The 4 Biggest Mistakes Made When Applying to Graduate School in Psychology

The 4 Biggest Mistakes Made When Applying to Graduate School in Psychology

By Pamela Whitehead

Undoubtedly, psychology graduate admissions committees come across quite a few application faux pas when reading through their stacks of applications. When applying to graduate school in psychology every single element of the graduate school application package matters! No matter if you're applying to masters or doctorate programs, you're dealing with lots of competition come time for the admissions committee to convene and review applications. Here are some of the biggest mistakes you can make when applying to graduate school that actually keep you from getting into graduate school.

1. Applying to a graduate program that doesn't exist

Let's say that you're interested in earning a masters or doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. You apply to the local university in your city because you would like to stay close to your friends and family. Only there's one problem... The university you're interested in doesn't have a Clinical Psychology program in the first place.

2. Applying to graduate programs because of location

Ever wonder why UCLA or University of Miami get tons of applications to their psychology graduate programs? But of course! Everyone wants to move to this location to lay on the beach in between classes. Have you ever considered that a better fit for your research interests or professional aspirations might be at an university across the country? Similarly, have you ever considered that doggedly applying to these programs might keep you out of graduate school? Masters and Ph.D. programs in psychology typically admit students because of fit - not because you like the weather or are too afraid to pick up and move across the country. Now, understandably, some prospective students cannot move because of job, family, or other obligations. Unless you're willing to go for an online masters or doctorate program, be aware that you may be constraining your opportunities to further your education.

3. Not completing your application

Although many universities publish the number of applications received vs. the number of admitted students, you likely will not hear about the number of applications that get tossed out with the garbage for being incomplete. Don't end up being part of the statistics of students who get turned away from graduate school.

4. Not giving your personal statement essay adequate attention

Most applicants stress themselves out over whether their GPA or GRE scores are high enough to get into graduate school. However, please be aware that you can be rejected even if you have a perfect 4.0 and GRE scores beyond reproach. Many students leave the personal statement essay as an afterthought, whereas it can be one of the greatest assets to graduate school application. Rather than an objective measure of potential, the personal statement is where you can advocate for yourself, highlight your well-thought out research interests, showcase your critical thinking skills, and present a compelling argument that you are an ideal candidate for graduate school. You don't want to do an "OK" job on this piece of your application package. Get it proofread several times. And if you're not a great writer, seek out professional help with your personal statement.

Did you know that less than 10% of applicants get into the graduate school of their choice? Personal statement writing is your chance to stand out from other applicants! Visit Doctorate Degree Psychology for more tips and strategies on how to get into grad school!

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Critical Thinking Skills Help You Get Into Graduate School in Psychology

Critical Thinking Skills Help You Get Into Graduate School in Psychology

By Pamela Whitehead

"Psychology is easy. It's just common sense." How many psychology students have uttered those words only to find out that they had underestimated the field of psychology? Earning a doctorate degree in psychology is certainly not about repeating "common sense," but actually creating new knowledge by extensive use of your critical thinking skills. Not only are these skills engaged in research, but also in writing. While the college experience is supposed to engage these analytical skills, many students leave the university without them.

Solid critical thinking skills is one of the underlying factors that separates those who get into graduate school in psychology from those who do not. Rather than memorizing facts in preparation for an exam, getting a doctorate degree in psychology relies upon creating new knowledge. That is, designing your own research to extend scientific knowledge about human behavior as we know it today.

Whether you realize it or not, critical thinking skills are important to convey in your personal statement. As a matter of fact, your letters of recommendation that accompany your graduate school application package should speak to your ability to think critically. Graduate admissions committees want to know that not only do you have an interest in your area of specialization, but that you have knowledge of the field and specific ideas about where the field needs to go from here. And, yes, all of this is reliant not upon regurgitating facts, but have critical thinking skills. These are one of the factors that many applicants lack that essentially keeps them out of graduate school.

Critical Thinking In Psychology: Separating Sense From Nonsense is one of recommended books you should read if you're interested in bolstering your critical thinking skills before you apply to graduate school. It is technically a textbook that some schools actually require that students purchase for their classes. If you haven't taken many courses that require you to analyze passages, create original research studies, or analyze actual data, then you may benefit from reading this book before you go onto graduate school.

Did you know that less than 10% of applicants get into the graduate school of their choice? Personal statement writing is your chance to stand out from other applicants! Visit Doctorate Degree Psychology for more tips and strategies on how to get into grad school!

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Career Paths in Psychology - Do I Need to Get a Doctorate Degree in Psychology?

Career Paths in Psychology - Do I Need to Get a Doctorate Degree in Psychology?

By Pamela Whitehead

Lots of people apply to psychology doctorate programs because they believe it is the next step in their education and have run out of ideas about what else to pursue as a career. There are many career paths in psychology and going onto get a doctorate degree in psychology is just one of many options. At the doctoral level, you invest a minimum of five years in most psychology graduate programs. You need to be sure that a doctorate degree will get you closer to your ultimate career goal. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a good idea to apply to graduate school if you're not 100% sure that this career path is for you. (And most graduate admissions committees at the doctoral level are screening carefully between lackluster applicants and those who really truly want to go on to earn a doctorate in psychology).

Career Paths in Psychology: Where Your Degree Can Take You

Career Paths in Psychology: Where Your Degree Can Take You was published by the American Psychological Association (APA). The APA offers its seal of approval on nationally accredited graduate programs in psychology. Whether you're currently a college freshman, thinking about majoring in psychology, or already a masters degree student, Career Paths In Psychology is a go-to resource to educate yourself about your career options. You will be walked through 14 different psychology career options - taking you through a "Day in the Life" of each professional to allow a glimpse into the rewards and challenges of each path. (Also realize as you read that each professional has been successful in their chosen career path, so while their perspectives may be slightly biased, it does give you a picture of what your career might be like).

Career Paths In Psychology Is Recommended For...

* Someone who is strongly considering pursuing a doctorate degree in psychology, but isn't 100% clear on which subfield to specialize in or other career options outside of academia.

* If you think that psychology is all about counseling and sitting on the couch to work out your problems, you will learn about other areas of specialization in psychology.

* If you're interested in the average salary range for different careers in psychology, then you will find valuable information here. (Most psychologists don't go into the field to earn 6 figure salaries. Other factors motivate them, such as specializing in an area of interest or making significant contributions to solve social problems).

Who Is This Book Not Recommended For?

* If you're not interested in going the distance to earn a Ph.D., this book may not be for you. There is a strong emphasis on answering the question of "What can I do with a Ph.D. in psychology" and not "What career options do I have with a bachelors in psychology?" or "What kind of career can I expect with a masters degree in psychology?" If you are interested in getting the latter questions answered, there are more suitable books such as Finding Jobs With a Psychology Bachelor's Degree and Great Jobs for Psychology Majors.

Did you know that less than 10% of applicants get into the graduate school of their choice? Personal statement writing is your chance to stand out from other applicants! Visit Doctorate Degree Psychology for more tips and strategies on how to get into grad school!

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