Applying to Grad School

Graduate programs differ in the students admitted, faculty composition and available financial resources. Programs may focus on training clinicians or preparing students for academia or applied research. Programs that are great for some are poor fits for others. Focus on finding the right fit for you.

Choosing a Program

Applier beware: Answer these six questions before you apply to any psychology graduate program.
Frequently asked questions about graduate education: These include how to find the right program for you, time to degree, student debt, and many others.

Graduate Study in Psychology

Learn about acceptance rates, application deadlines, scholarships, tuition costs and much more for 600 U.S. and Canadian psychology graduate programs.

Graduate Study in Psychology Book
Price: $29.95 | Members: $24.95
Graduate Study Online Database
Price: $19.95

Applying to Graduate School

Four questions to ask before applying to graduate school: Grad school FAQs, plus a video detailing the costs of graduate study and how to pay for it.
Grad school application timeline: This is a road map for students applying to graduate school.
The don'ts of grad school applications: Carefully study the mistakes most likely to be the "kiss of death" to a potential graduate student's application.
Settle your score: Don't let a poor GRE score undermine your academic career.
Moving up, the smart way: How to transition from a master's to a doctoral program.
The MCAT 2015 (PDF, 353KB)
A briefing of changes, the new section, and psychology's response.

How to Stand Out

Clinch your graduate school acceptance: Insiders offer useful tips on ways to stand out from the pool of graduate school applicants. Tips include choosing a quality undergraduate course schedule, gaining research experience, and building relationships with the faculty members who will write your recommendation letters.
Standing out as a 'bench science' student: A director of graduate studies discusses the qualities he and his colleagues look for in graduate applicants.
What graduate programs look for in clinical applicants: Applicants gain an insider's perspective on what programs look for in prospective graduate students.
Rockin' recommendations: How to make sure you get the recommendation letters you deserve.

Funding Your Education

Funding stats: Psychology doctoral and master's programs differ considerably in the amount of funding they can provide to admitted students.
Free money for education: Check out these oft-overlooked sources of funding for psychology graduate students.

Sources of Funding | Federal Financial Aid | State Financial Aid

APA Books

Getting In: A popular and invaluable step-by-step plan for gaining admission to graduate school.
Applying to Graduate School in Psychology: Advice from successful students and prominent psychologists.
The Insider's Guide to the Psychology Major: Overview of the major, graduate programs, the admissions process and more.

Related APA Resources

2014 Graduate Openings: The list of departments and programs reporting fall semester openings is now available.
Applying to Graduate and Professional Programs: Guidebook for college students of color

Contact APA