TABLE 1Monthly Tasks for Successfully Managing the Clinical Psychology Graduate School
Application Process
Prior to August of the year in which you are applying
■ Obtain research experience
■ Choose type(s) of programs to apply to
■ Study for and take the General GRE
■ Send score reports to schools you are most inter-
ested in
■ Keep track of which schools are sent these scores; as
score reports are sent following each test, some
schools may not receive both your general and psy-
chology scores, so it will be necessary to send
another score report after you have taken both tests
■ (If necessary) Study for and take the Psychology GRE
■ Send score reports to schools you are most inter-
ested in
■ Keep track of which schools are sent these scores
(see above)
August
■ Research schools and advisors
■ Read sample personal statements
■ Create a draft of your CV
■ Ask for comments from mentors, university career
center, etc.
September
■ If not listed on their Web site, contact potential
advisors to see if they will be taking students
■ Finalize list of schools to apply to
■ Create an organizational system for applications
■ Obtain and file paper copies of all application
materials for reference
■ Ask professors to write your letters of recommendation
■ Include a copy of CV, list of schools, and deadlines
■ Ask for writers’preferences (e.g., whether they want
to submit materials online or through the mail;
when they would like to receive reminder e-mails)
■ If sending paper rather than online letters, pro-
vide recommenders with prestamped, pread-
dressed envelopes, and be sure it is clear which
envelope goes with which school
■ Brainstorm and write first draft of personal statement
October
■ Solicit feedback from mentors on personal statement
draft
■ Order remaining GRE score reports
■ Order transcripts
■ Write drafts of supplemental essays
■ Begin filling out application forms online
November
■ Final draft of personal statement and supplemental
essays
■ Complete application forms for all Dec. 1 deadline
schools
■ If mailing forms, make sure to mail several weeks
in advance
■ Check to make sure all materials have been
received
■ Check with recommenders about letters
■ Last chance to take the Psychology GRE
■ Order remaining GRE score reports
December
■ Complete application forms for remaining schools
(if mailing forms, make sure to mail several weeks
in advance)
■ Check to make sure all materials have been
received
■ Thank everyone who helped you with the application
process
■ Breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy the holidays!
January, February, March
■ Receive interview offers (phone interviews and offi-
cial visits)
■ Prepare for interviews:
■ Look up work by potential advisors
■ Make lists of questions for potential advisors and
current graduate students
■ Go to interviews:
■ Dress professionally
■ Ask lots of questions
■ Be gracious towards everyone you meet
February, March, April
■ Thank people who interviewed you and reiterate
your interest in the program
■ Hear back from schools after interviews
■ If multiple offers, narrow down as quickly as
possible
April
■ Make your decision!A PRIMER FOR APPLYING TO GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 575