Some things I wish I knew about applying to graduate school
By Sophia DiLavore UA ’25 and Jim Stellar
At this point, as a team, we two have written three blogs mostly on ADHD. Here is the last one that links to the other two. Now that Sophia has graduated, we turn our attention to another topic as reflected in the title. We aim to address the question of how a clinical psychology oriented undergraduate navigates the next step on her way to going to graduate school in this field.
To start with a story about her, I begin with the fact that college can be a stressful time especially when a student is not certain about exactly what career path they would like to dedicate their entire life to pursuing. Briefly, it is important to explore your interests even if you have the slightest curiosity about a topic, find a class to take to learn more about it. During the summer of my sophomore year of undergrad I (SD) realized my passion for psychology but did not quite know a career path yet. I wanted to learn as much as possible in the field so I was committed to pursue opportunities to learn in any way that I could.
One of the most important lessons I have learned in this pursuit is that there are so many resources that are there to help you, but you will not benefit from them until you take the initiative to ask. So, it is important to create professional relationships, perhaps first with your professors, whether you stop by their office hours or ask them about their research. Attend events like research symposiums and join clubs/organizations to immerse yourself. Expressing your genuine interest and excitement to others goes a long way.
After earning my BA in psychology I decided to pursue a second bachelor’s degree in biology at a different university. Even though this is not the “traditional” path students take in pursuing a PhD, I know it is the right one for me. I want to build a stronger foundation in biology and neuroscience in preparation for graduate school in Clinical Psychology. Many students choose to pursue a masters degree and/or work full time in a lab for a few years, however, one should always choose the path that works best for them, and this is mine. While pursuing the second BS I am also working in a research laboratory to gain hands-on experience with the neuroscience methods used in human psychology research. I will not only gain some skills, such as learning how to execute EEG studies, but I will also deepen my learning about how one actually applies techniques to study the brain to clinical psychology populations.
Before you apply to graduate school it is a good idea to prepare beforehand. Other than maintaining a decent GPA, there are many things to take into consideration before applying.
Here are some things I (SD) wish I had learned sooner:
* Depending on the number of schools you choose to apply to you must dedicate a large portion of your time to writing personal statement essays. These essays give you a chance to express your interest in the university and specific professors you want to work with. It is a good idea to ask your mentors or your college’s writing center to review them. It is also an opportunity to learn about why you want what you want.
* Application costs and official transcripts costs add up quickly especially if you are applying to more than a handful of schools. Additionally, if you choose to take the GRE there are costs associated with the exam itself and any prep materials you may use. You may want to consider the costs associated with applying and prepare yourself.
*Many organizations offer grants and scholarships, but they are not always easy to find. Ask current graduate students, mentors, and search online for opportunities because some schools may not provide a stipend for the entirety of your enrollment or you can use these scholarships in pursuit of a different degree.
* Graduate schools expect applicants to have research experience. If you do not have research experience, you must try to get involved as early as possible. You could work as an undergrad research assistant in a lab at your school or find a local hospital and volunteer. You could also participate in independent study.
* Some graduate programs, e.g. PhD, pay for your education by offering you a scholarship and by paying your tuition. You have to be a teaching assistant and work in a professor’s laboratory to promote their (and the university’s) research. But those are precisely the experiences you will need to be successful as a clinician, professor, or both. If you go into a professional program (e.g. PsyD, or Master’s program) this funding generally does not happen.
We are going to stop here, but plan to continue following SD, after working with JS on blog writing on ADHD, as she takes this next step in what she now sees as her long-term path forward to more education.
