The Wright Institute Clinical Program Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted and all other application materials must be postmarked on or before January 5 of the year in which you are applying for admission. Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
Is there a priority deadline or early decision option?
We do not have a priority deadline or an early decision option for our doctoral program. The application deadline for all applicants is January 5. This ensures that all applicants have an equal opportunity and are evaluated fairly.
Do I need an undergraduate degree in psychology?
No. An undergraduate degree in psychology is preferred but not required.
Are there any prerequisite courses?
Yes. There are three prerequisite courses: statistics, human development, and either theories of personality OR abnormal psychology. Students who have earned a bachelor or master's degree in psychology are exempt from the human development, and theories of personality or abnormal psychology requirements.
What if I haven't taken all of the required prerequisite courses?
You may complete the required prerequisite courses 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 courses prior to September 1 in order for you to matriculate in the fall.
Do I have to take the GRE general test?
The GRE is optional for Clinical (PsyD) Program applicants for enrollment in the 2024-2025 academic year. If you wish for us to use your GRE scores in the review process and if you have taken the GRE in the past five years, you do not need to take it again. Contact the GRE Board at 1-888-473-7267, or www.ets.org/gre, and ask to have your test scores sent to the Wright Institute. The Wright Institute's GRE code is 3057.
Do I have to take the GRE psychology subject test?
No. The GRE psychology subject test is not required.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
Yes. A minimum overall undergraduate or graduate school grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
What if my GPA is below the minimum?
All applications are given full consideration regardless of GPA. Applicants that do not meet our minimum GPA requirement can still be accepted under exceptional circumstances. Appeals for waiver of this requirement should be made through our online application. All aspects of each application (essays, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, coursework, clinical experience, volunteerism and/or work experience) are considered during the decision making process.
What other materials are required to complete my application?
A full list and description of required application materials can be viewed here.
Do you offer application fee waivers?
Application fee waivers are available for participants or alumni in good standing of the following service organizations: McNair Scholars, Gates Millennial Scholars, and Peace Corps in-country volunteers. To request a fee waiver, please contact admissions@wi.edu prior to submitting your application.
Do I have to send all of my transcripts and letters of recommendation in at one time?
To expedite the processing of your application, please upload all materials to your online application. Official transcripts sent through the regular mail will delay the processing of your application. Individual documents (transcripts and letters of recommendation) that are not uploaded in the online application will be kept in a file with your name on it until you submit your online application. At that time, all application materials on file will be processed by scanning them into our system, allowing you to see what we have on file in real time through your online account at wi.edu/applicants. Applications will not be forwarded to the admissions committee until all required materials have been received and processed.
Can I send additional materials in support of my application?
Please do not send us publications, certificates unrelated to your degree, or other materials not specifically requested. They will not be forwarded to the admissions committee for review.
What is the status of my application?
You may check the current status of your application at any time using your online application account at wi.edu/applicants. Please allow one business day for your status to be updated once you have finalized and submitted your application. Follow-up status emails are sent as necessary.
How will I know when my application is complete?
You will be notified by email as soon as all application materials are received and processed. Your completed status is also viewable online in your applicant account at wi.edu/applicants.
When will I know if I am invited to an interview?
Interviews begin mid-January and typically end mid-March. If you are selected for an interview, you will be sent an email inviting you to schedule a convenient time using our online scheduling system.
If I am from out of state or out of the country, do I need to interview in person?
We strongly encourage all applicants selected for an interview to do so in person, and every effort will be made to accommodate the applicant's travel schedule. Arrangements can be made for a live online interview via Skype in the event an on-site interview cannot be scheduled.
When will I find out if I am accepted?
Applicants meeting the January 5 deadline will be notified on or before April 1. Applicants who complete their files after January 5 will be evaluated as soon as possible, but in most cases will be notified after April 15.
What happens if I am accepted for admission?
You will be notified by email and letter and given a deadline to respond. Those who accept our offer of admission must submit a nonrefundable deposit by credit card (preferred), check, or money order payable to the Wright Institute in the amount of $500. This deposit will be credited toward your first-trimester tuition, and is not refundable should the student decide not to matriculate.
Why wasn't I accepted?
The Institute regrets that the complexity of the evaluation process makes it impossible for an unsuccessful applicant to be informed of the reasons for the admission committee's decision.
Can I reapply to the Wright Institute?
Yes. If you already have an online Wright Institute application account, you may log back in using your existing email address and password (if your email address has changed or you are unable to reset your password using our automated system, please contact admissions, do not create a new account). Application materials for unsuccessful applicants are kept on file for two years before they are destroyed. Transcripts can be reused if nothing has changed since you last applied.
Can I attend the Clinical program part-time?
No. The program is designed for full-time students only.
What is the average size of the entering class?
The Wright Institute receives approximately 350 applications each year; the average size of the entering class is 65.
When are classes held?
Required courses are scheduled so that students only need to attend classes two days a week.
Is it possible to work and go to school?
The Clinical program is designed for full-time study, therefore it would not be possible to work full-time and still be a member of the program. Many of our students have outside jobs of up to 20 hours a week, however, keep in mind that there are 12 to 13 hours per week of required classes, 12 to 14 hours of required field placement activity, and many hours of reading, writing, and study time required each week.
How long does it take to finish the program?
Although some students finish in four years, the average student graduates the program in between five and six years.
Is the Clinical program APA accredited?
The Wright Institute's Clinical program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association's Commission on Accreditation.
Do you accept transfer credits?
We don't admit students with an advanced standing or with transfer credits, but some students may be eligible to waive certain required coursework. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis. To be eligible it must be graduate level coursework that has been completed within the last five years from a regionally accredited institution that is deemed equivalent in unit and content to a Wright Institute Clinical course. A copy of each course syllabus must be submitted to the registrar before the Wright Institute makes a final determination.
We do not place a limit on the number of courses waived; however, it is important to note that waived coursework will not result in shortening the length of the Clinical program as the Wright has a 3-year residency requirement prior to the 4th and 5th years designated for dissertation and internship requirements.
Please note: evaluations of prior coursework will only be done if an applicant is admitted to our program.
Do you offer a PhD?
No. There is no PhD program at the Wright Institute.
Do you offer an MA?
Students earn a master's degree as part of their doctoral work, however we also offer a separate "terminal" master's degree program leading to MFT/LPCC licensure. Learn more about our Master's of Arts in Counseling Psychology Program here.
Do you have a distance-learning program?
No, all classes are held at the Institute.
What is the cost of tuition?
The Wright Institute uses a flat-rate tuition based on a full course load. The flat rate is paid whether a student adds an additional elective course or withdraws from a required course. For more information about tuition, click here.
As an international student, do I need to provide proof that I have the financial resources to attend the Wright Institute?
International students admitted to the program who cannot be supported by American funding agencies must complete a Wright Institute Verification of Finances form (available for download here) and provide documentation verifying source/s of funding.
What types of financial aid are available?
Information about financial aid can be found here.