What’s important? What do graduate programs look for?

(from Couch & Benedict, 1983; Purdy, Reinehr & Swartz, 1989; Ford, 1994; Sengelaub, 1998)

Top Five Concerns –

Other: specific coursework, esp. Stats and RM (+ courses specific to your chosen field)

• Minor or second major
• Involvement in Honors program
• GRE – Subject test : often "strongly recommended"
• Statement of purpose on application form --looking for motivation and writing clarity!! 

GRE Information General Test (Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing)

Before you arrive, select four programs you will be applying to: your scores will be forwarded to those programs as part of your $130 fee. Costs $15 - $20 to send your universities.

You may re-take the test once every calendar month (max of 5 times each year), however, the programs you apply to are sent ALL of your scores, not just the most recent. Scores are good for 5 years. There are penalties for rescheduling – $40 fee. If you change with more than 7 days – you only get a partial refund – $65. Less than 7 days – no refund.

Registration for the GRE subject test: http://www.gre.org
NOTE: You can register online for the general test, however, you can only register for an 8AM slot.

The subject test is given three times each year – see dates below.

Click on "Test Takers"
You’ll need a credit card.
This page includes test dates (Nov 4, Dec 2, 2006 & April 14, 2007)
NOTE: Registration deadlines substantially precede test dates:
(9/29, 10/27, and 3/9, respectively)
(Mail scores on about: 12/15, 1/5, and 5/25)
--if you schedule and cancel within 15 days, you’ll get a $60 refund.

Subject Area (Psychology) – GRE

Info on test: http://www.gre.org/subdesc.html#psychology

Download free practice books: http://www.gre.org/pracmats.html#subjtest –please do not print in lab – it is 47 pages long!

• $130, Nearest test site: University of Evansville – if you get financial aid, check out fee waivers! In Fall 2004, some students have not been able to register locally. Though www.gre.org lists that U of E is a testing site. Sorry – you may still have to drive to Owensboro or Bloomington!
• Paper and pencil test

Takes several weeks to score, ETS: "no plans to change"
Sample questions at this site: ftp://etsis1.ets.org/pub/gre/239102.pdf
You need to have Adobe Acrobat to read this site. You can download it for free from the GRE website.

"Do I need to take the GRE Subject?"

• Yes, if you’re planning to apply to any programs that require it or even "strongly recommend" it.
• The Analytical Writing Assessment is now mandatory. This change went into effect October 2, 2002. There are sample tests available. You may type your answers or write them out. If you type your answers, you’ll get your score 3 to 4 weeks sooner.

To Which Programs Should You Apply?

Purchase a copy of the most recent version of Graduate Study in Psychology ($24.95) (ISBN: 159147423X) – 2007 Edition Barnes & Noble carries it, but it can be a bit cheaper online – do your own search, but it is only $16.47 through Amazon.

Or purchase on-line from APA:   http://www.apa.org/books/4270090.html It is cheaper for APA members ($21.95)

Decide what area of Psychology you want to specialize in - clinical, cognitive, industrial, etc. as not all schools offer all of the programs that may interest you.

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"Spread your bets" -- consider these in determining where to apply.

• What level do you wish to attain: Ph.D. vs. Psy.D. vs. M.S. (terminal vs. not)
• Program difficulty level/reputation
• Geography
• Finances - RAs, TAs, tuition waivers, etc.

After thoroughly reviewing Graduate Study in Psychology, write to your selected programs for the most current info., including application forms and financial information.

Keep in touch with your advisor throughout the process!