PhD Program Application

[chucky1432]

I'm applying to the PhD program in counseling, and I was posed with the question "What is important to you and why?

I'm just trying to figure out what to write about, like I have many things that are important you to me, but I'm trying to figure out what they would like to hear.

Do they want to hear about something personal or professional?

With a program like counseling they could be looking at many different angles, so I want to play this right, because this school has the program that I like.

 

[RedLeader]

Umm...the best way I would phrase it would be "Personal things which are important to you, but could not be reflected badly on you academically (and likely could be considered assets)."

 

[Heuristic]

That's a pretty broad question! I think RL gave you the best advice. Restricting yourself to values and traits you believe the program will find relevant or important, I'd probably try to answer honestly.

I would also avoid saying things like "I enjoy fucking with people," "Meeting vulnerable chicks alone," "Getting material for my new HBO series," "My cellie thought I was an awesome listener before things got political between us," and finally "I just want to avoid all those crazy people!"

 

[Jerry Atrick]

I think you answered your own question. IMO they want your essay to be about something personal AND professional.

For my Statement of Purpose to get into grad school, I mentioned things in my personal life that I have experience with that would be able to benefit my research for a graduate degree. I mixed personal with professional. That is the only way I can see you hitting a homerun here. If you write about stuff that is only personal and not professional they may not take you seriously and vice versa.

In the end, only you know what you should write about.

Good luck %)