Earning a graduate degree in psychology can open up a whole new world of career opportunities. Before you apply to a graduate program, it is important to first learn the answers to some of the most common questions about psychology graduate school.
How Early Should I Start Preparing for Psychology Graduate School?
If graduate school is something you are seriously considering, then it is a good idea to start planning for it as early as possible. By taking the undergraduate classes required by psychology programs, tackling the Graduate Requisite Exam (GRE) and building good relationships with your psychology professors, you?ll be in a much better position when it comes time to submit your grad school applications. Make the most of your undergraduate years by choosing courses that relate to your future graduate study plans and taking advantage of research opportunities.
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How Do I Know If Psychology Graduate School Is the Best Choice for Me?
The first question you need to answer is whether or not pursuing a graduate degree in psychology is right for you. The answer depends on a variety of variables, including your career goals, the amount of time you want to spend in school as well as your schedule and financial situation. If you do decide that pursuing a graduate degree is the right choice for you, the next step is to determine which type of degree you need. Some individuals will find that a master?s program is the best fit, while other might decide that either a Ph.D. or Psy.D. is the best option.
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How Do I Get Into Psychology Graduate School?
As you prepare to apply to different psychology graduate programs it is important to understand the basic components of a graduate school application. While each individual program may have different requirements, nearly all schools will require your transcript, your GRE scores, letters of recommendation and an admissions essay. Some psychology programs may also require you to take the GRE Psychology Subject Test before you apply.
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How Do I Pay for Psychology Graduate School?
After you?ve been accepted into a psychology graduate program, finding a way to finance your education will probably become a top priority. While some students are able to pay for their education out of their own pocket, many students must rely on other means of financial support including student loans, grants, scholarships, work-study and graduate assistant-ships. In the majority of cases, graduate students rely on more than one type of financial aid. For example, you might supplement your student loans with scholarships or a part-time job. Learn more about some of the types of financial aid that are available to graduate students.
In addition to finding sources of financial support, you can also explore different ways to save money while you are pursuing your degree. Just a few ideas include finding ways to save money on psychology textbooks, learning how to manage your money wisely while you?re in school and getting tuition assistance from your current employer.
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How Do I Survive Psychology Graduate School?
After the strenuous psychology graduate school application process, you are probably ready for a reprieve. Rather than rest on your laurels, now is the time to start preparing for the first year of your life as a psychology graduate student. The first year of psychology graduate school can be difficult, but there are steps that you can take to make sure you are ready for all of the challenges that lie ahead. Learn more about how to survive your first year of psychology graduate school.
