Application FAQs
We realize that applying for a graduate program, especially for a doctoral program, can be intimidating and unfamiliar to those who are first generation college students who have not seen others apply for graduate training. Here are some answers to the Frequently Asked Questions about applying for the UWM doctoral program in Counseling Psychology.
How do I address a low or mediocre GRE or GPA?
a. We recommend that you address it directly in your statement, explaining the circumstances that may have led to the score or GPA. We take into account the GRE and GPA scores, but only as part of the Counseling Psychology application process. We also look at the statement and letters of reference, as well as the applicant’s experiences. Please note, for 2022 applications, the GRE is waived as a requirement.
What do you look for in a strong statement of purpose?
We are a scientist-practitioner program, so we are looking for statement of your overall goal for doctoral training, why you want to be a counseling psychologist, your research interests, how you align with faculty interests, and your commitment to focusing on cultural competence in your doctoral training. Here are a couple of additional websites with helpful information on writing a statement of purpose.
APA – Preparing Your Personal Statement for Graduate School Applications
Texas A&M Career Center – Writing Personal Statements
UWM Writing Center – Personal Statements
Do recommendation letters have to come from professors? What if it’s been a long time since I was in school? Or if I no longer have a relationship with my professors?
No, they do not have to come from professors, but we would like a letter from someone who can speak to your ability to do advanced graduate work. This might be a supervisor or employer who can speak to your professionalism, commitment to graduate training or ability to do advanced study.
Do I need to have research experience to apply for the PhD?
Not necessarily, but you should be able to speak to the areas of research you do want to do and your goals for research.
If I am admitted to work with one faculty, is there flexibility to work with others?
Yes. Many of our students are on more than one research team.
What if I do not have any clinical experience?
You can speak to the experiences you have had helping people, including volunteer experiences, as well as interests in research working with people.
How much must I align with faculty interests?
One area we consider in admitting students is how much they align with faculty interests. However, we realize that interests may change over time, or we may hire new faculty, so we will admit students who do not align with a faculty member’s interests but are otherwise a good fit for the program (particularly in wanting to be in a program that emphasizes cultural competence).
What opportunities are there for funding?
There are several teaching assistantships available for doctoral students in the department. In addition, there are scholarship opportunities through the Graduate School, such as the Advanced Opportunity Program which is targeted to racial/ethnic minority students and/or first generation students. More information is available on the Graduate School Financial Support webpage.
Is there a safe space to talk to someone about being in the program, such as being a minority or international student in the program, entering directly from a baccalaureate program, or what it’s like to live in Milwaukee?
Yes, several students have offered to talk with students applying to the program: The Counseling Psychology Student Association president, Taylor Keaton, has volunteered to direct questions to appropriate students—email her at Taylor Keaton, tkeaton@uwm.edu.
Where can I get more information?
You can find out more about the program by attending one of the Graduate School Open House events. The Virtual Open House event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 26 and the In-Person Open House event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 9.
- While all applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $75 application fee, the Graduate School will pay the application fee for all applicants who attend the in-person Open House and begin their application on or after Aug. 15. Restrictions apply and waiver fee is non-transferrable. Graduate School Open House 2023 Application Fee Waiver (PDF).
- If you are applying to a doctoral program and already hold a UWM master’s degree or will have completed a UWM master’s degree prior to starting the doctoral program, you do not need to pay the application fee again.