ARE YOU INTERESTED IN GRADUATE SCHOOL?

*some things to think about*

Research Experience : Experience working in a lab looks great on an application.   It will also help you get those letters of recommendation.  And probably most importantly, it will help you figure out what kind of research you’re interested in.  Here are the labs currently looking for undergraduate help. [link]

Advising : Contact the department advisor [link] as soon as you decide to declare a major, she can help you come up with a plan to stay on track.  Also contact your faculty advisor.  Everyone is assigned one. [link]  Talking to one of your TAs is also a good way to get informal advice about graduate school.

Independent Study : One good way to gain some research experience, or learn more about a topic you’re interested in is to do an independent study with a professor.  These are listed as classes, and you receive credit hours.  It’s also less of a commitment than the honors project- if it’s something you’re not sure about pursuing.  Also another great way to connect with a faculty member!

Psychology Honors Program : This is a great way to enhance your college experience with interesting seminars, research experience and a chance to work with a faculty mentor.  [link] Once again, all things that will really increase your chances of getting into the grad school you want.

Seminars are open to non-honors students though too, so don’t rule them out if you don’t think the honor’s program is for you.

Psi-chi : This group is the on-campus national honors society for psychology.  They have regular talks with faculty and other psychologists.  Find out what’s going on at their homepage [link]. 

The GRE : This is a requirement for graduate school, be sure to study up on what the required scores are for the colleges you’re applying to.  There’s many sites devoted to helping you get the best score possible: ETS [link}, GRE site [link], delpi center [link]

Letters of Recommendation : It’s never too soon to start thinking about these things.  You will most likely need two or three, from professors who really know you.  So get to know them- through research experience, seminars, mentoring or just talking to them!  Give them at least six weeks to complete the letters.  Give them a packet that includes: your transcript, your personal statement, the letter requirements [link], and a stamped and addressed envelope.

Resume : It’s always a good idea to have a resume or CV that you are continuously updating.

KNOW YOUR DEADLINES : Know when the applications are due, when you can take the GRE, and know your deadlines for getting things turned in to graduate.

Apply to more than one school : You will likely have a favorite choice, but unless you have plans for how to spend your year off, it’s a good idea to have a back-up choice (or two!)