How DClinPsy Applications Are Shortlisted: A Clinical Psychologist Explains the Process

A major part of the DClinPsy selection process happens at the application stage. For many applicants, this part of the journey can feel confusing and sometimes opaque. Questions often arise: Why was I shortlisted by one course but not another? Does what I write in my application truly influence the outcome? How are these decisions actually made? If I am not shortlisted, does that mean I have less clinical experience or research than the other candidates?

These uncertainties are common throughout the application journey. To help shed some light on this stage of the process, we had the opportunity to speak with Dr Alex McGookin, Clinical Psychologist who has been involved in reviewing and scoring applications for a DClinPsy programme. In this short piece, we explore their perspective on how applications are evaluated and address some of the common questions applicants often have about shortlisting decisions.

1. Without breaching confidentiality, what are application selection panels primarily looking for when reviewing written applications?

Panels tend to take a balanced look at candidates’ academic records and clinical experience, though it's worth keeping in mind that each university will vary in terms of the weight they give to different shortlisting criteria. On the clinical side, they're looking for a broad range of engagement - things like working in different settings (especially the NHS), handling both direct and indirect client work, and showing you’ve had a decent level of responsibility or research involvement. They’re also keen to see how you reflect on working with minoritised groups and your ability to apply psychological models to real-world practice.

2. When two applicants have similar experience, what tends to differentiate the one who is shortlisted?

Despite there being a wide range of ways a candidate can gain relevant experience, many candidates can look identical on paper. Panels need to remain highly objective, using a strict scoring spreadsheet to differentiate them. The most successful applicants move away from speaking broadly and instead provide specific, concrete examples of their direct work or research. This specificity makes it much easier for a marker to justify awarding a point than a general overview that tries to cover every base.

Additionally, references play a huge part in the final decision. A candidate can have years of experience - and be incredibly reflective in their personal statement - but if a referee highlights concerns regarding their readiness for the course, it can outweigh the written application. 

3. What is one common misconception applicants have about how shortlisting decisions are made?

A major misconception is that only direct 1:1 therapy counts. For certain university panels, indirect work is just as vital if you can reflect on its broader impact. You aren't at a disadvantage without a therapy-heavy role, as long as you’re able to show how you collaborate across disciplines and demonstrate an awareness of the wider system.

The same applies to research - you don’t have to have completed a massive empirical study to gain valuable research skills. Service evaluations and audits are excellent for demonstrating a grasp of evidence-based practice and showing how data informs treatment. 

4. How important is reflective capacity at the written application stage, and what does it look like in practice?

For me, reflective capacity is proving that you aren’t just checking boxes but actually learning from your journey. The panel wants to see how you reflect on how your skills have developed across roles - for example, making explicit links between knowledge gained in one position and how it helped you navigate the challenges of the next.

The most impressive applications I read often reflected on more than just clinical work. Given that training is a tough three years, demonstrating an awareness of your personal experiences and Social GRACES is a huge plus. Showing how your own history or identity might impact your ability to balance the various demands of the course suggests a level of professional readiness that goes beyond simple academic scores.

Finally, strong reflection looks outward at the systemic context of the NHS and wider pressures placed upon it. This involves considering how new legislation, socio-political debates, or shifting cultural trends influence a psychologist's role. 

5. If you could give one piece of advice to applicants currently writing their application, what would it be?

My biggest piece of advice to applicants would be that you can’t treat it like a standard job application where you have to be the "finished product." If you were already perfect, the course wouldn't have much reason to take you on. Instead, show that you’re a work in progress who is ready to be shaped by the training. This means showing a real awareness of the "juggling act" clinical training involves - balancing placements, a thesis, and constant reflection. I'd definitely recommend reading the BPS Alternative Handbook or chatting with current trainees to get a feel for the specific ethos of each course, especially since each university will vary in terms of the weight they give to different shortlisting criteria.

Beyond the logistics, just be authentic about your "why." Why clinical psychology specifically, and not another route? When you combine that honesty with a clear understanding of the systemic demands of the NHS, you stand out far more than someone just listing experiences. It’s about proving you have the self-awareness to handle the next three years.

Conclusion

We hope these insights help bring a little more clarity to the application stage and offer some perspective on how shortlisting decisions are approached. While the process can sometimes feel uncertain from the outside, understanding the values and considerations behind panel decisions may help applicants approach their applications with greater confidence and reflection.

For those preparing for the next stage of the process, you can also explore our DClinPsy Interview Preparation Workbook, designed to support reflective preparation and help you organise ahead of interviews.

​DClin Applicant Reflection & Interview Prep Workbook (Digital PDF)

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