I hope to be accepted to your program because my long-term goal is to work as a clinical forensic psychologist performing psychological evaluations of competency to stand trial and assessments of diminished capacity. My paralegal education and experience working as a family and criminal law paralegal have provided me with the opportunity to gain great familiarity with legal jargon and issues in this area, as well as the opportunity to interact with legal professionals. I have a firm grasp of the rules and regulations of the American judicial system, especially as concerns hearsay evidence. Thus, once I attain the PsyD Degree from your esteemed program, then I would be qualified to serve as a highly credible, expert witness. With a master's degree in clinical psychology, I would not qualify for court designation as an expert witness since this requires a doctoral degree. Without a doctorate degree in Psychology, I would also be unable to administer and interpret diagnostic testing to be used in court. Thus, it is my profound hope to be admitted as a doctoral student to your program.
I want very much to study at ____ University because of the location, as well as the exceptional quality of your program. I want to remain close to my family who fully support my decision to pursue a doctoral degree. This would facilitate my being able to give my all to my studies. I was raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and currently live in ____, IL. I earned my BA in Psychology at ____ in 2007 with a specialization in biopsychology and a minor in physiological science. Later, I earned my paralegal certificate from Roosevelt University’s post-bachelorette American Bar Approved institution for paralegal studies. I have also completed thirty-eight credits of graduate course work that are transferable towards a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology. I am an accomplished world traveler and have an extensive record of commitment to volunteerism in my community.
I had an extremely positive personal experience in counseling. My therapist renewed my confidence and self-esteem, encouraging me to achieve anything that I set my mind to. The impact of this experience and my passion and commitment for making a positive difference in people’s lives has given me determination to succeed in your program, leading to the fulfillment of my purpose in my life.
I especially look forward to studying in the areas of psychology and law; psychological assessment; and psychological interventions in forensic settings. Your faculty consists of highly distinguished professors who have made invaluable contributions to literature. Thus, I have no doubt that your program will offer me the highest possible quality of instruction in the fundamental theories and knowledge of forensic psychology and provide me with state-of-the-art training in planning, conducting, and evaluating research. My interests match closely with Dr. ____’s work on juvenile violence.
PsyD Clinical Forensic Law Expert Witness Personal Purpose