Applying to a Psychology PhD Program

Do: Identify a PI who you would like to work with

• Identify a PI whose work genuinely interests you. A good place to start is by finding the authors of papers that interest you, as well as their usual collaborators and/or who cites them. Research rabbit might help you find papers that are similar!
• Make sure that the PI of interest is seeking graduate students (check their websites/school websites to find this information or email if it is not listed). Not all PIs are recruiting new students every year!
• The admissions committee’s job is to decide if you are a good fit for the PI and for the program. Spell it out for them!
• Stay current with the faculty’s recent research when discussing fit (check lab websites, Google Scholar profiles, and https://reporter.nih.gov/ for active projects). When we say “current,” we mean within the last few years. Papers can take quite a while to publish, so if you go too far back in publication history, the PI you are interested in working with may have already moved on from that topic. Keep a particular eye out for papers where your PI is first or last author.
• Even if your research fit isn’t perfect, make a convincing argument to connect the dots for why you still want to work with that PI
• For clinical applicants: see the Clinical Science page to see if your career goals align with those of the program

Don’t: Signal a poor research or training model fit

• Don’t describe yourself as someone who primarily wants to study X and list potential PIs who study Y
• Don’t list multiple unrelated PIs (but make sure you do list at least one who you would like to work with)
• Don’t specify a PI who is not currently accepting students
• Don’t focus on research they’ve done more than a decade ago

Do: Show Potential

• Showcase enthusiasm for research, curiosity, and adaptability
• Demonstrate coachability as a mentee and peer – indicate a willingness to seek out learning experiences
• Highlight technical skills acquired through various experiences (e.g. conducting literature reviews, running statistical analyses, writing a manuscript, etc.) but be careful not to repeat your CV
• Demonstrate critical thinking and a strong grasp of how your various experiences have helped you develop into the early career scholar that you are, and have prepared you for this next stage in your training
• Have a research vision (reviewers should have an idea of what your research at USC will look like and why your research background ties into future work)

Don’t: Demonstrate a limited/unfocused research background

• Don’t apply with no research experience (if you find yourself not having research experience to write about, consider applying to a master’s program, lab manager role, or other post-baccalaureate position first!)
• Don’t show a lack of coherence (give your research experiences a coherent narrative tying them together so they do not appear scattered)
• Don’t use overly broad or clichéd language like “wanting to help people” without providing specific and thoughtful insights

Do: Balance personal insight and motivation for applying to a PhD in Psychology

• A short personal anecdote can help hook the reader to understanding your motivations. Personal anecdotes must be clearly linked to your professional journey and development of critical thinking.
• Ground your explanation of your motivation in intellectual curiosity and academic experiences

Don’t: Overemphasize personal experiences

• Don’t overshadow your research/clinical experiences with personal anecdotes (isolate these anecdotes to 1-2 lines)
• Your statement should focus on your research background, readiness for a PhD, and alignment with the target lab
• Every applicant has a different story, but the key is to have a balanced statement!

Do: Communicate clearly

• Demonstrate deep thinking about the field and research
• Be clear and concise
• Proofread your statement for grammar, use grammar checkers, and find at least one person to proofread it for you before submitting
• Expand on your experiences, what you got out of them, and how they contributed to your journey and current interests – this is your chance to add your voice to your application

Don’t: Be careless

• Don’t use excessive flowery language because that can hinder clarity
• Avoid grammar errors and typos
• Avoid using jargon and acronyms without providing explanations (remember that not all labs use the same terminology or methodologies)
• Don’t simply restate your CV

Do: Tailor your Statements

• Tailor your statements to each program by clearly demonstrating your answer to “why this program?”
• Show you did your homework – make it evident that you’ve thoroughly explored a program’s website and handbook (clinical areas typically have a program handbook for current students) by highlighting specific aspects that personally stand out to you about the program
• Highlight your compatibility with the program’s training model (for clinical programs)
• Make sure you are meeting the requirements listed specifically by each school (they might ask slightly different questions or have different page limits)

Don’t: Copy and paste the same statement for every school

• Use your base statement only as a jumping off point
• If you were able to use the same text for each program, it will probably read that way to reviewers

• A Clinical Psychology PhD is a unique degree that requires a commitment to bridging clinical practice and research
• Show genuine passion for the ‘clinical-scientist’ path
• Do your research into different training models, and make it clear why you want this training and how it will set you up for a career as a clinical-scientist
• Align your true career interests with your application – authenticity is key!