Navy HPSP Motivational Statement

[clawless23]

Hello All,

I've recently become interested in the Navy HPSP for clinical psych students. I have read ALL ( and I mean all) of the threads containing useful information and it has been beneficial in helping me to make my decision. In speaking with my recruiter, he has asked me to prepare a motivational statement regarding my reasons for choosing the Navy. However, he was unable to give me much guidance as to what the board may be looking for in this statement. I'm wondering if anyone on here has any experience with writing one of these. Thanks in advance!

P.s. I have made my decision. This thread is not for those who will post something to the effect of "Have you really thought long and hard about this?" or "Are you just in it for the benefits?". Basically, those who attempt to discourage are not welcome. I'm ONLY interested in hearing from those with some experience or knowledge about the statement or application process.

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[student til 30]

I've got some experience with these, and can offer a few words of wisdom with the caveat that this was just my approach. I'd cover:

1) Why you want to be a psychologist.
2) Why you want to serve in the military in general, communicating an understanding of military psychology.
3) Why you want to be an officer in the Navy. Remember that you are essentially applying for two jobs, as you will be a psychologist and an officer, and you should address both roles. On that note, I'd write like you are trying to be a Navy psychologist, not trying to get a scholarship, since you're in it for the job not the incentive. With respect to why Navy, I'd keep it short and sweet. There is a lot of room for subjective preference (e.g., "I come from a family of Marines"), but avoid playing into branch stereotypes or making too many assumptions about what life is like in the military if you don't have good information.
4) Prior exposure to military culture, or any experiences that will make you stand out without repeating your CV.

That's some pretty bare bones guidance, but most of the motivational statement is personal and idiosyncratic. I'd recommend writing it, handing it in with the understanding that you will want to edit it before the packet is submitted, then returning to the statement after a good amount of time has passed.

 

[BAL]

Student til 30 hit the nail on the head. While I agree that you should not make too many assumptions about what life is like in the military if you're unsure, I think the board also looks for applicants that have an awareness and understanding of what they're signing up for with this scholarship. So as you're explaining why you want to be a psychologist and an officer in the Navy, also demonstrate what qualities you feel a person in these two roles needs to have and how you exemplify them based on your personality and experiences.

My statement was 1100 words. No more than that will fit on the form they give you for it. I had anyone and everyone proof read it for me and I suggest you do the same. Anymore questions feel free to PM me.

 

[clawless23]

Thanks for all of the great information! The difficulty that I've had in reading about the programs is that most people who post on SDN are either physicians, dental, or are signing up for a different branch.

 

[student til 30]

Student til 30 hit the nail on the head. While I agree that you should not make too many assumptions about what life is like in the military if you're unsure, I think the board also looks for applicants that have an awareness and understanding of what they're signing up for with this scholarship. So as you're explaining why you want to be a psychologist and an officer in the Navy, also demonstrate what qualities you feel a person in these two roles needs to have and how you exemplify them based on your personality and experiences.

My statement was 1100 words. No more than that will fit on the form they give you for it. I had anyone and everyone proof read it for me and I suggest you do the same. Anymore questions feel free to PM me.

The best advice I've heard about writing personal statements was: "tell them who you are, tell them where you're coming from, tell them where you want to go, show them you know what you're asking for."