How to Apply
This page provides resources to students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in psychology but are not sure where to begin. Use the table of contents below to help you navigate through the website. Click on links to direct you to articles, videos, and tip sheets.
Table of Contents
What are the general steps in the application process?
The general requirement for graduate school application are:
Submitting a Curriculum Vitae (CV) summarizing your experience
A Personal Statement describing your reasons for applying-- or, if you are applying to a PhD program, a Statement of Purpose detailing your specific research interests
Admissions exam(s), like the GRE-- though this varies from program to program
Letters of recommendation from professionals whom you have worked with, or whom you have volunteered for, and can speak well of your abilities. Typically, programs ask for three letters of recommendation
If you are an international student, or if you completed your undergraduate degree in another language, you might be required to take the TOEFL exam
Every program is different, so make sure you check for all the requirements in the website of your program(s) of interest.
Here are some other resources that can you help with setting up a timeline for applying.
Timeline to Prepare for Graduate School (it offers tips from as early as when you are a junior in your undergraduate studies all the way to your senior year. But no worries if you are a Senior now (you can focus on just the Senior section) or if you have already graduated (use the timeline to fit your own unique journey).
Recommended Steps for Applicants to Psychology Graduate Programs
How can I request letters of recommendation?
Graduate school programs usually ask for three letters of recommendation. The following article provides advice with who, and how, to ask for letters of recommendation: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/01/letter-recommendation#
The American Psychological Association (APA) offers a webinar on who you should (or should not) ask to write your letters and what information those letters should ideally contain.
What is a personal statement and how can I write one?
A personal statement is an essay in which you describe your reasons for applying to the specific program. Each program might ask different things, so make sure you investigate if the program you are applying to expects you to answer specific questions in your essay.
A guide for writing your personal statement if you are more interested in master's degrees: https://www.findamasters.com/advice/finding/personal-statement-for-masters-degree.aspx
The American Psychological Association offers a webinar on how to write a personal statement using the reverse pyramid approach:
Craig Rodriguez-Sejas, PhD and Jessica Schleider, PhD have started a collection of personal statements from graduate students and professionals in clinical psychology or related disciplines whose applications to graduate school got accepted. They come from different backgrounds and different research interest and could serve as a guide for anyone who is writing their personal statement/statement of purpose for a graduate program in Clinical Psychology or related field.
What is Curriculum Vitae (CV) and how do I write one?
What is a CV?
A CV is a document where you briefly describe your experience relevant to the opportunity you are applying to, For instance, if you are applying to a program that emphasizes research experience, you would want to include any research experience you have.
How do I format my CV?
The American Psychological Association provides advice on how to write a CV:
Here is a sample CV:
How can students receive help with writing their personal statements or CVs?
Many universities have "writing centers," places where writing consultants work collaboratively with students to guide them through any stage of the writing process, whether it is brainstorming or providing feedback, at no cost. You may ask or search online if your university offers this kind of service.
How to navigate taking standardized tests?
What is the GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate programs. It is administered over a period of 4 hours and it is broken up into three main sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
Where to start?
First, check if any of the programs that you are interested in require admissions exams, such as the GRE General Test and/or the GRE Psychology Subject test. Some programs do not require any exam while others do, so make sure you investigate this.
If you do have to take the GRE, this article guides you into how to make a plan for studying. It can take up to 21 days for your results to arrive to the university you are applying to, so make sure you register on time and plan accordingly.
What is the GRE Psychology Subject Test?
The GRE Psychology Subject Test examines your knowledge of core psychological principles that are normally taught in undergraduate coursework. There are six primary areas covered in the test: biological, cognitive, social, developmental, clinical, and measurement/methodology/other.
For more information and resources use the links below: