PGSP-Stanford Psy.D Consortium

Prerequisites

Coursework:  In order to ensure a smooth transition into graduate study, we require 18 semester hrs (27 quarter hrs) of Psychology coursework including courses in: General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Statistics, Biopsychology, and Developmental Psychology. This requirement can be waived if a student obtains a score of 650 or higher on the Psych GRE.

Clinical Experience: To ensure that applicants have an understanding of the career to which they are committing themselves, strong preference is given to applicants with some form of clinical experience (e.g., crisis line, assessments, case management, or therapy, etc).

Application Deadlines:  Postmark deadline of January 02, 2009. Applications received after this date will be reviewed if there is space available in the incoming class. Interview Finalists will be extended invitations to interview at both PAU and Stanford University as applications are reviewed. Interviews will occur from January 19 through March 23, 2009. Offers of admission will be made by phone by April 1, or shortly thereafter.

Application Checklist:

1. Application Fee The application fee is $50.00 for all programs. The application fee can be paid by a nonrefundable check or money order payable to Palo Alto University.
2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae Please include a resume or CV that lists all employment, training, and any volunteer work relevant to the field of psychology as well as other full-time employment.
3. Official Transcripts Transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions attended must be sent directly from the institution, even if a degree was not awarded.
4. GRE Test Scores PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium: The GRE General test scores are required. The Psychology Subject test scores are highly valued but not required. The PAU institutional code for receipt of GRE scores is 4638.
5. Statement of Purpose Please answer the following questions in your statement: (Please type, double space, and MAXIMUM 1,000 words) 1. Brief autobiographical sketch, including what led to your interest in clinical psychology 2. Your strengths and accomplishments that have prepared you for graduate psychology training in clinical psychology; i.e., what skills and knowledge have you gained during your professional development to this point, including course preparation, research experience, and clinical experience) 3. Discussion of your future career goals as a clinical psychologist that answers the questions: why do I want to become a clinical psychologist and what aspects of the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium will help me reach these goals?
6. Letters of Recommendation Please provide three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your ability and/or potential for rigorous graduate study, clinical work, and/or research. Whenever possible, they should be faculty members in psychology or practicing professionals in psychology or other mental health discipline. Please use the Graduate Admission Reference Waiver Forms provided in addition to a personal letter. The waiver forms are necessary for processing your application and must be returned with each letter of recommendation.
7. International Students For students whose first language is not English, a demonstrated proficiency in English is required for admission. PAU recognizes the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as measures of English language proficiency.
8. Application Form You may request to receive an application packet in the mail. You may also print out the application form and mail it to PAU or file it directly online. Mailed applications must be typed or printed legibly in ink and signed by the applicant. All application materials should be mailed to: Office of Admissions Palo Alto University 1791 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304

Candidate Selection:  The Consortium aims to attract and educate students who are distinguished by their academic achievement, capacity for critical thinking, interpersonal skills, motivation to become exceptional clinicians, and commitment to service. Preference is given to applicants who have demonstrated an interest in the field of psychology through relevant coursework and/or professional experiences, an overall undergraduate grade-point average of at least a 3.3, a graduate grade-point average of at least 3.5 (if applicable), an overall GRE score greater than 1150, and strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated in the admissions interview. Average scores for our newest incoming students (Class of 2013) are 3.64 GPA; 1251 GRE. Although the program uses these criteria to inform the student selection process, it also assumes that recruitment of a student body that is both highly qualified and diverse are very important to the educational process. Thus, factors such as the quality of early educational environment, socioeconomic status, culture, race, ethnicity, and life or work experiences are also considered.

Admission Policy:  If you are offered admission, Palo Alto University reserves the right to withdraw that offer of admission if: 1. You have misrepresented yourself in the application process; 2. We learn that you have engaged in behavior prior to matriculation that indicates a serious lack of judgment or integrity; or 3. You show a significant drop in academic performance or fail to graduate. All applicants to, and students enrolled in, the program should be assured PAU practices a nondiscrimination policy regarding disability, gender, military status, age, race, color, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origins in admission, employment, and in the administration of its program and activities. Any otherwise qualified student, or applicant, with a disability may request reasonable accommodation regarding the application process and services as a prospective or enrolled student. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be submitted to the Vice President of Student Services, Palo Alto University, 1791 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, California 94304; telephone 650-433-3818.