I've had the wonderful opportunity to speak with several folks applying to Clinical Psych PhD programs this application season.

with some info, advice, and tips. (1/10)

There's a range of Clinical Psych PhD programs. Some have a more of a clinical emphasis, others have more of a research emphasis. Some are funded meaning your tuition is paid by uni & you receive a meager stipend, others are not. Helpful resource (2/10) https://www.amazon.com/Insiders-Graduate-Programs-Counseling-Psychology/dp/1462541437

Funded, research-oriented Clinical Psych PhD programs are competitive & many applicants have 2+ years of research experience. If you're concerned about your GPA/GRE/research experience, it's OK to wait to apply. Many folks, including me, cherish their "gap year(s)." (3/10)

Narrow your apps to programs that you would accept if it were your only offer. Apps are time-intensive & expensive, focus your efforts on the programs that excite you most. It's also OK to cross off programs based on location, you'll be living there for ~5 years after all. (4/10)

Most apps require 3 letters of rec, ideally from faculty who know you well. It's DIFFICULT to identify letter writers who meet this criteria at this level of training so consider asking an instructor & submitting a supplemental letter from a grad student/TA/supervisor. (5/10)

Request letters of rec at least 1-2 months before your first deadline or ASAP. State how you know the letter writer (if not currently working together), the types of programs that you are applying to (eg, Clinical Psych PhD), & your first deadline. Attach your CV as a PDF. (6/10)

Prepare a strong CV. Ask grad students to review and provide feedback. Use action verbs (helped recruit participants -> recruited participants). If you have research experience, include the PI and study description. Helpful resource (7/10)
https://psychology.unl.edu/psichi/Psi_Chi_Sample_CV.pdf

Draft a statement of purpose that shows you know what a Clin Psych PhD program entails & still want to proceed. Avoid summarizing your CV & instead describe how your experiences have shaped your interests and goals. Ask grad students to review your SOP & provide feedback. (8/10)

Applying to Clinical Psych PhD programs is an overwhelming but not impossible process. Ask for support - most faculty, postdocs, grad students in this field love to help. Take things one step at a time. Breathe. And try to feel a some pride in all that you've accomplished. (9/10)

This is a very abbreviated thread and reflects one person's perspective. I would encourage prospective applicants to check out these in-depth guides

http://mitch.web.unc.edu/files/2017/02/MitchGradSchoolAdvice.pdf @mitchprinstein

https://medium.com/@mallory.dobias/open-access-tips-materials-for-clinical-psych-phd-applications-e9e81be3d132 @MalloryDobias

YOU CAN DO THIS! (10/10)