Aleksandra Pilewicz

Aspiring forensic psychology graduate student with a strong foundation in child development, human and criminal behavior, and psychological and criminological theory. I am passionate about understanding human behavior and mental illness, and with the combined knowledge of criminal law, I plan on working in the field of forensic psychology in a clinical setting, improving mental health intervention within the criminal justice system. Furthermore, I am eager to apply my academic knowledge and hands-on experience to contribute to the field of forensic psychology and make a meaningful impact in both academic and clinical settings.

• Dean's List [Summer, 2024 & Fall, 2024]
• Achieved only A's and B's since the Autumn, 2023
• Leadership Award
• Lead Teacher, Missoula Catholic School

• Forensic Science Certification
• Associates Degree [Fall, 2024]
• Bachelors Degree [Spring, 2025]

• Big Brother Big Sister: I’ve been interning with Big Brother Big Sister for the past year, and I loved the experience. I was selected to work with the oldest child in the program because of my qualifications and perseverance. I immediately accepted working with the oldest child because not only are they the least likely to get selected, they are also the most challenging to work with. With that said, helping an older little has given me a perspective of someone living a life I couldn’t always relate to, and in doing so, showed me not only an aspect of a greater struggle I want to spend my life fighting but also deeper understanding in the knowledge that you don’t know what someones going through until you get to know them. (Missoula, MT)
• Book Club: I've founded a book club where I hold inclusive meetings about a current book. The novels selected range from non-fiction to biographies. I've organized bi-weekly meetings where members actively engage in discussions, share perspectives, and apply insights to academic and professional contexts, the book club encourages people of all reading levels and literary interests. (Missoula, Montana)
• Criminology club: I am a semi-active member of the criminology club at my university, I try to attend the club once a month when I am not working or participating in my internship with Big Brother Big Sister. (The University of Montana)
• Women's Domestic Violence Shelter Volunteer: When I return to Chicago during my breaks from university, I volunteer at a domestic violence shelter, where I assist with social work and take care of the children when mothers are at group counseling sessions. (location disclosed)
• Weekend dog walking volunteer (for shelters around the Missoula area): During my free weekends, I offer my assistance in shelters by walking dogs that have yet to be adopted, this experience has not only been positive but also allowed me to get a better understanding of the good it does for the dogs. I've recently helped a peer adopt a dog at a shelter where I've frequently volunteered my free time. (Missoula, MT)
• Study Session Coordinator: I often help my classmates and peers prepare for exams in either classes I'm currently excelling in or classes I've previously taken. I find that helping others helps me both become more knowledgeable and secure in my understanding and also gives me the chance to help my peers.

• Forensic Psychology
• Child Development
• Psychological Disorders
• Family Violence
• Victims and Society
• Psychological and Sociological Research Methods
• Statistics
• Clinical Psychology
• Criminal Justice Systems

-

The Chicago School; Admissions Committee 

M.A Forensic Psychology
325 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60654

-

RE: M.A. Forensic Psychology: Professional Counselor Licensure Track Graduate Student Applicant 

-

Dear Members of the Admissions Committee, 

-

       I'm pleased to submit my application for the M.A. Forensic Psychology: Professional Counselor Licensure Track at the University of Chicago, as I am confident that I am an excellent candidate for the university. I wanted to add an additional letter to my application to share my excitement for the program and why I feel I'm a worthy candidate.

       My goal for as long as I can remember is to become a forensic psychologist. I've always had a passion for helping others, and throughout my undergrad studies I've expanded my field of interest from clinical psychology to forensic psychology, and I'm currently double majoring in psychology and criminology to combine the two work professionally with mental health and victim advocacy. My main focus will be clinical work and sexual violence victimization, helping both victims of sexual violence as well as those struggling with mental health crises and addictions. Throughout my time at The Chicago School, I want to obtain a concentration in sex therapy. By getting a sex therapist certification, I will be able to help victims of sexual violence approach the idea of sex in a positive outlook while helping them heal from their trauma and abuse, as well as helping those struggling with sex addictions and pornography addictions. While my goals seem a bit ambitious, I feel they all blend together and pair well with one another, allowing me to become an expert in my field.

      Helping others, a statement that almost every promising psychologist adds to their application essay, is an important quality to have as a psychologist, but what does it mean? In a general sense, helping others means using your time and resources to improve the lives of others, with examples being doing charity work, housing, fostering animals, and getting the education to professionally help people in mental health crises. It also means getting up for yourself and doing the best you can possibly do while assisting people in need. Helping others doesn't necessarily require a degree, but in my case, it does. I want to get an education that can give me the greatest success in helping people struggling with sexual victimization and mental health crises. With my degree, I plan on helping individuals struggling with both sexual victimization and mental health crises through a clinical setting, becoming a therapist who is not only seen as someone you're to go to but someone you're excited to meet with. Once I become an established psychologist, I want to take my education and passion and open a nonprofit helping individuals who've escaped domestic violence situations and open a retreat for patients to feel free, a place where they can escape the real world, even for a few days, where they can reconnect with nature and a community that shows them love and support. I moved to Montana for that exact reason. I lived close to Chicago my whole life, and as I love it, I wanted to allow myself to explore a place that showed me the healing in nature and build a community of people who showed me the importance of what the earth can do to help you and allow myself to explore out of my safe space.

      Furthermore, I want to focus my work on sexual violence victims, primarily child victims of sexual violence, as I have worked with children for close to 10 years and have continued to strive to help children and allow them to become the best versions of themselves. My most notable job working with children would have to be working at Watson's Children's Shelter, where I took care of children who came from abusive homes. Helping children who came from abusive homes was one of the most challenging but rewarding jobs I've had, and the job showed me that helping others is and forever will be my true passion in life.

     In conclusion, I appreciate the consideration and hope to attend the University come August 25th. Please don't hesitate to inquire about further information, and contact me if you have any questions. 

Sincerely, 

Aleksandra Pilewicz