More
Close

PhD in Clinical Psychology Admissions

PhD Admission Deadlines Application review begins Nov 1, 2021. Apply by Jan 3, 2022 for early consideration.
Ready to take the next step? Apply Online

The PhD in Clinical Psychology program admits students once a year for the fall term, which starts in September.

Quick Application Checklist

  • Online Application via PsyCAS
  • Application Fee
  • Official Transcripts
  • Resume or CV
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose

Deadlines

  • The application for Fall 2021 closed on Friday, April 2, 2021.
  • Application review for the fall 2022 cohort begins November 1, 2021.
  • Apply by December 1, 2021 for early consideration.
  • Apply by January 3, 2022 for regular considerations. Applications may be accepted after this date if space is available.

Preparation

Applications for fall 2022 open in early September, 2021. PAU uses the American Psychological Association’s (APA), Psychology Centralized Application Service (PSYCAS). In preparation for applying, you will need a copy of your transcript(s) available for your review. 

Prerequisites

The PhD program requires the following prerequisites for entry into the PhD in Clinical Psychology program:

  • Biopsychology (e.g. Sensation and Perception, Brain and Behavior)
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Statistics

The four mentioned courses will help ensure that all incoming students have a smooth and easy transition into graduate school.

Start your PSYCAS Application
PhD Webinar
Play
MS and PhD Virtual Open House

Watch our on-demand graduate virtual open house to learn more about the MS and PhD program at PAU. Learn more about our faculty and meet our admissions team.

Admissions Snapshot 2018-19 Application Cycle

PhD Total Applicants 361
Admit Rate 78%
Final Cohort Size 63

Demographic Summary: 2018-19 Deposited PhD Students

Self-Reported Race

Hispanic 6.3%
American Indian 0%
Asian 17.5%
Black 4.7%
Pacific Islander 0%
White 58.7%
Two or More Races 12.7%
Decline to State 0%

Gender

Male 15.9%
Female 82.5%
Decline to State 1.5%

Academics

Average Cumulative Undergraduate GPA 3.49 (Range: 2.57 – 4.0)
Average Cumulative Graduate GPA 3.74 (Range: 2.58 – 4.0)
Average GRE Quantitative (superscored) 151.55
Average GRE Verbal (superscored) 156.02
Average GRE Written (superscored) 4.28

Other Demographics

Average Age at Application 25.2 (Range: 20-49)
US Citizenship

95.2%
CA Resident 53.9%
FAQ: I would like to apply to the PhD and PsyD. Should I submit two personal statements?

Yes. Although both programs are committed to training clinical psychologists, the programs have different strengths, training missions, structure, and faculty. You do need to write separate statements of purpose for each program.

There are two ways to apply to both programs. You can submit two applications via PsyCAS, or you can speak with your Admissions Counselor and have them manually add the second application to your file. In both situations we recommend submitting two distinct personal statements.

PSYCAS offers an online centralized application portal for you to apply to master’s and doctoral programs across the discipline of psychology.

Apply on PSYCAS

PAU’s doctoral programs have been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)

Learn More about APA Accreditation

 

Questions? 
Contact Admissions.

Jessica Wilson
Senior Admissions Counselor
(800)-818-6136
admissions@paloaltou.edu


PSYCAS offers an online centralized application portal for you to apply to master’s and doctoral programs across the discipline of psychology.
Apply on PSYCAS
Contact Financial Aid for Assistance