Applying to PhD Programs

MAKE SURE IT IS APA APPROVED! If the program is not approved by APA, you may have problems finding internships/employment: http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/doctoral.html.

Do your research! Know the faculty research interests at the university and be sure that one or two are compatible with yours. Doctoral programs frequently refer to “fit” as key for acceptance.

Introduce yourself! Email faculty whose programs most interest you. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t receive a reply. Some professors are too busy to respond. But they may remember your name at review time.

Don’t limit yourself! Being inflexible about certain geographic areas can seriously hinder your chances of being accepted into a good program.

Improve your numbers! Some graduate programs receive over 500 applications, and take as little as 4 students. Unfortunately, a program will “screen out” applicants using GPAs and GRE scores. Having at least a 3.5 GPA and a 1200 on the GRE will make you more competitive.

Narrow your choices! Selecting 8-10 programs is a good idea. Choose a couple that you may not meet criteria for, as well as a few whose criteria you exceed. The rest should be those programs that are the most compatible.

Finally, build up a resume! Form relationships with faculty in your current program and participate in research activities. You need letters of recommendation that can attest to your character and aptitude and experiences that serve as examples of your motivation and commitment to the field.
Good luck and happy hunting!

please visit http://www.apa.org/apags/edtrain/

Danielle Ross

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