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Step 1: Decide if you want
to go to graduate school or get a job immediately and pick an area
of specialization.
Step 2: Put together the materials you need to go on; please see our
tips for resumes, CV's, personal statements,
and cover letters.
If you want to go straight to work, here are some suggestions to get
you started.
If you're interested in graduate school, you've got some work to do.
- Decide if you want a MA, a Ph.D., or a PsyD--click to see the advantages
of each.
- Plan out your timeline for applications.
- Psi Chi has a great website to help with graduate
school decisions.
- Take the GRE. Visit the official site,
register early (take in late summer before your senior year--definitely
by October if possible), and do a little studying to get you ready.
Kaplan produces a great study book that includes a CD for some real-life
practice.
- Start looking at programs. APA publishes a list (book) of programs
with short descriptions, and both the department and our library have
copies available for students to see. Narrow it down by region, type
of program, strengths, and their requirements for eligibility.
- Request applications.
- Fill out your application materials, get recommender letters (start
early, be polite, and send thank-you notes), and get everything in the
mail with plenty of time for deadlines.
- Try to relax while you wait to hear back; some schools take longer
than others. If you haven't heard from programs by the second week of
March, feel free to do a follow up call. You do not have to legally
decide on a program before April 15th.
- Congratulations if you're in...make sure you visit the school, talk
with some current graduate students, plan your financial aid, and ask
your professors here for advice.
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