• Business School
    • Admissions Help
    • School-Specific MBA Essay Tips
    • Executive MBA Essay Tips
    • MBA Admissions Calendar
    • Free Guides
    • Video Tips
    • Podcast
    • Selectivity Index
    • EMBA: The Ultimate Guide for Applicants
  • Medical School
    • Admissions Help
    • Med School Admissions 101
    • Secondary Essay Tips (by School)
    • Student Interviews
    • Free Guides
    • Video Tips
    • Podcast
    • Selectivity Index
  • Law School
    • Admissions Help
    • Law School Admissions 101
    • Selectivity Index
    • Free Guides
    • Podcast
    • Video Tips
  • Graduate School
    • Admissions Help
    • Grad School Admissions 101
    • Free Guides
    • Video Tips
    • Podcast
  • College
    • Admissions Help
    • Free Guides
    • Supplemental Essay Tips
    • Video Tips
    • Podcast
Accepted

1 (310) 815-9553

Blog HomePodcastContact Us

Accepted Admissions Blog

Everything you need to know to get Accepted

August 22, 2018

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Your PsyD Application – 6 Mistakes to Avoid

Your PsyD Application 6 Mistakes to Avoid

“What should I do and how should I do it?” is the question most frequently asked by PsyD applicants. Understandably, PsyD doctoral applicants want to ensure that they are perceived as bright, creative, dedicated to learning, well suited to the program, eager to pursue research that aligns well with the graduate faculty, and well prepared for this rigorous course of study.

Although there is a wealth of information available on “What to do,” there is very little on “What NOT to do” and on the mistakes to avoid when applying to graduate school. Without this information, applicants may unwittingly diminish their probability of acceptance. I divided these mistakes into the following three categories: Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, and CV/Resumes.

PsyD Statement of Purpose/Personal Essay Mistakes

Here are six mistakes to avoid when writing a compelling PsyD SOP or personal statement:

  1. Sloppy writing

    Poor style, clarity, and writing mechanics really hurt your application. It goes without saying that sloppy work is to be avoided as it sends a negative message to the admissions committee.

  2. Using negative language

    For example, saying “I struggled with obstacles” is negative while stating “I overcame some challenges and learned valuable lessons in the process” is positive. Of course, you would then share the lessons learned.

  3. Oversharing

    Avoid TMI (too much information). For example, it’s okay to say that you faced some intermittent health issues and that you are now healthy and well. It is not okay to include a detailed list of symptoms (leaky gut, tremors, frequent vomiting, etc.).

  4. Exhibiting lack of program knowledge

    Not understanding the academic and/or clinical focus of the program and/or the current research interests of the graduate faculty will eliminate you from further consideration. You need to show that you know what the faculty does and that it fits well with your background, research, and clinical area of interest.

  5. Blaming others for your poor performance

    Blaming a professor, a fellow student, or the course content for a less than stellar grade will most probably diminish your chance of acceptance. Take responsibility for poor performance and turn it into a positive.

  6. Trying too hard to impress

    Rather than telling the faculty committee how extraordinary you are, show them by sharing examples of your commitment to excellence: special awards, Dean’s List, scholarships, publications, presentations, etc. Avoid sounding like you are bragging as this will not sit well with the admissions committee.

PsyD Letter of Recommendation Mistakes

When it comes to your LORs, be sure to avoid the following no-nos:

  1. Using references from less than credible sources

    These include family members, boyfriends, girlfriends, your therapist, ministers, and employees.

  2. Requesting a reference from someone who only knows you for a very short period

    These references will not be able to comment on work habits, describe your research projects, or assess how you will handle the rigors of a doctoral program.

  3. Pushing for the wrong recommendation

    When the person appears uncomfortable with the request or says something like, “I don’t think you would benefit from any letter I might write,” then this is a hint that you should ask someone else. Translation: I have nothing good to say or my assessment is mediocre at best.

  4. Failing to provide a one-sheeter

    Don’t forget to remind your reference of your achievements and accomplishments. This is an opportunity to ensure that all of your strengths are highlighted.

PsyD CV/Resume Mistakes

Lastly, be sure to avoid these common CV/resume mistakes:

  1. Using the wrong resume format

    For example, don’t include a detailed description of your job objective when clearly you are not seeking a job. Be sure to follow the format/guidelines of the admissions CV if such instructions are given.

  2. Burying information that is particularly relevant to doctoral studies

    Education should be the very first category on your CV. Include the degree-granting institution, degree, date or expected date of degree conferral, special honors and/or awards, followed by Publications and Presentations.

  3. Including any GPA under 3.0

    Some experts suggest you only list the GPA if it is over 3.5, as anything less is not value added.

  4. Lumping all your work experience into the same category

    It is important to categorize by type of experience: Professional Experience, Clinical Experience, Internships, and Community Service.

  5. Forgetting to include licenses, certifications, and professional affiliations

    Your resume is exactly the place where you should be highlighting these awards or achievements. You likely won’t get another spot in your application to do so.

  6. Paying little or no attention to aesthetics

    A sloppy unorganized presentation with typos, spelling errors, and missing words will decrease the likelihood of further consideration.

For one-on-one assistance on your PsyD application, check out Accepted’s Doctoral Application Packages and Services.

The Quick Guide To Admissions Resumes - Download your free guide today!

admissions expertAs a Dean of Graduate Admissions for over 10 years, Carol Drummer, signed off on over 4,500 graduate applications annually. She is a communication professor and author of "College Is Not 13th Grade-- An Easy to Read Guide for Parents of College Bound Students." Carol has helped clients get accepted to Ph.D. Psy.D, DOT, DPT, PA, MHA, MSW, and masters in Speech Language Pathology, Business Analytics, Accounting, Global Affairs, Counseling, Architecture, Design Engineering , Nutrition, Exercise Physiology to name a few.  Want Carol to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

 

Related Resources:

• Get Your Game On: Prepping For Your Grad School Application, a free guide
• Optimize Your Grad School Application: Grades, Essays, Resume, Activity History, and More, a podcast episode
• 4 Pillars of a Splendid Statement of Purpose, a short video

Article by Carol Drummer / Grad School Admissions / PsyD

Get Accepted!

Choose your desired degree and then the service that best meets your needs.

Which program are you applying to?

What do you need help with?

Join the informed applicants who read Accepted's blog!

8 Popular Posts

1. Your Guide to Getting off the Waitlist in 2022

2. How to Write About Your Research Interests

3. 4 Ways to Show How You’ll Contribute in the Future

4. 7 Simple Steps to Writing an Excellent Diversity Essay

5. Top STEM MBA Programs: A Comprehensive List and Overview of STEM-OPT Eligible B-Schools

6. Sample Essays from Admitted HBS Students

7. The 9 Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make on a Med School Waitlist

8. M7 MBA Programs: Everything You Need to Know in 2022

Recent Posts

  • 5 Summer Experiences That Could Enhance Your Law School Profile
  • Here’s How to Match Your Values to the Medical School Mission Statement
  • 4 Quality Control Tasks to Complete Before Submitting Your AMCAS Application
  • Everything You Need to Know to Start Your Med School Personal Statement
  • Transitioning from the Military to an MBA at Stanford GSB [Episode 471]

Sample Essays

MBA Personal Statement Examples

Medical School Personal Statement Examples

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

Law School Personal Statement Examples

College Application Essay Examples

 

This Site is Featured on GMATClub

Home Page Services and Prices MBA Med School Law School Grad School College

About Us Press Room Contact Us Podcast Accepted Blog
Privacy Policy Website Terms of Use Disclaimer Client Terms of Service

Accepted 1171 S. Robertson Blvd. #140 Los Angeles CA 90035 +1 (310) 815-9553
© 2022 Accepted

BBB A+ RatingStamp of AIGAC Excellence

Copyright © 2022 · Education Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in