APA does not rate or accredit undergraduate psychology programs, suggesting that students research colleges to which they will apply, visit campuses to talk with current students and ask questions about access to faculty. Students interested in continuing on to graduate school should inquire about research opportunities for undergraduates because such experience will put them in good standing for admission to graduate programs. Students should find out what the colleges of their choice require in terms of GPA (grade point average), SAT (Scholastic Achievement Test) and ACT (American College Test) scores.
While in high school, students should take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Achievement Test) in junior year. This makes them eligible for the Merit Scholarship award and gives them experience for taking the SAT. Most colleges require a minimum of 1000 on the SAT. Ask your counselor to assist you in the application process. Colleges review grades and the types of classes taken; for example, Yale University recommends that students take AP (advanced placement) and International Baccalaureate courses.
Students must be admitted to a college before becoming a psychology major. Most colleges require an introduction to psychology course and statistics, as well as complete a semester or two of coursework with a GPA of 2.0 or above before declaring a major in psychology. Students can obtain a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Psychology. APA indicates that the decision between these two degrees is not critical, since the requirements are often similar.
APA has enumerated the skills required of students majoring in psychology. Most college and university psychology programs require introduction to psychology, research methods, statistics, experimental psychology and courses in the other core areas of psychology such as personality, social psychology, assessment, cognitive psychology and abnormal psychology. By the junior year, students can enroll in elective courses. At this time, students interested in graduate degrees should check the websites of their chosen universities to be sure the appropriate courses are offered.