Neuroscience: Getting into Grad School
Overview
It takes time and a lot of work to determine which graduate program is best for you. Start early and use the steps below as a guide:
- Get Involved in labs, research, independent study - whatever! This helps you figure out your interests and provides practical experience that looks good on applications.
- Start Early - see Career Services' Graduate School Application Checklist for a timeline of tasks.
- Research, Research, Research - whether you're motivated by prestige of an institution, working with a specific researcher, geographic location, or some other variable, you need to research to determine what your options are. Read up on programs, requirements, faculty and more to determine which schools are the best fit for you.
- Talk to people - You have many resources at your disposal - current graduate students, faculty, career services, writing center, & library staff - who can answer questions you have about expectations, requirements, standards, and more. Utilize them.
- Prepare - whether you're studying for the GRE, writing your personal statement, practicing for an interview, all of these steps take time and practice. Plan ahead and rely on others to give you feedback so that you can put your best foot forward.
Rankings of Graduate Programs
- Psychology - U.S. News & World ReportRanking of graduate programs with option to limit based on specialties: behavioral neuroscience, cognitive, developmental, I/O, & social. Provides very basic information about each school.
- U.S. Psychology Ph.D. Programs by Research AreaIt's worth taking note on the currency (or lack thereof) of the information on which the rankings are based.
Do your Research
Graduate Study in Psychology by Call Number: BEST Library, Reference, Basement | BF77 .G73 2015provides basic overview of programs including application requirements, acceptance rates; tuition costs; internship & scholarship availability; plus other relevant information for ~600 psychology graduate programs in the U.S. & Canada.
Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology by ISBN: 1462525725Publication Date: 2016-02-09This perennial bestseller is the resource you can rely on to help you select--and get into--the graduate clinical or counseling psychology programs that meet your needs. The Insider's Guideis based on intensive research and includes information and step-by-step guidance not available from any other source. In-depth profiles on more than 300 accredited programs provide details on specializations or tracks, admission requirements, acceptance rates, financial aid, research areas, clinical opportunities, and more. Special features include tips on completing prerequisite coursework, accumulating clinical and research experience, and writing your CV. A handy time line pinpoints important steps to take in the months and years leading up to submitting your applications. Planning and decision-making worksheets help you streamline the selection process and identify your top choices. The 2016/2017 Edition features updates throughout and new content on student loans, internship match rates, and GRE preparation.
- Peterson's Directory of Graduate SchoolsAllows you to filter results based on location, type of degree, area of study, tuition, and setting.
- APA Guide to Applying to Graduate SchoolGreat resource on everything you wanted to know about applying to graduate school including: how to choose a program, standing out, application checklist and timeline, and advice and FAQs from professionals.
- Purdue OWL: Researching Programsprovides an overview of practical details to consider before applying, tips to clarify your own research interests, and how to research faculty members.
Connect with a Researcher
- Council on Undergraduate Research Registry of Undergraduate ResearchersThe purpose of this registry is to facilitate matchmaking between undergraduates with research experience and a desire to pursue an advanced degree, and graduate schools seeking high quality students who are well prepared for research. This service is FREE to students.
What to do with a Psychology Degree
- APA Careers in PsychologyOffers a basic overview of psychology subfields, a projection of the field at all educational levels, details on the varied places psychologists work, and more.
Test prep materials
Barron's New GRE by Call Number: King Library (2nd floor) | LB2367.4 .G724 2011Test prep for analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning sections with emphasis on mastering the level 4 & 5 questions.
Cracking the GRE Psychology Subject Test by Call Number: BEST Library, Reference | BF78 .C73 2010Comprehensive overview of general psychology concepts with a practice test included. Best used in conjunction with an intro psychology textbook.
- Free Practice Tests via OhioMeansJobsTo navigate to free practice tests, click on link above & follow these steps:
1. Click on Online Training link
2. Access Anonymously
3. Search 'GRE'