If you are reading this, you are likely in the thick of preparing or tweaking your graduate school applications. There is no shortage of sage advice (and here) about the process, so I will tailor my advice to applicants interested in the PhD clinical psychology program at Howard and the Global Community Health (GCH) Lab.

Incoming PhD students bring hands-on experiences with social science research that broadly addresses health disparities in US cities and the global South. They’ve worked in university research labs, community/ government agencies, and medical centers. These formative experiences have shaped their excitement about conducting research and translating it to practice and policy. I don’t play favorites (lie), but I am keen on applicants interested in areas of community-health psychology (Murray et al., 2004) and public health that address HIV/AIDS, cancer (psycho-oncology), immigrant/migrant mental health, community-based interventions, and global health. While most incoming students completed a master’s degree in psychology, public health, and even peace studies, it is not a requirement - though exceptional writing skills…and a love for coffee tip the scale.

When reviewing personal/ research statements, reference letters, vitaes, writing samples, academic performance, and interviews, I lock in three areas:

Nuanced Understanding

• A deep appreciation for the legacies of Howard University and the Department of Psychology…and why you want to pursue a PhD in this context.

Yes, Howard is the first RI Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to offer an APA accredited PhD program in clinical psychology (1989), and remains among one of only three HBCUs with this distinction alongside Jackson State University and Norfolk State University. But also soak in the history of the Psychology Department at Howard. Here are some of my fav readings: Boykin et al., 2023; Holliday (2009); Hopkins et al., (1992)

• A grasp of the scientist-practitioner-advocate clinical training model (Mallinckrodt et al., 2014)…and how it shapes the program and the GCH lab.

Our program prepares students to integrate empirical science and clinical practice to address conditions that contribute to global disparities in health and illness especially in communities vulnerable to suffering with a focus on the African diaspora. Students analyze social and political dimensions of well-being, conduct research (quantitative & qualitative), deliver interventions that draw on local strengths and science, and challenge forms of oppression that undermine a community’s ability to thrive. How does this align with your graduate training goals?

Clear Communication

• Align your previous research/ clinical experiences, interests in the GCH lab and your professional trajectory (your dream job 5-years post licensure). 

  Students in lab are restless and indecisive about how to best prioritize their strong interests in research, clinical practice, and advocacy - they want to do it all (and often do)! GCH Lab alum work in academic medicine (staff psychologist/ administrator at teaching hospitals), teach at universities, and provide clinical services at community clinics. If this is your thing, communicate and (more importantly) substantiate this by linking your previous + current experiences/ interests + future professional goals. Clearly state research ideas you would like to pursue in the GCH Lab.

Practical Advice

• Reach out to me in early fall (applications due December 1). Email (ezer.kang@howard.edu) your CV (helpful guidelines) with a brief introduction of your research/ clinical interests and how the GCH Lab and I might support your interests. I would love to connect with you early in application process. Nope, you will not earn brownie points by reaching out to me in advance of applying…nice try.

• Funding matters…a lot. Clinical psychology students are not guaranteed funding (full or partial). However, I work closely with select applicants to apply for merit-based scholarships offered by the Graduate School. The Frederick Douglass Scholars Assistantship, Bouchet Doctoral Assistantship, and McNair Graduate Assistantship offer full tuition remission and $24,000 per academic year renewable up to 4-years. Other funding opportunities include teaching assistantships ($24,000 per academic year) and the Just-Julian Graduate Assistantship (for upper-class students). All PhD students in the GCH Lab have received full or partial funding (yep, they’re that good).

• Connect with current lab students – tap their uncensored insights and experiences about the program, lab…and good eats in DC. I am happy to introduce you to these amazing humans.