Graduate School Preparation

-- by Greg Neimeyer, Ph.D.

Dr. Neimeyer has generously provided his PowerPoint presentations from his various workshops relevant to graduate preparation. Specific topics are shown below:

• Preparing for graduate school in psychology
• Finding the best program
• Applying to graduate schools in psychology
• Interviewing isn't everything: It's the only thing
• Putting it all together

Useful Websites

Information about graduate school opportunities in psychology:

• The Virtual Advisor: Successful Strategies for Getting Into Graduate School in Psychology - developed by our very own Dr. Neimeyer and Dr. Stevenson, this program gives an inside perspective on the graduate admissions process. It is available for purchase through SAGE publications.
• CUDCP (Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology) - A general information page for students considering applying to graduate programs in preparation for a career in clinical psychology. The page helps students by providing information about the various types of programs and requirements so they, in collaboration with advisors, can decide what is best for them. Click on the link entitled “CUDCP 2010 Graduate School Fact Sheet”.
• APA Accredited Doctoral Programs in Professional Psychology - in the specialty areas of clinical, counseling, school, or combined professional-scientific psychology.
• Behavior Analysis Certification Board - provides information on national certification and approved graduate training training programs in behavior analysis.
• PsychGrad.org, the Psychology Graduate Applicant's Portal - many useful sources of information for the various tasks involved in applying to graduate school in psychology.
• PhDs.org - find the graduate school that's right for you; search by putting in your own parameters of interest. Lots of other resources, too.
• Career-Related Information by Jeffrey L. Helms, PsyD - lists a number of websites relevant to graduate school preparation in psychology. Also check out the relevant articles.
• Clarion University, Jeanne M. Slattery - offers a number of links related to graduate school in psychology (check out basic skills, career or graduate school?, and finding a graduate school).
• National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology - click the "Students" link for a list of schools and programs in professional psychology as well as other student-related information.
• Social Psychology Network - a site with rankings on all psychology programs (not just social) and on clinical and PsyD programs as well. Click on the links in "Other Psychology Options" to start.
• APA Education Directorate: A Guide to Getting Into Graduate School - discusses the "three keys to graduate school acceptance": preparation, application know-how, and patience.
• Academy of Clinical Psychological Science - for students interested in more research-oriented clinical programs, click the "Members" link to get links to clinical science graduate programs.
• Council of Applied Master's Programs in Psychology - for students interested in master's-level applied psychology training programs.
• Gradschool.com - a site about graduate school in general. Beneficial if you want to peruse your grad school options in multiple areas.
• Peterson's: Graduate Planner - a general site with info on grad schools, law schools, medical schools, etc.

Graduate School in Psychology: FAQ

Q: What courses are recommended if I am interested in going to graduate school?
A: Students interested in attending graduate school in psychology should take a wide range of psychology courses including the advanced lab. Students are also encouraged to do a senior thesis.

Q: When should I take the GRE?
A. Students should take the GRE no later than 3 months before applications are due to graduate programs.

Q: Can/should I take the GRE again if I do not do well?
A. Depending on your score and the requirements of the programs you are going to apply to, you can and should take the GRE again.

Q: Should I take the GRE Psychology subject test?
A. Most graduate programs do not require the subject test. However, students should contact the specific programs to which they intend to apply in order to determine whether the program requires the subject test.

Q: When should I start preparing for graduate school in psychology?
A. Students should ideally begin preparation for graduate school the second semester of their sophomore year. If students wait until junior year, they can still make themselves competitive for graduate school. If students wait until senior year, they will need to become highly involved in research very quickly to make themselves competitive. However, even a small amount of research experience is better than none.

Q: Besides GPA and GRE scores, what else is important when applying to graduate school?
A. Research experience, clinical experience (if applying to Clinical or Counseling programs), field experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements are extremely important.

Q: When should I request applications to graduate programs?
A. Most graduate programs have their applications online. Students should ideally send their applications several weeks before the application deadline.

Q: Where can I get information about specific graduate programs?
A. Students should look at the useful websites at the bottom of this page. They should also directly contact universities regarding their graduate programs. Many of the bookstores in Gainesville have books that contain very useful information about graduate programs. For example, an Insider’s Guide to Clinical and Counseling Psychology Graduate Schools is a very useful book for students interested in applying to clinical and counseling programs.

Q: Do all psychology graduate programs start in the fall?
A. Most psychology graduate programs start in the fall, but you should again check with the particular program that you are applying to and see when they start their program.

Q: What information do I include in my applications?
A. Students should include a transcript from every university or college they may have attended, a personal statement, a resume or vitae, and letters of recommendation. Students should also make sure that their GRE scores were sent to the schools where they are applying. If a student conducted a senior thesis, sending the thesis with the other material would be appropriate. Different schools may have additional requirements, so be sure to double check with the school that you are applying to and tailor your application package to their requirements.

Q: What information should I provide to faculty writing letters of recommendation for me?
A. Providing your personal statement, resume, unofficial transcript, and self-addressed envelopes are helpful. You can also include anything else that would help your recommender to write a strong letter on your behalf. Here is an example recommendation letter form that you can take to the person who is writing you a letter.