fully dressed; protects you if you need to stand |
| Environment | Secure a private, quiet space; silence phone; inform household members | Barking dogs, ringing phones, or interruptions undermine professionalism |
| Eye Contact | Look directly at the camera when speaking, not at your own image | Creates the impression of eye contact with interviewers |
| Body Language | Sit up straight; use natural hand gestures within camera frame | Conveys engagement and confidence despite physical distance |
| Notes | Keep brief notes off to the side; don’t read from them | Quick reference is helpful; obviously reading appears unprepared |
Handling Technical Issues
Despite perfect preparation, technical problems can occur. Have a backup plan. Keep your phone charged and nearby with the meeting link accessible. If you experience connection issues, stay calm and communicate clearly. Send a quick message in the chat if audio drops, or call the provided phone number if the video fails completely.
Programs understand technical difficulties happen. Your ability to handle problems gracefully matters more than the problem itself.
Automated Interview Systems
Some programs use automated interview platforms that present randomized video questions with timed responses. You won’t interact with a live person, which feels unnatural. Approach these just like live interviews: dress professionally, speak clearly, make “eye contact” with the camera, and provide thoughtful, concise answers. Practice with a friend recording questions for you beforehand to get comfortable with the format.
Step 5: Questions to Ask the Committee
Every interview ends with “Do you have any questions for us?” This isn’t optional. Coming prepared with thoughtful questions demonstrates serious interest and helps you evaluate whether the program fits your needs.
Strong Questions to Ask
About Clinical Training:
- “Can you describe the typical progression of clinical placements? Do students have input in selecting sites?”
- “What percentage of students secure externships in medical vs. school-based settings?”
- “How does the program support students interested in specific specialty areas like AAC or dysphagia?”
About Program Culture and Support:
- “How would current students describe the program culture and level of collaboration vs. competition?”
- “What types of academic support or mentoring are available to students who are struggling?”
- “How does the program support students balancing coursework with clinical placements?”
About Faculty and Research:
- “Are there opportunities for graduate students to assist with faculty research?”
- “How accessible are faculty members for mentorship outside of class time?”
About Outcomes:
- “What’s your Praxis pass rate for first-time test takers?”
- “Where do graduates typically complete their clinical fellowships?”
- “What percentage of graduates secure employment within six months?”
Questions to Avoid
Don’t ask questions easily answered by the program website (class size, application deadline, degree requirements). Don’t focus exclusively on vacation time, course difficulty, or “how hard is the program?” These suggest you’re not ready for graduate-level work.
Frequently Asked Questions About SLP Grad School Interviews
How long do SLP grad school interviews typically last?
Should I send a thank-you note after my SLP interview?
What should I wear to a virtual SLP grad school interview?
How soon will I hear back after my SLP interview?
Can I ask about acceptance rates and cohort size during my interview?
What if I don’t know the answer to a clinical question during my interview?
Should I discuss my GPA or GRE scores if they’re not strong?
Key Takeaways
Essential Interview Preparation Strategies:
- Prepare authentic answers, not scripts: Develop genuine responses to common questions about your background, interests, strengths, and weaknesses rather than memorizing word-for-word answers that sound robotic
- Research the program deeply: Go beyond the website basics. Know faculty research interests, clinical training sites, unique program features, and specialty tracks so you can ask informed questions and demonstrate genuine interest
- Understand interview formats: Prepare for both open-file interviews (where they know your background) and closed-file interviews (where they don’t). Know whether you’ll face MMI, panel, or one-on-one formats
- Master virtual interview technology: Test your equipment 24 hours in advance, secure a quiet professional environment, dress fully in business attire, and practice looking directly at the camera to simulate eye contact
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask: Have 5-7 substantive questions ready about clinical training, program culture, faculty mentorship, and graduate outcomes. Avoid questions easily answered by the website
- Follow up professionally: Send personalized thank-you emails within 24 hours to each person who interviewed you, briefly reaffirming your interest and referencing a specific conversation point
- Show self-awareness and growth mindset: When discussing weaknesses or challenges, demonstrate genuine self-reflection and explain concrete steps you’ve taken to improve
Ready for the Next Step in Your SLP Journey?
Once you ace your interview and secure admission to an SLP graduate program, your path continues with rigorous clinical training and preparation for your Clinical Fellowship Year. Understanding what comes after graduation helps you make informed decisions during the program selection process.