Timeline for Applying for Graduate School in Psychology
When
Sophomore Junior Year
Summer
before Senior
Year
SeptemberNovember
What / Where / How
• Think about what type of program you're interested in
• Start talking to the faculty
• If you haven't already done so, find out if you can get involved in faculty research
or an Independent study project; consider taking a fieldwork course
• Explore careers in psychology – think about what you want to do career-wise,
then work back to see what program/degree is best for you. Some resources:
• Visit the Psychology Advising Office
• Books such as “Career Paths in Psychology”
• Join a psychology organization. (Such as Psi Chi or Psychology Society)
• Research joining national organizations such as American Psychological
Association- http://www.apa.org/membership/forstudents.html
• Look over Graduate Study in Psychology
• Start writing your personal statement
• Begin studying for the gres
• Prepare for gres.
− There is a General Exam and a Psychology subject exam, which may or not be
required depending on the program.
− You may want to enroll in a test prep course through Kaplan or UCLA Extension,
for example, or you can buy a guide and study on your own.
− Visit www.gre.org for more info on the exam.
− You need to schedule to take the GRE at a test center (schedule via GRE
website) – do not wait until the last minute to schedule a date and time!
• Research graduate programs and make a list of programs to which you want to
apply -- “Graduate Study in Psychology” or “Insider’s Guide to Graduate Study in
Clinical and Counseling Psychology” (see reverse side for details) are good
resources.
• Find out requirements for the programs on your list (visit program websites.)
• Call programs to request an application or check the school’s website to see if the
applications are available online.
• If possible, visit potential schools and meet with faculty or advisors in the program
you are interested in to get a better picture of the program and to get questions
answered
• Near the start of the semester, write to schools for information about their
programs
• As you receive this information, start making your final list of schools you will
apply to
• Continue studying for the gres
• In October take the gres
• Near the middle of the semester, ask professors to write letters of
recommendation
• Take psychology subject exam (if required).
• Work on resume/curriculum vitae, for help on resume formatting and editing visit
the ucla career center, http://career.ucla.edu/workshops/dropincounseling.asp
• Request transcripts.
• Work on applications – give yourself enough time to make several drafts of your
essays and personal statement. Try to get feedback from faculty or graduate
student mentor or at the career center.
• Make a list of due dates for your applications and keep them in mind. (also check
to see whether application deadline are “received by” or “postmarked by”)
December
• Finalize and mail applications – Keep a copy for your records.
January February
• Make sure all parts of the completed applications were received (call or email the
grad admissions office)
• Send Thank You notes to professors/persons who wrote you letters
• Prepare/attend interview/open houses.
• If possible, visit the schools. They may fly you out for an interview or you may ask
if you can go then get yourself there
• Pray for acceptances
• By phone, check with departments to make sure your packet is complete and
being reviewed (includes all letters, scores, transcripts, application, etc.).
• Toward March, it’s OK to ask the schools if any decision has been made about
your application. You may be waitlisted, meaning not in the first group but a backup
since surely they won’t get all the applicants in the first group.
March/April
• Accept or decline offers. This may involve negotiation, which can be intimidating,
but don’t be afraid to ask about what financial support you will get in as assertive a
manner as you are comfortable with. Good gamblers do well here.
• If not accepted into program of choice, consider alternatives or reapplying.
May
• Finalize financial arrangements.
• Inform recommenders of the outcome.
• You’re on your way to graduate school!!