How Harper Kaufman Became a Competitive Graduate School Applicant
After earning her communications undergraduate degree from James Madison University in 2019, Harper Kaufman embarked on a journey of self-discovery that took her halfway around the world to New Zealand. That experience helped Harper clarify both her passions and her long-term goals. Upon returning to the United States, Harper worked as a nanny while preparing to apply to master’s programs to become a child therapist.
“I have always had a passion for working with children, and my favorite traits about myself are that I’m able to connect with people easily and am a very social person,” Harper describes. “I knew I wanted to explore social work as a career path, but was very curious about psychology. Having background knowledge in psychology will definitely equip me with the information and ability to assess in order to be an effective therapist.”
This is where our Post-Baccalaureate Program in Psychology came into her timeline, which would then turn into acceptance into both Fordham University and University of Southern California's M.S. programs!
I wanted to further my knowledge of psychology to better prepare for my graduate degree, and I definitely feel equipped to pursue those studies now.
How did our classes fit your academic goals?
I really wanted to continue my academics in the time between my undergraduate degree and pursuing my master’s degree. I wanted to further my knowledge of psychology to better prepare for my graduate degree, and I definitely feel equipped to pursue those studies now.
I took:
Counseling and Psychotherapy as a Career Option
Developmental Psychology Across the Lifespan
Seminar on the Graduate Application Process
Research Methods in Psychology
I also enrolled in Adolescent Psychology, purely out of curiosity and as it pertains to my career goals.
Tell me about your experience going through the program.
I had a wonderful time going through the program. All of the students in my classes were so insightful and supportive, and I really enjoyed all the discussions. I also found all of my instructors to be insightful, attentive and wonderful teachers!
Dr. Robert Hoople, in particular, has been a wonderful asset to my experience. He has been so kind and supportive, and I am very grateful to have had such positive experiences with all of my instructors.
I feel confident that I will be going into this master’s program with a plethora of background knowledge that I would not have had it not been for this program.
You’ve been accepted into two master’s programs—congrats!
Thank you! I’m still deciding which program will be the right fit for me and am eager to start completing my degree very soon.
The Post-Baccalaureate Program in Psychology absolutely prepared me to be a competitive applicant. Not only has studying with UC Berkeley been an asset to my résumé, but the courses and assignments have prepared me for the classes ahead of me. I feel confident that I will be going into this master’s program with a plethora of background knowledge that I would not have had it not been for this program.
What does earning the certificate mean to you?
It is a symbol of the academic passion I have and the dedication I feel toward my career goals. Being able to continue education past undergraduate studies is definitely a privilege, and knowing that I have another academic accomplishment prior to my master’s program furthers my confidence that I will succeed.
I plan on specializing in therapy for children, and eventually open my own practice combining play therapy, music therapy and art therapy to help heal children who have faced adversity in childhood.
What are your plans after completing your master’s degree in social work?
I plan on specializing in therapy for children, and eventually open my own practice combining play therapy, music therapy and art therapy to help heal children who have faced adversity in childhood. I also plan to heavily include the families in the work we do to ensure a solid support system for every child I work with.
I would also love to be involved with a nonprofit that promotes providing therapeutic resources to those in lower socioeconomic environments and areas with less mental-health resources available to both children and families.
What advice would you give somebody who is thinking about applying for the post-bacc program?
Absolutely go for it! This program has taught me so much, and I have gained so much knowledge and experience through my courses and instructors.
I wouldn’t feel as confident in my future educational goals had it not been for this program. I am so thankful I got to be a part of UC Berkeley Extension’s community!
