Stand out as a graduate school candidate through research and volunteering. Graduate school in any social science discipline involves intensive research, typically in a very specific topic. For many graduate students, their research thesis or dissertation becomes a platform for a career. Undergraduate students who wish to apply to graduate school should research and volunteer as much as they can prior to applying.
First, start small. Many professors and doctoral students seek undergraduate students who participate in their research by filling out surveys, performing intakes, proofreading consent forms and assisting in interviews. Volunteer for small tasks to gauge your research interest.
Next, seek out a professor or doctoral student whose work interests you. Apply to be a research assistant. As a regular RA, you will be able to assist in all facets of a research project. Many graduate programs look for a candidate who has assisted in an entire project, meaning that you have read the background literature research, coded, charted, written surveys, completed interviews, and assisted in creating the consent forms and debriefing forms.
Always keep copies of anything you have written. These papers may eventually serve as a writing sample in an application or go into your research portfolio.
Visit their websites. After some time researching, you should have some understanding in your subject of interest. Each graduate program is unique in its research and you should know and understand the schools where you hope to apply. The school's website is the first place you should go to familiarize yourself with your program of interest. Each program is very specific to the mission of the university, department and faculty who run it. For example, the social psychology department is different at the University of Southern California than at the University of California in San Diego. The process of applying to graduate school is intensive and expensive, so do not waste your time if the university and program do not fit your goal.
Some factors to consider: available concentration, community involvement and connection, research interest of faculty, your potential role in the department and faculty mentor.
Get connected. Once you have honed in on your program of interest, get connected with the department. Many faculty websites will include links to research articles or information on books they have written. If the information is of interest to you, familiarize yourself with the articles and books. If the full-text version is not available on their website, email them. Many faculty members are flattered you are interested and will email you an electronic copy or direct you to the appropriate place.
Do not be afraid to engage in a dialogue with the faculty regarding their work. You should become as acquainted as possible with any written materials in your desired field. By connecting with the faculty, you are gaining information usually reserved for their students, and making yourself and your interest known to a potential mentor.
Maintain connections. Once you connect with faculty, stay in contact. Routinely read their articles, seek information and be sure to thank them for their time. If the university is nearby, request a face-to-face meeting to discuss questions you may have regarding their work and your thoughts on their research. Be sure to bridge their research with your own interest. It is very important that you always treat such meetings as a job interview.
Create other important networks. Get to know your intended profession by joining professional organizations and attending the annual conference. For example, a student interested in applying to graduate school in education should consider joining the National Education Association and a student interested in psychology should be involved in the American Psychology Association. Many professional organizations will offer student rates to join and to attend their conference. Not only will you gain valuable information at their events, you may potentially find job and graduate school opportunities. Some organizations allow students to hold poster sessions in which you may showcase your research, writing or volunteer work. This will help you stand out as a doctoral candidate.
Maintain a good relationship at your current institution. Graduate schools will look at your grades, involvement at your current school and letters of reference from your professors.