Application Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I apply?
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I have heard that the number of courses for a Masters of Counseling Psychology degree is going to increase?
You are well informed! California Law now states that all licensure approved training facilities need to increase to 90 credit units effective September 1, 2011.
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If I am already enrolled, does that mean that I will need to complete a 90 unit program?
No. Only those students accepted on or after September 1, 2011 will be subject to the new law.
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Are students accepted all year round?
Yes. We accept students into the Fall/Summer, Winter, and Spring Quarters. The respective due dates are: April 15th, October 15th, and February 15th.
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What do I need to submit?
You need to complete (1). The application form, (2). A Statement of Purpose, (3). Two sets of transcripts from every college/university you attended (excluding extension courses), (4). Results of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) OR Miller's Analogies Test (MAT), (5). 3 Letters of recommendation (on form provided in the on-line application) from people who have been in either supervisory or collegial positions and are not friends or family, and (6). a $50 application fee.
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What are the prerequisites for entrance into the master’s program?
You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four year school (or equivalent) in ANY FIELD with a 3.0 or higher. There are no academic prerequisites in psychology.
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Is there a minimum GRE score?
The faculty has not defined a cut-off score. We prefer to see combined GRE scores greater than 1000, though we consider your complete file. You are more than a GRE score!
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What about the MAT?
Scores above the 70th percentile are respectable.
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Any preference between the GRE and MAT?
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What do I put into my Statement of Purpose?
Good question. Essentially you are answering two questions: why you and why us. In terms of the first question, think of it as a job interview. What are the skills and life experiences that you bring to the study of graduate psychology and what are your “growth” areas. It is also important why you are applying to our program and how we stand to benefit by having you as a student.
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How long is the Statement of Purpose?
Most are 2-3 pages in length.
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I’ve been out of school for a while; do I really need to have a professor write a Letter of Recommendation?
Depends on what you mean by “a while.” If you have graduated in the last five years, it would be expected that one or more of your letters is from a professor. Once the years begin to grow after that, it is doubtful that professors would remember you. So in this case, the answer is No. A job or volunteer work supervisor are just fine. If you have been in therapy and your therapist will write a letter that is also acceptable.
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What is the acceptance rate?
It varies quarter by quarter depending on the quality of the applicants. Our range is from 70% to 90% acceptance rates.
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After my application is complete, when can I expect to hear if I am accepted?
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Are there any other sources of information?
Yes, there are several good sources:
- Call the Director of Admissions at (408) 554-4355 who is always willing to answer your questions.
- Additionally, we host regular Information Nights throughout the year. You can find a list of them .
- Check out the rest of our website!!
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