autobiography

[sparklyface681]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I am in the process of writing my essays and personal statements for several PsyD programs and a Counseling Psychology PhD program. Two of the schools I am applying to ask for autobiographies. I don't mean to sound obtuse....but what are they looking for? Do they literally want to know where I was born, my family background, etc...or do they mean like an academic autobiography? The only guidance I have been given is that it should be about 5 pages and if I want I can include a genogram.

 

[erg923]

Really? I find it hard to believe that they would take the time to read 200 autobiographies in the month the admission committee meets to go over the applicant pool. Generally, the personal statement is 2 pages, short sweet and to the point. I really don't know what they would want, but I would think they would specify it in their description since most applicants will be writing the standard 500-800 word personal statement for other programs. I would guess I would do what they ask and adhere to the word or page limit they set.

 

[PsyDApplicant08]

I've seen this request too in my applications. It's an awkward thing, but fortunately for me I have a story to tell. Basically, I think they want an overall picture of who you are and where you're coming from. This should include educational information about you, but you can incorporate who you are and how you got the point of applying to graduate school. In a way I think it might help distinguish serious applicants from apathetic ones.