The most common required materials for applications to programs in psychology include:
* Undergraduate degree, preferably in psychology
Most programs specify that you need a certain number of credit hours of psychology courses. If you are a psychology major, you will exceed this number of hours. If psychology is not your major, you will likely have to complete additional undergraduate courses prior to successful admission to a program.
What courses should you take? Regardless of the type of program (experimental, clinical, counseling), programs like to see courses in experimental psychology, statistics, and research methods. You will be expected to take these types of courses to complete your M.A./M.S. and/or Ph.D./Psy.D., so familiarity as an undergrad will help you both get accepted and be successful as a grad student.
What non-psych courses should you take? Many programs recommend (or in some cases require) courses in math, computer science, biology, chemistry, and physics. The specific recommendations depend on the type of program you are applying to (i.e., neuropsychology programs look favorably on biology, chemistry, and neuroscience courses).
* Research experience
Programs, even those in the clinical fields, look very favorably on previous research experience. If you are planning to apply to schools this Fall, you still have time to sign up for research credits. This experience also helps a faculty member get to know you better, which will likely help if he/she is writing a recommendation letter for you.
* Program and/or university application form
Each program will likely have a form to either print out and send in, or complete online, with basic background information and demographics. Usually these demographics are sent to the University for statistics purposes, and are not stored with your departmental application. You will likely have a choice to not respond to some of the questions.
Some schools have BOTH a program application and a university/graduate school application. Double check to make sure you are completing the right number of forms!
* GPA
The university will calculate your total GPA, but some programs ask for additional calculations include: GPA in only psychology courses, and GPA in only your Junior and Senior years.
* Transcripts from all universities attended
If you attended other universities since high school, you will need to obtain copies of these transcripts in addition to your OSU transcript. It may take time for universities to process and mail prior transcripts. Plan accordingly.
Most programs require one (or multiple) copies of your official transcript. An official transcript may cost money to obtain, and is sent in a sealed envelope with the seal stamped (to show that you didn’t alter it in any way). Some programs may instead ask for an unofficial copy of the transcript, which you may be able to print off the registrar’s website for free.
* GRE-General scores
The GRE General Test (Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing) is required by nearly all (if not all) graduate programs in psychology. The test is computerized, and recently went through major revisions in the question content and format. This is not a test to take lightly! Start studying at least 1 month in advance of the test date, and utilize test-prep books and electronic practice tests. The actual test is done on a computer at a testing center in the local area. The GRE does cost money, so I’d recommend studying hard so you only have to take it once. If you do not do as well as you hoped on the test the first time you take it, you can take it again. Be advised that taking the exam a second time does not delete your first score. Schools you apply to will receive both scores and how the second score is treated varies by institution. For example, some schools average the scores while others treat each separately—another reason to as well as you can the first time. However, this process may be changing as the GRE is revised. Please use this link for additional GRE information.
* GRE-Psychology scores
Most programs now recommend instead of require the psychology GRE subject test, but if a program says that it “strongly recommends” this test you should likely take it. In addition, if you have a low GPA in psychology courses you may benefit from taking the GRE psych. The test is still paper-and-pencil, with testing conducted in the Spring and Fall only. Schedule early! Please use this link for additional GRE information.
* TOEFL score
If English is not your first language, you may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). If not, skip this step.
* CV
A CV should include your pertinent work history (only those related to psychology), applied/clinical and research experiences, any papers published or research presented at local/national conferences, any honors/awards, and any special language or computer proficiencies. Please use this link for more information about creating your CV.
* Personal statement
This is usually an open-ended question, in the vein of “tell me something about yourself.” Please use this link for more information about creating your personal statement, including common pitfalls students run into.
* Letters of recommendation
Programs generally require three letters of recommendation, and these should be from faculty members (preferably in psychology) rather than work sites. There may be a program-specific recommendation form, as well as the free-form recommendation letter. Please use this link for more information about obtaining recommendation letters.
* Application fee
Most universities will charge an application fee to apply to their graduate program. The amount of the fee depends on the program and the university. For example, OSU charges $40 to apply to the psychology graduate program. This fee will be charged regardless of your acceptance to the program. Thus, you should be diligent about making sure that you are a good fit for the program before applying. Please use this link for more information about application costs.