Tips for First Gen

Grad Students

Applying to graduate school in Clinical Psychology can feel daunting, especially when you have questions about the process and are unsure of where to start! Folks unfamiliar with the process may encounter some surprises along the way (like, for instance, being invited to complete an interview!). Here are some FAQs about the application process. 

1. Is there anything that I should consider when looking at programs? 

There are many considerations for identifying programs of interest. Three areas to strongly consider for each program include  

• Accreditation status 

• Supervisor match 

• Your desired training experiences (e.g., specializations such as neuropsychology) 

You should look for an accredited program as this will be very important for becoming a registered psychologist. To help develop your expertise in the field, you’ll want to find a supervisor who is a good fit with your research interests within a program that offers the training experiences you’re looking for (e.g., teaching opportunities). Additional considerations may include the availability of funding, program orientation (e.g., Ph.D. versus PsyD), and whether students in the program are competitive with each other.  

2. How many programs do people apply to? Is it useful to apply to many? 

Some people apply broadly, however, we would recommend only applying to programs that you are seriously interested in.  It’s a big commitment to move for graduate school. We recommend that you apply to places where you would do work you’re deeply interested in and where you would want to live. Seven years is a long time to do something if you’re not truly interested in it! Also, one of the main things that supervisors will be looking for is fit between your research interests and theirs. We’d encourage using your desired training goals to inform your short-list of programs to apply to.  

Other considerations may include practical factors, such as the financial costs associated with the application and interview processes and budgeting time to complete your application(s).  

3. Okay, I have my short-list of programs to aim for. When should I reach out to specific supervisors of interest?  

There is not a single, universal path to graduate school. In fact, the path can look very different from one successful applicant to the next. That said, these might be some helpful tips for planning success: 

• Start reviewing programs earlier than you think! Application cycle deadlines are typically in the Fall. It can be helpful to review programs in the Spring prior to your desired application cycle.  

• Narrow down programs and supervisors of interest over Spring and Summer 

• Check in Fall to see which programs and supervisors will be accepting students (this can inform limiting programs to apply to). This information is often posted on departmental websites. 

• Contact supervisors of interest that are accepting students to briefly introduce yourself for the upcoming application cycle. Don’t sweat it if you don’t hear back! Professors get a lot of emails and they will review all applications that come in. 

4. What should I put in my Letter of Intent & Are there things I should pass along to people writing my reference letters? 

Letter of Intent 

• Aspects of your identity should shine through in your letter 

• Highlight strengths, as well as program/faculty match 

• Possibly address ‘short comings’ in your application 

• Be sure to address any content areas the programs requests be addressed in your letter (e.g., considerations for funding) 

• Consider asking a mentor to review your letter  

Also, it is helpful to mention your research experience and interests as well as any ‘clinical’ experiences that have been meaningful in your training (e.g., volunteer positions). What has influenced your decision to become a clinical psychologist?  

It’s also important to mention specific profs that you’d like to work with and why you think you would be a good fit for their labs (e.g., what skills you could bring and what you think you could learn from them). 

Info to give to those writing your reference letters: 

1. List of programs you are applying to 

2. Your specific goals (e.g., is there a type of research that you hope to do or a specific client group that you hope to work with) 

3. If there are particular achievements that you would like mentioned in the letter (e.g., awards) 

4. List of classes that you’ve taken from them (referees are asked how long they’ve known the applicant, so this can be a helpful reminder) 

5. Your unofficial transcript 

6. Your CV 

7. Other insights: Give your Letter writers ample time to write (e.g., at least 3 weeks). Ask if it’s feasible to write in that timespan and if they are familiar enough with your strengths. 

5. If I don’t get in on first try, should I apply again?  

Absolutely! Applying to graduate school in clinical psychology can be very competitive and many excellent students/psychologists have needed to apply more than once. It can be helpful to take the year to continue to gain experience – both in research and in working with people – and applying again can demonstrate your perseverance and motivation.  

Thank you reading!