Why this program?

[punk123]

Hi grad cafe, 

 

I am applying for clinical psychology programs and have been to a few interviews, BUT I keep wondering whether I am answering the correct way, particularly when it comes to the "Why this program?" question.  

 

I chose my programs based on faculty interests and faculty interests alone.  That means I do not care about the length of the program.  I do not care if it is a small town.  I do not care where the program is geographically.  I do not care if faculty or students are "nice".  I do not care about anything else other than the POI's research interests aligning well with mine -- it is a very small and growing field and I do not want to compromise. 

 

With that said -- I am sure I have drafted some lame excuses as to why I applied to the program because I know there is pressure to come up with good ones.  Some reasons I have come up with are: faculty interests, the coursework (even though I know most of is APA required), low cost of living of the town, access to decent practicum size, etc.  

 

I have a couple more interviews coming up and want to make sure I ace them.  

 

Would you mind suggesting some reasons I might be able to use during my upcoming interviews?  I know they may not necessarily apply to the schools I am interviewing at, but it may give me a better idea as to what I am supposed to answer. 

 

I appreciate your help on this stressful process and wish you all good luck on your own applications/interviews. 

[bsharpe269]

I think you should answer honestly. I think that faculty interests are a great reason to choose a program. I apply next season and have been doing the same as you... choosing the faculty I want to work with and then applying to those schools.

[TakeruK]

I also think you should answer honestly. But just focus on what you care about, don't go on listing the things that don't matter!