Are you applying to graduate school? What you need to know

Is graduate school for you? 0 What are your career goals? 0 Do you need to go to graduate school? 0 Graduate school is a huge investment 0 Potential 2-7 (or more) years 0 A lot of money 0 Time commitment (full time job) 0 Only 33% of undergrads went directly into a Ph.D. program (2011). 0 If you are feeling burnt out – think about postponing for a year 0 Don’t waste the year off!

Sorting out the letters 0 M.S or M.A 0 2 years, thesis 0 Can be a springboard into a doctoral program 0 Doctoral Degrees years (+ 1 year internship for clinical) 0 Ph.D. – doctor of philosophy 0 Research degree 0 Emphasized research and academic training 0 Clinical – trains for clinical practice as well 0 Psy.D. – doctor of psychology 0 Professional degree 0 Emphasizes clinical training – NOT research or teaching 0 More $, less financial support

So you want to go to grad school…. 0 Rated High Importance 0 Letters of Rec (99%) 0 GPA (73%) 0 Research Exp (72%) 0 GRE (59%) 0 Interview (57%) 0 Overall fit or match! 0 Rated High Importance 0 GPA (79%) 0 Letter of Rec (74%) 0 GRE (48%) 0 Research Exp (27%) 0 Interview (26%) 0 Overall fit or match! 0 Doctoral Programs 0 Masters Programs

How to find information about programs? 0 Graduate Study in Psychology book 0 around $25 0 updated every year 0 Online – visit the school’s online site 0 Talk to graduate students enrolled in the program – they can give you insider information / views on the program

How to choose a Program 0 If it is a Ph.D. program that you are considering, can you get your Master’s Degree along the way? 0 If you are considering a clinical program, is it APA approved? 0 Is the school located in a place that you are willing to live for two to six years? 0 Can you afford it? Do they offer TA / GA ships? 0 Are the research interests of the faculty compatible with yours? 0 What is the reputation of the department? 0 How did they manage you as an applicant (speedy s, etc.) 0 For information about the national rankings of various programs, visit the following website:

What do you need for your application 1. Completed application 2. GRE scores 3. Transcript 4. Personal statement 5. Curriculum Vita 6. Recommendation letters (3) 7. Writing samples / essays (depends on school)

What you need for your application 0 This differs by school 0 Keep a well organized list of schools with deadlines and application requirements 0 checklist

0 December 15 0 Northwestern ___GRE ___ Transcripts ___ Application ___ CV ___ Personal Statement ___ Rec Letters ___ Dr. S. ___ Dr. J ___ Dr. B 0 University of Illinois ….

Timeline 0 Now 0 GRE 0 Find schools you are interested in (at least 10 –if you can afford this) 0 Contact schools for information 0 Make contact with professors / students at schools you are interested in 0 Request official transcripts 0 Start personal statement

Timeline 0 November 0 Personal statement 0 Have people read your drafts 0 Ask letter writers to write you a rec letter 0 Give them ample notice (at least a month) 0 Give them materials 0 Retake GRE (if needed)

Timeline 0 December 0 Complete applications (earliest deadlines are Dec 1 st ) 0 Keep copies of your materials 0 Check that rec letters were received 0 January 0 Keep submitting applications (if applicable) 0 Start FAFSA – financial aid

Timeline 0 February / March 0 Relax 0 April 0 Celebrate!!!

8 Tips for applying 1. Relax 2. Be organized! 3. Allow yourself plenty of time 4. Follow directions 5. Be professional 6. Focus on presentation (proofread!!) 7. Be yourself 8. Make back up plans

The deadly sins… 1. Only giving your letter writers a few weeks notice 2. Not researching the program you are applying to 3. Not researching the average GPA / GRE scores for program 4. Not researching cost of program, cost of living 5. Not proofreading your statement 1. Not giving to others to read

Future seminars 0 Personal Statements - T 10/29 from CV, rec letters, misc. - Th 11/14 from 12-1

Any questions? 0 Come talk to me!! Byrne Hall 518