Are there prerequisites for the PsyD program? One of your transcripts should show completion of a course in Statistics. You may take and complete this course during the spring or summer before you enter the program. If you are accepted into the program, The Wright Institute must receive transcript evidence of your completing the course prior to September 1, 2008 in order for you to matriculate in the fall.

We do suggest the following classes for people who did not major in psychology:

1. A general survey class, such as Introduction to Psychology or Introduction to Clinical Psychology
2. Abnormal Psychology
3. Human Development
4. Theories of Personality

Do I have to take the GRE? Yes, but not for purposes of Admissions. We require the GRE General Test and the GRE Writing Assessment, but you do not need to take the tests prior to our admissions decision. If you are accepted we must have scores on file by September 1, 2008. If you have previously taken the GRE, your score is kept for five years. If it's been longer than five years, you must retake the GRE.

Do I have to send all my documents together? No, you can send in documents individually and they will be added to your file.

What if my GPA is slightly below a 3.0? We look at many factors in the admissions process, such as your personal statement, letters of recommendation and clinical experience, and what you’ve done since you received your GPA.

When will I find out if I am accepted? We notify applicants on April 1.

Do you have a part time program? No, our program is full time. On the other hand we schedule required classes so that students only need to attend classes on two days a week.

Is it possible to work and go to school? Many of our students have outside jobs of up to 15 or 20 hours a week. However, keep in mind that there are 12 to 13 hours per week of required classes, 8 or more hours of required field placement activity, and many hours of reading, writing and other study time needed each week.

How long does it take to finish the program? A few students finish in four years, however, the average number of years it takes to complete the degree is between five and six.

Do you accept transfer credits? We don't admit students with an advanced standing or with transfer credits, but we do allow people to waive courses. If you've taken a class on the graduate level, in the last 5 years, from an accredited program, you can petition to waive the same class here. You submit a copy of the syllabus to our registrar and the Institute will make a determination. If your request to waive a course is approved, you will be able to take another class in its place. There is no limit to the number of classes you can waive. If you are able to waive a number of classes you would be in a position to begin working on your dissertation at an earlier stage and be more likely to complete the program sooner.

Do you offer a PhD? No, we do not. We have a new Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology Program leading to MFT licensure. Click here to visit the Master's web site.

Do you have a distance learning program? No. We pride ourselves on the personal nature of our program. We think it's the right kind of program for educating professionals whose career activity is so profoundly interpersonal in nature.

FINANCIAL AID FAQ:

What is financial aid? Financial aid is the money students receive from federal, state, local, and private programs to help meet the expenses (tuition, fees, books, equipment, supplies, room, board, transportation, and personal expenses) needed to attend college. Financial aid programs provide funds to students who would be unable to attend college without such help.

What types of financial aid are available? There are three basic types of financial aid 1) student loans, 2) grants/scholarships, and 3) work-study employment:

With loans, students must repay all student loans. Grants and scholarships are awarded based on financial need and academic merit and do not need to be repaid. Grants and scholarships are limited resources and students are encouraged to research their options on-line or at their public library. See www.fastweb.com for the largest free scholarship search available on the Internet. As a participant in the Federal Work-study program, students are employed in part-time jobs both on and off-campus.

What types of student loans are available? The Wright Institute participates in the Federal Stafford loan program which provides subsidized and unsubsidized loans to students. In addition, a limited amount of funds are available to students in need through the Federal Perkins loan program. Also, a variety of lenders make available "alternative loans" specifically geared towards the borrowing needs of students.

How do I apply for financial aid? The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), along with any additional documents required by the school. For incoming students, the Wright Institute will mail any additional required school documents upon receipt of your FAFSA, or upon your request.

Where can I get the FAFSA from? The FAFSA can be completed on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You can also pick up paper applications at the Wright Institute or any other college at their financial aid office. The 2007-08 versions of these applications will not be available until late December 2007 or January 2008. Note for completing the FAFSA that our Federal School (Title IV) code is G08846.

How do I become eligible for financial aid? You must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. permanent resident. You must be enrolled at least half-time (six units) for each trimester in which you are requesting financial aid. You must not be in default on any previous federal loans. You must be registered with the Selective Service if you are a male unless you were born before 1960. You must also be making satisfactory progress. Students will be expected to complete a minimum number of units per loan period and to maintain a G.P.A of 3.0 for graduate students.

When should I apply for financial aid? You should complete your FAFSA as soon as the forms are available for the upcoming year. However, you will need to have information from your income tax return available to complete the FAFSA.The FAFSA form cannot be filled out prior to January 1, 2008.

How much money can I borrow through the Stafford program? Graduate students can borrow up to $31,000 per year through the Federal Stafford loan program. These loans come in two types: subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

For a subsidized loan, the U.S government pays the interest during the period you are in school. (This portion is need based; if you do not qualify for the subsidized it will all become unsubsidized). Once you enter repayment, you will be responsible for the interest.

For an unsubsidized loan, you are responsible for the interest accrued while you are in school. You can choose to pay the interest or you can choose to capitalize the interest. Capitalization is the process by which the accrued interest becomes part of the capital or principal amount of your original loan.

What is the maximum lifetime amount of Stafford Loans that I can borrow? As a graduate student at the Wright Institute, you can borrow up to $65,500 in subsidized loans and $123,625 in unsubsidized loans for a maximum of $189,125. Any loans you have previously borrowed will figure into these totals.

What is the interest rate on the Stafford loans? The interest rate as of July 1st, 2006 will be a 6.8% fixed rate.

When do I begin repaying my loans? After you graduate, leave school or enroll less than half time, you’ll have a six month grace period before your first loan payment is due. Typically, you’ll have up to 10 years to repay depending on the amount borrowed.

What types of financial aid are available if I am an International student? International students are encouraged to contact our financial aid office directly to learn more about these loans. In general, lenders offer funds to foreign graduate students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities. Typically, all international applicants, except for Canadians, must provide a U.S. citizen as a co-borrower. Variable interest rates and fees apply.