Introduction

This is site was designed as a resource for anyone applying to graduate school in clinical psychology.

As a director of a clinical psychology training program, I noticed that many people attending an open-house at the University or calling me for information had absolutely no idea how to apply to graduate school and many did not have an accurate understanding of the profession of clinical psychologist. Ironically, many people eventually acquire sufficient information to prepare an adequate application only after they apply and go through a selection cycle. It is only then that they have the training to make a good application. For virtually all applicants, the likelihood of gaining admission is substantially reduced simply because they prepare a poor application and not because their credentials are poor.

This web site represents my knowledge and wisdom about the process. Of course, my knowledge is limited to my own experience applying to graduate school, the admissions committees I have served on and my experiences as a faculty member and a director of clinical training. However, every selection committee uses processes of selection that they have in common with others. This occurs because the American Psychological Association has largely standardized admissions as a part of accrediting clinical psychology programs. In addition, many of the principles that govern how human reasoners work in such groups apply to this process.

The site is organized according to the time-line involved in making the application. This starts with serious investigation and thought about whether you actually want to be a psychologist. The remaining sections of the site then follows each step in the process of making an application.

My hope is that you will be so well informed that a poor application will not be the reason you get rejected from graduate school.

If you have questions, or suggestions for the site, please send e-mail:

Mike Williams