Are you applying to graduate school? What you need to know.

Are you applying to graduate school?

What you

need to

know

So you want to go to grad school….

0Rated High Importance0 Letters of Rec (99%)0 GPA (73%)0 Research Exp (72%)0 GRE (59%)0 Interview (57%)

0 Overall fit or match!

0Rated High Importance0 GPA (79%)0 Letter of Rec (74%)0 GRE (48%)0 Research Exp (27%)0 Interview (26%)

0 Overall fit or match!

0Doctoral Programs 0Masters Programs

How to find information about programs?

0Graduate Study in Psychology book 0 around $250 updated every year

0Online – visit the school’s online site0Talk to graduate students enrolled in the program – they

can give you insider information / views on the program

How to choose a Program

0 If it is a Ph.D. program that you are considering, can you get your Master’s Degree along the way?

0 If you are considering a clinical program, is it APA approved? 0 Is the school located in a place that you are willing to live for

two to six years? 0Can you afford it? Do they offer TA / GA ships?0Are the research interests of the faculty compatible with

yours? 0What is the reputation of the department?

0 How did they manage you as an applicant (speedy emails, etc.)0 For information about the national rankings of various

programs, visit the following website: http://www.socialpsychology.org/ranking.htm

What do you need for your application

1. Completed application2. GRE scores3. Transcript4. Personal statement5. Curriculum Vita6. Recommendation letters (3)7. Writing samples / essays (depends on

school)

What you need for your application

0This differs by school 0Keep a well organized list of schools

with deadlines and application requirements0checklist

0December 150Northwestern

___GRE___ Transcripts___ Application___ CV___ Personal Statement___ Rec Letters

___ Dr. S.___ Dr. J___ Dr. B

0 University of Illinois ….

Timeline0Now0GRE0Find schools you are interested in (at

least 10 –if you can afford this)0Contact schools for information

0Make contact with professors / students at schools you are interested in0Request official transcripts0Start personal statement

Timeline

0November0Personal statement0Have people read your drafts

0Ask letter writers to write you a rec letter0Give them ample notice (at least a month)0Give them materials

0Retake GRE (if needed)

Timeline0December0Complete applications (earliest deadlines

are Dec 1st)0Keep copies of your materials0Check that rec letters were received

0January0Keep submitting applications (if applicable)0Start FAFSA – financial aid

Timeline

0February / March0Relax

0April0Celebrate!!!

8 Tips for applying

1. Relax2. Be organized!3. Allow yourself plenty of time 4. Follow directions5. Be professional6. Focus on presentation (proofread!!)7. Be yourself8. Make back up plans

The deadly sins…1. Only giving your letter writers a few weeks

notice2. Not researching the program you are applying

to3. Not researching the average GPA / GRE scores

for program4. Not researching cost of program, cost of living5. Not proofreading your statement

1. Not giving to others to read

Future seminars

0Personal Statements - T 10/29 from 12-1

0CV, rec letters, misc. -Th 11/14 from 12-1

Any questions?

0Come talk to me!! [email protected] Hall 518