PhD Program Admissions Requirements
Prerequisites
The PhD program recommends four prerequisite courses for incoming students -- General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Statistics. These courses are not required for admission into our PhD programs; however, they are recommended for a smooth transition into our programs. As several of our most successful students had either recently changed their careers or major of study before enrolling, or enrolled without these specific prerequisites but instead with adequate related experience. It is up to the student to determine how comfortable he/she is with the recommended prerequisite coursework topics.
Application Deadlines
Completed applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in November. The priority deadline for admissions and fellowship eligibility is January 15; however, applications received after that date are still encouraged, and are reviewed based on space availability.
Interview
Based on an initial review of PhD applicants, a designated group may be invited to visit the PGSP campus for an Interview Day to meet faculty and students, as well as learn more about the program and co-curricular offerings.
Application Checklist
1. Application Fee
The application fee is $50.00 for all programs. The application fee can be paid by a nonrefundable check or money order payable to Pacific Graduate School of Psychology.
2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Please include a resume or CV that lists all employment, training, and any volunteer work relevant to the field of psychology as well as other full-time employment.
3. Official Transcripts
Transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions attended must be sent directly from the institution, even if a degree was not awarded.
4. GRE Test Scores
The Graduate Record Examinations Scores are required for all PhD programs. The GRE Psychology subject test is not required. The PGSP institutional code for receipt of GRE scores is 4638.
5. Statement of Purpose
Please answer the following questions in your statement:
(Please type, double space, and maximum 1,000 words)
1. Brief autobiographical sketch, including what led to your interest in the practice of clinical psychology
2. Details of your goals and purpose in applying to the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology
3. Discussion of your future career goals as a clinical psychologist that answers the questions: why do I want to become a clinical psychologist and how will the PGSP program to which I am applying help me reach these goals?
4. Your strengths and accomplishments thus far that have prepared you for graduate psychology training; i.e., your professional development to this point, including course preparation for research projects, history of publications and presentations at professional conferences, and clinical training)
5. What qualities you possess that you think will be important assets as a practicing clinical psychologist
6. Letters of Recommendation
Please provide three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your ability and/or potential for rigorous graduate study, clinical work, and/or research. Whenever possible, they should be faculty members in psychology or practicing professionals in psychology or other mental health discipline. Please use the Graduate Admission Reference Waiver Forms provided in addition to a personal letter. The waiver forms are necessary for processing your application and must be returned with each letter of recommendation.
7. International Students
For students whose first language is not English, a demonstrated proficiency in English is required for admission. PGSP recognizes the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as measures of English language proficiency.
8. Application Form
You may request to receive an application packet in the mail here. You may also print out the application form and mail it to PGSP or file it directly on-line here. Mailed applications must be typed or printed legibly in ink and signed by the applicant. All application materials should be mailed to:
Office of Admissions
Pacific Graduate School of Psychology
405 Broadway
Redwood City, CA 94063
Candidate Selection
PGSP aims to attract and educate students who are distinguished by their academic achievement, capacity for critical thinking, interpersonal skills, motivation to become exceptional clinicians, and commitment to service.
Each application is given a comprehensive review by the admissions committee. All aspects of the application, including undergraduate academic record (and graduate record, if applicable), general GRE scores, professional and/or research experience, and strong recommendations are qualities carefully considered. In addition, PGSP also assumes that recruitment of a student body that is both highly qualified and diverse are both very important to the assessment process. Thus, factors such as the quality of early educational environment, socioeconomic status, culture, race, ethnicity, and life or work experiences are also considered.
Admission Policy
If you are offered admission, the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology reserves the right to withdraw that offer of admission if:
1. You have misrepresented yourself in the application process;
2. We learn that you have engaged in behavior prior to matriculation that indicates a serious lack of judgment or integrity; or
3. You show a significant drop in academic performance or fail to graduate.
All applicants to, and students enrolled in, the program should be assured PGSP practices a nondiscrimination policy regarding disability, gender, military status, age, race, color, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origins in admission, employment, and in the administration of its program and activities. Any otherwise qualified student, or applicant, with a disability may request reasonable accommodation regarding the application process and services as a prospective or enrolled student.
Requests for accommodation of a disability should be submitted to the Vice President of Student Services, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, 405 Broadway, Redwood City, California 94063; telephone 650-421-4800.