Application Essay: Applying for Specialist Program in School Psychology

I am very interested in the School Psychology program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I have a strong educational background and a number of professional and educational experiences, which I feel have prepared me for this program. I enjoy working with children and developing strong rapport with parents and co-workers. I learned about the graduate program with great interest because I would like to offer my skills in the area of psychology to meet students’ psychological needs.

My personality is quite similar to who I am when describing myself. I am also a person who values other people and being surrounded by others. I am the one who makes tries to lighten the mood during a heavy or deep situation. I also tend to always put others before myself because I strive to help others find their happiness. I am definitely a fun and outgoing person. I love putting a smile on others’ faces and I love to laugh on a daily basis. Additionally, I am also quite serious, responsible, and well organized. Overall, I would say that I have a “go-getter” attitude/personality, but I am quite the lively person as well.

I have always envisioned myself working with children and their families, but my experiences in college and beyond are what have shaped my enthusiasm for school psychology. At the University of Cincinnati I focused my education on families and children. Although my overall GPA falls just below the mean for your program, as my letters of recommendation indicate, I believe that my major GPA (3.89) and my experiences outside the classroom, give a better indication of my preparedness for graduate school. As a teaching assistant for a Childhood and Adolescence Development course for three semesters, I enjoyed the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the crucial part development plays in all aspects of a child’s life, as well as the many factors that shape a child’s development.

If I could have my ideal future, I think it would be what people consider the American dream. Meaning a husband, children and a stable job, in my case a therapist. Although the American dream is much more than that, those are some pretty basic aspects of it. I think everyone strives to have those things I listed, but in terms of how those things will help me here at Georgia College and in my future goals the only one that really fits is my hope of having a job as a therapist.

I am passionate about keeping black youth out of the justice system, and I believe school psychologists are perfectly situated to disrupt the system. This is why I’m applying to school psychology program. Furthermore, that passion informs my desire to study alternatives to suspension and expulsion with Dr. Pamela Fenning and addressing trauma in schools with Dr. Rosario Pesce. I think that finding alternatives to suspension and expulsion would help prevent students from dropping out of school by ensuring that they do not unnecessarily miss any in-class time. And addressing trauma in schools continues to be important as mass shootings continue to become more commonplace, especially in Chicago.

believe that I am a perfect fit for the national honors society!One of the reasons being

Compas, Bruce, & Gotlib, Ian. (2002). Introduction to Clinical Psychology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

I am interested in being a school psychologist for a variety of reasons. First, I believe that my background in working with children and families, and my B.A. in psychology are essential combinations that will be helpful in my pursuit of the degree. Second, I would like to work with children in a variety of educational situations, such as those in need of special education classes and those in talented and gifted programs. Third, I believe it is essential to work directly with the entire family system, not just the child. The child's progress depends on the home environment and the academic environment equally. This academic environment includes all professions (i.e., teachers,

I am very interested in pursuing my future as a Social Worker that provides excellent care to any client I will come across. I have achieved great knowledge in my field placement experiences, and have a strong understanding of my demographic of choice. I choose Wilfrid Laurier to further my education in social work studies and develop on my pervious knowledge. Your university stood out to me because you showed more person-centered values, which Laurier University thrives to have an excellent profound diverse community to engage in a collaborative strong leadership role. I

Personality wise, I am honest and try my very best in going towards my goal. I am also very patient with others and willing to cooperate in activities for the benefit of the better good and inspiration. I will admit I am a shy person, but once you get to know me I am outgoing. Meeting new people is not a new experience to me since I am used to new environments. Being involved in my generation helps me value myself more and to stay motivated and active. My interests in the future can change or even personally develop again but I would like to think for now, all I need is my motivation and positivity to keep learning and to never give

I have always been intrigued by the mental processes of humans and animals. As a young child and into adolescence, as a student and teacher and as a caregiver, I have always been interested in psychology in one form or another. This essay will reflect not only the development of my interest in psychology, but the development of myself as a person.

With my personality type being ISFP, I have learned that I am able to collect a large amount of information at one and that I am able to think before I speak. I would strongly agree with this personality type. I put other people’s feelings before my own. Another thing I have learned is that I should find a job where I am able to work with people and find a job were I will be able to make good use of my ability of being able to understand facts. My possible strengths would be to make being feel comfortable and valued.

Another characteristic of my personality is care. Despite my ever-present introversion, I have always harbored a deep care for most people. Early in my childhood, my parents taught the importance of caring for others. Throughout my life, I have always put others before myself. Sometimes I do this out of genuine care for the other party, but other times, I find myself doing this so the other

Psychology is the study of the mind, its biology, and behavior if the individual. The father of psychology, Wilhelm Wundt, used objective measurement and controlled analyzing to find and emphasize separation between psychology and philosophy (McLeod). Wundt opened the Institute for Experimental Psychology at the University of Leipzig in Germany in 1879, using his background in physiology to study reactions and sensations (McLeod). There is no doubt that he, along with the later help of Sigmund Freud, launched what is now modern psychology. Psychology and its research helped the world understand the inner workings of the mind and how it affects everyone around us.

I am a pretty well rounded individual although not perfect by any means. Throughout my life, I have always tried my best to be friendly to everyone and optimistic in all situations. I don’t think anyone would ever describe me as a critical or aggressive person. I’ve always been willing to give advice and be encouraging to anyone that I felt needed it. I believe that I am a fairly conscientious person in that I have always been careful and diligent when it comes to work and other life choices. I’ve always been organized and usually don’t act on pure impulse alone. I’ve never been described as traditional or conventional. I’ve always been open to new experiences and relish every opportunity that can make me a more well-rounded person. People would also describe me as a fairly intelligent individual with a vivid imagination. My weaknesses, however, would have to include my ability to develop people and team process. I’ve always been encouraging, but I can improve upon my ability to develop people by providing feedback to individuals on their performances and recognizing individual contributions when I am part of a team.