Admissions

Admissions Overview

The Department of Psychology typically receives over 350 applications annually for our Ph.D. programs. The incoming class each year ranges from 15 to 30 students. Our admissions process is centered within our areas of specialization (behavior analysis, counseling, developmental, neurobehavioral and cognitive sciences, social). Given the large number of applications we receive, student files will normally be reviewed only by the area of specialization that represents the primary interest of the student. Area faculty independently review applications and make recommendations for admission and funding to a department-wide committee that makes the final decision on funding offers.

Admissions decisions are based on a number of factors, including research experience, grades, standardized test scores, undergraduate coursework, match between student and faculty research interests, letters of recommendation, and relevant volunteer/work experience. Prospective students are encouraged to contact area directors and individual faculty members regarding their research interests. The Psychology Department opposes any form of discrimination against people on the basis of their gender, race, ethnic affiliation, physical handicaps, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, or national origin. The Department encourages and supports graduate application and graduate work by members of minorities and other underrepresented groups.

The Department of Psychology DOES NOT OFFER a terminal masters degree.

If you are seeking admission to the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology please visit their home page for more information.

Application Deadlines

For admission for the Fall 2010 semester, the deadline for receipt of all applications to the Ph.D. Program is *January 1*. Applications completed by the deadline will receive full consideration. Review of applications begins early in January and all supplementary materials – transcripts, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation – must be received by *Monday, January 4*. The Department of Psychology *only* admits new students to begin in the Fall semester.

How to Apply

1. Application to Graduate School at the University of Florida starts with the completion of the online application. In the Academic Programs portion of the online application, please make sure you select; "Psychology (Psychology-Lib Arts& Sciences)" and then specify your specialization.
    
2. In addition, the Department of Psychology requires that you complete the Psychology Department Application form.
    
3. All application materials noted below should be sent directly to the Department of Psychology. To expedite the processing of your application, all application materials should be sent in one envelope addressed to:
   

   Amanda Foote, Graduate Program Assistant
   Department of Psychology
   PO Box 112250
   University of Florida
   Gainesville, FL 32611-2250
    

Required Application Materials

• University of Florida Graduate School Application - Applying online saves time in processing your application. You do not need to send a copy of your main application to the Department office.
   
• Psychology Department Application - Send this application form to the Department office.
   
• Statement of Intent - The department requires a one to two-page document describing your areas of professional interest and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree. This should be mailed directly to the Department office. We do not accept the online copy of the statement of intent included in the online UF application.
   
• Resume - Submit your current resume describing your education and employment history.
   
• GRE Scores - Each applicant is responsible for submitting a copy of the official score report to the Department office. This can be sent by FAX or regular mail. At the request of applicants, ETS sends official score reports directly to the Graduate Admissions Office at the University, but a separate copy is also needed for the department. The Department code for Psychology is 2016. GRE scores must be received by January 5. We do not expect students to complete the Psychology Subject Test. Scores older than five years will not be accepted.
  **NOTE** It takes between 6 - 8 weeks for GRE scores to be sent from ETS to both the applicant and the University of Florida. If you take the GRE in late November or December, your scores will not likely be received by the January deadline. Plan your testing date accordingly.
   
• TOEFL Scores - International Students must submit a minimum score of 213 (computer test) or 550 (paper test) on the TOEFL.
   
• Transcripts - An official copy of your transcripts for all previous college coursework must be submitted to both the Graduate Admissions Office and the Department Office. Make sure that your transcript indicates your GPA. You need a minimum 3.0 GPA for all upper-division undergraduate coursework.
   
• Letters of recommendation - We *DO NOT* accept the online letters of recommendation included in the online UF application. Three letters of recommendation on letterhead stationery, with original signatures from faculty members, must be mailed to the department or included in your application packet. This should include at least one letter from a faculty member at the last institution attended. Please include this Letter of Recommendation form.
   

Qualifications

Undergraduate preparation should include at least one course in experimental psychology and one course in statistics. Minimum preparation for graduate admission also includes courses in at least three of the following areas - cognition, development, learning, personality, physiological-comparative, sensory, and social.

Recent entering graduate classes had an average Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Verbal and Quantitative Score above 1250 and a grade point average (GPA) for the last two years of 3.8. Applicants with an overall GPA below 3.0 or a combined GRE below 1000 will be considered only under special circumstances. In addition to GRE and GPA criteria, the admission committees rate previous research activities and other experience, letters of recommendation, and how well the student’s background and research interests match those of our faculty seeking new students.

Are you Prepared for Graduate School?

• Graduate Study in Psychology Survey and Answer Key
   
• 10 Things You Need to Know Before You Apply
   
• Successful Strategies for Getting into Graduate School in Psychology
   
• Effective Personal Statements, Resumes and Letters of Recommendation: What you Need to Know
   
• Interviewing
   
• Distinguishing Clinical and Counseling Psychology