Getting Into Grad School Dr. Sam Hardy Associate Professor Chair of Graduate Admissions (non-Clinical Programs) Department of Psychology Brigham Young University

What do you want to do with your life? You can do any combo of the following with a psych grad degree: Teaching Research Application (therapy, consulting, program development, book writing, etc.) Click here for more information

What degree/program will get you there? Masters degree Clinical Social Work (MSW) Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) School Psychology Counseling Non-clinical Organizational Behavior (MOB) Doctoral degree Clinical Counseling Psychology PhD Clinical Psychology PhD PsyD Non-clinical Human Development & Family Studies Psychology (e.g., Social, Development) Educational Psychology

How do I get in to grad school? The Big 5 (mostly in this order) 1.Fit (between you and them) 2.Research experience 3.Letters of recommendation 4.Personal Statement 5.Scores (GRE/GPA)

(1) Fit Why it matters: Many programs are mentor-based (someone has to pick you) It’s better for both parties How to do it: Research people and programs Pick people/programs that match your interests/goals Reach out to potential mentors Are they taking students? Do they see it as a good fit?

(2) Research Experience Why it matters: Looks good on resume/CV Makes for the best letters of rec Helps you know what you want to do Knowledge/skills Grad school prep How to do it: Find professors with matching interests in Psychology, MFHD, Education, Business, Sociology, Social Work, etc. The better fit to your interests/goals the better. Contact them about positions in their lab. Work hard (attention to detail, reliability, innovative, punctuality, passion, etc.)

(3) Letters of Recommendation Why it matters: Third party reference Rich look at your personality, skills, work ethic, etc. Narrative of your experience/training We trust our peers How to do it: Ranking of letters 1.Research experience 2.TA or applied experience 3.Teacher you took class from 4.Employer or personal reference (bishop, etc.) Strategize about who to choose Strategize with them about what to include in letters Make it easy for them

(4) Personal Statement Why it matters: Writing sample Narrative of your experience/training Shows you have done your research on them Fit (your interests/goals) How to do it (outline) 1.Why you are interested in that field 2.Your experience/training that prepared you 3.Your specific interests/goals 4.Why their program (and who you want to work with)

(5) GRE/GPA Why it matters: Initial screening (easy way to separate wheat/tares) Evidence of preparation Predictor of future performance How to do it (besides STUDY): GRE Bad: Verbal (<60%; ~153), Quant (<40%; ~150), Analytical (<3) Acceptable: Verbal (60%-80%; ~ ), Quant (40%-60%; ~ ), Analytical (3) Good: Verbal (80%<; ~160), Quant (60%<; ~156), Analytical (4-5) GPA Bad (<3.0) Acceptable ( ) Good (3.75<)

Git-R-Done!