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 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of credentials and paperwork go into the application?
What is the deadline for applications?
Is there a minimum GRE score or GPA required?
Can I apply to the Ph.D. program if I have not received a M.A.?
Can I schedule an individual meeting or phone conversation with a faculty member?
Are there any special steps for International Students to take in order to ensure their application is properly processed and reviewed?
Can I transfer credits earned from another graduate program to the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program at Boston University?
How much does graduate education cost and what is the availability of financial aid and/or scholarships?
Approximately how many/ what percentage of applicants are accepted per academic year?
Is the GRE Subject Test required?
On the basis of what criteria are applications reviewed?




What kind of credentials and paperwork go into the application?
Please have your application (both school and department copies, unless applying online) as well as your 3 letters of recommendation, personal statement, transcripts and any other supporting credentials sent in one package (as you are able--we know that GRE's come from ETS, and Transcripts from your College or University; however, photocopies are always welcome in the interim) to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences by the 1st of December.

What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applications to the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program is DECEMBER 1st. Please note, applications as well as all credentials and supplementary materials must be submitted in one packet and received by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Is there a minimum GRE score or GPA required?
No. All applications are reviewed by at least one faculty member regardless of how low or high you score on the GRE or your GPA.

Can I apply to the Ph.D. program if I have not received a M.A.?
Yes. All students enrolled in the clinical doctoral program will follow the same curriculum and will be expected to take 20 courses at Boston University whether or not they have received Master's degrees previously. Students without Master's degrees will earn a Master's enroute to the doctorate.

Can I schedule an individual meeting or phone conversation with a faculty member?
Unfortunately, due to the volume of prospective applicants who wish to meet individually with clinical faculty members, we are unable to accommodate such requests. Due to a policy change, the clinical program will no longer offer information sessions. Please contact the Clinical Program Coordinator with any questions (617-353-2587).

Are there any special steps for International Students to take in order to ensure their application is properly processed and reviewed?
1 Please provide photocopies of your transcripts/credentials/ GRE scores that we may use until official copies arrive. Once official copies arrive, your file will be updated.
2 Make sure your grades/GPA are translated to US (4.0 scale). Please ensure that you provide photocopies of your transcript translation. You may wish to provide an explanation of the grading system utilized at your university/ within your country of origin if it is very different from the US scale and not easily translated. This is especially important if your Bachelors degree was conferred from an accredited foreign university and not an American one.
3 Be sure that your Grade Point Average (GPA) is CLEARLY STATED on your ATTACHED CREDENTIALS (Transcript translation, Curriculum Vitae, etc.) in both the School and Department copies of the application.
4 There is an Office of International Students that you may wish to contact at (617) 353-3565. They will soon have a web address within the BU Website. If you click on the Admissions section, you will find an undergraduate international admissions section that may help you for the interim.

Can I transfer credits earned from another graduate program to the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program at Boston University?
Transfer credits are dealt with once an applicant is accepted and enrolls as a student. You should know that there is no guarantee that the courses you have taken at another college or university will transfer. Even if they do, you will be asked to take substitute courses to complement your experiences at BU. Therefore it is unlikely that successfully transferred courses will reduce your time in the program.

How much does graduate education cost and what is the availability of financial aid and/or scholarships?
We try to provide funding, but it is not guaranteed for a student's entire enrollment at BU. However, for the past 5 years, all of our students who have wanted funding have had tuition remission and a stipend for the first 3 years of the program. Many students have been funded in years 4+ as well. The majority of the funding is either teaching fellowships or research assistantships but there are a few university sponsored scholarships as well. Outstanding applicants are nominated for those by the admissions committee.

Tuition for the 2007-2008 academic year is $34,930 for full time enrollment. Please click here then "Tuition and Mandatory Fees" for more information about current rates.

Approximately how many/ what percentage of applicants are accepted per academic year?
Less than 10% of applicants are accepted every year.

Is the GRE Subject Test required?
The GRE Psychology Subject Test is not required, but is recommended. That means we will look at your scores if you have taken the test, if not, you will not be penalized.

On what criteria are applications reviewed?
First and foremost, we are interested in applicants' "fit" with the clinical program. We want to attract students who will thrive in a scientist practitioner program and who have the potential to be productive clinical researchers and skilled clinicians. Also, we are interested in whether or not an applicant's interests match with the interests of our faculty. We try to have potential faculty mentors review appropriate applicants' files.

Next, we are interested in the strength of the application. An applicant's transcript and GRE scores are evaluated in terms of academic ability and potential. Qualities essential to successful graduate student careers, such as motivation, initiative, curiosity, and perseverance, are typically enumerated in letters of recommendation and personal statements.

Lastly, we are interested in whether or not applicants are committed to the field of psychology and have tested their interests with relevant research participation or work in mental health and related fields.

Overall, we strive to admit applicants who will be happy and successful in their chosen field and who have the capability to become leaders in psychology.


The Clinical Psychology Program At Boston University
648 Beacon Street. 2nd, 4th and 6th floors . Boston MA 02215