Preparing for Graduate Study in Psychology

The second edition of this highly successful book helps psychology students plan and prepare for graduate study at every step of the application process.

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• Handy resource devoted to important, commonly asked questions and concise, to-the-point answers that bring students up to speed on the process of applying for graduate study.
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• Features a series of specific questions and detailed answers about key elements of the application process.
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• Provides additional practical tools in the Appendices such as a timetable for completing preparation, descriptions of the different concentrations in psychology, a worksheet for comparing graduate programs , and ranking information on graduate programs in psychology in US and Canada.
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• Helps students make wise choices at critical points in preparing their application dossiers.

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

1. Introduction: The Big Picture.

2. Getting Started: Preparing for the Big Change.

3. Choosing a Program: Navigating Your Way through the Maze.

4. The GRE: The Test.

5. The Application Process: Doing the Paperwork.

6. The Interview: How to Make the Right Impression.

7. Getting in or Not Getting in: Reality Strikes.

8. The First Year: Thriving, Surviving, and Other Essentials.

Suggested Additional Sources of Information.

Glossary and Index.

Appendix I: Timetable for Graduate Study Preparation.

Appendix II: General Concentrations of Psychology in Graduate School.

Appendix III: Outline for the Vita and Sample Vita.

Appendix IV: Sample Letters of Intent

"A very readable and useable book that provides students with a world of information about graduate school, the graduate school application process, and surviving/thriving as a graduate student. This book’s unique format and readability will take much of the fear and intimidation out of the application process and place this volume in a category by itself." Steve Davis, Texas Wesleyan University

"This book is a wonderful asset for any student interested in Psychology. It anticipates and answers students’ questions, including ones they may have not even known to ask. Kudos to the authors!" Susan Burns, Morningside College

"Masterfully written and easy to read manual that is almost essential for any undergraduate looking to begin a career in experimental or clinical psychology."
Canadian Psychology

“This was an extremely easy book to read…an invaluable tool for the aspiring graduate student. I would certainly recommend it to any student…”
RedOrbit.com

William Buskist is Distinguished Professor in the Teaching of Psychology and Alumni Professor at Auburn University. Together with Steve Davis, he has edited two volumes on the teaching of psychology: The Teaching of Psychology: Essays in Honor of Wilbert J. McKeachie and Charles L. Brewer (2003) and Handbook of the Teaching of Psychology (Blackwell, 2006).

Caroline Burke is Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Carleton College. Her teaching focus is in the areas of clinical/counseling psychology, gender, and human sexuality. In 2004, she received Auburn University’s College of Liberal Arts Instructional Excellence Award.

The second edition of this highly successful book answers the “how to” questions that students always ask when applying for graduate study and helps students make informed and intelligent choices at critical points in the process. Each of the eight chapters features a series of specific questions and detailed answers about key elements of the application process – from getting started, choosing a program, taking the GRE and applying, to making a good impression at the interview and surviving the first year. Additional practical tools provided in the Appendices and elsewhere include:

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• a timetable for completing study preparation
  
• descriptions of the different concentrations of psychology in graduate school
  
• a glossary of graduate school jargon
  
• outlines for preparing a vita and sample vita
  
• three sample letters of intent

This is a resource devoted to important, commonly asked questions and concise, honest answers that bring students up to speed on the process of applying for graduate study.