Ethnic Diversity in Clinical Psychology: Recruitment and Admission Practices among Doctoral Programs

Abstract

Graduate admissions directors (N = 72) of American Psychological Association-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs reported on ethnic minority student recruitment and admission practices. Most programs (98%) reported efforts to recruit minority applicants, with 82% using flexible criteria, most often for Graduate Record Examination scores and grade point average. For 1994, ethnic minority composition of the applicant pool was 12%, whereas ethnic minority individuals represented 25% of offers of acceptance and 22% of incoming classes. Directors identified community characteristics, financial issues, and existing minority student representation as influencing successful recruitment. Empirical correlates of minority student representation were ethnic minority faculty representation and research opportunities in ethnic minority issues. Use of a task force to aid recruitment related significantly to greater minority representation in the incoming class.