Okay, so let me tell you about my whole thing with applying to the University of Denver’s PhD program in Clinical Psychology. It was a journey, let me tell you!
It all started, I guess, back in my senior year of undergrad. I was like, “Okay, what am I gonna DO with my life?” I was always fascinated by the human mind, you know? And I really wanted to help people. Clinical psych seemed like the perfect fit. I knew I wanted to go all the way, get a PhD, do research, maybe even teach someday.
First things first: research experience. Everyone told me that’s what REALLY matters for these programs. So, I hustled. I volunteered in a research lab at my university. I started by just doing the grunt work – entering data, organizing files, stuff like that. But I was determined to learn, so I asked a TON of questions. Eventually, I got to help with data analysis and even co-authored a poster presentation at a conference. That was a huge confidence boost.
Next up: the GRE. Ugh. I hate standardized tests. I studied my butt off, bought all the prep books, did practice tests until my eyes bled. It was brutal. My scores were okay, not amazing, but decent enough, I hoped. I knew my research experience was my strongest selling point.
Then came the actual application process. The essays! Oh man, those were tough. I spent weeks agonizing over my personal statement. What to include? What to leave out? How to make myself sound interesting and passionate without sounding like a complete nutjob? I rewrote it like a million times. I had my professors read it, my friends read it, my mom read it (who probably didn’t understand half of it, but hey, moral support is important!).
- I started by brainstorming all my experiences – the research, the volunteering, even some personal challenges I had overcome.
- Then, I tried to weave a narrative that showed my growth as a person and my dedication to the field.
- I made sure to highlight my specific research interests and how they aligned with the faculty at DU. That was key, I think.
Finding the right faculty was a whole other project. I went through the DU website with a fine-tooth comb. I looked at their publications, their current research projects, everything. I wanted to find professors whose work I genuinely admired and who I thought I could learn from. I emailed a couple of them with specific questions about their research. One professor actually responded and we had a brief phone call! That was really encouraging.
Gathering transcripts, letters of recommendation… all that administrative stuff was a pain, but you just gotta do it. I made sure to give my recommenders plenty of time and provide them with all the information they needed to write strong letters. Seriously, treat your recommenders well! They’re doing you a HUGE favor.
Finally, I submitted the application. It was such a relief! But then came the waiting. The agonizing, nerve-wracking waiting. I checked my email like every five minutes. It was torture.
Then, one day, I got an email. An invitation to interview! I almost had a heart attack. I prepped for the interview like it was the most important thing in my life. I researched the faculty again, practiced answering common interview questions, and even did a mock interview with a friend. I wanted to be ready for anything.
The Interview Day
The interview itself was intense. It was a full day of meeting with faculty, current students, and other applicants. I tried to be myself, be enthusiastic, and ask thoughtful questions. I think it went pretty well, but you never really know, do you?
More waiting. More anxiety. Then, finally, I got the acceptance letter! I was ecstatic. It was such a long and difficult process, but it was all worth it. I am now a student at the University of Denver’s PhD program in Clinical Psychology and I am loving it! It’s hard work, of course, but I’m learning so much and I’m surrounded by amazing people. It was a grind, but I got it done.
My advice to anyone applying to grad school? Start early, get research experience, write a killer personal statement, and don’t give up! It’s a tough process, but if you’re passionate about it, you can do it.
