My Journey to UCLA's Graduate Program: Exploring the Depths of Psychology

Looking back throughout my childhood up to now, I’d say I always had an affinity for psychology. When I was trying to find the perfect psychology program, I came across UCLA's program and I was amazed. In this application essay I briefly explore how I got interested in studying psychology and why I chose the University of California Los Angeles. 

Having first discovered the subject in high school, I was able to excel in my AP Psych class. As I began glancing at and analyzing the workings and structures of the human brain and the different personality types, I quickly fell in love. In my opinion, no other subject has revealed more about the intricacies of the human race than psychology. From the processes of social interaction and socialization of the individual through the development of the human mind from childhood to adulthood and even the causes of behavior disorders, every aspect of what it means to be human is explored. For me, that’s what makes this subject matter so interesting and important to me as an individual. Even as a kid, when getting into books and movies, I had always been enamored with the deep character analyses and personality types of my favorite fictional heroes and villains. I had to know the reason why a character was the way they are and the complexities of their persona.

Now having grown up and moved past fictional individuals, that same fondness and passion of analyzing has transferred over to real life. As a result, I have dedicated my time and energy to gaining experience in the psychology field. In high school, I aced my AP Psych class and even completed cadet training at my local sheriff’s explorer program which lent knowledge about criminal psychology and behavioral analysis. During freshman year of college, I was also already committed and had psychology as my major from the outset. Lastly, in my spare time I am also involved in weekly meetings with the Psi Chi Honors Society and SDSU Psych club which include service, academic, fundraising, and social opportunities within the psych field.

This is why I am ready for graduate school at the University of California, Los Angeles. Your psychology graduate program is an ideal psych environment where I can hone my discipline and scientific knowledge as a researcher. The program also has the best tools, resources, support, and faculty I feel to further support my intellectual journey as a psych student. A master’s program will also significantly assist me in my aspirations to become a organizational psychologist or social psychologist in the future. I am dedicated and prepared to work hard and tirelessly to attend UCLA. I only hope that my extreme passion and love for psychology and my experience as a student provide a good fit for what you are looking for. I look forward to your decision.