Choosing a Graduate Program in Psychology

Most Important Variables to Consider Academic History Learning Style Career Interests Work Experience Financial Resources

Academic History Overall GPA GPA strictly in Psychology Classes Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and

other standardized test scores Miller Analogies Test (MAT) Psychology GRE

Number of credit hours earned in undergraduate psychology courses

Academic History of Students Admitted to the Program Compare your academic background to

the statistics available about the programs GRE GPA

Career Interests

http://www.apa.org/education/grad/faqs.aspx?item=6Information from: 2003 Doctorate Employment Survey, APA Center for Workforce Studies (CWS).

Work Experience What volunteer and work experiences have

you had? Hospitals Crisis Hotlines Shelters/drop-in centers Schools Peer counseling Mentoring Research Assistant

Presentations/Posters/Publications

Financial Resources Scholarships and Grants

Professional and Honor Organizations Mortar Board, etc.

Graduate Assistantships Typically partial tuition payment (3 credit or 6 credit

hours) Some programs (typically PhD) offer nearly full

payment Federal Loans

Stafford GradPLUS Loans Private Loans

Accreditation Master’s programs are not eligible for

APA accreditation

Completing the ApplicationPLAN AHEAD

Due Dates Pay close attention!!!!

Each program is different PhD: Typically in November & December PsyD: Typically December & January Master’s: Varying dates

Get your application in early!

Sending the Application Pay close attention!!!! Programs prefer receiving information in

different ways Send it early (weather/holidays may

interfere) Can be costly (particularly if you wait

too long)

Application Components Curriculum Vitae Transcripts GREs Letters of Recommendation Application Writing Sample Letter of Intent/Autobiography Fee Additional materials?

Curriculum Vitae Basically, an Academic Resume Ask faculty advisor for assistance and

revisions Utilize Career Services/Writing Center

for help Sample layouts and what to include can

be found online

Transcripts Must be Official, in a sealed envelope

signed by registrar (not addressed to the student, not a copy)

Must be sent from all institutions of higher education (even if you only took a summer class or were never awarded a degree)

Send directly to the school OR include in the application packet???

GREs When should I take the GRE?

Depends when the application is due… GRE scores are always sent from ETS to the school Allow adequate time to prepare Consider taking it early (to re-take if necessary) Visit http://www.ets.org/gre for more info

General GRE Required by nearly all programs

Psychology Subject GRE Required by some programs

Likely will still have to take the GRE even if you already have a Master’s degree

Letters of RecommendationWho should I ask?

At least one person from Academia (preferably with a doctoral degree)

At least one person who knows you professionally (i.e., practicum or internship supervisor or an employer in the field)

NOT someone who only knows you personally Not just someone who can write a letter but

someone who will write a GOOD recommendation letter

How many do I need? Typically 3 or 4

When should I ask? Aim to ask at least a month prior to the due date

Letters of Recommendation (cont.) Provide your resume or CV to your

recommender They can better discuss your best qualities and

experiences School specific recommender checklist?

Always ask recommender to complete the checklist AND include an additional letter

Recommender should enclose in a sealed envelope and sign over the seal

How to send them? IT DEPENDS!!! Include in application packet (return to you) OR Send directly from recommender (provide stamped

and addressed envelopes)

Application Online, Paper, or Both? Fill in completely even if you have

provided the information elsewhere Try to type in your responses instead of

just handwriting Do I send in alone or with other

materials?

Writing Sample Ideal writing samples:

Published Journal Article Master’s Thesis Honors Capstone Literature Review Related to the field of Psychology Completed independently by you

Have someone proof read for you Do NOT send in a sample with professor’s

writing or grades indicated

Letter of Intent/Autobiography Each school is different! Typically include:

How you learned to like psychology Why you hope to work in the field What you hope to do in the field What you have done in the field Research interests

Personal enough but not too personal Have at least one professor proof read Double-check you include the school’s name and

the specific program to which you are applying

Application Fee Fees vary depending on the program

Some may be free if you complete online Typically $30 to $70 per application

Application Etiquette 101 Do NOT call the school to find out

application information you can find online Papers should not be soiled/crumbled Handwriting must be neat or typed Do not lie or fabricate information Include your name on everything Present materials in the order specified (if

unspecified, follow the order in which they are listed) Pay attention to whether the school wants

everything in one packet, or information sent separately (i.e., letters of recommendation)

Suit up: What to wear to your interview Dress professionally Many people

recommend wearing a suit

There may be a fair amount of walking involved (campus tour?) so plan your footwear accordingly

Suggested Guidelines for Attire

Recommendations for Suits Neutral Colors (Black, Navy, Charcoal Gray, etc.)

Polished, non-scuffed shoes Recommended closed-toe and a comfortable heel

height you can walk in. Specific Recommendations for Women

Appropriate neckline Skirts should be at least knee-length Conservative Jewelry

Think single-strand necklaces, simple earrings Well-Groomed If carrying a bag or purse, use a briefcase or a

nice-looking purse.

Before the Interview Prepare for the interview Be knowledgeable about the program

including its goals, faculty, and curriculum

Be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit to a particular program

At the Interview Be on time It may sound contradictory, but be yourself while

also dressing, speaking, and acting professionally Make sure to have thoughtful questions

prepared. The questions you ask may be just as important as the answers you provide to the questions you receive. Such as recent research you’ve read, books you

enjoy, etc. Never say you don’t have questions, always ask

something.

At the Interview Smile!! Speak up in Group interviews, but don’t

completely dominate the conversation Watch what you say/do even during

social/mixer time, inappropriate behavior/language can reflect poorly on you

Questions??