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The Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern wants 4 separate essays. I'm quite confused on how to approach it. The first is a page on clinical experiences, the second a page on research experienes, and then a personal statement. This seems slightly redundant based on how I've constructed my personal statement since my research and clinical experiences have shaped my desire to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and my research interests. My question is should the essays merely be a deconstructed version of my personal statement or should I draft a new personal statement? I would appreciate any feedback especially from those applying to this program or who already have.
Thanks for your help!
Here are the essays:
Please upload these essays via the Writing Sample section of the online application. Number your responses to correspond with the questions. Limit your responses to the first two questions to a maximum of one page each.
1. Clinical experience
Please describe your clinically relevant experiences, including, for instance, time spent as a mental health worker, occupational therapist, paramedic, hot-line drug counselor, volunteer or student in a mental health setting. Indicate how much time was involved and whether or not you were paid. Describe the nature and frequency of the supervision you received.
2. Research experience
Describe your research experience, indicating the following: 1) settings in which it occurred, 2) the population studied, 3) your responsibilities (e.g., observation, coding, design and planning, instrument development, data analysis, preparation of reports), 4) length of time involved in each research project, 5) nature and frequency of supervision, and 6) description of presentations or publications which may have resulted from the research. You are encouraged to submit abstracts or reprints (no more than a total of five pages).
3. The personal statement
Applicants are required to write a personal statement, no more than five pages in length. Tell us about the significant life experiences and people that have shaped your career choice, the impact of your clinical experiences thus far, your special interests, and your personal goals as a clinical psychologist -- as a practitioner, and scholar. In addition, feel free to tell us anything that you want us to know about you (e.g. leisure time pursuits, hobbies, travel).
4. Ways of thinking about human experiences
Ours is a program for developing clinical researchers. We try to understand thoroughly both normal and pathological experience. How would you as a clinical researcher approach this enterprise? What modes of thinking about human behavior are most compatible with your own style? Least compatible? Why? We are interested in learning about the factors that have been most influential in molding your thinking, and stimulating the choice of clinical psychology as a career.
Thanks for your help!
Here are the essays:
Please upload these essays via the Writing Sample section of the online application. Number your responses to correspond with the questions. Limit your responses to the first two questions to a maximum of one page each.
1. Clinical experience
Please describe your clinically relevant experiences, including, for instance, time spent as a mental health worker, occupational therapist, paramedic, hot-line drug counselor, volunteer or student in a mental health setting. Indicate how much time was involved and whether or not you were paid. Describe the nature and frequency of the supervision you received.
2. Research experience
Describe your research experience, indicating the following: 1) settings in which it occurred, 2) the population studied, 3) your responsibilities (e.g., observation, coding, design and planning, instrument development, data analysis, preparation of reports), 4) length of time involved in each research project, 5) nature and frequency of supervision, and 6) description of presentations or publications which may have resulted from the research. You are encouraged to submit abstracts or reprints (no more than a total of five pages).
3. The personal statement
Applicants are required to write a personal statement, no more than five pages in length. Tell us about the significant life experiences and people that have shaped your career choice, the impact of your clinical experiences thus far, your special interests, and your personal goals as a clinical psychologist -- as a practitioner, and scholar. In addition, feel free to tell us anything that you want us to know about you (e.g. leisure time pursuits, hobbies, travel).
4. Ways of thinking about human experiences
Ours is a program for developing clinical researchers. We try to understand thoroughly both normal and pathological experience. How would you as a clinical researcher approach this enterprise? What modes of thinking about human behavior are most compatible with your own style? Least compatible? Why? We are interested in learning about the factors that have been most influential in molding your thinking, and stimulating the choice of clinical psychology as a career.
Color me frustrated! I've already prepared my paper packet for the second coming of questions. This marks the third version they've published of what they want... Now I don't know if I should rewrite my responses again? And I was going to mail the app tomorrow too. Hmmph.
