Applying to Graduate School Sources: R. Eric Landrum, PhD Department of Psychology, Boise State University Bellevue University Invited Talk September 26, 2011 Bellevue, NE

Basic Questions to Figure Out What program will you study? What schools offer this program? How do you choose a school? Admission requirements and deadlines for application – Almost always available on the department website – Call the Graduate Coordinator with questions

What program will you study? This starts with the question: What do you want to do with your life? – Clinical – Counseling – School – I/O – Sports psychology – Research

What schools offer this program? How do you choose a school? – APA, APS and professional association websites – Alumni recommendations – Is it accredited? (Esp. for counseling degrees) – Online or seated?

Parts of the application process Prepare materials/forms, send fees Letters of recommendation Letter of intent / autobiographical statement / personal statement Transcripts/GPA Interview (on-campus, telephone, Skype, Facetime) Research experience GRE General Test, (GRE subject test in psychology?) Clinically related public service/internships Extracurricular activity (leadership preferred) Curriculum vitae/resume

Admission requirements and deadlines for application Almost always available on the department website – Call the Graduate Coordinator with questions – Do your Homework!!!. – NOTE: There will usually be a generic application to the school, and then there will be separate departmental required items. Pay attention to instructions!

Asking for Letters When you ask a faculty member or other professional for a letter of recommendation, ask for a strong letter of recommendation. Most faculty members would rather not write a letter than write a weak letter of rec. The best letters are long, and tell stories about multiple contributions.

Asking for letters Be prepared to offer answers to the following: – When is the first letter due date? – What classes did you have with me, with semesters and grades? – Can you provide an updated CV/resume? – Have you completed all necessary forms/online URL links? – Can you provide your personal statement when ready?

Your Resume/CV Curriculum vitae translates from Latin as “academic life.” Your vitae chronicles your accomplishments, whereas the resume is a brief introduction to your skills, abilities, and employment history. Be sure to follow student examples, and not faculty examples of how to prepare a CV.

Potential Interview Questions What do you hope to be doing five or ten years from now? How has your education prepared you for your career? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why are you pursuing a graduate degree? What did you learn as an undergraduate that you think will be helpful on this job?

Research-based programs If you are applying for a research-based program (e.g. Ph.D.), you need to know your top 2-3 faculty members at the institution who you would like to work with. – Understand their research area and make a case for why you would be a good fit for their lab. – It’s a good idea to ahead and let them know you are interested in joining – make sure they have space and funds.