Let's talk about the Dclin selection test

Getting Closer to the Screening Test

We’re getting closer to the screening test! The wait between submitting your application and finally being invited to the test is probably the longest and most nerve-wracking part of the process. But now, all applications have been submitted as of 31st January 2025, and you’ll find out if you’ve been invited to the screening test by 14th February 2025. It’s all starting to feel real!

Applying for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is highly competitive. Each year, thousands of people apply for a limited number of places. In 2024, there were over 5,603 applicants for around 1,164 available places, meaning the average acceptance rate was roughly 21%. Some universities receive hundreds of applications per place, so getting through to the next stage is a huge achievement.

While some people dread screening tests and others don’t mind them, we want to offer a bit of reassurance:

You’re in Control

As daunting as it might seem, this is actually the first stage where you have full control. Up until now, your progress has depended on how you compared to other applicants. Not getting an interview doesn’t necessarily mean you weren’t ready—it could have been down to limited spaces, how your application was interpreted, or just the sheer number of candidates that year. These factors change from year to year and aren’t something you can control.

However, when it comes to shortlisting, if your answer is right, it’s right! There’s no subjective assessment here—you won’t be marked differently based on how your application was perceived. This makes the process feel much more fair and factual, giving you a real sense of control over your progress.

Your Chance to Show Your Work

Selection tests give you the chance to demonstrate how much effort you’ve put in to get to this stage. While your application reflects your hard work, it’s easy for commitment and passion to get lost in a strict word limit. The screening test, however, is your opportunity to let your preparation shine on paper.

Showing Your Skills

Not everyone is great at writing personal statements, and that’s okay. Just because you don’t find it easy to talk about yourself or convey your motivation perfectly on paper doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a place. Some universities don’t even look at applications at this stage—they focus purely on screening test results.

Many courses use tests to assess key skills such as:

- Logical reasoning

- Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

- Statistics and data interpretation

- Situational judgement tests (SJTs)

These skills are crucial for clinical psychology training, so excelling in them can help open doors to the next stage.

Hearing from Those Who’ve Been There

Now is a great time to hear from people who have been through this process before. We spoke to two current trainees who went through the selection process just like you—stay tuned for their insights!

Shannon Larbi

How did you feel about selection tests?

Prior to starting my revision process, I found the thought of prepping for the selection tests quite daunting as I knew I would be revisiting topics/content that I've never really enjoyed learning about. However, I've always been quite organised, so I used techniques that have always worked for me, such as revision checklists and timetables, to keep track of my progress.

What did you do to prepare for selection tests?

I recommend that people go back to the basics and revise their undergraduate-level statistics/research methods to prepare them for the test. I didn't do a master's, so it was really important for me to use a textbook I was familiar with, such as the Andy Fields Discovering Statistics Textbook, make notes, flashcards, and watch videos to help me retain the information. Quizlet really helped in consolidating my knowledge and also practice answering questions.

What was your experience of selection tests?

I felt mostly prepared but also expected to see some questions that would throw me off track. Time passed by really quickly, and I tried my best to approach trickier questions as best I could because there wasn't enough time to feel stuck, if that makes sense.

What would be your advice for someone who prepares for selection tests?

- Practice answering questions (both statistics and situational judgement)

- Revise in a way that suits you, e.g., if you're a visual learner, how can you use this to memorise information

- Practice using flashcards

- Organise your time

- Lean on your community, e.g., create a study group with others who are prepping for selection tests.

Megan McGregor

How did you feel about selection tests?

Gosh it feels like some time away now, but I felt nervous coming up to the test. It's something new and you wonder if you can do it. Once I had a go at the practice test, I realised that there really isn't much time to complete all the questions. I practiced everyday until it became natural to me and I became quicker at answering. Some days I even had 5 minutes spare. On the day of the test, it felt more real and like an exam, and ultimately it's what decides if you get an interview so anxiety was high. I managed to finish but only with 2 seconds spare and had to guess my final answer, so nerves really got in the way of my ability to think straight!

What would be your advice for someone who prepares for selection tests?

My advice for anyone doing the selection tests would be to definitely practice the test everyday 2-3 times weeks leading up to it. You'll notice how much easier it becomes and how natural it begins to feel. It's an added bonus if you can get yourself to the point of finishing with seconds or even minutes spare before the actual test. It might also be helpful to draw out some templates for the test. For example, drawing out calendars so that you are saving yourself those extra seconds within the test.

We hope this blog post has helped you feel more confident about the DClin selection test and empowered you to create a solid plan for success. To support your preparation further, we’ve put together some practical resources to help you organise your revision and enhance your reflective skills for the next stage. Be sure to check out our last blog post on this topic, along with our reflective templates, to make the most of your preparation.