It can be difficult to figure out where to start when graduate school applications open. You made the decision to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology, but now what? Applying to graduate school can be a lengthy, stressful process that requires a lot of thought and planning. Whether you know exactly what you envision for your future or you are still combing through your options, we are here to help! Below are some helpful things to consider during the application process.
Pay attention to application deadlines
The MA application has multiple priority deadlines. The sooner you apply, the more seats are available in the program. Application deadlines and interview dates are listed here. The PsyD application deadline is January 31, 2025. This is an all-encompassing deadline, so you will need to have your references and all other application materials submitted by the deadline. Aim to complete your application by January 3, 2025, so you don’t have to stress about meeting the official deadline.
Choose strong references
Both the MA and PsyD applications require two professional or academic references. Make sure to choose references that can speak to your ability to excel in a graduate program, that you have interacted with recently, and that you trust to submit the reference form in a timely manner. In the application, you will just provide the name and email address of each reference. Note- in the PsyD process, you really want to choose references that work in psychology.
Spend time on your resume
You probably have more applicable experiences than you realize! Make sure to spend time on your resume to ensure that you included everything that we may want to know. Did you engage in any research? Have you participated in any publications? Do you have clinical experience? Include it!
Proofread your personal statement
Writing skills are important in order to succeed in graduate school. When writing your personal statement, make sure you are proofreading before submitting it! I’d suggest having others read your essay over as well to catch anything you may have missed.
Reach out
Stay in communication with admissions to ensure you have everything in by the deadline and that you are prepared for the interview process. We would much rather you ask a question than submit something incorrectly or not at all!
In summary, make sure to stay on top of deadlines. We understand that applying to graduate school is a huge step and we are here to support you in the process!
Kinsey Tekiele is MSP’s Coordinator of Admissions and Student Engagement. She would be delighted to talk with you about MSP and the application process. You can contact Kinsey by email ([email protected]) or by phone 248-476-1122 ext. 135. You can find more information about applying to MSP here.
