Beating the Competition and Getting into Graduate School

Sunday, 01 July 2007

When entering psychology degree programs some students get frustrated by the severity of the competition to get into graduate school. However, there is no need to get discouraged. Here are some ways to help your chances of getting accepted into graduate school and psychology degree programs. First, you will want to know what your graduate school looks for in test scores in order to be accepted for psychology degree programs. Usually, a graduate school will look for a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of 1200 or more.

If you are border line on the test score consider retesting for a higher score. You also cannot neglect your regular studies if you hope to get into graduate school – most expect a GPA of 3.3 or higher. You will also want to have some sort of volunteer or paid experience in your field of choice.

To prepare for psychology degree programs at your graduate school, experience in the field can help give you the edge. Volunteering at a local hospital or clinic that specializes in the field that you are most interested in will help you gain valuable practical experience, as well as give you a taste of what your career will really be like.

Do not neglect the advisor from your graduate school. They have the experience and the information to help guide you through all the steps of the admission process.

Do not forget about the role of community service and its influence on your graduate school. Not only will you be providing a very essential role in the community, having the leadership skills and self motivation to create the time to do community service will look favorably on your record.

Many psychology degree programs require academic research. Volunteering to work in a research lab and writing about your results will show your chosen graduate school that not only are you serious about the program as well as give you practice that you will need later on.

Do not ever underestimate the power of relationships. Letters of recommendation are a key factor of your getting into a graduate school, so make sure that you maintain a good relationship with the people that you work with. Letters can come from faculty members, physicians, or community leaders that know you well and have seen your work directly.

Keep in mind that communication skills are important to your admittance as well. It does not matter what your scores are if you are unable to put together a clear and professional application and interview. Practice interview with questions with a friend or fellow applicant until you are comfortable with your responses.

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