the "why psychology" question

[toostressedtobeblessed]

Hi everyone!

As I **nervously** prep for interviews, I'm struggling to answer the "why did you chose to study psychology" question. My honest answer is that I've always been passionate about mental health, and I love studying it from a scientific perspective. Is that enough? I just wanted to see how some other planned on going about answering that question. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks!!

[Clinapp2017]

IMO as a grad student who will sometimes ask this to students when I interview them, that answer is a bit generic. I am assuming you could add some flavor, such as when you first became interested, some interesting classes you've taken or lessons you've learned, etc. Add some flavor to not make it so bland. We are all interested in psychology or else we likely wouldn't be pursuing a field that takes a decade+ to train in and even then doesn't pay that much, haha.

[SoundofSilence]

I think that answer should be enough. If most people were honest, they would probably say that they were attracted to the topic and then stayed because it still fascinates them.

I personally have never encountered that question. I did get asked why this field of research, why clinical psychology - which are more relevant for graduate school. Why psychology seems too "basic" I guess and unless you have an unusual/ stand out reason, I would not allocate it too much time. During the interview, time is precious and you should try to maximize it - tell your story in a compelling way, show your passion, connect with the POI etc.