Getting into Graduate School

Check out undergraduate advising homepage: http://www.wmich.edu/psychology/ug/INDEX.HTM http://www.apa.org/students/

Why go into graduate school? Hard to find a job in psychology with only a bachelor’s degree. Some jobs available in specialized programs, e.g., programs for

chronic psychiatric patients, prison settings, drug addictions, etc Difficult work, low pay

What is the first step?

Identify your area of interest and then search for programs that have faculty members working in this area

THE DIFFERENT AREAS OF GRADUATE STUDY : Behavior Analysis/ Therapy Behavioral Medicine Behavioral Neuroscience Clinical Psychology Cognitive Psychology Community Psychology Counseling Psychology Developmental Psychology Educational Psychology Experimental Psychology

Industrial/ Organizational Psychology Marriage & Family Therapy Mental Retardation Psychiatry (Medical School) Psychobiology Rehabilitation School Psychology Sensation & Perception Social Psychology Social Work (clinical) Sports Psychology

Visit the APA Divisions website at http://www.apa.org/about/division.html.

Take a look at the book Graduate Study in Psychology published by the American Psychological Association.

Check out the Exploring Psychology section of the WMU undergraduate advising homepage

Which degree is which?

Masters Program (terminal) Usually require 2-3 years to complete Admission standards generally lower than PhD programs People with masters degrees usually work in group counseling

practices, clinics, program for specific populations (developmental disabilities, drug abusers, battered wives, chronic psychiatric patients, etc.), and employee assistance programs.

In many states people with masters degrees CANNOT have their own private practice.

You can sometimes get a masters degree and then transfer to a Ph.D program. You might lose credits.

Doctoral program (PhD):

A PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy PhD programs encompass many areas - from neuroscience to counseling.  As a PhD student, you complete your Masters and PhD in the same

program. You don’t have to reapply to the PhD program once you've completed your

Master's requirements. The average length of a doctoral program is 5 to 6 years and require the

completion of a dissertation. equal weight is placed upon the development of research competencies

and clinical skills PhD programs are almost exclusively located in graduate programs of

universities

PsyD

A PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology. PsyD programs are almost exclusively clinically oriented with little of the

research and quantitative training that is characteristic of clinical PhD programs

May be within a psychology department, or within an independent psychology school

Often PsyD programs are easier to gain admissions to but are more expensive.

People with PsyDs typically find themselves working in clinics, private practice and hospitals

With a PsyD you will not be qualified for a professorship at a university. 

APA Accreditation

An accredited graduate program has been judged as having met minimum standards of quality for education in psychology.

The APA only accredits doctoral programs in four specialty areas: clinical, counseling, school psychology, and combined professional-scientific psychology.

The APA book Graduate Study in Psychology will tell you if a program is approved or not

It is much more difficult to get into these programs. Masters programs are not accredited by the APA.

APA Accreditation

A degree from an institute that isn't accredited may not recognized by licensing boards, certifying organizations, or insurance companies.

Students from APA-accredited programs are generally more competitive

Internships in clinical and counseling psychology also will be APA approved or not.

Usually APA approved internships prefer students from APA approved graduate programs.

Jobs in the mental health field sometimes require that a person had an APA approved internship.

Accreditation

Other professional organizations, such as the Association for Behavior Analysis (ABA) may also accredit graduate programs in Psychology, including masters programs.

Western's undergraduate curriculum has been pre-approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board

at graduation undergraduates will have completed the necessary coursework to apply to take the Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCABA) exam

Students will also need to supply additional documentation regarding supervised applied experience and proof of BS degree.

WHAT TO DO TO GET IN

1. GPA Graduate schools take GPA seriously Competitive programs may look for GPAs at 3.5 or higher. Maintain a good GPA, including retaking courses (particularly

courses in psychology that you may have earned a low grade in).

2. Letters of Recommendation

Graduate schools weigh letters very highly Strong letters of recommendation can compensate for weak GPAs and

GREs Talk to the faculty. The better they know you, the more likely they can

write a good letter. Only ask for letters from people who will write a positive letter. Usually need 3 letters. Give professors at least 1 month before the deadline to complete the

letter Follow up one week before each deadline with a thank-you note (a

"friendly" reminder to ensure that your information has been sent).

2. Letters of Recommendation

Create a table that states the name of the school when the letters are due if they are suppose to mail the letter to you or to the school if the professor is required to use the provided form

Provide the each professor with a copy of your vita and your statement of purpose

Type your name and other required information on each form Make sure you have envelopes with postage for each letter that needs to be

mailed separately Enclose postcards (with postage) addressed to you in each of the envelopes. 

2. Letters of Recommendation

Provide your letter writer with useful information. what classes you took from them and your grades your overall GPA a list of PSY courses you have taken and grades earned your minor if you have one the titles/abstracts of any research papers you have written honor societies to which you belong awards that you have won activities in which you have participated (and any offices held) work experience and volunteer work your professional goals

3. Research With Faculty

Research experience will score big points with admission committees If you have less than stellar grades and/or GRE scores, make sure your

research experience is strong At Western, you have the unique opportunity to work closely with

professors on research projects. Take advantage of this! Ask professors about research opportunities & teaching assistantships. Find out if there are faculty who will be your advisor on an Independent

Research and Study project. In the past students have presented papers at conferences or published

articles with the faculty based on such projects. Many graduate programs will be impressed by this!

4. GREs

Most graduate schools will require you to take the Graduate Record Exam. The GREs consist of three sections: verbal, math (quantitative), and

analytic (which measures abstract thinking). Some schools will also require you to take the “subject" portion of the test

(psychology) The verbal and the quantitative tests each yield a separate score between

200-800. It is essential that you do well--at least 550 on each test (600+ is even

better)--to get into most doctoral programs. Master's programs are less competitive, so lower scores (450-500 on each

of the tests) are less of a problem

4. GREs

You will probably have trouble being admitted into any program with scores less than 450 on one of the tests.

Usually programs will use a cut off. If you don't get above a certain score, they may not even look at your application.

Prepare for the GRE!! Books Courses

In the Kalamazoo area, tests are given at the Prometric Testing Center located at 640 Romence Road in the Hillside Center, Suite 215. You can call 321-8351 for more information and to schedule a testing date.

5. Your Personal Statement

Prepare a well thought out letter Be professional! Avoid general statements like "I'm really interested in

psychology“ TAILOR your letter for each program you apply to. Keep the letter short - maybe two pages, TYPED. Ask professors for comments on what you have written.

5. Your Personal Statement

Describe: Why did you initially pursue psychology.  Address any shortcomings - low GPA, low GRE scores If you received  poor grades for the first couple semesters/years play up the

recent work you've done Explain what you did to remedy the situation If you have a high GPA for your last two years or for your psychology classes,

be sure to mention this Unless you're applying to a PsyD program the review committee will want to

see research, research, research Describe your computer experience Include something in each statement regarding the faculty that you are

interested in working with

6. Currriculum vita

An academic resume – it summarizes your academic and employment history as it pertains to your career in psychology

Topics included educational history relevant coursework research & teaching experience honors and awards memberships in professional organizations, publications & presentations Clinical experiences, such as practicum experience and volunteer experience GPA or GRE scores

Make it looks professional Include this with your application

Going for a Visit and Interviewing

Many programs may also ask you for a pre-admission interview. Here you will need to sell yourself, but they will also try to sell

themselves to you! Ask them about their program

Do faculty support students? Do students make it through? What special benefits do students gain (mentoring, research opportunities, publications, presentations, internships, funding, etc.) during their stay?

Talk with current students

MONEY $$$

Don’t be afraid to ask Many programs may offer you some financial support Some programs will support students with "stipends." Others may offer a "Research Assistantship" For a "Teaching Assistantship" you would help a professor

teach a course, or perhaps teach a section yourself Some universities may waive tuition Find out before you decide to go to a program.

A Possible Timetable

Freshman and Sophomore years Begin to get involved in research projects with faculty in your

department. Attend psychology-related seminars and colloquiums at your

school Consider joining Psi Chi Find out about joining professional psychological organizations Find out what psychology meetings are held in your region Talk to graduate students Keep your grades up Maintain a grade of "B" or better in all

psychology courses Become computer literate

Junior Year

Become involved in research Attend professional conferences Make sure you are aware of any particular requirements of schools that

you are interested in Prepare a curriculum vita Investigate summer jobs, volunteer work, or educational/research

opportunities related to psychology. Find out the research interests of faculty at the schools you would like to

attend. Email them. Start reviewing for the GRE Save money for graduate school application fees, resumes, and

transcript costs

Summer between junior and senior years

Prepare for your GREs and the application process Send out requests for applications to those programs you are

interested in applying to Work on your vita and statement of purpose Sign up to take the GREs. Conduct literature searches (e.g., PsycInfo) on the faculty

members at each of the schools you'll be applying to

Fall semester of your senior year

Ask your advisor/faculty members about the graduate programs of interest to you

Make your final list of schools you will apply to Take the GRE (Aug/Sept) Sign up for the General GRE Request the GRE scores be sent to all schools Request that transcripts be mailed to all schools - allow ample time. Near the end of the semester, ask professors to write letters of

recommendation Check before Christmas to be certain all materials, especially

recommendations, have been sent.

Spring semester of your Senior Year:

Send your application. Include a vita, transcripts and test scores, and names of those sending

recommendations. Deadlines may be in Jan, Feb, or March If possible, visit the schools Obtain info on fellowships, scholarships, assistantships, loans Check with all schools before the deadline to make sure your file is complete. Expect first choice offers to be made by April 1 Visit institutions that accept you. Notify other colleges that you will not be attending so they may admit students on

their waiting list. Send thank-you notes to people who wrote your recommendation letters

TIPS

Start early! Get involved in research Do your own research to find the programs & professors that

are right for you Apply to several programs Talk with the WMU faculty & advisors about your interests

for suggestions Try to make contact with potential professors you are

interested in working with as a graduate student. Request more information about their research and if they

will be taking graduate students in the upcoming year. Attend a professional conference in which they are

presenting and introduce yourself