I hope that this log can be helpful to you-- answering your questions and maybe offering some info that you might have not thought about asking! This log will probably be most helpful for Psych majors, especially those with concentrations in School Psych, but alot of it will probably translate to other concentrations in Psych and other majors as well. It might also help you decide what type of program you want-- like a masters or PhD--or if you even want to go to grad school versus entering that dreaded "real world" after graduation.
Before I begin dispensing any "advice," let me tell you a little about my own situation. I am currently in my first semester at Fordham University, enrolled in their School Psychology PhD program. The program is full time and will take a minimum of 5 years to complete (which means that ill probably still be in school while most of you are already done with grad school and have become full-time members of the real world). The School Psych program is part of Fordham's Graduate School of Education, which is located at their Lincoln Center campus, in the heart of Manhatten, right near Central Park. I just moved here about a week ago, and already it has been a completely life-changing experience. Im living in Yonkers, so I have definitely fulfilled the commuter role-- I takes me 30 minutes on the Metro-North train to get into the city. Then I catch the Subway in Manhatten, and walk from the station to campus where my classes are held. My total commute takes a little over an hour-- which i quite a change from my "commute" last year at Canisius, which was basically a 2 minute walk from my apartment on Loring! However, here in the city, my commute is not unlike most other graduate students in my classes. In addition to my courseload, Im also employed as a graduate assistant in one of the school of education offices.
My first semester in the PhD program, I take 4 classes- all in the afternoon or evening. For the first 2 years, my classes are a mix of PhD students and PD students. (PD students are attaining their professional degree- similar to a master's or certification level program).
Well, that generally sums up my situation. I know its a bit detailed and specific, but I think its important that you know where Im coming from to compare it to what your own situation might be.
Ok, so now you know about me. Before I talk about my class situation, I think you might be more interested in the "applying for grad school process" since most of you probably have that on your mind right now. (Next time I write ill get a little more into my first week of classes.)
Below is what I've learned about the grad school application process that I have found important enough to share with you-- its alot to take in, but trust me, its worth taking seriously. I know from experience!!!
My own personal application process could have gone smoother had I taken all the advice that was being thrown at me from all directions. I decided at the last minute what I wanted to do-- not necessarily the smartest way to go- especially if you are interested in a PhD program! So right now, ill just re-iterate what you probably have already been hearing so much. As daunting as the task is--start figuring out what you want to do and where you want to go as soon as you can (especially if you are a Senior)!!! Alot of PhD programs require you to hand in your applications in December or January. Master programs applications usually aren't due until sometime in the Spring, but not always- so make sure you know when each school's deadlines are! If you have an idea of the program you want, but have no idea what colleges offer the program, what their requirements are, or how good they are-- the psychology office has a great book about Graduate Programs in Psychology (sorry i dont know what the exact title is). Just ask the secretary, Sharon, if you can take a look at it. Of course the web is also a great place to look. NASP online and APA online both helped me discover where School Psych PhD programs are offered and accreditted by the organizations.
Also, make sure you sign up for the GREs soon, and do a little prep work for them! Find out if the school your applying for also requires that you sign up for the Psychology GRE too-- this exam is not offered all the time like the general GRE, so if you miss the date(s), you may be out of luck. When you prepare, you dont need to go overboard-- just familiarize yourself with how the test is set up, and brush up on your verbal skills and math formulas. It definitely helped me. If you don't consider yourself a good standardized test-taker, you may need to up your study time a bit. Alot of school have minimum GRE requirements. (Though some make exceptions for good students, its not guarunteed).
Once you know have an idea of where you want to apply, make sure you get to know your deadlines, and make some of your own. Try to have everything ready early so that you aren't rushing around at the last minute (like i did) and worrying that a part of your application was incomplete or missing. Getting the applications in early gives you time to correct any mishaps (I was lucky not to have any!!), not to mention it saves you the money of having to rush-deliver it (which im guilty of). Its very important to give your professors that your asking letters of recommendation from ample time to write them. Otherwise, you'll have to beg (another practice im guilty of). Also, find out beforehand, what they need from you so they can write them-- like info on why your applying for the program you are, what your goals are, and a copy of your resume or VITA.
The resume/VITA is another issue. I avoided it so much because I just didnt know where to start, nor did i want to face the task! I realized that it wasnt as bad as I thought it would be once I sat down and just did it. Ive heard from others that the Career Center is a great resource for guidelines and such. Go there! Also, make sure you have others read it over, they may think of things you forgot to put on, or have a good eye for catching mistakes.
And dont forget about writing that personal statement. Again, another daunting task that you might have no idea where to begin writing. Before I wrote mine, I did a free-writing exercise. I wrote down everything i could think of that was driving me toward choosing my concentration and level of study. This was a HUGE help when I sat down to write the real thing. It not only forces you to think about why your making the decision that you are making, but it also organizes all those thoughts for you, making the actually personal statement a little less intimidating. Again, the Career Center is another valuable resource for the task. GO THERE! Finally, be sure to read each school's personal statement directions carefully- each one may request that you write about different things.
Ok, i think thats quite alot to disgest so ill stop there- but if you have any specific questions that i didnt address, please don't hesitate to ask. I am more than willing to give you any information i can. If i can't help you, I may be able to direct you to someone who can. And go to any grad school info sessions that you can which are offered by various clubs and offices around Canisius. The more you familiarize yourself, the easier the process is.
Like i wrote earlier, Ill write more about my classes and first experiences in grad school next time. You might find these experiences useful in the first part of the grad school process for you: the search for the "perfect" program for your interests.
One more piece of advice- Don't get TOO worried about grad schools and the application process!! I know that reading all of this at once can be scary, but its important that you understand everything that is involved with the application process. While you shouldn't stress yourself out about it, a little bit of worry will motivate you to get things done If you stay on top of things there is no need to panic! Do a little at a time, so you never feel overwhelmed and keep yourself reminded of deadlines-- both those for applications and your own you make for yourself. If you pace yourself, you'll get everything done while still enjoying every bit of your senior year!! And you'll have the capacity to stress about all the other things you probably have going on in your life right now without having a nervous breakdown!! :)
If you would like to reach me, my email address is heists@gmail.com. If you would like to talk on the phone (because sometimes thats just easier for saying exactly what you mean), send me a message with your phone number and ill contact you as soon as i can. Good luck and stop back for more updates on my experiences!!