Applying for a Master's in I/O Psychology from Scratch. Can anyone offer guidance?

[jklunder]

Hello Everyone,

 

I have been substitute teaching around the world for a few years.  I want to present my case to study in the highly competitive world of I/O psychology.

 

Here is what I have; can any of you tell me what I need?

 

1.  Here is what I have:

 

a. B.A. from Brown University, 3.8 in history

b. 640 M, 690 V, 6.0 in Writing from the GRE taken on 9/3/2010

c.  In the middle of undergrad, I took a 3 year personal leave of absence from Brown to study at University of California- Irvine.  I had so many personal problems that I did terribly there (a 3.055); but, I showed Dean's Honor List before and after these events occurred.  I did finish with my usual 4.0 average my last semester at Brown. 

d.  While at UCI, I did contribute a lot to a project I started and got funded.  We aimed to increase intelligence/GMA through training.  I was the favorite of the Dean of the Education school, at least until he passed away tragically and suddenly.

e.  I got three journal articles published, with me included as a primary author.

f.  Because I've taught abroad these last few years, I've taken seven community college classes, thereby earning me 5 Associates Degrees in Psychology, Business Admin, Social/Behavioral Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Math and Science, all with a 4.0.

(I know AA degrees may not help me professionally or for grad school; but, I want to at least show I have a penchant for the material: psychology + bus admin + social/behavioral science) together.

 

g.  I've been long-term substitute teaching abroad.  I want to use my experience living in 5 countries to show that I have some perspective, and not just a migrant worker.

 

2.  I want any Master's in I/O psychology at a minimum of cost to me.  I've always been a good student and can get published. But, it's taken me five years to pay off undergrad debt; I want a program that can give me a good price.  I have the "intensity" but not the "on-track" and "focused" aspects I need.

 

3.  Here's what I need, since I have no experience:

 

a.  General guidance for how many schools to apply to, what to expect in terms of debt, etc.

b.  Someone to look at me objectively and tell me what I need in an honest manner.  (I.e. you need a higher GRE, etc.)

c.  A copy of what a good package looks like.  I have a resume, but not an academic one.

d.  Keeping my finger's crossed, I'd like to get a mentor on this forum who could help guide me.  The biggest part is this anxiety.

Thanks for the consideration