Applications - Research Proposal

[bubble_psych]

Hi Everyone,

I was hoping to get some advice. In the process of applying to schools, I came across the option to submit a research proposal. This school I am applying to (lets call it X), has its application set through X's School of Arts and Sciences. In the Clinical Psychology program instructions, it does not mention including a research proposal, but in the application for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences it has an option to submit one. Do you think that submitting a research proposal could help my application? Have any of you done this with your applications, and did it help you?

Thank you!

Dr. Bubbles

[FacelessMage]

I've never had to submit a research proposal for any of the applications I've done. My advice would be to consult with the department's graduate assistant as they'll usually be able to clarify what should be submitted. 

[Saman]

Hi Dr. Bubbles,

I think we both are in the same boat. I, too, will be submitting a research proposal as a part of my application for the doctorate in IO psych, and this is mandatory. Although this is the only school in my pool of shortlisted schools that requires a research proposal for admission into the program. This school requires a one-page summary of the research you would like to conduct as a part of your doctoral studies, you may include one extra page for references though if you like but you can't exceed this limit. This was very tough for me to summarize everything in one page but I tried my best to convey my idea as clear and concise as I could.

[TakeruK]

It is common for the application software, which is managed by the University, to have sections not required for your specific application. For example, none of my programs required Writing Samples but that page exists for almost all of my applications. If you are not sure, it is a good idea to do what others have suggested and check if they want you to submit one. It is likely that they will say it is not required and therefore should not be submitted. Don't write a proposal and submit it if it has not been requested.