How to Apply

Applications for Fall 2025 admission will be accepted starting October 1, 2024.

*IMPORTANT APPLICATION DEADLINE UPDATE: This year’s Supplemental Program Application deadline will be November 1, 2024 (11:59PM Easter Time). More information on other application deadlines can be found below. 

GRE: The SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program has decided to discontinue consideration of all scores from the GREs (General and Psychology Subject Test). We will not review any GRE scores for admission to the program.

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JDP Information Day

Registration now open!

Our program is hosting an online information session for prospective applicants. The JDP Co-Directors, Dr. Vanessa Malcarne and Dr. Lauren Brookman-Frazee, will give a general overview of our program and the application process.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 4:00-5:30PM PST

To Register: https://SDSU.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_21t0dNbERWat5lPBo2xJbQ

Download Event Flyer

Application Deadlines

Deadlines For Fall 2025:

• November 1, 2024 (11:59 PM Eastern Time): Supplemental Program Application Deadline (including letters of recommendation)
• December 1, 2024: Cal State Apply Application Deadline
• December 15, 2024: Deadline to Submit Transcripts to SDSU
• Mid-January 2025: Interview Offers Extended (Note: You will be notified by email either way)
• February 3 & 4, 2025: Two-Day ONLINE Interview Process

The Application Process has two Steps:

• The Supplemental Program and the Cal State Apply applications may be filled out concurrently.
• DO NOT send any application materials to UC San Diego at this time. Only students who are admitted to the Joint Doctoral Program must submit a UC San Diego application. After formal notification from SDSU, students will receive material from UC San Diego.

Step 1: Supplemental Program Application

Supplemental Program Application: Required Documents

NOTE: The SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program has decided to discontinue consideration of all scores from the GREs (General and Psychology Subject Test). We will not review any GRE scores for admission to the program.

1. Statement of Purpose

• Limit your statement to no more than 3 pages, single-spaced, 12-point type.
• In your essay, state your purpose in deciding to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Describe your scholarly and research areas of interest and your plans for your future profession. You are encouraged to indicate specific research interests and potential JDP faculty mentors with whom you would be interested in working during your graduate training.
• In addition, briefly describe characteristics of your background or training that speak to your likely success in graduate school and your chosen career path. You do not need to restate your CV. Instead, highlight the experiences you view as most relevant, formative, or illustrative of your potential and any aspects of your experiences that may not be summarized well on a CV or in a checklist.
• In addition, we are interested in learning about any challenges or adversities you have overcome during your academic journey. Further, describe any aspects of your personal or professional experiences that demonstrate your commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Examples include advocacy, community service with diverse populations, and research examining inequities.

2. CV/Resume

3. Unofficial Transcripts (for all colleges/universities attended)

4. Three Letters of Recommendation

Letters of Recommendation are requested online in the Supplemental Program Application (through Interfolio) and must be received by the application deadline on November 1, 2024 (11:59 PM EST).

Note: Applicants can submit their Supplemental Program Application prior to receiving all Letters of Recommendation. Letters will continue to be received even after the application has been submitted.

Recommenders may include:

• Supervisors or managers
• Professors
• Colleagues from professional organizations
• Colleagues from charitable agencies
• No friends or relatives, please.

5. Current or Planned Coursework Form (if applicable)

Current or Planned Coursework Form

Interested in also applying to the SDSU Psychology Masters Program? You must submit a separate online Interfolio application to their Department of Psychology Master’s Program.

Having Technical Difficulties? For help signing up, accessing your Interfolio account, or submitting your application, please visit the help and support section or get in touch via email at help@interfolio.com or phone at (877) 997-8807.

Program-Related Questions? For any questions about our program or the Supplemental Program Application that cannot be answered on our website, you may contact us at psycjdp@sdsu.edu.

Step 2: Cal State Apply Application

Please follow the “Cal State Apply Graduate Student Application Guide” located on the Cal State Apply website when completing your Cal State Apply application.

Applying to Multiple Programs? Applicants are only allowed to select one major per Cal State Apply application. If you wish to apply to additional programs, you can do so by simply completing a Supplementary Program application for each program. If the other program does not have a Supplemental Program application and only uses the Cal State Apply application to review applications, go ahead and select that program on your Cal State Apply application and just submit a Supplemental Program application (through Interfolio) for our program. 

For questions or help using Cal State Apply, visit the Cal State Apply Applicant Help Center.

Note: Application Fee Waivers are no longer available. Refer to our Admission FAQs page for more information.

SUBMITTING OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

Please refer to the SDSU Graduate Admissions website for general admission requirements and how to submit official transcripts.

International students completing a degree at an institution outside the United States should review and follow the International Graduate Steps to Apply.

For questions about Cal State Apply or general admission documents (e.g. transcripts, TOEFL scores, etc.), contact the Graduate Admissions Office at (619) 594-6336 or admissions@sdsu.edu. International applicants may contact the International Recruitment Office at (619) 594-6336 or intladmission@sdsu.edu.