One or more embodiments may relate to a method for making a semiconductor device, including: a method for making a semiconductor device, comprising: providing a substrate; forming a charge storage layer over the substrate; forming a control gate layer over the charge storage layer; forming a mask over the control gate layer; using the mask, etching the control gate layer and the charge storage layer; forming a select gate layer over the etched control gate layer and the etched charge storage layer; forming an additional layer over the select gate layer; etching the additional layer to form sidewall spacers over the select gate layer; and etching the select gate layer.