PsyD Personal Statement

[JSNYC]

I'm applying to PhD and PsyD programs for next fall. I've already completed my PhD personal statement but am struggling with my PsyD statement. I have both research and clinical experience, and in the PhD statement I wrote about both in detail, but should I include the same research info for my PsyD?

There are so many guidelines for how to write a PhD statement but none I can find for how to write for a PsyD! I just am not sure where to go with it.

Any suggestions? Thank you!!

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[Ex1844]

I am in the same boat as you. I did include my research experience in my PsyD applications. Even in a PsyD program, you still have to read and interpret research articles, etc. The PsyD is less research focused than the PhD, but it is not totally devoid of research. Maybe include more time talking about your clinical experience, but still include your research experience to a certain extent.

 

[zeldazelda]

In general, more emphasis on clinical and less on research would make sense but if you have room I'd include at least a mention of it. It depends in part on which PsyD programs you are applying to -- some value research more than others. In particular, some of the top PsyD programs such as Baylors and Rutgers are more likely to be interested in it. Another way to think about it would be to look at the research component of the program you're interested. How many research classes? Research-based dissertation? The more research in the program, the more relevant it is to include in your PS.

 

[psychmama]

I agree that you'd be smart to discuss your research, even at the PsyD programs. I would perhaps tone it down a bit, and substitute a little more about your clinical work. At least at my program (Rutgers), they'd like to see something about the applicant as a person -- to help the committee visualize what sort of professional psychologist you'd be. Put a bit of a "human spin" on it, while mentioning the research/academic stuff too, of course!

Good luck.🙂

 

[238519]

I'm applying to PhD and PsyD programs for next fall. I've already completed my PhD personal statement but am struggling with my PsyD statement. I have both research and clinical experience, and in the PhD statement I wrote about both in detail, but should I include the same research info for my PsyD?

There are so many guidelines for how to write a PhD statement but none I can find for how to write for a PsyD! I just am not sure where to go with it.

Any suggestions? Thank you!!

So, how did you do?
I've been going thought the same thing, after knocking out one for a MA in Counseling I changed my mind and I am doing a new one (under the deadline gun) for a PsyD program. I think the best thing is to look at the questions asked and answer them without over thinking it into some esoteric universal truth. 😉

 

[hermionephd]

The first time I applied I sent basically the same SOP to the PsyD program I applied to. It was one of the top PsyD programs, and had a bit of a research emphasis going on, so it worked. I got an interview, but I didn't take it because I had decided a PsyD really wasn't for me.

Hope everything worked out!

 

[JSNYC]

I ended up writing about my research experience basically as in-depth as I did for my PhD statements...I only just sent in my applications a few days ago so I haven't heard from anywhere yet!! The personal statements are just so nerve-racking because the directions are so vague...it's impossible to tell what specific profs are looking for and how much detail to go into! Oh well, I guess we'll see. Good luck!!!

 

[rvs23503]

The Virginia Consortium program is more research-oriented than many Psy.D. programs, and I believe they are considering converting it to a Ph.D. program. Therefore, I think you could safely put the same emphasis on research in your VCPCP application that you would in an application for a Ph.D. program.

Update: Sorry--I posted this in response to the wrong thread.

 

[wkupmaggie]

For my PsyD SOP I was under some major space limmitations -the program only wanted 3 double spaced pages. So I took out my research experience and only wrote about clinical stuff and the other questions they asked (strenghts/weaknesses, etc).

I included my vita which details all of my research experience.

I hope I didn't make a major mistake not talking about my research experience in my SOP. After reading this thread I feel like I should have mentioned it. At the time I remember questioning if it is better to have a statement that is longer than suggested but details your experience, or one that is succinct and covers the basics. I was pressed for time and I went with the latter.

I don't know if I made the right decision. I guess I'll find out in a few weeks if I get an interview or not...