Resources for Students Applying to Graduate School in Psychology
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Applying to graduate programs in psychology is a major turning point in your academic journey, and it can also be a stressful and confusing process. Below are some resources that may be helpful as you consider careers and graduate school programs in Psychology. Please share these resources with anyone else who might benefit from them. Good luck!
General Guides for Pursuing Graduate Training in the Mental Health Field:
"Mitch’s Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology"
A helpful guide reviewing the various options available after completing your undergraduate degree. It was created by Dr. Mitch Prinstein, who shares shares his knowledge of the different programs available related to clinical psychology as well as advice about the application process.“Applying to Graduate Programs Relevant for Mental Health"
This is a useful powerpoint presentation about various graduate program types in mental health. It was created by a PhD student at UCLA, Blanche Wright."Clinical Psych Grad School: Your Guide to Getting In"
This website includes a series of resources for applying to clinical psychology programs. It was created by the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP)."Figuring out the career that is right for you: Using Informational Interviews"
"Should I apply for a PhD, PsyD, or Masters program?" "Do I even need a degree in XXX in order to do YYY job?" "This job description sounds amazing, but what is it actually like to do it full-time?" "Where do I even start to figure out what I want to do after graduating?" Questions like these are common when figuring out a career path, and they can be challenging to figure out on your own. Informational interviews are useful (and often under utilized) resources for learning more about a career path or type of graduate program. They can fill in missing pieces and help guide decision making at any stage of your career. Click on the link above for a quick guide to the process for those who aren't sure where to start.
Resources for Applying to Doctoral Programs in Psychology (PhD or PsyD)
"What is the Path to a Clinical Psychology PhD? A practical guide for undergraduate students"
This is a helpful year-by-year guide for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology. It was developed by Dr. Jessica Hamilton's research team at Rutgers."Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology"
Powerpoint presentation by Dr. Jessica Schleider about the basics of what a doctoral degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology looks like. Compares PhD and PsyD programs, with specific guidance on applying to PhD programs."PhD in Clinical Psychology: What It Is and What You Can Do With It"
The website provides an extensive list of schools with doctorate programs based on the locations you provide."What is a PsyD?"
Website providing information of what a PsyD is, where the degree can be applied, and different programs available."Example Grad School Personal Statements"
This is a documented compiled by Drs. Craig Rodriguez-Seijas and Jessica Schleider that includes various examples of personal statements for applicants applying for PhD programs in clinical psychology."Interviewing with Confidence"
This is a helpful video where Dr. Mitch Prinstein provides tips on the interview process for PhD programs. This is part of a larger video series from APA on the graduate application process, which can be found here.
Resources for Applying to Master's Programs in Clinical Psychology
"Clinical Psychology Master’s Programs"
This website provides an extensive list of schools that provide the Masters degree in clinical psychology, as well as helpful information on what a Master's degree is, what you can do with it, and how it differs from other graduate degrees in Psychology.CSUDH M.A. in Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology
Information about the M.A. graduate programs in Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology offered at CSU Dominguez Hills.
LPCC Resources
"Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC): An Overview"
Website explaining LPCC licensure within the state of California (CA Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors)Information from the Board of Behavioral Sciences on Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) applicants, including necessary information when pursuing an LPCC licensure.
Financial Aid and Fellowship Resources
Federal Student Aid Programs
Entering a graduate program can be daunting when considering the financial repercussions of remaining in school for additional years. The webpage above includes a list of federal aid resources.