General advice for applying!

[chillbee]

Hi! I am a current masters student in music with research interests in music perception and cognition. I'm considering the idea of applying to a cognitive psychology program for my PhD in addition to applying to any music cognition related programs. I don't know anything about the application process for programs other than music, so I would love some general advice! For instance: what I should aim to have on my CV, should I contact professors, should I visit schools, any particular classes I should take, etc.

Just general info about me: I'm getting two masters degrees: one in music theory and one in music education. Because of that, I have two years left, so I have some time. I'll also be working with a research group beginning this Fall in order to get some practical research experience (rather than music research).

Thanks!!

[St0chastic]

Hi chillbee,

You might want to check out my post in this thread for general advice on applying to psychology PhD programs.  To answer your questions specifically:

What should I aim to have on my CV?

In short, research experience.  It doesn't necessarily have to be in the area of cognitive psychology, but research experience is a de facto requirement for research oriented PhD programs.  You are getting this so you should be okay.  If you can volunteer at a psychology lab that will also be helpful and demonstrate that you are serious to application committees. 

Should I contact professors?

Yes.  Here is a guide on how to do so.  I would also recommend checking out the rest of that website: http://www.howigotintostanford.com/index.php#top  While a little out of date, much of the advice is still applicable today.

When contacting professors, be sure to ask whether they will be accepting students for next year and try to get a conversation going about their research and how it relates to your interests.  Be sure to respect their time by keeping your messages succinct and to the point.  The initial contact email you send them should only be 1-2 paragraphs in my opinion. Conferences are also a great place to meet potential advisers if you can go to one.

Should I visit schools?

Yes, and in fact you will almost certainly have to when you interview with the schools.  You don't have to do this until you are interviewing, however.

Any particular classes I should take?

Stats and research methods classes.  Psychology classes in general as well of course, but especially classes related to your field (e.g., cognitive psychology, sensation/perception, etc.).  

 

The fact that you have a background different from most psych applicants will help set you apart.  The Wikipedia page on music psychology has a great list of labs that you can target (scroll down to the section 'Centers of Research and Teaching').  Northwestern even offers a Music Theory and Cognition PhD: http://www.music.northwestern.edu/academics/areas-of-study/music-theory-and-cognition/index.html

 

P.S.  I know very little about this field, but two books I can recommend that you may like if you haven't already read them are This is Your Brain on Music by Daniel Levitin and Musicophilia by the late Oliver Sacks.