Answers to frequently asked questions regarding application/admission: QuestionMark

Q: How do I submit my additional application materials, such as statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, vita, and essays?

A: Statements of purpose, letters of recommendation, vitae, and essays are all part of the supplemental online application that will be available starting October 1.

Q: When are letters of recommendation due?

A: Letters of recommendation are part of the supplemental online application that will be available starting October 1, and must be completed online by the recommender by December 1. Paper recommendations will NOT be accepted.

Q: Do I have to enter my statement of purpose in the Cal State Apply application?

A: No, when filling out the Cal State Apply application, there is no need to input your statement of purpose. Please just answer “See supplemental application”

Q: When and where do I send Transcripts and GRE score reports?

A: Please refer to the “Submitting Transcripts & GRE Scores” section of our Application Procedures page for this information. https://clinpsyc.sdsu.edu/admissions-2/application-procedures/

Q: Do I also have to apply to UC San Diego?

A: No, please DO NOT send any application materials to UC San Diego at this time. AFTER you are selected for admission to the Joint Doctoral Program you will be required to complete a UC San Diego application. Only those students who are admitted to the program and elect to come need to complete the UC San Diego application process. After formal notification from SDSU, students will receive material from UC San Diego.

Q: Can I get the application fee waived?

A: To inquire about the possibility of a fee waiver for the Cal State Apply application, contact the SDSU Graduate & Research Affairs Office at either 619-594-5213 or at gra@sdsu.edu.

Q: If I contact a JDP faculty member about my application, will it increase my chances of being accepted into the program?

A: No, contacting a professor directly about your application will not better your chances of being accepted. In fact, for some faculty members it may even decrease your chances. It is, however, appropriate to contact professors ahead of time to find out more about their research if you are considering applying to work with them.

Q: Can I enroll in JDP courses even if I am not admitted to the program?

A: No, you must be admitted and enrolled in the program to take JDP courses.

Q: How is acceptance into the JDP determined?

A: Acceptance is determined by multiple factors and is based on the entire application package; your prior research experience, recommendations, publications, GRE scores, and prior coursework all factor into our decision.

Q: If I get offered a slot in the program, how long do I have to decide whether or not to accept.

A: April 15th. Our program is a member of the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology and subscribe to their Policy on Graduate Program Offers and Acceptances http://cudcp.wildapricot.org/page-1779520

Q: Does your program allow part-time enrollment and/or evening courses?

A: No, We require full-time attendance and participation; we do not offer weekend/evening courses.

Q: Do you admit students in the Fall and Spring?

A: We accept students for Fall admission only. We do not have Spring admissions.

Q: Can I get a brochure about the program mailed to me?

A: We do not have a paper brochure, this website contains all relevant information about the program.

Q: Do you offer program tours?

A: Due to the high volume of applicants, we cannot accommodate requests for meetings/tours. If you are offered an interview, we have a two-day interview process in mid-February which will include tours and an in-depth description of the program.

Q: My bachelors degree is in an area other than psychology, can I apply to your program?

A: If your degree is in an area other than psychology (or a closely related field), your application will not be considered unless you have taken courses that have given you a foundation for doctoral-level study in psychology.

Q: Will you look at my Facebook, Instagram, or other social media account?

A: Yes, our program may use publicly available social media resources in determination of applicant suitability.

Q: Do you offer a masters degree in clinical psychology?

A: The MS in clinical psychology is available only to students already in the JDP.

Q: If I am admitted to one of the psychology masters programs at SDSU, will it help me get into the JDP in Clinical Psychology?

A: No, the programs are entirely separate. Entry into a masters program at SDSU is, in no way, a stepping stone into the JDP.

Q: I was not accepted into the JDP, can you tell me why?

A: We are unable to provide specific reasons for non-acceptance. If your application credentials were competitive compared to the averages listed in our admissions data, it is likely that a major reason you were not accepted was that you were not a good match with program offerings at that time. If your application was generally competitive, perhaps feedback from your own professors would assist you in strengthening a subsequent application. Keep in mind that we receive hundreds of applications each year and many are exceptionally well-qualified. It is usually very difficult to choose among them and the fact that we can take so few students means that every year at least some very highly qualified students are not offered admission.

Q: I wasn't accepted into the JDP this year, can I apply again next year?

A: To apply in a subsequent year, you must submit a new Cal State Apply online application as well as our program specific application and pay the fee. Your transcripts and GRE scores will remain on file for up to one year since your last application submission date.

Q: Where can I find more information about getting into graduate school in clinical psychology?

A: Visit the Council of University Directors of Clinical Training (CUDCP) website at  www.clinicalpsychgradschool.org