How to Prepare for Phd in Psychology
Gain admission to a four-year college or university and earn a B.A., Explore the various psychology specialties (social, behavioral, experimental, cognitive, clinical, health, industrial, etc), and decide which one you want to pursue., Procure an...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Gain admission to a four-year college or university and earn a B.A.
or B.S. in psychology.
Although some schools will consider students with a degree in a field other than psychology, majoring in psychology will give you a stronger application. -
Step 2: Explore the various psychology specialties (social
Read articles that have been published in every area that interests you.
Much of your time spent in graduate school will be spent doing research in your chosen specialty, so finding out what type of research interests you most can be incredibly helpful when selecting your specialty.
Seek advice from faculty in each specialty you are considering.
An experienced faculty member can provide guidance about graduate schools and careers in their area.
If possible, shadow someone who is currently practicing in the specialty you plan to pursue.
This will give you an idea of what the realities of the job will be. , In addition to looking great on an application, it can also be extremely helpful when trying to find someone to write a letter of recommendation. , Without a solid GPA, it will be virtually impossible to gain admission to a reputable PhD program. , Advanced research courses and courses in cognitive psychology can also be helpful regardless of your specialty. , Determine what you're looking for in a PhD program. , Include the names of the schools as well as a list of their application requirements. , You will most likely need to take the general exam as well as the GRE Subject Exam in Psychology.
Register for the GRE exams by going to the Educational Testing Service's website.
Study vigorously for both of these exams.
Your scores will factor heavily into the admission committee's decision. ,, Read any relevant information on preparing a statement of purpose for psychology PhD programs. -
Step 3: behavioral
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Step 4: experimental
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Step 5: cognitive
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Step 6: clinical
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Step 7: health
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Step 8: industrial
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Step 9: and decide which one you want to pursue.
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Step 10: Procure an internship or volunteer position that allows you to work with researchers in your chosen specialty.
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Step 11: Keep your GPA up.
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Step 12: Take any courses in your specialty offered by your department.
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Step 13: Decide which PhD programs you will apply to.
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Step 14: Make a list of programs you will apply to.
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Step 15: Take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
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Step 16: Request letters of recommendation from professors in whose classes you have performed well.
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Step 17: Write your statements of purpose.
Detailed Guide
or B.S. in psychology.
Although some schools will consider students with a degree in a field other than psychology, majoring in psychology will give you a stronger application.
Read articles that have been published in every area that interests you.
Much of your time spent in graduate school will be spent doing research in your chosen specialty, so finding out what type of research interests you most can be incredibly helpful when selecting your specialty.
Seek advice from faculty in each specialty you are considering.
An experienced faculty member can provide guidance about graduate schools and careers in their area.
If possible, shadow someone who is currently practicing in the specialty you plan to pursue.
This will give you an idea of what the realities of the job will be. , In addition to looking great on an application, it can also be extremely helpful when trying to find someone to write a letter of recommendation. , Without a solid GPA, it will be virtually impossible to gain admission to a reputable PhD program. , Advanced research courses and courses in cognitive psychology can also be helpful regardless of your specialty. , Determine what you're looking for in a PhD program. , Include the names of the schools as well as a list of their application requirements. , You will most likely need to take the general exam as well as the GRE Subject Exam in Psychology.
Register for the GRE exams by going to the Educational Testing Service's website.
Study vigorously for both of these exams.
Your scores will factor heavily into the admission committee's decision. ,, Read any relevant information on preparing a statement of purpose for psychology PhD programs.
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