GonnaBeAPriest Posted January 19, 2006 Posted January 19, 2006 So in the next few weeks I am set to meet with the psychologist for the diocese as part of the seminarian application process. I know there is no way to necessarily prepare. However, I would like to know if anyone has suggestions for preparation. What should I expect during the session? (I'm not "looking for the answers." I'm just feeling a little nervous, so anything to help calm the nerves is greatly appreciated.)
Philosopher Posted January 19, 2006 Posted January 19, 2006 [quote name='GonnaBeAPriest' date='Jan 19 2006, 07:44 AM']So in the next few weeks I am set to meet with the psychologist for the diocese as part of the seminarian application process. I know there is no way to necessarily prepare. However, I would like to know if anyone has suggestions for preparation. What should I expect during the session? (I'm not "looking for the answers." I'm just feeling a little nervous, so anything to help calm the nerves is greatly appreciated.) [right][snapback]860809[/snapback][/right] [/quote] I actually just took mine a few weeks ago, in like two weeks I will be meeting with my Vocations Director to go over it. He said it was fine though so I know that much. Anyways prepare to be asked anything and everything, about your family, why you want to be a priest, your relationship with differant people, if you have dated, hows the weather, sexual history, grades, motivations, people that have inspired you and a little more. To sum it up the psycologist will want to know everything he/she can possibly know about you to make a report and send to the diocese. Although it is nerve-racking, it is ok when you start, and it becomes easier as you go. I wish you the best and I will pray for you. Best wishes, if you need to ask anything feel free to
OLAM Dad Posted January 19, 2006 Posted January 19, 2006 Welcome, gbap. Don't volunteer more information then you have too. Answer the questions truthfully and honestly but don't allow yourself to go off on tangents. Be yourself. I've never done this for a seminary but I used to work with nuclear weapons in the Army and underwent a lot of psychological scrutiny. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Laurentina1975 Posted January 19, 2006 Posted January 19, 2006 +JMJ+ They may give you some sort of scantron psychological tests as well, like the MMPI and stuff. I took those before I went into the police academy and they were pretty easy, what those tests look for is consistency. Good luck and God Bless, Lord knows we need more good Priests! Lauren PS Be glad they don't make you take a lie detector test, those are nerve wracking.
Ora et Labora Posted January 20, 2006 Posted January 20, 2006 [quote name='Laurentina1975' date='Jan 19 2006, 04:53 PM']+JMJ+ PS Be glad they don't make you take a lie detector test, those are nerve wracking. [right][snapback]861270[/snapback][/right] [/quote] Not if you don't have anything to hide!
magnificat Posted January 20, 2006 Posted January 20, 2006 [quote name='GonnaBeAPriest' date='Jan 19 2006, 06:44 AM'](I'm not "looking for the answers." I'm just feeling a little nervous, so anything to help calm the nerves is greatly appreciated.) [right][snapback]860809[/snapback][/right] [/quote] I was a psych major and honestly there's not any real way to "fail" the test. Just breathe and answer truthfully...and if all else fails, whip out the rosary beads!
nowak.chris Posted January 20, 2006 Posted January 20, 2006 Took my psych's before thanksgiving. spent a few hours coloring little circles at random :wink: Ok not quite at random, but was tempting. We took them with a small group, so had a running commentary going on "out there" questions. Then met with the Psychyatrist, a Steubie Prof., who Father chose because he would give a real evaluation, based on what is need to be a good, holy priest. Really not that stressful. Peace and God Bless! Chris
Laurentina1975 Posted January 20, 2006 Posted January 20, 2006 [quote name='Ora et Labora' date='Jan 19 2006, 06:49 PM']Not if you don't have anything to hide! [right][snapback]861356[/snapback][/right] [/quote] :
shortnun Posted January 20, 2006 Posted January 20, 2006 Thanks, GonnaBeAPriest, for starting this thread. I'm taking my psych evals next month as part of my graduate studies. (And if I enter religious life in the next year, they'll be able to carry over for that, too.) I'm not too worried about the tests and all, but it's always nice to hear that there really isn't anything to stress about!
GonnaBeAPriest Posted January 20, 2006 Author Posted January 20, 2006 Thanks all for great comments. I'm now scheduled for mid-February and will provide an update when completed. Others, continue to post as comfortable. God Bless.
OLAM Dad Posted January 21, 2006 Posted January 21, 2006 Give us the date and time when you know them and we'll pray for you during the 'test'.
MC IMaGiNaZUN Posted January 21, 2006 Posted January 21, 2006 I would say be patient. I never expected it to be so long. It was not aggravating or frustrating, or annoying in any way. (i tend to be a very patient person). The first thing was a very long fill in the bubble test. The questions are clear, and just be honest. The second thing was the actual meeting with the psychologist. He asked questions. He also gave me problems to solve, and pictures to describe. I guess, how fun it is really depends on your psychologist. I will still have the meeting with the psychologist and the formation director to discuss the results. The Formation Director lets me know that this is not what determines my vocation. This is used, mostly to help me, and the community understand objectively my strengths and weeknesses. So in order that the community may challenge me in what areas to grow, but mostly to know how to form me. But of course, there is the secondary function of rooting out the whackos. SHALOM
shortnun Posted January 30, 2006 Posted January 30, 2006 [quote name='Laurentina1975' date='Jan 19 2006, 05:53 PM']They may give you some sort of scantron psychological tests as well, like the MMPI and stuff. [right][snapback]861270[/snapback][/right] [/quote] [quote name='MC IMaGiNaZUN' date='Jan 21 2006, 11:06 AM']The first thing was a [b]very long[/b] fill in the bubble test. [right][snapback]862708[/snapback][/right] [/quote] I took my scantron tests earlier today (my actual meeting isn't until later this month), and MY ARM NEARLY FELL OFF!!!
TheOliverOrder88 Posted January 30, 2006 Posted January 30, 2006 Thank you. This has been rather helpful for myself. I take those tests pretty soon.
ThyWillBeDone Posted January 31, 2006 Posted January 31, 2006 Good Luck on the test, I remember being really nervous when I had to take them. They took along time and the big long multible choice fill in the circle part was very annoying but all in all it not that bad an experiance, just one step closer to the seminary. I am a seminarian now and have been for almost two years, but I still remember how nervous and exciting the whole application process was. You will be in my prayer God Bless
PedroX Posted February 2, 2006 Posted February 2, 2006 Keep yourself from rambling. Be consistent in your answers. Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question. (the worry is not if you look stupid, but if you look crazy!) Don't be defensive. Stay away from purely religious jargon as the tester may or may not understand what you mean. (stuff like "the spirit led me" etc.) Most of all get used to it, because this stuff will happen again the longer you stay in the process. My prayers are with you all. peace...
Thomas Marian Posted February 2, 2006 Posted February 2, 2006 (edited) I get to take my psych evals the end of this month. I have to go to Shreveport (with two friends of mine, thank goodness) on Feb. 27 & 28 for what I think is the written test, and then again that friday for what I think is the actual interview. I'm not sure if this will be more nerve wracking or going before the Vocations Board. Thanks for the tips! Edited February 2, 2006 by Thomas Marian
Mel K. Sedek Posted February 2, 2006 Posted February 2, 2006 Psychological tests are never easy. The feear of the unknown for the most part is what scares many people. When I took mine, a priest advised me to start doing the "lectio divina" days before the exam. "Lectio Divina" is the meditation on the Word of God in total silence. Freeing your mind and heart before God calms every fear and relaxes a person. Of course it is true that it helps a lot if ONE HAS NOTHING TO HIDE for as Scriptures have it: nothing concealed that will not be brought to light. One piece of advice: don't smile excessively or fidget a lot. These are signs that there is/are something within the person. Answer honestly and to the point (yes, don't babble) and take your time; remember you are simply being tested and/or interviewed and being tried for murder! Good luck and God bless.
Mel K. Sedek Posted February 2, 2006 Posted February 2, 2006 Sorry about an error above. What I mean to say is: "Remember your are simply being tested and/or interviwed and NOT being tried for murder!" My apologies.
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