Plan ahead before applying to psychology graduate schools. Familiarize yourself with the application process as a sophomore, before you begin composing your application. In order to ensure success when applying to psychology graduate schools, you should strive for a high grade point average (GPA), obtain letters of recommendation from professors during your second year of undergraduate work, and also engage in research/volunteer work. To receive letters of recommendation or research/work experience, talk to your professors and academic advisers; they should be more than helpful in assisting you with this process.
Research psychology graduate schools that you would like to apply to. Considering all the universities that offer these programs, it is a good idea to narrow down your search early in your junior year before applying to schools. Identify which schools best suit your criteria of cost, location and specialty.
Register to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Most of the psychology graduate schools require you to take the GRE as part of the application process. Plan to take this exam early enough that you can re-take it, if needed, to improve your score. Most schools do not require you to take the Psychology Subject Exam, but you should check to make sure this exam is not a prerequisite at your graduate school.
Compose your personal statement. It should be no longer than one page in length. This portion of your graduate school application is your opportunity to distinguish yourself from the other applicants. The personal statement portion of your application is required by all psychology graduate schools. Talk about personal experiences you have had, elaborate on your strengths and interests in the psychology field and also your career aspirations.
Apply to psychology graduate schools before the deadlines. Applications are fairly standard, but make sure you follow the specific guidelines. It is essential that you submit all required materials before the deadline or else the school may not consider your application. After applying, the psychology graduate schools will notify you when your file is complete.