PGSP-Stanford Psy.D Consortium

Preparation

Coursework: In order to ensure a smooth transition into graduate study, we strongly recommend 18 semester hrs (27 quarter hrs) of Psychology coursework including courses in: General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Statistics, Biopsychology (including Physiological, Neuropsychology, or the equivalent), and Developmental Psychology. Preparing for the Psychology Subtest of the GRE is also a good exposure to the broader field of psychology. Considering the value we place on a solid psychology background, we look favorably upon 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

   Early Consideration Deadline:         December 1, 2011 (postmark)
   General Consideration Deadline:    January 2, 2012 (postmark)

Applications received after the General Consideration Deadline may be reviewed if openings for new students are still available. (We accept no more than 30 students each year.)

Interview

Finalists will be extended invitations to interview at both the Palo Alto University and Stanford University campuses as applications are reviewed.

   Early Consideration Finalist Interviews: December and January
   General Consideration Finalist Interviews: February and March

In person interviews are strongly encouraged such that prospective students have the opportunity to visit the campuses and meet the faculty/students.

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:
   (Double spaced, typed, and MAXIMUM 1,000 words)
   1. Brief autobiographical sketch, including what led to your interest in clinical psychology
   2. What are the strengths and accomplishments that have prepared you for graduate psychology training in clinical psychology. What skills and knowledge, including academic preparation, research experience, and clinical experience, have prepared you for graduate school?
   3. Discussion of your future career goals as a clinical psychologist that addresses the following: Why do you want to become a clinical psychologist and what aspects of the PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium will help you 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 here. You may also print out the application form and mail it to PAU or file it directly on-line here. 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 2016) are 3.60 UGPA; 1293 GRE. Although these criteria inform the Consortium student selection process, our goal is to recruit a highly talented, compassionate, diverse student body committed to clinical service. Thus, factors such as the quality of early educational environment, culture, ethnicity, as well as life and work experiences are also considered.

Admissions Offers

Offers of admission will be made via telephone by April 1, 2012 or shortly thereafter. The deadline for applicants to notify the program of their decision to accept or decline an admissions offer is April 15, 2012.

Admission Policy

If you are offered admission, the PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium and 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 from a program in which you are currently enrolled.

The Consortium adheres to the Council of Graduate Departments of Psychology Guidelines pertaining to admissions offers.

All applicants to, and students enrolled in, the program should be assured Palo Alto University 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 800-818-6136.