Following weeks of detailed investigation of training programs that might interest you, you now have a list of at least 10 programs that offer the training you need.

The first step in preparing the application is to request an application packet from every program on your list. Since many programs have the capability to apply at the program web site, you may also apply on the web. Regardless of the medium, the application process is largely the same.

If you apply on the web, make sure you have all these application components prepared before you connect to the web application. There is nothing more aggrevating than proceeding half-way through the application process only to discover that you are missing some necessary component. All of the web application procedures allow you to enter information in multiple sessions but it is far better to enter everything in one session.

Here is a list of the sections you will need to prepare:

1) The application form.

2) The Personal Statement

3) Undergraduate Transcripts

4) The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores

5) A Resume/Vita

6) Letters of Recommendation

7) Supplementary Materials, such one of your great class or project papers.

Sending Materials and Checking the Progress of Your Application

You must send in materials in a timely fashion: the earlier, the better. Do not try to synchronize your application so that all the materials are received at precisely the application deadline. Send them in as early as possible. Many applications are not considered because supplementary documents, such the letters of recommendation, were late. Of course, this is tragic, if only because of the trouble you took to apply. It is also not unusual for the enrollment/admissions office of a University to misplace or incorrectly file support documents. Make sure you check the enrollment offices periodically to make sure all your materials were received. Most of these offices will periodically send you postcards or e-mail with requests to send the missing documents. Do not rely on this process for every program. Take active steps to make sure everything gets there by the deadline.

Deadlines

The deadlines of most programs are more flexible than you might think. Some programs have completely rigid deadlines, some only require that the application form is received by the deadline and others use the deadline as a general guide for when the applicants should send in materials. Of course, every program states that the deadlines are absolute. However, the behavior of the admissions committees suggest a more flexible approach. Anyone who gets their application materials into the program before the committees make a final decision will have their application considered by the committee. There is no program that wants to arbitrarily reject an applicant simply because their materials were late. All programs have a method to receive and deal with late applications. However, after the acceptance decisions are made, the committee is obviously unable to consider more applications.

Programs vary considerably in how they handle the late application. If a program receives hundreds of applications, then the program probably has no flexibility with the deadline. The committee may well end all consideration of applications that are not complete by the deadline. The number of applications to such programs is already large and unmanageable and this policy keeps the numbers down. That being said, many programs with a large number of applicants are very thorough and review every application submitted, even those that are incomplete at the deadline.

Avoid problems with a late application by submitting everything far before the deadlines!

Application Forms. Unfortunately each program uses a different form and completing the various forms is time-consuming and inefficient. However, you must fill these out completely and always type them. Any careless or sloppy work will reflect badly on you. Do not give the selection committee any reason to reject your application.

The Personal Statement. The details of the personal statement are covered in another section of this web site. The personal statement is used to express you interests in Clinical Psychology and to describe your previous research and clinical experiences.

Undergraduate Transcripts. These transcripts report all of your courses and grades. You must order a set from the Registrar's Office of each University or College you attended. These must be ordered well in advance in order to get them to the program in time.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores. As a selection device, the GRE represents a common standard to compare the applicants. It is difficult to compare grades because different Universities and undergraduate programs have different standards. The GRE gives the selection committee a common standard. The GRE is used in the selection process of virtually every program and you must take the test. Make sure you take the test with sufficient time to have the results reported to your programs well before the deadlines.

Resume/Vita. In the business world, a concise summary of your background and job interests is called a Resume. In the academic world, the similar document is called a Curriculum Vita or just Vita. Although no program requires a Vita for the application, your application must include a Vita. It will give you a significant edge as an applicant. This occurs because it presents the facts of your background in a short, concise fashion that is easy for the admission committee to remember. If the members of the committee who review your application remember you, then you have a better chance of admission than someone they do not remember. Details about preparing a Vita are presented here: Make a Vita.

Supplementary Materials. There are a few things you should add to your application even if the program does not require them. These include reprints of publications and thesis papers. You should include a copy of any publication in which you are an author. Most applicants will not have publications like this. However, if you have authored something in print, make sure to include a copy. These publications may include any reasonable expression of your interests and writing ability, even publications like training manuals used in the clinic. If you completed a thesis as part of your bachelors or masters degree then you should consider including it with your application. Do not include a thesis if it is longer than 30 pages or if the thesis does not represent your current interests.