How to Apply
The application deadline is December 1
Applicants should have a strong science background, typically including experience with hands-on empirical research and statistical analysis. Applicants are admitted on a competitive basis, which includes evaluation of previous academic records, research experience and match with prospective advisors, and recommendations.
The general requirements for application to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences apply to candidates for admission to the Psychology PhD program.
The Department of Psychology requires all application materials to be submitted by December 1 including letters of recommendation, test scores, and transcripts in order for your application to be given consideration. Please plan to submit your application far enough in advance to ensure that all your supporting materials will be attached to your application prior to the deadline.
To apply for the program, please click here:
What We Look For
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Sources: Transcript, For explanations of lower grades: Statement, letters
High
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Substantial relevant coursework (usually a Psychology or closely related major, e.g., Neuroscience)
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Mostly As
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B+ or better in all psych and other relevant coursework
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Took challenging courses
Medium
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Substantial relevant coursework (usually a major)
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B or better in all psych and other relevant coursework
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OR has only taken less challenging courses
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Concerning grades have reasonable explanation
Low
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Lower than a B in 2 or more psych and other relevant courses
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Grades of C or lower in any course do not have a reasonable explanation
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Or lacks relevant coursework
Sources: CV, Statement, Letters
High
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Clear commitment and enthusiasm for research
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Experience at least equivalent to a senior thesis, master's thesis, OR 2 years of post-bac research experience.
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Evidence for intellectual involvement (e.g., contributed ideas to studies, developed own hypotheses etc.)
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Experience with relevant methods for lab(s) applied for
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Ideally at least one product (professional conference poster/presentation or article authorship)
Medium
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Clear commitment and enthusiasm for research
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BUT research experience less than a senior thesis or equivalent
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Mostly routine tasks (e.g., running participants)
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AND/OR lacks experience relevant methods for lab(s) applied for.
Low
Sources: Transcript, GRE (if reported), Letters
High
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Mostly As in quantitative coursework
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AND took challenging quantitative coursework beyond minimum
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High Q GRE score if reported
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Ideally evidence for quantitative research experience/skills (e.g., advanced analyses in senior thesis)
Medium
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Bs or better in quantitative coursework
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OR only took less challenging quantitative courses
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Average Q GRE score if reported.
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Concerning grades in quantitative courses have reasonable explanation
Low
Sources: Transcript, GRE (if reported), Statement, Letters (if address), First-author publication(s)
High
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Strongly written statement which is clear, well organized, and error free.
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High V and W GRE scores if reported
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For international students, high ESL test scores
Medium
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Statement is error free but is less well written
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Average V and W GRE scores if reported
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For international students, ESL test scores > GSAS cut-offs
Low
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Statement is poorly written
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Low V and W GRE scores if reported
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For international students, ESL test scores just over GSAS cut-offs
Sources: Statement
High
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Clear fit with research of one or more faculty members considering applicants this cycle
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AND clearly developed and well-articulated research interests.
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AND stated career goals align with program training
Medium
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Partial fit with research of faculty members considering applicants this cycle
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AND/OR research interests less clearly developed
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AND stated career goals align with program training
Low
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No fit with research of faculty members considering applicants this cycle
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AND/OR research interests very vague and general
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OR career goals not aligned with program training (e.g., seeking applied/clinical PhD)