So summer is fast approaching and that means gearing up for grad school apps. I'm nervous! I'd love if anyone here who is or was in grad school has any advice when it comes to the GRE (and psych GRE if you took it), personal statement, and any research/work experience you had. And what kind of program are/were you in?

Are you planning on going to grad school for psych (i.e. counseling/clinical)? If so, feel free to PM me and I can get into more specific stuff.

In general, I would say applying to grad programs is different from undergrad in that there is more of an emphasis on match, especially in doc programs (at least in my experience). You would be a competitive candidate if you know what your goals are and can articulate it well (this would be helpful in the essay). They would look at how well your goals match the philosophy of their program. Of course, good grades and GREs and great recommendations are also important.

For GREs....I took them years ago and actually took the last paper and pencil test. Now it's all computerized. I would take practice tests and get some of those Princeton Review or ETS books. They now come with CDs that simulate the computer tests. If you don't do too well on the practice tests, you may want to look into the test prep courses. I took one and it was worth the money.

For me, work experience (especially clinical and research) really helped me in the application process. But it depends on which programs you are applying. If it's more clinical oriented they may look more at your experience working with people. If it's more academic, then the emphasis would lean more toward research. If it's a Ph.D. program in clinical psych...well, a lot of places look at both and may even emphasize research more, depending on the program. THis is especially the case for a program that follows the "scientist-practitioner" model.

Anyway, HTH! Let me know if you have specific questions.

I have to start thinking about all this, too-Sara, are you graduating a year early? I know you're a year younger than me so I'm curious.

My advisor has told me not to stress too much this summer, and to really focus on the grad school search in the fall.

Yup, I'm graduating a year early! It's cheaper this way, and since I'm considering the doctoral route... I've got years of school left!

I'm applying to Masters in Public Health programs, and PhD in Community Psychology programs. I have to take the GRE and the psych GRE. Deadlines are December and January, I just want to have a handle on it all as early as possible so I don't stress!

I *JUST* went through this process about a month ago, except I had it a bit easier. I am going into Master's of Industrial and Organizational Psychology. I was not required to take the GRE for the Master's program, but it is a requirement for the Psy.D. Also, i got 3 questions i had to answer for my essay. What i would suggest is learn about the school's mission statement and philosophy. Then, come the essay time (if you don't get a set of questions to answer), make sure to apply those things into your essay. Also, you want to basically sell yourself. Explain your background, and your future goals and how the school is going to help you acheive this. I had about a year of research assistanship under my belt so and i was also leading a project which studied diversity, and my school is HUGE on diversity so I definately ephasized that and how it would help in discussions and around my peers, etc. I will be more than happy to email you my personal statement if you want something to look at or get an idea from.