graduate admissions essay sample psychology

This article, Psychology graduate school essay, was previously written to guide my undergraduates at Carnegie Mellon UniversityWhy do graduate school admissions committees ask for essays? Contrary to popular belief, their intention is not to add to the torture-some, uncertain graduate application process. Most members of these committees can still vividly recall the anxiety associated with the application process. They remember what it was like to be uncertain about the future. They may recall the anxiety inherent in the prospect of choosing between career and loved ones. Some may even remember having felt, “my self-worth can be measured by the outcome of this process.” So anxious were they that, in an effort to avoid the final judgment, many, if not most, “put off” writing their applications until the last possible moment. If they recall the anxiety and the pain, why then do graduate committees insist, year after year, that another cohort of anxious undergraduates endure this process? At most institutions, the committee is providing the applicant with a chance to become more than “just a number”. Although many schools do have “cut-offs,” they may still have a mechanism for identifying the extremely promising exception. Those who do have rigid “cut-offs” use the essay to help identify which applicants they will invite for interviews. How can you use the graduate essay to your advantage? It may sound trite, but the essay is a place where you can help the committee to understand, “who you are”. What are your special, unique qualities? And, what struggles have you overcome? If your application has some apparent deficiencies, such as a bad year–a puzzling hiatus in your education–or low GRE’s, the committee will be trying to justify overlooking these weaknesses. In your essay, you provide a realistic, mature rationale for your “difficulties.” So, for what exactly are.
Welcome It took me a while to decide, but there it was: I wanted to get into a graduate program (MA or PhD) in Psychology. At that point, I had been living in the US for about 5 months, and knew absolutely nothing about the application process. All I had was a B- Grade Point Average (GPA) from the Israeli university where I studied for my BA. The year was 2002. During the application process, I relied heavily on the kindness of people who owed me absolutely nothing, and expected nothing in return for their help. Their assistance was invaluable. At some point during this long process, I promised myself that if I got into a program, I would try to pay it forward - and help people who are going through the same process as I was. This is my attempt. Comments and questions are more than welcome. Good luck, - Eran Back to Top Disclaimer The (true) story that follows is just that - a story, of how I got into a psychology graduate program with which I'm happy. Hopefully, reading through this story may provide You with some insight as to what steps You may take to help You reach Your goal. Keep in mind that You and I are different people, and I (sadly) can't provide a fail-proof recipe of how to be admitted to a good graduate program in Psychology Applying to graduate school in Psychology was a long and effortful process for me. I started it with immense motivation which (thankfully) almost never wavered throughout the process. It took a lot of time and energy on my part. It's possible to do - if I did it, there's no reason why You couldn't - but it will take effort. Motivation is key. WANT it, and KNOW that You can do it. Those two convictions are a necessity, not luxury. WANT it. Know that You CAN do it. As always, comments, questions and suggestions are welcome. Back to Top A Little About Me My name is Eran Magen. I was born in the USA to Israeli parents, and the entire.
Monica A. Marsee, Ph.D. Title: Associate Professor Area: Social Office: W259 Lagomarcino Hall Phone Number: 515-294-3950 Email: mmarsee@iastate.edu Office Hours: Mon/Wed 10:00-11:30 am    Education: Ph.D., Applied Developmental PsychologyUniversity of New Orleans, 2005 M.S., Applied Developmental PsychologyUniversity of New Orleans, 2003 B.A., PsychologyUniversity of Alabama, 1999 Research Interests: My research is generally focused on children and adolescents, and spans three main areas:  bullying and aggression, callous-unemotional traits, and gender similarities/differences.  I investigate questions related to these areas using a multi-method, multi-informant research protocol that includes self, parent, teacher, and peer-report of behavior, as well as experimental and observational methods.  Further, all research conducted in my lab is grounded in a developmental psychopathology perspective, which allows me to study the development of behavioral problems within the context of what is known about normal development.
Welcome! Take a look at my “Statement of Purpose” for the University of San Francisco Masters in Counseling Psychology, concentration in School Counseling, program. This short essay outlines my reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in Counseling Psychology from USF along with my experience and skill set as it relates to the program. Although slightly intimidating to start this essay and admissions process as a whole, it wasn't difficult to speak on something that comes from my heart. So in saying that, staying true to myself made the admissions process that much easier. “Living in a childhood without a sense of home, I found a place of sanctuary in ‘theorizing’, in making sense out of what was happening  I learned from this experience that theory could be a healing place.” –Bell Hooks I truly believe that before we can even begin to work with youth, we need to take a look at our own starting point and where we are coming from. I am not referring to our background or our histories, although these are definitely key in our work with youth, however, I am suggesting that we take a deeper and honest look at the question, ‘Why do you work with youth?’ Asking ourselves this question before we begin to work with youth is essential because without reflecting on the “why”, how can we even begin to engage with youth in an honest regard? When I ask myself this question, I find my answer to be rooted in “love” and “compassion”. Without a doubt, I work with youth because I genuinely care about their overall well-being. Whether it is regarding self-awareness, self-development, identity safety, academic support, or meeting basic needs, my work with youth always has and always will come from a place of love. For me, love and compassion are two key values that guide my practice because in every moment, program, or situation that I engage in with youth, I always strive to come from a.
Counseling Psychology Length: 348 words (1 double-spaced pages) Rating: Red (FREE)   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Counseling Psychology   When I began my studies at the University of Northern Iowa, I had an interest in the field of psychology, but I was not yet sure that I wanted to pursue a career in that area. The classes that I consequently took and the professors that taught them solidified my desire to receive a degree in psychology.   Interacting with my professors as a teacher's assistant and research assistant gave me a chance to discover at a more personal level what psychology is all about. Although I am seeking a M.A. in General Psychology at this time, I do have specific goals for my future. I hope to continue my education past the M.A. and receive a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, counseling individuals and eventually acquiring a teaching position with a college or university.   I am currently doing research in the area of Cognitive Psychology with Dr. Jack Yates, Professor of Cognitive Psychology, University of Northern Iowa. This research is related to how people conceptualize concrete and abstract terms, but my research interests vary widely. Other research interests include gender differences in the workplace and how socialization affects stereotypic gender roles among the sexes.   I have qualified for the dean's list three of the last four semesters, currently carry a 3.59 junior/senior GPA and a 3.75 GPA in my major. I also have been accepted into Psi Chi and belong to the Psychology Club on campus.   I expect that graduate work at the University of Somewhere will be demanding, challenging, and exciting, and I look forward to attending a program of this sort. During my time in graduate school I expect to receive the opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve as a person and a psychologist. I consider the M.A. in.
Plan on spending a lot of time on this essay. This will probably be the most difficult 1-2 page essay you've ever written. Most people I know take a month or more to write the essay--writing, rewriting, letting it sit and pondering what's been written, and then returning to it to do more editing, rewriting, tearing-it-up-and-starting-it-over-againing, and writing some more. Solicit comments from professors and graduate students whom you know well--they can guide you as to what to focus on, what sounds too goofy or cheesy to include, what sounds like immature writing, etc. You can also give it to an english major friend of yours--english, philosophy, and comparative literature majors typically write far better than the average Psychology major and should be able to help you make your language sound smoother. It is common for students to use the most advanced vocabulary they can muster, but what usually results is some perversion of English worth rolling your eyes at. For example, the very tacky sentence I endeavor to pursue my doctorate in the field of cognitive psychology because I believe human thought permeates all facets of human behavior--from exam-taking to abhorrent aggression--and I believe that, as a cognitive psychologist, I would find the profession fulfilling to such a degree that I would be ecstatic regarding my chosen profession would have sounded much better like this: I want to get my PhD in cognitive psychology because I think it's an intriguing field and I know I'd be happy working in it. Most of us don't write as well as we think we do--so make sure you solicit comments from people whom you know to be better writers than yourself. Keep it brief. Most applications specify how long the essay should be, but if they don't, stick to 1-2 pages single-spaced. (But double-space it if the instructions tell you to.) Humor can be dangerous, because most of us.