Application and Selection Procedures

Applicants must be advanced doctoral candidates from APA-accredited Psychology programs. Applicants should have passed the doctoral comprehensive examination prior to applying to the internship. Our internship program uses a holistic review process in assessing applicants for interview and final ranking.  While we are interested in the standard metrics of academic performance, clinical training, and scholarly activity, we are also looking for well-rounded individuals whose personal experiences have shaped their growth as future psychologists in ways that align with our specific program goals and training environments  In your application materials, please include any information that would be helpful for us to know in this regard including personal characteristics, life experiences, and particular challenges or obstacles you have overcome that inform your professional development and/or clinical and research approach.  Please incorporate relevant information into the standard essays or your cover letter.  Applicants can only be considered for a single track so please make sure to select the correct track of our program your application.

Our Internship Training Committee reviews all applications to determine fit with our program and invites qualified applicants for interviews. Application deadline is November 1st. Applicants will be notified by December 1st by email as to whether or not they have been invited to interview. We plan to conduct all interviews for the 2024-2025 cycle virtually.  Interview dates will be January 7th, 10th, and 16th.   

For international applicants: If you have a existing student visa that will be valid for the entire duration of the internship year you are eligible to apply. However, we are not able to serve as a sponsor for visa applications.

The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a disabled or Vietnam Era veteran in the administration or its educational policies, programs, scholarship and loan programs, employment, recreational, athletic or other university administered programs. Questions or concerns regarding the University’s equal opportunity and affirmative action programs and activities or accommodations for people with disabilities should be directed to: Director of Affirmative Action, Suite 228, 3600 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104-6021. (215) 898-6993 (voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).

Program disclosures

Does the program or institution require students, trainees, and/or staff (faculty) to comply with specific policies or practices related to the institution's affiliation or purpose?

_____ Yes

__X__  No

Internship Program Admissions

Briefly describe in narrative form important information to assist potential applicants in assessing their likely fit with your program. This description must be consistent with the program’s policies on intern selection and practicum and academic preparation requirements:

Our program is committed to training in evidence-based treatments and the integration of research and clinical practice. To those ends, applicants from programs with scientist-practitioner or clinician scientists models tend to be evaluated more favorably, although this is not an application requirement.  Our evaluation of applications places a priority on the following factors: strong clinical training in a range of settings and with a range of client presentations and demographics, experience with a range of assessment approaches, a track record of scientific publication and conference presentations, and a demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.  

Does the program require that applicants have received a minimum number of hours of the following at the time of application?  If Yes, indicate how many:

Total Direct Contact Intervention Hours: N XX    Yes         Amount: N/A

Total Direct Contact Assessment Hours: N XX     Yes         Amount: N/A

Describe any other required minimum criteria used to screen applicants:

Applicants must be advanced doctoral candidates from APA-accredited Psychology programs. Applicants should have passed the doctoral comprehensive examination prior to applying to the internship.  We require 3 letters of recommendation. No supplemental materials such as testing reports are needed and, if you choose to submit them anyway, will not be considered as part of the evaluation of your application.