master of clinical psychology personal statement

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Postgraduate clinical psychology personal statement example.

My initial decision to major in psychology was rationalised with the idea that I could use my degree to help people.

Everyone struggles at one point in their lives and being able to help someone is a great opportunity. Furthermore, studying psychology provided something for me that the other subjects didn’t, such as a deeper understanding of my mind and behaviour.

After finishing my high school, I joined Bachelor of Arts program as I wished to explore which subject I would have a special interest in and the course consisted of several subjects including Geography, Political Science, Psychology, English, Economics and French.

By the end of my first year, I had a fondness towards psychology as it was interesting and chose to learn further about it. 

During my second and third year, I studied about Social Psychology, Abnormal Behaviour as well as Statistics.

I was fascinated by how the human mind works and how it affects a person’s thoughts, feelings and behaviour. I enjoyed learning about the psychological disorders and the models of abnormality.

As I didn’t have an honours in psychology at my college, I decided to take a Master’s degree in Applied Psychology.

My master’s program was a 2 year course where I gained extensive knowledge about the different fields in psychology. During my First Semester, I had courses on educational psychology, cognitive psychology, Research Methodology and Statistics.

I enjoyed research methodology as I gained a deeper understanding of how to conduct research, the different methods in research and the importance it plays in psychology as it gives scientific evidence on the new perspectives of psychology, psychological theories and factors affecting mental health.

In addition to the courses, I did an internship at Agnes Special School where I worked as a special educator for children with Learning Disability, Cerebral Palsy, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism and Mental Retardation.

Through this internship, I got to know more about childhood disorders and the obstacles they face in their everyday lives. It was extremely challenging

During, my second semester I had courses such as physiological psychology, personality theories, psychological testing and positive psychology.

I enjoyed reading about personality theories especially, Alfred Adler’s Individual psychology where he describes inferiority and superiority complexes and also about the birth order and how it influences the style of life.

By learning the theories, I gained insight on how personality influences human behaviour. I also had a practical paper on Assessment of Personality where, I was exposed to the various types of personality tests such as Draw a person test, Eysenck personality questionnaire, locus of control, Neo five-factor inventory and many more.  

During the third semester, I learned about counselling psychology, psychological intervention and psychopathology.

I found psychopathology very interesting as it taught me about the different psychological disorders, their aetiology, diagnosis and the signs and symptoms that make up the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.

I became interested in relationships between various biological and environmental factors which can induce disorders.

By the end of my third semester, I worked as an intern for two months at two hospitals. My first clinical internship was at XXX for 3 weeks under Dr. XXX. During my time there, I learned how to collect case histories and conduct Mental Status Examinations (MSE).

I conducted various psychometric tests such as Standard and Coloured Progressive Matrices, Seguin Form Board and LD checklist, and also observed various behaviour therapies, parent guidance and counselling, sessions for home training for children with special needs on conditions like mental retardation, learning disability, autism, hearing impairments, cerebral palsy and multiple handicaps.

I also presented a poster on Learning Disability as a part of the academic presentation, defining Learning Disability, the problems children with LD face, the management of LD and the rights these children have.

My second clinical internship was at XXX for four weeks where I worked under the supervision of XXX at the Psychiatric Department. The hospital had in-patient care as well as outpatient care where I could collect case histories and conduct Mental Status Examinations.

I got insights into the numerous disorders. I gained an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a clinical psychologist. I also attended several therapies that the psychologist conducted such as Group Therapy for de-addiction patients, Stress Management and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and various psychometric tests such as Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) and Rorschach inkblot test.

I also conducted psychometric tests such as Wechsler’s Intelligence Scale for Children, CAGE questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, Binet Kamat Test etc.

In the fourth semester, I had courses on behaviour modification and counselling children, adolescents and adults. I was trained in numerous psychotherapy techniques such as Jacobsons Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Autogenic Training, Systematic Desensitisation, and Yoga.

I also had to present several case studies that I collected during my internships. I had a 5 days internship at XXX Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts which was aimed at preventing and management of Substance abuse with the focus soon early intervention , community based holistic approach and people’s participation.

During my time here, I interacted with several patients who has problems with substance abuse where I was able to take a session on assertiveness training for the patients and also conducted several relaxation techniques such as JPMR and Autogenic training.

Further, I got to know how the rehab centre worked and the different treatment methods used for the patients. I had another 5 days internship at XXX Palliative care, where I counselled with patients who were terminally ill by giving psychological snd social support to the patients and their caregivers.

Another internship I had was at Riya Hope Farm which was a residential centre for children with special needs. I was assigned to a child who had autism and conducted behavioural assessment of the child. Once the assessment was over, behaviour modification process was started as the child had difficulty in following the instruction that were given to him.

I also had to submit a dissertation as a part of the master’s programme where I presented a research study on “ Marital Adjustment in relation to Life Satisfaction and Gender among Young Adult Married Couples.”

I was interested in this topic due to the increasing divorce rates in India notably among the Young - Adult population and to find out whether life satisfaction influences the marital adjustment between couples.

In addition to my courses, I have attended several workshops on counselling and psychotherapy, basic and advanced hypnosis, “Dementia - Remember me” and Paranormality.

After finishing my master’s in psychology, I am currently interning at a psychiatric clinic for where I am working as an assistant counselling psychologist under the guidance of Dr XXXp. 

During my time here, I have met patients with a wide range of mental health problems that may occur such as mental health disorders including depression, psychosis, personality disorder, negative life events, bereavement, domestic violence, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, traumas and relationship issues.

I have witnessed counselling of both clients and their families, and I have learned to administer and score several psychological tests used in clinical assessment.

I have enjoyed working in the clinic and found it very rewarding, not only because of the idea of helping but also because the work was interesting and challenging, as every patient is different and different approaches of counselling are needed.

As an assistant counselling psychologist, I was able to learn the different counselling techniques and how to guide patients through empathy and unconditional positive regard.

Upon completion of this masters programme, I intend join a Doctoral programme in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) and to practice as a clinical psychologist, where I can provide a positive influence in the lives of people struggling with psychiatric disorders.

My personal characteristics are perfectly adaptable to this profession and I’m highly interested in this field. Moreover, my academic achievements signify my capability to reach the goal of becoming a clinical psychologist.

I’m also interested in research work and understanding the various mental illness, their treatment as well as their effectiveness. My work experience has proven to me how much more I need to learn before I can attain my goal of becoming an accomplished clinical psychologist.

I am interested to join Goldsmith’s University of London for the Masters course in Foundation in Clinical Psychology and Health Services by the strong emphasis on clinical practice and research methodology as it goes particularly well with what I am looking for in a program.

I would be very excited to join the upcoming class for 2018. I feel I am well prepared to enter graduate study, and my strong motivation and career goals are a good match for what the university has to offer.

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Preparing your personal statement for graduate school applications

Nearly all doctoral programs and many master’s degree programs in psychology require submission of a personal statement as part of the application package. In my experience advising students as well as serving as a graduate dean for many years, few things in the application process cause students as much anxiety and prompt so many questions.

Why so much concern? Several reasons. First, what we generically call the personal statement goes by different names at different institutions: “statement of goals,” “purpose and interests” and a host of other terms. Second, institutions have varying requirements for length and specific topics. Third, you have to compose it from scratch, in contrast to your transcript (which the registrar sends), your letters of recommendation (which other people compose) and any required test scores (which the testing agency sends).

Here are answers to students’ four most common questions.

Is the personal statement important?

Absolutely yes. Summaries of research on what is important in the application process, particularly for doctoral programs, show that the statement of purpose plays a key role in admission decisions — often more important than such standbys as your GPA and GRE scores. Admission committees really do pay attention. Each program in APA’s (2018) Graduate Study in Psychology  provides a rating of the importance of the statement of purpose, so you can check for your target programs. This is where you display your:

• Fit with the program.
• Especially desirable qualifications.
• Clarity of plans.
• Writing skill. 

Do I use the same one for all?

Absolutely not. Customize your statement for each program to which you apply. Each program will provide a brief description of what it wants in the applicant’s statement of purpose, the length and topics. One program may want 500 words covering topics A, B and C. Another program may want 1,500 words covering topics A, B, D and E. Pay attention to these directives. If, as program director, I want the latter and you give me the former, you have just done yourself a great disfavor — and irritated me. If you are applying to many programs, make a little spreadsheet showing what each program wants in the statement. Then, cross-check your customized statements against your spreadsheet.

What do I include?

Despite the latter advice about customizing, many programs ask about similar topics. The most common topics include your professional/career plans, academic objectives related to a particular program, research experience and other applied experience (for example, internships). Doctoral programs (but not usually master’s programs) often ask for your interest in or fit with particular faculty members (just two or three — not everyone). Of course, that fit relates to your objectives and the faculty members’ areas of expertise/research.

Because these topics appear frequently in programs’ requests, a useful strategy calls for developing a boilerplate statement covering the latter topics. Thus, you don’t have to start from scratch for every program. Construct the boilerplate, the common statement, first. Get it in good shape. Then customize it as needed for different programs.

You should certainly have a paragraph or two focusing on what you want to do in terms of career goals, academic specialty and research interests. And sift through your experiences to see which might set you apart and make you especially attractive as a candidate. Perhaps you have a strong research record, an exceptionally meaningful field experience or a few advanced undergraduate courses. Maybe all three of these.

When writing about your goals and experiences, aim for precision and detail. Avoid generic statements (“I have a lot of research experience,” “I did an internship”). Provide details, as space permits. What exactly did you do in your research, and what did you learn from it? What did your internship entail, and, again, what did you learn from it?

While on the topic of what to include, let’s identify a few things to not include. Norcross and Sayette (2016) call these the 3 Hs: humor, hyperbole, hard luck . No jokes or funny stories in the personal statement. Watch out for hyperbole in your statement: I’m the most qualified; I had the greatest major; I never have interpersonal conflicts. And don’t describe your own depression, substance abuse or family turmoil. Appleby and Appleby (2007) included such items among their “kisses of death” for applicants’ personal statements.

Will you read it for me?

The answer will vary for different faculty members and your relationship with them, but many will be happy to help. Please, however, do not ask a faculty member to read your first rough draft. Get it cleaned up. No half-sentences, no typos. Your institution may have a writing center that will prove helpful. When you have it in pretty good shape, ask a faculty member for feedback. 

Finally, proofread your statement before hitting the submit button. Remember, it’s used partly to evaluate your writing skill.

Watch this free video series for more information on graduate school applications.

American Psychological Association. (2016). Graduate study in psychology: 2017 edition . Washington, D.C.: Author.

Appleby, D.C., & Appleby, K.M. (2007). How to avoid the kisses of death in the graduate school application process. Eye on Psi Chi, 11 (3), 20-21.

Norcross, J.C., & Sayette, M.A (2016). Insider's guide to graduate programs in clinical and counseling psychology: Revised 2016/2017 edition . New York: Guilford.

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• FindAMasters
• Psychology Masters Personal Statement Sample

Written by Ben Taylor

This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in Psychology. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement .

The effects of psychological trauma can be diffuse and difficult to treat, with wide-ranging causes and an unfortunate range of symptoms. Having witnessed first-hand the consequences of mental trauma in several loved ones in recent years, I’m determined to place myself in a position where I can help the recovery of others in unfortunate circumstances.

I’m currently in the final year of an English Literature degree and am course to achieve a 2.1. My interest in Psychology has manifested itself in my module choices on this course, including one that examined the relationship between trauma, memory and Holocaust literature, and an elective that I took in my first year on the Philosophy of the Mind. My dissertation looks at representations of post-traumatic stress disorder in First World War literature, contemporaneous news accounts and medical textbooks. I hope that my knowledge of the cultural background and theory of Psychology will stand me in good stead when I begin my postgraduate studies, providing with me with an extra lens through which to consider the issues at hand.

The MSc in Psychology programme at your institution appeals to me because it offers a rigorous, BPS-accredited grounding in the foundational pillars of Psychology, as well as the opportunity to pursue more specialised modules in Neurotrauma, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Occupational Psychology. After finishing my Masters, I hope to gain the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS before applying for a doctoral degree that allows me to pursue my interest in psychological trauma and its treatment, eventually becoming a qualified psychiatrist.

Last summer I shadowed a psychologist who supported adults with complex needs, which gave me an insight into the difference that this kind of work can make to people’s lives. I’ve also been a listening volunteer for the Samaritans helpline for the past two years, an experience that has taught me the importance of compassion and open-mindedness when speaking with people in psychological distress. In addition, I’m a student ambassador and have supported my university at many open days, study fairs and graduation ceremonies over the past few years, requiring excellent organisational skills and a friendly, professional manner.

I’ve worked on a part-time basis for a local pub since 2017, something that has given me plenty of confidence and excellent interpersonal skills. Once I’ve finished my dissertation, I plan to spend my summer working full-time at the pub, saving up enough money to concentrate on my postgraduate studies next academic year.

I’m incredibly excited about the prospect of beginning an MSc in Psychology soon and see it as the natural continuation of my academic career to date, as well as the perfect way for me to put my extra-curricular experience into practice.

MSc Psychology

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Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples: Psychology

Why Strong Personal Statements are so Important for Graduate School

In your psychology graduate degree application, the personal statement is crucial. It showcases your academic achievements, personal journey, career goals, and why you’re a great fit for the program. This is your chance to move beyond mere statistics—GPA, test scores, work experience—and tell your unique story. Crafting a compelling personal statement requires insight, precision, and guidance. However, finding quality personal statement for graduate school examples can be challenging. Magoosh is committed to supporting graduate applications with detailed analyses, specific feedback, and comprehensive support throughout the admissions process.

Spotlight on Successful Psychology Personal Statements

We’re excited to showcase two standout personal statement for graduate school examples covering two different psychology tracks. The first, used to apply to Columbia University, explores the therapeutic power of storytelling in the aftermath of trauma and the writer’s dedication to studying the pathways from traumatic experiences to psychopathology. This essay seamlessly weaves together the applicant’s academic pursuits and professional experiences, underlining a deep-seated commitment to understanding and fostering resilience and growth post-trauma.

Second, written for UC Berkeley, takes us on a captivating journey—from volunteering in Haiti to navigating the urban complexity of New York, and finally, to a meaningful role in tutoring across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. This narrative eloquently captures the author’s evolving insight into the significant role counseling plays in psychological well-being and the drive to effect change within the psychology field.

Examples with Expert Annotated Feedback

Our feedback on each personal statement highlights strengths, suggests improvements, and offers strategic advice to boost the essay’s impact and emotional appeal. This feedback reflects our thorough grasp of the admissions process and our dedication to helping candidates refine their narratives.

Now explore our personal statements and expert commentary for inspiration on your application narratives. Whether starting your essay or finalizing it, our resources, expertise, and support guide you through the admissions journey.

Finally, our aim is to help you create a personal statement that surpasses admissions expectations, compellingly showcasing your unique story. Explore our blog for further tips, inspirational success stories, and expert advice , and move forward in your graduate school journey with confidence. Our platform is your ally in turning your graduate school aspirations into achievements.

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How to Create your Personal Statement for Psychology

Sponsored school(s).

Odds are, if you are at the stage of writing a personal statement, then you are more than likely preparing applications for graduate schools in psychology. Below find out what it is, why you need one, and get some pointers on crafting a personal statement that will put your best foot forward with the admissions committees.

What is a Personal Statement?

Commonly referred to as a “statement of purpose”, and by some as an “application essay”, a personal statement is your opportunity to introduce and  sell yourself to a desired graduate program or college . In most cases, the personal statement can serve as the defining factor that allows students to stand out in a pool of applicants with equally high GPAs and test scores. Plus, a stellar statement of purpose could also help the applications of students who have unfavorable scores and grades.

Before You Begin…

Consider the type of personal statement required of you:.

Personal statements can range from  a few paragraphs to several one-page essays  that address different topics. They will vary widely between programs and schools, which means that you might craft quite a few of these application essays if you seek admission into various programs.

The objective of these statements all share a common thread: for the graduate committee to get a clear understanding of your career and academic aspirations as well as a sample of your writing abilities (a skill of utmost importance for comprehensive graduate study).

If Topics Are Chosen By You

The specific expectations of a statement of purpose might vary. Some schools might leave the direction and objective of the essay up to the applicant. In cases, you have the freedom to choose what you write about although, as a rule of thumb,  essays should take on a professional/ academic focus  rather than be personal or autobiographical. Don’t confuse personal statement with a long essay about your life growing up.

Instead, demonstrate your best attributes by outlining your fit, interests, previous experiences, servant leadership, research and courses you have taken that affirmed your dedication to the field of study. If you were not given specific questions, then be sure to touch bases with all of these that are relevant to your background in a logical and consistent manner.

If Topics Are Chosen By the Program

Other schools may provide you with a list of specific questions to answer pertaining to your career objectives and how obtaining an education with the particular program may advance you towards your goals.

Examples of specific topics outlined by graduate schools in psychology include:

Explain any previous work experience or teaching experiences you have in the field of psychology and why those experiences make you a strong candidate for our program.

Explain your long-term career goals.

Why do you think this program is a good fit for you?

How do you think this program can help you further your career objectives?

How has your previous education prepared you to take on study at the graduate or professional level?

What experience do you have conducting research? Rate your interest in conducting research.

What practitioners, researchers, or authors in the field of psychology have influenced your interest in this area of study?

Reflect on these questions or topic areas for a while before starting the writing process. Review your resume for direction about skills, experiences, or even lack of experience that you’ll want to identify and elaborate on in your paper. Write a list of attributes that you think describe you and consider how they are relevant to your interest in pursuing higher education.

During and After Writing…

Express your motivation.

When developing a statement of purpose for graduate schools in psychology, you will want to write at length about your particular interests, motivation, and passion for the field of study. Consider what experiences or traits you have that make you a better candidate than the hundreds of other applicants vying to gain admission.

Back up your expression of motivation with hard facts. The admissions committee wants a well-rounded candidate with a number of professional experiences that have helped clarify their ability to handle graduate study. Simply going on and on about how bad you want to be in the program with no relevant experiences that support that claim may not win you any favor.

Be Honest and Clear

When preparing a document that is virtually serving as a personal advertisement, you will write at length about the skills you possess that strengthen your application: academic curiosity, flexibility, maturity, persistence, and professionalism among others. When elaborating on your strengths, be sure to do so with respect to their relevance and importance. Do not go on about a characteristic that could be considered minor or irrelevant.

Also, be mindful of stating your goals and interests clearly and honestly. If you are not interested in a particular area, then leave out that information. Do not express an interest or ability that you do not have. It’s significant to discuss your weaknesses as well. If you have low test scores or a less-than-spectacular GPA, point that out in advance. Explain, if appropriate, why these aspects of your application are weak and follow up with a plan to rectify those aspects if you are accepted into graduate school.

Summary Points to Remember

• At this point, you can’t change your college or graduate school entrance test scores or your grade point average. You can, however, make a significant impact during the applications process by developing a well-written statement of purpose.
• Avoid writing at length about your personal history. Stick to the qualities and experiences that are relevant to your growth and abilities in the field of psychology.
• Answer all questions from the application and be sure to meet the page or word count requirements.
• Be sure to clearly and honestly relate your experiences and interests, also taking time to point out both strengths and weaknesses. Share how you plan to overcome those weaknesses or use them to your advantage.
• Ask someone else to look over your statement of purpose–an advisor or professor in your department–who can give you straightforward feedback on its content.
• Customize each personal statement to the program or school you are applying. Elaborate on how that particular program can assist you in reaching your goals.
• During revisions, pay attention to the strength and dynamism of your opening paragraph. Your goal is to hook the readers and give them the desire to keep reading.

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Dr. Kristi Cordell-McNulty, Assistant Professor of Psychology and Director of the Applied Psychology Program at Angelo State ...

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Personal Statements

What is a Personal Statement?

A Personal Statement is a professional essay that outlines your interest for the field, relevant experiences, career goals, and fit to the program and or faculty member in which you are applying. Psychology and Psychological Sciences majors apply for a myriad of applied-masters, doctoral, and professional programs. The following tips will help you get started in addition to the supplemental articles from the APA. Students who are looking for a course that breaks down all of the steps in applying to graduate school (including writing your Personal Statement) should consider taking PSY 396C , Preparation for Graduate Programs in the Field of Psychology. This course is recommended Fall of junior year.

General Tips for any Personal Statement

• Follow the directions and answer any questions or prompts provided by your programs.
• Your Introductory Paragraph should share what ignited your passion or interest for the field (NOT TOO PERSONAL).
• Give details, include names of agencies, labs, and or faculty to help paint the picture of what you did.
• Share not only your duties but also what you learned from the experience and how that has solidified the work you want to do.
• The conclusion needs to show fit to the school/program/faculty member. (PhD programs you need to name who you are applying to specifically).
• Ensure your statement flows. Paragraphs need to have transition sentences to connect the ideas. Telling your professional story chronologically helps.
• Edit, edit, and edit again. Ask many people to read and edit your statement before submitting it to your programs.

Personal Statements for Applied Masters Programs

An applied master's program is a program that is hands-on and provides coursework and experiences such as internships and field placements to train you to do the work in your chosen field. Some examples are Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling. There are many others. These statements aim to convey your interest for the field, share your relevant hands-on experiences as evidence of your preparation, and demonstrate how you are a good match for the program.

Personal Statements for PhD Programs

Ph.D. programs are primarily research-based programs. Even if they provide Clinical Training (e.g. Clinical and Counseling Psychology), they are still fundamentally rooted in producing scientific research. Your personal statement is an opportunity to sell yourself in terms of your research interests, previous research experience, and research goals. Your writing should be clear, concise, grammatically correct, and professional in tone.

Personal Statement Editing

Are you in the process of writing your personal statement for graduate or professional programs and need tutoring/editing services? The University of Arizona Writing Skills Improvement Program is your answer! They offer free and fee-based services. Students can schedule appointments or attend drop-in tutoring . Check it out!

Advice from the American Psychological Association

Applying to Grad School: What should I say in my Personal Statement

Preparing your Personal Statement for Graduate applications

Finding Fit: Personal Statements

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24 November 2023

5 minutes read

Crafting an Impactful Clinical Psychology Personal Statement

Dirghayu Kaushik

Embarking on a journey toward becoming a clinical psychologist starts with crafting a compelling personal statement for university admissions.

This critical piece of your application not only showcases your academic achievements and career aspirations but also reflects your deep understanding and passion for the field of psychology. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the essential elements of creating an impactful psychology personal statement.

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• Mastering the Personal Statement for Clinical Psychology

The Significance of a Personal Statement in Psychology

The personal statement is your first opportunity to communicate directly with the admissions committee. It’s a narrative that highlights your journey, motivations, and the unique qualities you bring to the program.

This section of your application can set you apart from other candidates by providing a deeper insight into who you are beyond your grades and test scores.

Communicating Your Passion for Psychology

In about 300 words, discuss the importance of expressing a genuine passion for psychology in your personal statement. Explain how demonstrating a deep understanding of psychological principles and showing a commitment to addressing mental health issues can positively impact your application.

Share tips on how to effectively convey this passion through personal anecdotes or experiences that have shaped your interest in the field.

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• Structuring Your Personal Statement Effectively

The structure of your personal statement is as important as its content. A well-organized statement will guide the reader through your academic journey, professional experiences, and personal insights in a coherent and engaging manner.

Crafting a Compelling Introduction

In this section, provide advice on how to create an engaging introduction that captures the reader’s attention. Suggest starting with a poignant anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a statement reflecting your enthusiasm for clinical psychology. Emphasize the importance of setting the tone for the rest of the statement and establishing a clear narrative thread.

Highlighting Academic and Professional Experiences

Your academic achievements and professional experiences form the backbone of your personal statement. This section should detail your journey and explain how it has prepared you for a career in clinical psychology.

Showcasing Academic Achievements

Discuss the importance of highlighting key academic achievements, such as relevant coursework, research projects, and any psychology-related honors or awards.

Offer insights into how to effectively integrate these achievements into your narrative, ensuring they complement your personal story and professional goals.

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Access 350K+ profiles of students who got in. See what you can improve in your own application!

• Demonstrating Your Understanding of Clinical Psychology

A deep understanding of clinical psychology and its various facets is crucial to crafting a successful personal statement.

Integrating Knowledge of the Field

In about 300 words, guide the reader on how to weave their knowledge of clinical psychology into their personal statement. Suggest discussing specific psychological

 theories, research studies, or areas of clinical psychology that resonate with their career goals. Emphasize the importance of showing an informed interest in the field.

Reflecting on Personal Growth and Learning

Personal growth and a demonstrated capacity for learning are highly valued in the field of clinical psychology. This section of your statement should reflect on your journey of self-discovery and learning.

Articulating Personal Development

Discuss how to articulate experiences of personal growth, challenges overcome, and lessons learned. Encourage the inclusion of life experiences that have contributed to a deeper understanding of human behavior and mental health. Highlight the significance of showing an ability to learn and adapt.

Outlining Your Future Aspirations in Clinical Psychology

Your future goals and aspirations are an integral part of your personal statement. They give the admissions committee an understanding of your long-term commitment to the field of clinical psychology.

Setting Clear Career Goals

Provide guidance on how to clearly articulate career objectives in clinical psychology. Suggest mentioning specific areas of interest like counseling, research, or therapy, and how the university program aligns with these goals. Emphasize the importance of showing a clear path of how the program will help in achieving these aspirations.

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• The Importance of Personal Characteristics in Clinical Psychology

In the field of clinical psychology, personal characteristics are not just beneficial; they are essential. These traits significantly impact how effectively a clinical psychologist can work with clients, conduct research, and contribute to the field. Here, we will break down the key personal characteristics vital for success in clinical psychology into concise points:

• Empathy involves the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
• It helps in building rapport with clients and understanding their experiences from their perspective.
• Empathetic psychologists can provide more tailored and effective treatment plans.
• Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills are crucial.
• These skills aid in effectively conveying information and understanding clients’ needs.
• Good communicators can also collaborate more effectively with colleagues and other healthcare professionals.
• Clinical psychologists often deal with challenging and emotionally taxing situations.
• Resilience helps in managing personal stress and avoiding burnout.
• It also serves as a model for clients dealing with their own adversities.
• The ability to adapt to various situations and changes in the field is vital.
• This includes being open to new treatment methods, and research findings, and understanding diverse client needs.
• Adaptability allows for continuous growth and effectiveness in practice.
• Adhering to a strong ethical framework is non-negotiable.
• It involves maintaining confidentiality, setting appropriate boundaries, and prioritizing clients’ well-being.
• Ethical integrity ensures trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship.
• Clinical psychologists must be able to assess complex situations and psychological data accurately.
• Analytical skills aid in diagnosis, treatment planning, and understanding research.
• This also involves critical thinking to evaluate and integrate new research into practice.
• Patience is key in seeing long-term progress with clients.
• It helps in managing expectations and staying committed to clients’ growth, despite slow or non-linear progress.
• Patience also fosters a calming and supportive therapeutic environment.
• Understanding and respecting cultural differences is crucial.
• It involves being aware of one’s own biases and how they can impact therapy.
• Cultural competence improves the ability to work effectively with a diverse client base.
• Self-awareness helps psychologists understand their own emotions, biases, and triggers.
• It is essential for personal growth and maintaining professionalism in therapy.
• Being self-aware also aids in personal mental health management.
• A genuine interest in continuous learning and staying updated with the latest in psychology is important.
• This includes pursuing further education, attending workshops, and reading current research.
• A passion for learning ensures that the psychologist remains effective and relevant in their practice.

Incorporating these personal characteristics into one’s professional practice not only enhances the effectiveness of therapy but also contributes to the overall growth and reputation of the field of clinical psychology.

A well-crafted personal statement for a clinical psychology program is your ticket to securing a spot in a competitive field. It’s a blend of your academic achievements, personal experiences, understanding of psychology, and future aspirations.

By following the tips and structures outlined in this guide, you can create a compelling and authentic personal statement that resonates with admissions committees and paves the way for your success in the field of clinical psychology.

Q1: How important is it to tailor my personal statement to each university?

Tailoring your personal statement to each university is crucial. It demonstrates your specific interest in their program and how it aligns with your career goals.

Q2: Can I include quotes from psychologists in my personal statement?

Yes, including relevant quotes can be effective, but they should be used sparingly and must enhance your narrative or illustrate your understanding of the field.

Q3: Is it appropriate to discuss personal mental health challenges in my statement?

While it’s okay to discuss personal challenges, it’s important to focus on how these experiences have shaped your understanding of psychology and your desire to pursue a career in this field.

Q4: How can I get feedback on my personal statement?

Seek feedback from mentors, professors, or professionals in clinical psychology. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

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Table of Contents

• • Mastering the Personal Statement for Clinical Psychology
• • Structuring Your Personal Statement Effectively
• • Demonstrating Your Understanding of Clinical Psychology
• • The Importance of Personal Characteristics in Clinical Psychology
• • Conclusion

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Guide to Getting Into Graduate School > Sample Personal Statement

This personal statement was written by a student applying to a clinical Psychology program. The author of this personal statement was accepted into Purdue's doctoral program in clinical Psychology.

I became initially interested in Psychology when I was helping a friend who was having problems at home and was considering suicide. I felt so helpless trying to deal with his problems that I decided to learn more about human behavior and how to help those in need. This experience led me to enroll in an introductory Psychology class in order to understand more about what motivates people. I have become more and more interested in the field of clinical Psychology during my four years as an undergraduate Psychology major. In addition to my educational experience, I actively pursued work experience in Psychology-related fields. I worked as a resident assistant in one of the dormitories during my junior year. In this role, I encountered students who had problems relating to their family, depression, suicide, alcohol, and drugs. I attained an internship position during my senior year as a residential supervisor at the Indianapolis Center for Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, a facility dedicated to teaching brain-injured individuals not only to deal with their handicaps, but to overcome them. I witnessed counseling of both clients and their families, and I learned to administer and score several psychological tests used in clinical assessment (e.g., the Wechsler Memory Scale and the MMPI). My work experience has proven to me how much more I need to learn before I can attain my goal of becoming an accomplished researcher and teacher. I became interested in research as a sophomore when I enrolled in a senior level research class. By the time I graduate, I will have presented a total of five papers on a variety of topics at undergraduate research conferences. My experience with the first study, an examination of mood effects on time perception, led to other research endeavors on topics including student evaluation of faculty, academic integrity, and comparisons of personality profiles of brain-injured individuals. The relevance of two of these projects, academic honesty and student evaluation of faculty, led the President of my college, to invite me to present my results at two Open College Forums. This is the first time a student has presented at an Open College Forum. At Purdue University, I am specifically interested in the research efforts of Harvey Ashland (schizophrenia), Nancy Bennett (child adolescent psychotherapy outcomes), and Thomas Ginsburg (clinical, personality, and community assessment). As an undergraduate, I have learned the importance of working closely with members of the faculty. A great deal can be accomplished by working with someone who is already an expert in the field. I have become firmly committed to the beliefs that the most appropriate way to answer "real world" questions is through basic research and that these answers should be communicated in a professional manner to those audiences who can benefit most from them. My undergraduate experiences have inspired me to continue my education in graduate school so I can further my research and make meaningful contributions to Psychology.

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Clinical psychology personal statement examples.

My passion for psychology is deeply rooted in my interest in philosophy, epistemology and the understanding of human happiness. I sincerely believe in the practical benefits of a life spent helping others, fully investing in the cultivation of empathy and compassion. With this end in mind I have always sought out challenging and rewarding opportunities to work with people and to study human relationships and problems. I have had a long history of psychology related work experiences. I was first employed at the Salt Lake City International Airport assisting physically and mentally disabled passengers navigate the terminal. Although the spectrum of mental illness I was exposed to at this job was small compared to a lot of my later positions, the airport served as a magnifying glass for human diversity and opened my eyes to the world beyond my local culture. There are few places on earth where you can find so much ethnic, cultural, religious and ideological diversity so densely packed into a single building. I was later employed as a Psychology, English and Math tutor for Weber State University working one on one with students by appointment. This job allowed for much more intimate, collaborative relationships and taught me a lot about the process of learning. At this point I officially switched my major from civil engineering to psychology and my general interest in philosophy and epistemology began to focus through psychology. I then worked as a Lead Staff at several different residential assisted living facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities. I worked closely with clients on a daily basis, often spending nights at the homes on sleep or waking graves or working doubles taking clients to company events and activities. This was not simply a job for me, but a subculture I was completely immersed in as many of my close friends worked for the same company and we served the same population of developmentally delayed individuals in the Ogden area. After leaving this job I later participated in community service through a company called enable that employed many of the clients I had worked with previously. Following avatar, I began employment as a Mental Health Worker on a youth sex offender unit at Benchmark Behavioral Health Hospital. I had...

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Writing Personal Statement for Clinical Psychology Masters

Table of Contents

Are you looking for examples of personal statement for clinical psychology Masters ?

A well-crafted personal statement is an integral part of the admissions process for many universities. It allows prospective students to explain why they are uniquely qualified for the program and why they should be considered for admission.

This blog provides some great examples of successful personal statements used in clinical psychology Masters applications.

What Is a Personal Statement for Clinical Psychology Masters?

A personal statement for clinical psychology Master’s is a written document that outlines your career goals, experiences, and qualifications . It is an introduction to a university or college admissions committee, highlighting your personality and why you want to be in their program.

The statement should also demonstrate field knowledge, highlight any research projects or extracurricular activities you’ve been involved in. It will show how your candidacy would be an asset to the school.

Why Write a Personal Statement for Clinical Psychology Masters?

A successful personal statement will give your application an edge over other candidates by demonstrating why you are the perfect fit for the program .

By highlighting your qualifications and experiences, writing a compelling personal statement can help you stand out from the competition. It is also vital to demonstrate your knowledge of clinical psychology and your enthusiasm for applying to the field.

Examples of Clinical Psychology Masters Statement

“As a recent graduate from an undergraduate psychology program, I am passionate about furthering my education in clinical psychology. I have participated in a variety of research projects that have given me insight into this field. This includes one project on mental health disparities among minority populations. I believe that my skill set and experience make me an excellent candidate for this Masters program. I am eager to explore the unique opportunities that it provides.”

“I am applying for the Masters in Clinical Psychology because I believe that this program will help me reach my career goals. With a degree in psychology already, I have gained a strong foundation in the theoretical aspects of clinical psychology. I am now ready to hone and develop further these skills. I am confident that my prior research experience combined with an advanced education in this field will be helpful. It will allow me to make meaningful contributions to the field.”

“Throughout my academic and professional life, I have been passionate about understanding people and their individual experiences. My experience working as a therapist has given me a better understanding of how mental health issues affect different populations. I am now ready to move further in my career by deepening my knowledge and understanding of clinical psychology. I believe that this program can help me reach my goal of becoming a well-rounded clinician.”

Templates to Try for Clinical Psychology Masters Statement

“I am applying for the Masters in Clinical Psychology because __. My prior experience and education have made me a strong candidate for this program, as I have gained a deep understanding of __. I believe that this program will help me to better understand __ and become a well-rounded clinician.”

“I am motivated to pursue a degree in clinical psychology because __. During my undergraduate studies, I became passionate about understanding people and their individual experiences. I am confident that this program will allow me to hone my existing skill set while developing new ones. This will ultimately help further my career goals in clinical psychology.”

We hope these examples have given you insight into what makes a successful personal statement for clinical psychology Masters’ applications. Writing useful personal information requires careful thought and preparation, but it is an integral part of any admissions process. Good luck!

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Clinical Psychology Foundations – Masters personal statement

• Reading time: 5 minutes
• Price: Free download
• Published: 15th July 2019
• Word count: 1224 words
• File format: Text

I am extremely self-motivated, organised, flexible and confident in my skills to achieve what is expected of me and beyond, to the best of my ability. I am able to work on my own initiative, under instruction or as part of a team and I believe all these characteristics will aid me in completing the Foundations in Clinical Psychology Masters. Clinical psychology synthesizes my wide-range of interests in a very meaningful way: this course encompasses a variety of things; research, debate, diversity and much more, which are all areas of personal interest.

I graduated from the University of Northampton in the last academic year having achieved a First-Class degree in Psychology . I believe my biggest achievement during my time at university, and something I thoroughly enjoyed conducting, was my dissertation, which was graded A+. My dissertation involved an independent, primary research project, in which I completed a large-scale (433 participants) mediated moderated path analysis on the predicting factors of eating disorders. I explored 4 contributing factors to the development of eating disorders, and ultimately my research indicated that self-criticism and perfectionism significantly predict disordered eating. Perfectionism mediates the relationship between self-criticism and disordered eating as well as difficulties in emotion regulation and disordered eating and fears of compassion moderate the relationship between self-criticism and disordered eating. My dissertation also proposed targets for treatment interventions and highlighted opportunities for future research. My dissertation attracted the attention of the academic staff at the University. I presented at a BPS conference in September 2017 and my research will hopefully be submitted for publication.

My interest in mental health stems from a life-long passion for helping others. I currently work as a Healthcare Assistant at the Darwin Centre for Young People, an NHS children’s psychiatric hospital. In my current position, I provide support and care for young people with mental health needs and to their carers, within a multidisciplinary team. This role has equipped me with a variety of skills which I believe are essential to becoming a clinical psychologist, including; compassion and empathy, effective communication and interpersonal skills, knowledge of laws, regulation and ethics, open-mindedness and patience. Working in mental health has great purpose; every day making me stretch my understanding a little more.

Prior to this role, and whilst completing my degree, I gained work experience volunteering at Berrywood, which is also a children’s psychiatric hospital. I have also spent time working as a Residential Youth Support Worker, which involved undertaking placements at a variety of children’s homes, where the individuals had an array of complex needs including: special needs, mental health difficulties and challenging behaviours. This experience taught me how to respond, communicate and act effectively around vulnerable individuals with a variety of needs and diagnoses, which at times can be quite challenging. My work experience, along with knowledge gained from my degree (specifically in mental health and research), has motivated me to strive towards a career helping those who really need it, despite the challenging nature of the role.

I trust that the modules I undertook in my final year at University have aided me with fundamental knowledge that will support the modules that the Foundations in Clinical Psychology Masters offer. I completed modules entitled; The Developing Child, The Developing Adult, Psychology of Mental Health and Forensic Psychology. Forensic Psychology provided me with an understanding of psychological models and theories that can be useful in understanding offending behaviours whilst Psychology of Mental Health focused on the work of clinical psychologists and the understanding and treatment of mental health problems. The Developing Child looked at a range of contemporary matters around typical and atypical development in adolescence and childhood whilst considering social, behavioural and emotional development and The Developing Adult offered a broader understanding of adult development, including a range of diverse areas such as health, social and clinical development, including attachment.

The core modules this Masters offer appeal to me, as they are all essential towards helping me develop a further in-depth understanding of mental health. As previously mentioned, I believe this course will help me develop my understanding of mental health and although experience is essential in this field, the practical and theoretical knowledge that this course will provide me with will be a vital component to how I deliver a good service to those living with mental health problems. I have a particular interest in the Quantitative Research Methods module which is reflected in the methods I used in my dissertation; multiple regressions and mediated moderated path analysis. I believe I have a robust knowledge of research methods, statistical analysis (in particular SPSS) and the importance of ethical guidelines and I look forward to improving this knowledge and carrying out further studies.

I love to learn and I believe this course will help me stretch my understanding of mental health including the assessment, diagnosis, formulation and treatment. I possess a very strong drive to do something worthy as a life-long profession, and I believe this course would put me in the perfect position to continue my academic career to complete a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and the research skills to continue onto further professional training in clinical psychology to achieve my ultimate goal in a career as a qualified psychologist.

This University is highly credited and is named one of the top 350 institutions in the world. I would feel highly privileged to be offered the opportunity to study at such a successful, ambitious, high quality institution. Not to mention the world-leading, impactful research that the different departments have conducted. I have a strong interest in research, and after spending some time researching the lecturers on this course, it is obvious I have many shared interests and it is an exciting prospect for me that I may be given the opportunity to study alongside them.

One lecturer who I share an interest with is Hugo Senra; predominately a shared interest in general mental health and psychotherapy. My goal of being a psychologist heavily relates to this research field, because many psychologists focus extensively on psychotherapy when working with those with mental health problems. My previous research focused on adult mental health, however I am equally interested in studying adolescent mental health since gaining experience working with adolescents. Additionally, Dr Jonathan Totman and his research which focuses on staff and service users’ experiences of providing/receiving psychological care, following working in mental health services. I can relate to his research, and the factors highlighted in his study; ‘Factors affecting staff morale on inpatient mental health wards in England: a qualitative investigation’. This research is particularly important to me, working in a psychiatric hospital myself and knowing that it is the multidisciplinary team that I work in that can determine positive patient experiences and strong therapeutic relationships. The conclusions of this research are evident on the ward I work on and it is extremely interesting to read applicable studies and therefore I would be extremely interested in exploring Dr Jonathan Totman’s research interests in my own research.

Having only recently finished University, I am an enthusiastic graduate, excited to continue my educational career completing this Masters. I am confident that my knowledge and experience gained from my University degree and work, my passion for the subject and my strong organisational, self-motivating, planning and communication skills make me an ideal student for this Masters course.

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Latest reviews:, very insightful.

It was really helpful for me to have this example in front of me when putting together a personal statement for my Masters application. I am very grateful to the author for sharing their statement.

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• Psychology personal statements

Clinical psychology degree personal statement example (1a) MSc

A Ticket to Future

The four years of undergraduate studies were dedicated to studying psychology. It was a period when I started growing professionally. There, I met various professionals, studied numerous subjects, many more intelligent people I became friends with. That was a fertile ground to reflect on my future career.

Today, I can proudly declare – I am fully committed to becoming a clinical psychologist. Personal characteristics I possess are perfectly adaptable to this profession and my interest in the field outweighs all other career options. Moreover, my academic achievements signify my capability of reaching the goal.

A desire for exceeding professionally is well seen in my initiative. I formed a group of students and created a psychology club. Furthermore, I actively volunteered in multiple sclerosis association, where I realized I will be a skillful psychologist in future. To make this come true I am applying to MSc, which will help me to enroll into doctoral program and work within NHS.

Currently, I am conducting research on attitudes towards mental health service use. Once it is finished I will consider publishing it. In Sussex University I would like to continue researching the field in scope of Dr Cavanagh’s interests.

Universities Applied to:

• University of Sussex (MSc Foundations of Clinical Psychology and Mental Health) - Offer/Rejection (Grades of offer) Insurance/Firm

Since I am applying for master degree I can provide grades of undergraduate studies: GPA 8.8 out of 10

Comments on the statement:

There is a 200 words limit, this is why it is so short.

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Personal Statement

All applicants must include a personal statement that addresses the following question:

Please describe how your background and academic experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree and led you to apply to Penn. Your essay should detail your specific research interests and intellectual goals within  your chosen field. Please provide information about your educational trajectory, intellectual curiosity and academic ambitions. If you have overcome adversity and/or experienced limited access to resources or opportunities in your field of study, please feel free to share how that has affected the course of your education. We are interested in your lived experiences and how your particular perspective might contribute to the inclusive and dynamic learning community that Penn values and strives to create.

The personal statement helps us evaluate the fit between your interests and skills and the Penn Psychology program. It should describe why you want to pursue a PhD in Psychology, why Penn is the right place for you to do it, what sorts of skills and experiences make you qualified to pursue a PhD in a research-intensive Psychology program like Penn’s, what kinds of questions you are interested in studying, and who on the faculty you would like to work with. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential advisors in advance of writing the personal statement, to ensure that the research questions the applicant hopes to pursue are a good fit with research topics Penn faculty are working on. If you hope to study a question that members of our Psychology Graduate Group are not interested in pursuing, then Penn would not be a good fit for you. Please also look at the websites of faculty members whose labs you would like to join; they might have additional instructions for information they would like you to include in the personal statement. The personal statement is typically around two pages, single-spaced.