Applying to graduate school in psychology can be both exhilarating and daunting

Applying to graduate school in psychology can be both exhilarating and daunting. With fall fast approaching and application deadlines looming, there is no better time to seek expert guidance and demystify the process. In this article, our three esteemed graduate school experts generously share their wisdom to address the most popular questions that psychology students often encounter during the application process. Discover the keys to your successful graduate school application.
With so many students applying to graduate school, what can I do to stand out from the crowd?
Julie: Be uniquely yourself. No one else has your exact life experience. Describe the unique/diverse perspectives you would bring to a cohort. Tell your story and why that story motivates you to pursue psychology.
Mitch: It seems daunting to consider that admissions rates are so low. But fear not! About half of applicants do not really seem to understand that PhD programs are science-based approaches to psychology and thus require some exposure to prior research training. Many others unfortunately have not identified a specific area of research they are interested in, or a mentor who has agreed to take a student in the year they are applying. Beyond these straightforward issues, however, it is important to convey that you have scientific ideas and questions—some may even emerge from your prior professional or lived experiences—that you are interested in investigating. And by definition, those are unique to you!
Jocelyn: I agree with my colleagues—be yourself! We each have unique talents and skills that make us who we are. Highlight what makes you stand out from the rest. This includes providing specific examples that illustrate how you “fit” into the program you are applying to. Of course, be sure to research the program to identify how you connect to it. Your “story” should be interesting and should engage the reviewers from the beginning to the end.
What is the biggest mistake students make when applying to graduate programs?