Preparing for Graduate School in Psychology. Important Factors in Graduate Admissions (Keith-Spiegel) 158 faculty who had served on admissions committees

Preparing for Graduate School in Psychology

Important Factors in Graduate Admissions(Keith-Spiegel)

158 faculty who had served on admissions committees

Told to assume that grades, test scores, and lettersof recommendation were important and asked torate 138 other factors using a scale that ranged from -3 to +3

-3 = negative or detracts significantly from application+3 = very impressive and significantly enhances application

Important Factors in Graduate AdmissionsPublished author of a paper (2.89)Sole author of paper presentation (2.49)Letter from mentor (2.45)Letter from well-known psychologist (2.45)Personal statement shows sustained focus (2.39)Junior authorship on research article (2.28)Top 5% of class (overall GPA) (2.28)Writes well (2.28)Includes research paper/Senior Thesis (2.19)Establishes “match” with graduate

program (2.05)

Important Factors in Graduate Admissions

Sole author of paper presentation at undergraduateconferences (2.05)

Research Assistant (2.04)“Self-starter,” according to recommendation (1.96)Junior author of paper presentation (1.96)Won departmental research award (1.92)Highly motivated to achieve (1.86)Participated in Honor’s program (1.82)Responsible and dependable (1.72)Member of Phi Beta Kappa or other

scholarship program (1.68)

•Preparation within the classroom-overall class standing-participation in Honor’s program-membership in scholarly associations•Preparations outside the classroom-research -presentations-faculty appraisals

Preparing Within Your Classroom

1. Classes to take2. Grades to make3. Introduce yourself4. Be an active learner5. Read primary sources6. Study to learn (the material),

not earn (the grade)

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1. Classes to TakeStatisticsResearch MethodsPsychology of Learning Experimental PsychologyDevelopmental PsychologyPhysiological PsychologyAbnormal Psychology Cognitive PsychologySensation and Perception

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2. Grades to MakeOverall, 3.3 for Masters programs

and 3.5 for Doctoral programsThree GPAs

-overall GPA-GPA in the major-GPA in the last two years

Most undergraduates concentrate too much on their GPAs and too little on other factors

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3. Introduce YourselfIntroduce yourself to your professor after the

first or second classProfessors enjoy knowing their studentsAspiring graduate students are special “I just wanted to introduce myself. My name

is ______, and I’m really looking forward to this class. I’m considering graduate study in the fieldand I know this class will be helpful to me in deciding on my directions and preparing forgraduate school.”

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4. Be an Active Learner

Ask questionsAsk for additional readingsTalk to your professor after class Volunteer for extra-credit opportunitiesTake leadership in projects

or presentations

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5. Read Primary Sources

Note references in your textbook and look up

interesting articles Start reviewing journals in your area(s)

of interest

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6. Orient Towards Learning (the Material),not Earning (the Grade)

Don’t forget that your grade is a means toward and end

Grades aren’t as important in graduate school-grades of a “B” or better are required-no one ever looks at your grades again

In graduate school, good grades arenecessary but not sufficient-

Preparing Outside Your Classroom

Developing Experiences, Qualifications and Contacts

Finding the Best Program

Developing Experiences, Qualificationsand Contacts1. Join Psi Chi and the Psychology Club2. Become involved in research3. Do a Senior Thesis or an Honor’s Thesis4. Publish or present your research5. Volunteer in the community6. Go to departmental presentations7. Assume leadership positions8. Go to office hours and develop

relationships with professors

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Documents

Preparing for Graduate School in Psychology. Important Factors in Graduate Admissions (Keith-Spiegel) 158 faculty who had served on admissions committees