1. Preparing for Graduate School in Psychology

2. Important Factors in Graduate Admissions (Keith-Spiegel) 158 faculty who had served on admissions committees Told to assume that grades, test scores, and letters of recommendation were important and asked to rate 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

3. 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)

4. Important Factors in Graduate Admissions Sole author of paper presentation at undergraduate conferences (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)

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

6. Preparing Within Your Classroom 1. Classes to take 2. Grades to make 3. Introduce yourself 4. Be an active learner 5. Read primary sources 6. Study to learn (the material), not earn (the grade) -

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

8. 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 -

9. 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 field and I know this class will be helpful to me in deciding on my directions and preparing for graduate school.” -

10. 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 -

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

12. 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 are necessary but not sufficient -

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

14. Developing Experiences, Qualifications and Contacts 1. Join Psi Chi and the Psychology Club 2. Become involved in research 3. Do a Senior Thesis or an Honor’s Thesis 4. Publish or present your research 5. Volunteer in the community 6. Go to departmental presentations 7. Assume leadership positions 8. Go to office hours and develop relationships with professors -

15. Developing Experiences, Qualifications and Contacts 1. Join Psi Chi and the Psychology Club 2. Become involved in research 3. Do a Senior Thesis or an Honor’s Thesis 4. Publish or present your research 5. Volunteer in the community 6. Go to departmental presentations 7. Assume leadership positions 8. Go to office hours and develop relationships with professors -

16. Developing Experiences, Qualifications and Contacts 1. Join Psi Chi and the Psychology Club 2. Become involved in research 3. Do a Senior Thesis or an Honor’s Thesis 4. Publish or present your research 5. Volunteer in the community 6. Go to departmental presentations 7. Assume leadership positions 8. Go to office hours and develop relationships with professors -

17. Developing Experiences, Qualifications and Contacts 1. Join Psi Chi and the Psychology Club 2. Become involved in research 3. Do a Senior Thesis or an Honor’s Thesis 4. Publish or present your research 5. Volunteer in the community 6. Go to departmental presentations 7. Assume leadership positions 8. Go to office hours and develop relationships with professors -

18. Developing Experiences, Qualifications and Contacts 1. Join Psi Chi and the Psychology Club 2. Become involved in research 3. Do a Senior Thesis or an Honor’s Thesis 4. Publish or present your research 5. Volunteer in the community 6. Go to departmental presentations 7. Assume leadership positions 8. Go to office hours and develop relationships with professors -

19. Developing Experiences, Qualifications and Contacts 1. Join Psi Chi and the Psychology Club 2. Become involved in research 3. Do a Senior Thesis or an Honor’s Thesis 4. Publish or present your research 5. Volunteer in the community 6. Go to departmental presentations 7. Assume leadership positions 8. Go to office hours and develop relationships with professors -

20. Developing Experiences, Qualifications and Contacts 1. Join Psi Chi and the Psychology Club 2. Become involved in research 3. Do a Senior Thesis or an Honor’s Thesis 4. Publish or present your research 5. Volunteer in the community 6. Go to departmental presentations 7. Assume leadership positions 8. Go to office hours and develop relationships with professors -

21. Developing Experiences, Qualifications and Contacts 1. Join Psi Chi and the Psychology Club 2. Become involved in research 3. Do a Senior Thesis or an Honor’s Thesis 4. Publish or present your research 5. Volunteer in the community 6. Go to departmental presentations 7. Assume leadership positions 8. Go to office hours and develop relationships with professors -

22. Developing Experiences, Qualifications and Contacts 1. Join Psi Chi and the Psychology Club 2. Become involved in research 3. Do a Senior Thesis or an Honor’s Thesis 4. Publish or present your research 5. Volunteer in the community 6. Go to departmental presentations 7. Assume leadership positions 8. Go to office hours and develop relationships with professors -