Assessment Criteria for Structured Application Interview
Doctoral Programs in Marital and Family Therapy

If an applicant receives an average score below the required minimum (12) in any one area,
admission (if granted) must be PROVISIONAL

Academic Preparedness (minimum 12 required)
	If DMFT, consider GPA only, assign score depending on where GPA is within the range
	Excellent
		19 – 20	GRE above 1100 (verbal and analytic subscales) and GPA above 3.5
		17 – 18		One is above these standards, the other is not
	Strong
		15 – 16	GRE above 1000 and GPA above 3.3, or
		13 – 14		One is above this standard, the other is not
	Average
		11 – 12	GRE above 800 and GPA is above 3.00, or
		9 – 10		One is above this standard, the other is not
	Below average
		7 – 8	GRE is above 600 and GPA is above 2.7
		5 – 6		One is above this standard, the other is not
	Weak
		3 – 4	GRE is below 600 or GPA is below 2.7
		1 - 2		Both are below these standards
Professional Preparedness for Doctoral Study (minimum 12 required)
	Excellent
		17 – 20	References and essay are exemplary.
			Applicant indicates good understanding of the field and very well focused reasons for studying MFT and
				commitment to program and mission.
			Applicant presents self articulately and confidently with outstanding interpersonal skills.
	Strong
		13 – 16	References and essay are very good, but with signs that some areas are less strong than others.
			Applicant frames clear reasons for studying MFT and shows commitment to mission.
			Applicant presents self appropriately with good interpersonal skills.
	Average
		9 - 12	References and essay suggest some weaknesses that would significantly limit performance as a doctoral
				student.
			Applicant’s reasons for studying MFT and/or commitment to the program and mission appear
				appropriate, but not well focused.
			Applicant has some problems presenting self in a professional manner and/or some limitations in
				communication skill, yet also shows strengths in some of these areas.
	Below average
		5 – 6	References and essay suggest significant problems being successful as a doctoral student.
			Applicant’s reasons for studying MFT and/or commitment to the program mission are ambivalent, vague,
				or inconsistent with program expectations.
			Applicant presents in an unprofessional manner and/or shows poor interpersonal communication skills.
				Some areas are stronger than others.
	Weak
		1 – 4	References and essay suggest clear inability to do doctoral level work.
			Applicant demonstrates no clear or appropriate reason for studying MFT and lack of commitment to the
				program.
			Applicant shows very poor interpersonal and communication skills.
Research Potential (minimum 12 required)
	Excellent
		17 - 20	Applicant has had previous experience doing and/or presenting research.
			Applicant articulates a well focused research question(s) that reflect knowledge related to the field of
				MFT
			Applicant demonstrates an active commitment to research as part of his or her professional goals.
			Research interests are consistent with the program (DMFT or PhD).
	Strong
		13 – 16	Applicant has previous experience doing research or demonstrates an active commitment to research as
				part of his or her career goals.
			Applicant can articulate an area of research based on some knowledge of the field.
			Research interests are consistent with the program (DMFT or PhD).
	Average
		9 – 12	Applicant has limited knowledge or experience regarding research, but appears genuinely committed to
				research as a career goal.
			Applicant articulates a broad, rather general area of research focus with limited specific knowledge of the
				field.
	Below average
		5 – 6	Applicant appears ambivalent about research as a goal and has difficulty expressing a research interest or
				goal.
	Weak
		1 - 4	Applicant expresses little interest in research as a goal.  Expressions of research interest are unfocused.
Ability to Work with Diversity (minimum 12 required)
	Excellent
		17 – 20	Applicant shows depth of appreciation and respect for multiple perspectives; has comfort and knowledge
				regarding diversity issues.
			Applicant has multicultural experience and can articulate the influence and personal learning resulting
				from that experience; speaks more than one language.
			Applicant complements the diversity of the group as a whole.
	Strong
		13 – 16	Applicant shows genuine interest in and openness to multiple perspectives despite somewhat limited
				multicultural experience and knowledge.
	Average
		9 – 12	Applicant says he or she is open to other perspectives, but shows some rigidity or narrowness in beliefs or
				values that may make openness to diverse clientele a more difficult learning process.
	Below average
		5 – 8	Applicant appears judgmental or lacks insight regarding differences and/or adheres to a value and belief
				system that suggests major problems working with a diverse clientele and student body.
	Weak
		1 – 4	Applicant demonstrates hostility or fear regarding multiple perspectives and a lack of interest in learning
				to be open and respectful of diversity.
Readiness for Clinical Practice (minimum 12 required)
	Excellent
		17 - 20	Applicant articulates a clear systemic understanding of a systems/relational framework and approach to a
				clinical case or issues.
			Applicant shows insight regarding self and awareness of how his or her personal issues or experiences
				may impact therapy.
			Applicant demonstrates maturity based self reflection and experience; appears stable and able
				to respond to crises.
	Strong
		13 - 15	Applicant presents a thoughtful and clear response to a clinical case or issues, but may lack a clear
				systemic focus or application.
			Applicant shows good basic understanding of self and his or her impact on the therapy process.
			Applicant demonstrates maturity appropriate to working within a clinical setting.
	Average
		9 – 12	Applicant has some ideas regarding how to approach a case and/or some understanding of possible
				systemic issues involved.
			Applicant has some awareness of self and impact on therapy, but lacks depth of insight.
			Applicant appears mature, but may need help developing confidence and/or the ability to respond in a
				non-reactive way to client issues and crises.
	Below average
		5 - 8	Applicant shows limited ability to think through how to approach a case and/or very little understanding
				of the systemic issues involved.
			Applicant shows limited self-awareness and emotional maturity.
	Weak
		1 – 4	Applicant demonstrates almost no ability to think through a case and very limited self-awareness.
				Appears inappropriate for the practice of marital and family therapy.
Minimum overall score of 65 required