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PsyD How to Apply

PsyD and PhD Admissions Deep Dive Webinar Recording

Application Checklist

Please note: All materials should be submitted through PSYCAS, not directly to the PAU Admissions Office. 

  • Online Application: Instructions for applying through PSYCAS can be found here.
    • Upload Documents - Materials should be uploaded through the PSYCAS system. 
    • Assign Letter of Recommendation Writers -  Within the PSYCAS system, you will be prompted to enter the names and email addresses of your references. After submitting this information, an email will automatically be sent to your references with instructions on how to complete the online form and how to upload the letter of recommendation.
    • Application Form - The application form may be filed directly online here.
  • Application Fee: The application fee is $80.00 for the first program application in PSYCAS, and $40 for subsequent applications to additional programs. The APA offers a fee waiver opportunity for students who qualify.
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV): 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.
  • Official Transcripts: Transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions attended must be sent directly from the institution, even if a degree was not awarded. Official transcripts should be mailed by the issuing institution directly to the PSYCAS Transcript Processing Center. Instructions for submitting transcripts can be found here. The PSYCAS Transcript Processing Center mailing address is as follows:

PSYCAS Transcript Processing Center
P.O. Box 9138
Watertown, MA 02471

After enrolling in the program, conditionally admitted students must submit final official transcripts directly to the Office of Admission as soon as possible. Failure to submit final official transcripts by the first day of classes will result in a registration hold. Any student who does not submit final transcripts by the end of the first quarter will be dropped from their courses.

  • GRE Test Scores: 

The GRE will not be required of applicants for the 2022 admissions cycle. Our process will be test-blind: test scores will not be considered by the Admissions Committee even if submitted by the student.

  • Statement of Purpose: Please answer the following questions in the Statement of Purpose:
    • Formatting: Double spaced, typed, maximum 1,000 words
    • Brief autobiographical sketch, including what led to your interest in clinical psychology
    • 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?
    • 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?
  • Letters of Recommendation: Provide three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s ability and/or potential for rigorous graduate study, clinical work, and/or research. Whenever possible, PAU recommends seeking recommendations from faculty members in psychology or practicing professionals in psychology or other mental health disciplines. Letters of recommendation should be submitted through the PSYCAS system.
  • 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.
    • If you attended an institution outside of the US, PAU requires that your transcript be evaluated and, if applicable, translated. You may select any vendor that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Please visit www.naces.org/members for a complete list of members. Your course-by-couse evaluation should be sent directly to PSYCAS. More information on submitting foreign coursework to PSYCAS can be found within the application and via the Applicant Help Center.
    • Palo Alto University has partnered with the following agencies to provide applicants with convenient ordering sites and direct delivery of evaluations to the Office of Admission. If choosing one of these agencies, applicants are encouraged to use the links below.