After taking an AP Psychology class at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, Reilly McClain ’17 knew psychology would be the career for her. Now poised to complete her Bachelor of Arts in psychology at Georgetown University this May, she recently was accepted to graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania to earn a master’s degree in clinical psychology. She was awarded with a merit scholarship and one of only 20 coveted places in the program. 

“I have loved being at Georgetown,” Reilly said. “I have felt really challenged academically but also had a lot of support from the school.” 

With taking a full load of classes, working in a school research lab, participating in activities with her sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma, including reading books to children at a local preschool, and serving on the founding board of a charity dance marathon team to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, good time management over the past four years has served her well. 

As Georgetown does not offer a master’s program in clinical psychology, Reilly applied to schools all over the country. She participated in a group interview with the Penn program online and will likely pursue certification as a licensed professional counselor (LPC), a two-year program. She is considering working in trauma therapy for children and adolescents. 

“The past year cemented what I want to do,” Reilly said. “My goal is to try to reach the most vulnerable people, as people with the greatest needs typically have the least access to care. I’m excited to move to a new city and focus on what I really want to do.”