HARC Lab

DEPAUL UNIVERSITY | DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

Applying to the Clinical Psychology doctoral program at DePaul University?

See below for lab, program, and admissions information.

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Is Dr. Molly Brown accepting students?

Molly is not reviewing applications for 2024-2025 admission to the Clinical or Community Psychology Ph.D. programs at DePaul University. 

What is Molly's contact policy?

In acknowledgment of the complexity and stress of navigating the application process, Molly is offering transparency in her policy regarding contact with applicants. Molly works to create an even playing field for applicants, so she will not meet individually with applicants prior to our program’s interview day. Applicants are welcome to send Molly email inquiries to aid their decision on whether to apply. Greater consideration for admission will not be given to applicants who make contact via email. Molly looks forward to reviewing your application!

What makes a strong applicant for Molly's research lab?

Holistic Review

Molly reviews applications holistically such that areas of strength in applications may compensate for areas of weakness. She acknowledges the inherent and intersectional inequities and privileges at play when gaining the necessary experience and credentials for applying to clinical psychology Ph.D. programs. As a first-generation college student herself, she keeps applicants’ level of opportunity in mind when reviewing applications.

The information below aims to demystify Molly’s application review process. Please note that 1) the guidance does not speak to the review process and expectations of other DePaul clinical faculty, and 2) our program’s admissions decisions also include an assessment of applicants’ overall fit for our Clinical-Community Psychology program.

GRE & GPA

With the understanding that the GRE is not an equitable representation of students’ capacity to succeed in a doctoral program, DePaul’s Clinical Psychology program will not accept GRE scores. Molly considers all applications regardless of GPA. Applicants with GPAs below 3.5 are encouraged to ask one or more recommendation letter writer to 1) address any circumstances that may have impacted their academics, and/or 2) discuss the extent to which their GPA reflects their ability to succeed in a doctoral program.

Research Experience

Applicants must have research experience. Research in the area of homelessness is not required. Demonstrated scholarship through conference presentations or publications, including manuscripts in progress, is highly suggested. McNair Scholars or participants of similar programs are strongly encouraged to apply.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation from research mentors carry the greatest weight. It is recommended that at least two of the three letters come from research mentors. However, applicants providing one very strong research letter will be considered. Research letters may be written or co-signed by doctoral student mentors with whom applicants worked most closely. Letters from psychology professors/course instructors carry the second-greatest weight, followed by workplace supervisors, particularly those from human services organizations.

Personal Statement

The personal statement is critical for applicants’ articulation of their fit with their prospective research mentor. Per DePaul’s Clinical Program admissions guidelines, the personal statement should not exceed two single-spaced pages. See below for writing tips specific to Molly’s review process.
Research interests

Applicants should clearly describe their research experience, focusing on how aspects of the experience, such as research skills and/or conceptual knowledge gained, informed their current research interests. They may also incorporate relevant work or volunteer experiences that shaped their interest in pursuing a homelessness research lab. Applicants should show some familiarity with Molly’s publications and/or current studies. Although fit with the lab is important, Molly appreciates the added value of students’ unique research passions to the lab, so applicants may express research interests that are not perfectly aligned with her recent projects.

Diversity and equity
Applicants are highly recommended to articulate their intention to promote diversity and equity through their work. This may be expressed through research interests in addressing diversity, equity, and/or cultural competency in homeless service delivery and/or the field of clinical psychology.
Self-disclosure
Molly values the inclusion and inherent wisdom of students with lived experience of homelessness and/or any other relevant experiences on her team. Applicants who wish to disclose lived experience are invited to do so in brief, and emphasis should be placed on how such experience informs one’s research and/or career goals. Please note that lived experience is not a selection criterion so as not to disadvantage applicants who choose not to disclose.
Career goals
Applicants are encouraged to express their long-term career goals. Molly welcomes applicants with all sorts of career paths, such as academic research, policy, or clinical professions. However, given the research emphasis of clinical psychology Ph.D. programs, applicants with non-research-focused aspirations should provide a clear rationale for their pursuit of a Ph.D.
Other prospective faculty mentors
Applicants are welcome to express an interest in more than one prospective Clinical-Community Track DePaul faculty mentor in their personal statement and on the application form. Listing other faculty will neither benefit nor harm applicants’ chances of a favorable review by Molly.

What can I expect as a student in Molly's lab?

Project Management

Project management activities include:

  • Data collection
  • Data management
  • Writing papers and conference presentations with research assistants
  • Supervising research assistants
  • Assigning and delegating tasks to research assistants
  • Addressing research assistant challenges
  • Providing scaffolded support for research assistant skill building

Lab Management

Lab management activities include:

  • Creating a shared vision for the lab
  • Developing and updating lab policies and procedures
  • Planning and leading lab meetings
  • Onboarding new research assistants
  • Coordinating lab events
  • Problem-solving challenges
  • Serving as a point of contact for lab-related questions
  • Managing the Lab Management Teams channel

Informal Roles

Informally, PhD students serve the lab in the following ways:

  • Promoting a culture of care and sense of community on the team
  • Serving as a role model and source of support for research assistants and newer graduate students
  • Providing mentorship and professional development guidance to research assistants

Where can I learn about DePaul's Clinical Psychology doctoral program and admissions requirements?

Application Deadline

Applications for 2024-2025 admission are due TBD.

GRE Information

GRE scores (general or subject exam) will not be accepted in the current application cycle.

Application Fee

The application fee is $40. Applicants may contact Molly for information on how to request a fee waiver.

Interview Information

Interviews will be held in winter 2024. Date and format are TBD.

Where can I find general information about applying to doctoral programs in clinical psychology?

Applying to doctoral programs in clinical psychology is an intimidating process! Below is a list of resources to help guide your preparation.