Preparing for Graduate School in Psychology

Preparing for Graduate School in Psychology

Important Factors in Graduate Admissions(Keith-Spiegel) • 158 faculty who had served on admissions committees • Told to assume that grades, test scores, and lettersof recommendation were important and asked torate 138 other factors using a scale that ranged from -3 to +3 • -3 = negative or detracts significantly from application+3 = very impressive and significantly enhances application

Important Factors in Graduate Admissions • Published author of a paper (2.89) • Sole author of paper presentation (2.49) • Letter from mentor (2.45) • Letter from well-known psychologist (2.45) • Personal statement shows sustained focus (2.39) • Junior authorship on research article (2.28) • Top 5% of class (overall GPA) (2.28) • Writes well (2.28) • Includes research paper/Senior Thesis (2.19) • Establishes “match” with graduate program (2.05)

Important Factors in Graduate Admissions • Sole author of paper presentation at undergraduateconferences (2.05) • Research Assistant (2.04) • “Self-starter,” according to recommendation (1.96) • Junior author of paper presentation (1.96) • Won departmental research award (1.92) • Highly motivated to achieve (1.86) • Participated in Honor’s program (1.82) • Responsible and dependable (1.72) • Member of Phi Beta Kappa or other scholarship program (1.68)

Domains of Preparation Preparation within the classroom-overall class standing-participation in Honor’s program-membership in scholarly associations Preparations outside the classroom-research -presentations-faculty appraisals

Preparing Within Your Classroom • Classes to take • Grades to make • Introduce yourself • Be an active learner • Read primary sources • Study to learn (the material), not earn (the grade) -

1. Classes to Take • Statistics • Research Methods • Psychology of Learning • Experimental Psychology • Developmental Psychology • Physiological Psychology • Abnormal Psychology • Cognitive Psychology • Sensation and Perception -

2. Grades to Make • Overall, 3.3 for Masters programs and 3.5 for Doctoral programs • Three GPAs-overall GPA-GPA in the major-GPA in the last two years • Most undergraduates concentrate too much on their GPAs and too little on other factors -

3. Introduce Yourself • Introduce yourself to your professor after the first or second class • Professors enjoy knowing their students • Aspiring graduate students are special • “I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is ______, and I’m really looking forward to this class. I’m considering graduate study in the fieldand I know this class will be helpful to me in deciding on my directions and preparing forgraduate school.” -

4. Be an Active Learner • Ask questions • Ask for additional readings • Talk to your professor after class • Volunteer for extra-credit opportunities • Take leadership in projects or presentations -

5. Read Primary Sources • Note references in your textbook and look up interesting articles • Start reviewing journals in your area(s)of interest -

6. Orient Towards Learning (the Material),not Earning (the Grade) • Don’t forget that your grade is a means toward and end • Grades aren’t as important in graduate school-grades of a “B” or better are required-no one ever looks at your grades again • In graduate school, good grades arenecessary but not sufficient-

Preparing Outside Your Classroom • Developing Experiences, Qualifications and Contacts • Finding the Best Program

Developing Experiences, Qualificationsand Contacts • Join Psi Chi and the Psychology Club • Become involved in research • Do a Senior Thesis or an Honor’s Thesis • Publish or present your research • Volunteer in the community • Go to departmental presentations • Assume leadership positions • Go to office hours and develop relationships with professors -

Preparing for Graduate School in Psychology