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Tests

For many graduate programs in psychology, especially master’s programs, the GRE is required. That being said, a good testing strategy is to only take the GRE if required or strategically helpful (check the programs you want first!).

Finding the right program

  • Clarify your path early
    • There are many degree options within the field of Psychology (PhD vs MA/MS vs PsyD) and many subfields (clinical, social, health, developmental, cognitive, I/O, forensic, public health, etc.). Try to figure out what you want early so that you prepare and apply to programs that fit your goals.
    • For clinical PhD: confirm accreditation (APA or PCAS) and licensure compatibility in your target state; review APPIC internship match rates.
    • For PsyD: weigh funding, tuition, and practicum quality; prioritize programs with substantial funding and strong match rates.
  • Build your research experience
    • Show methods breadth
      • Survey design (Qualtrics/REDCap)
      • Quantitative (SPSS/R/Python)
      • Qualitative (NVivo/Dedoose)
      • Psychophysiology (HRV/EDA)
    • Include any measurable impacts on your CV.
  • Target programs by faculty fit
    • Identify 2-3 potential advisors per program whose recent papers align with your interests and methods
    • Track fit and programs in a spreadsheet

Application Materials

  • Tailor your statements
    • Statement of Purpose
      • 1-2 pages
      • Brief motivation, specific past training, 2-3 potential advisors with paper references, methods you’ll bring, future directions
  • Clinical Statement of Purpose
    • Articulate theoretical orientation, population interests, practica/training goals, supervision needs
  • DEI statement
    • Connect lived experience to structural analysis and concrete actions/outcomes
  • Choose and polish a writing sample
    • Pick your strongest empirical or applied piece; anonymize and tighten methods and results
    • If you don’t have one, develop a short empirical paper (secondary analysis) or a polished program evaluation/report
  • Letters of recommendation
    • Request 2-3 letters 8-10 weeks before deadlines. Provide CV, unofficial transcript, SOP draft, and a “brag sheet” of achievements
    • Waive your right to read letters; send reminders 2 weeks and 3 days before due dates

Make your application stand out

  • Reach out to professors you are interested in (briefly and professionally)
    • Email 1-2 months before deadlines
    • 2 short paragraphs on your interests and methods, 1-2 references to their recent papers, and a polite question about taking students
    • Attach a 1-page CV
  • Prepare for interviews
    • Know the lab’s last few papers
    • Be ready to discuss your projects and methods (design decisions, failures, iterations, etc.).
    • Prepare questions about mentorship style, authorship policies, lab culture, resources, and training milestones
    • For clinical programs, ask about practicum selection, supervision model, case loads, time tracking, and match preparation

Other advice

  • Understand funding and offers
    • Decode packages: stipend, tuition remission, fees, health insurance, guaranteed years, summer support, expected TA/RA load
    • Compare cost of living and hidden fees
      • For example, ask current students about the actual workload
  • Common pitfalls to avoid
    • Generic SOPs that don’t name faculty
    • Misrepresenting roles (e.g., “diagnosed” without appropriate training)
    • Ignoring funding details
    • Applying to too many programs without tailored materials