Applying to Graduate SchoolBarbara G. Licht, Ph.D.

Department of PsychologyFlorida State University

OVERVIEW• General Guidelines for Applying to Graduate School• Where to find information on specific programs• What kind of information to look for when deciding

where to apply• How many schools should you apply to?• General tips on completing applications• Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement• Interviewing with programs

General Guidelines

• Start looking early so there’s time to carefully consider different programs.

• Different grad schools for same degree may provide different kinds of training so read materials carefully.

• The best programs for you are the ones that best fit your interests, philosophy, career goals, and credentials.

Where to Find Information on Specific Programs

• For psychology programs, Advising Office (A209 PDB) has book listing all psych programs in North America.

• For “accredited” psychology programs involving applied practice (clinical, counseling, school), go to APA website <www.apa.org>

• Careers Course slides for career of interest.

• Ask professionals in field for recommendation of where to look (e.g., DIS supervisor, guest speakers if materials not in slides)

What Kind of Information to Look For

1. Type of training (e.g., evidence-based vs. eclectic; research emphasized vs. deemphasized, etc.)

2. Types of jobs their graduates get. Contact schools directly if not clear. 3. Financial assistance & cost of living in that location

4. I recommend against “for profit” schools. (.com)

5. Admission requirements: Be realistic but also optimistic.

What Kind of Information to Look For

6. Geographical location of school (less important if do out-of-state internship or post-doc, and/or want academic position)

7. Whether faculty interests “fit” with your interests

8. If have questions about specific program not answered by web or written materials, contact graduate secretary or head of that specific program.

What Kind of Information to Look For9. For programs with “apprenticeship” models (generally only for Ph.D.), find out if professors of interest are accepting students.

--Contact faculty member(s) of interest directly if not clear on web site.--Let them know you are interested in their work. This can help you get accepted, but be respectful of their time—don’t write long emails and ask lots of questions.

How Many Schools Should You Apply To?

• Depends on how competitive your credentials are.

• Depends on how competitive the schools are.

• General rule: For competitive programs, apply to at least 10, unless your credentials are exceptional.

• Project 1000 for disadvantaged minorities might help with application costs to STEM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math)

General Tips for Completing Application Materials

• Avoid spelling or grammar errors in all materials and communications.

• Do NOT leave questions blank.• Avoid mistakes that show you did not follow instructions!!!!!!• Make sure all email communications sound professional. • This means you cannot wait until 2-3 weeks before application

due.

Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement1. It is IMPORTANT--for some programs, may be most important part of application.

2. Have several people read for clarity, content, grammar, & spelling.

3. Can ask DIS or internship supervisor for general advice when applying to their particular area.

4. Can ask DIS or internship supervisor to read your statement, but only if it’s in good shape

& if you followed their early advice.

5. Highlight your individuality, but do NOT make it a disclosure of personal problems. Focus on the professional experiences & skills you developed to prepare yourself.

General Outline for Statement of Purpose• Describe professional goals.

• Can briefly explain how you initially got interested in field. Remember: Do NOT make this a self-disclosure!!

• Describe in detail what you did to prepare yourself. It is fine to repeat & elaborate what’s in resume. The statement presents a compelling narrative of how you went about preparing.

• BE HONEST --Don’t say you love research just because that is what they want to hear. --Highlight your great experiences without misrepresenting what you did.

Interviewing • Many programs (particularly applied ones) encourage top applicants to come

interview.

• Dress professionally!!

• Women: avoid cleavage, tight fitting clothes, or excessive jewelry or make-up.

• Suit is ideal for both men & women, unless told otherwise.

• Career Center offers practice interviews.

Interviewing: Prepare to Answer Questions 1. Why do you want to be a/an ________?

2. Why do you think you would be good at this career?

3. Why did you apply to this particular school & how highly do you rank them? Be honest.

4. What did you do to prepare yourself?

5. Be prepared to discuss anything from your resume, even if from years ago.

Interviewing: Prepare to Ask Questions • This helps you decide and shows you gave serious thought to grad school. • Do NOT ask these questions if already covered.

1. Jobs (post-docs, internships, if relevant) of recent graduates 2. Collaboration & camaraderie among faculty3. Collaboration & camaraderie among students 4. Typical number of years it takes to graduate5. If therapy training program, ask if they train in evidence-based treatments?6. Ask appropriate questions about interviewer’s work.7. Ask if possible to interview current students &/or get contact information for grads.