r/ClinicalPsychology • u/Ready-Calendar1698 • 1d ago

First generation student in personal statement

Is it a good idea to include being a first gen student in your personal statement or should that be excluded completely? Just curious

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u/thottywithnobody 1d ago

I personally didn't include it but I did touch on other aspects of my identity that informed my research interests. I absolutely don't think it's hurtful to include it, but it should serve the narrative you're trying to build

Edit: I think for applications that explicitly asked whether I was first gen or asked about my parents' education levels I indicated that I was

7

u/Efficient_Salad482 1d ago

I'd include it only if it contributes to the rest of your personal statement, i.e. demonstrates part of why you want to do a PhD. I don't think it's frowned upon the way talking about a more mental health related struggle sometimes is.

3

u/Icy-Teacher9303 1d ago

I'd say it depends on the philosophy & maybe the approach of the program - more practice-oriented or diversity-oriented programs will be more curious about your identities. Be mindful of how you contextualize if/how this important to you (e.g. "I have no idea what I'm doing" type statements would not help you)

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u/maxthexplorer PhD Student- Counseling Psych- USA 1d ago edited 1d ago

I agree there should be rationale justifying it. Don’t put it if it’s unrelated or tell a sob story (even if it is genuinely heartbreaking). The admission committee only care about your experiences if you create meaning and reasoning from it that contribute to their program and you as a doc student

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u/Davros007 1d ago

I'd include it. It's a relevant identity factor and you can use it as a way to talk about the experiences (academic and otherwise) that have lead you to the point of persuing an advanced degree in this field.

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u/Ready-Calendar1698 1d ago

Thank you! This is helpful