gradchaser

I feel the same way! I am even wary of putting my GRE scores on the results search posting because in theory my POI or a grad student could figure out who I am from the information on my application. I know that I am being ridiculous and they would most likely never care enough to do that but with such high stakes I am not taking any chances!

It's really hard to find numbers out there, which can be really frustrating! I would shoot for scores above the 80th percentile. Many schools use that as an unofficial benchmark for successful applications. That being said, the GRE isn't necessarily something that will make or break your application. You definitely need to get a score high enough to meet the schools' private cutoffs, but high scores after that don't really boost your app. I did princeton review prep and took a lot of practice tests. I was really pleased with the results! The best thing I can recommend is flashcards. Try to memorize as many words as you can and you will see that reflected on your score.

Thanks for your input! I knew I was worrying for no reason. I think err on the side of overdressed, just to be sure!

This also happened to me at three of my schools. I actually just got rejected from one of them with a very nice note from the POI. I think that you can't bank on what happens, especially before they read the other applications coming through. The POI that rejected me really liked my application and interests, but someone who applied after we spoke ended up being a better fit. One the other hand, I had a professor tell me that she could not officially offer me an interview, but to keep my schedule clear for the interview weekend. And I did end up getting an invite from that school. There are a lot of factors, and although you definitely have a great chance I wouldn't count it as inevitable! That way, when you get the invite you will be even more excited!

Hey al! So sorry if this is already a thread somewhere. Now that interview invitations are rolling out, I am curious about what psychology interviewees wear to both the interview and the other events scheduled over the weekend. Here are a couple questions I have: For the actual interview, is it appropriate to wear a full suit or would it be better to wear slacks and a jacket/cardigan? The programs I've heard from all have dinners the night before with faculty and scheduled "out on the town with graduate students" events. Two of the schools have brunch and tours of campus the day after the interviews. What is appropriate for these events? I would err on the side of business causal but I don't want to be completely off base! I know I am probably over analyzing this but I live in constant fear of being over/under dressed. I would be super grateful to receive any input from those who have attended interviews this year or in previous years. What are people wearing?

Developmental Psychology and School Psychology programs are very different and lead to very different career paths, especially if you go the PhD route. My advice would be to really research those programs, and make sure each program will lead to something that you actually want to do. That being said, if you would be equally happy going both directions, it might be helpful to seek out an advisor at your current institution to learn about the rules they may have about multiple applications. Some schools will not allow you to submit more than one application in a current cycle, but most schools do. Hope this helps!

I applied to HDFS at ASU and Human development at Maryland! I'm not expecting to hear from them until late January, according to past years. The rest of my programs were developmental psych

Paint by numbers

Ones of my POIs told me that this year they are trying to get out invites early since they are competing to get the top students. He wasn't too fond of it because it forces them to pick students at the same time they are grading finals, but I suppose it might help guarantee interview weekend attendance if you are the first school to extend an invite. Maybe lots of schools are trying out this strategy.

That's not always a fail-safe method. I contacted 5 professors from a school that I was interested in and none of them were accepting graduate students! Must not have a lot of funding this year.

I agree, now that you have an interview I would let it go. It obviously didn't affect their decision enough to not extend an invite, and drawing attention to it could make them go back and re-evaluate your application.

Ask professors that you are close with at your current university. They may have an opening for a gap-year position, especially if it is a bigger lab. If they do not, they may have a better idea of where may be hiring. For example, they might have a colleague at a different university that is looking for a project manager. If they cannot pay you, ask if you can volunteer or if they would support your independent research project.

To those who received an interview and/or acceptance from Cal Riverside in Developmental Psychology, who is your POI?

You are fine! Many schools actually view regularly switching labs negatively, as it may show that you are flighty and not reliable. It sounds like you have received really great training through the professor that you have worked with, and I wouldn't be worried. It's very impressive that you have 3 authorships already, and doing a senior thesis is something admissions committees look for. In the end, the process is a numbers game, but I think you have a great chance!

They also may be using a proxy of SES for diversity quota fulfillment. Some schools do offer scholarships based on parent education levels, so the question could be used as a qualifier for that as well.

I'm also late in the game, but interested in swapping! MsAmira, I will PM you!

Dedi, thanks for your response! Congratulations on scoring a spot in your POI's lab for a summer! That's a seriously awesome opportunity.

Hey everyone! I know that our application season is just gearing up, but I'm hoping that I can feed off of some of your experience. I just sent out emails to professors that I'm interested in working with, and thankfully several are taking grad students. Two professors want to Skype to talk about their current lab projects, my research interests, etc. I am really excited to meet them and talk about our fit, but I'm also super nervous. Talk about intimidating! Have any of you gone through this experience yet? I am wondering if there are typical questions to expect. I want to make a good (and hopefully lasting) impression, especially since one of the professors is my top choice. Any advice or anecdotal experience you all have to share is much appreciated.

Hi kaswing! I would definitely call the department if you haven't already and ask if the subject test is actually an important part of the application. One of the schools that I cam applying to "recommends" the test on the website but the graduate advisor encouraged me not to take it because the department doesn't even look at the scores. However, since you were not a psychology major it might actually be beneficial for you to take the test. By receiving a good score on the subject test, you will show that you have the necessary foundational skills in psychology that aren't necessarily represented in your coursework. It's definitely not too late to take the test. I think there is a date in October to take it, which will give you plenty of time before applications close!

Also, who is the professor that might not be available next year? I think I would cry if Clancy wasn't taking students

Very cool! I'm currently working on publishing my thesis. I wrote it on how early life stress influences emotion expression regulation in children and adolescents. It sounds like you have a lot of experience! When did you work with Blair? I've heard from people that have been to NYU that he is very nice but the program is cut-throat competitive. What was your take? I'm currently working on a study in their lab about executive function development and concept learning, very cool. Lots of great opportunity at ICD! They are definitely at the forefront of the research on EF.

Hi Asemenov! What a small world! I went to undergrad at the University of Minnesota and have worked in Stephanie Carlson's lab! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about her or Phil Zelazo's mentorship style. They have a combined lab and I actually know Phil pretty well. We must have pretty similar research interests! I'm also looking to apply to Clancy Blair at NYU and Cristine Legare at UT, though at UT Rebecca Bigler is my first choice. From what I've heard about the GRE, it's just used as a cut-off point. Once you make the cut, they aren't considered again, so higher scores won't necessary help you. I'm interested in studying cognitive development, especially executive function and the development of social cognitive abilities, like moral reasoning and prosocial behavior. I'm also interested in aspects like discrimination, prejudice, and the development of in-group biases. What are you interested in studying?

Hey all! I was wondering if any of you are planning on applying to developmental PhD programs in the upcoming application round. Developmental psychology can always be a little confusing since professors can either be housed in the psychology department or the education school, so checking school websites for professors doesn't always work. I thought we might all be able to help each other through the application process and answer each others questions as we move forward! Good luck to everyone and excited to meet you all!

Memorizing words actually will help you, so don't give up! You have to memorize a lot of words though, I would recommend close to 1000, maybe more. I used Manhattan Prep's 500 essential words and 500 advanced words set and it helped my score a lot.