Admissions Guidelines

Questions?

General Information

We receive many more applications each year than the number of new students we can accept for the year. We have established the following guidelines to help prospective applicants assess their competitiveness. Consult the web pages for our seven areas of specialization for additional area-specific considerations.

  • Grade Point Average (GPA): 3.0 is a minimum guideline, but competitive applicants typically have higher GPAs:
    • Mean GPA for applicants admitted 2022-2025 = 3.80
    • Median GPA for applicants admitted 2022-2025 = 3.89
  • Coursework: Although an undergraduate or graduate degree in psychology is not required, competitive applicants typically have completed at least some foundational coursework in psychology and/or related fields. Applicants with limited relevant prior coursework may consider taking the GRE Subject Test in Psychology to demonstrate their preparation. Note that what is considered a related field and relevant preparatory coursework varies across our areas of specialization.
  • Research Preparation: Competitive applicants are well prepared to participate in research, which is the main emphasis of our program. Although what research preparation means can vary by area, competitive applicants typically have prior experience working in a research lab, completing a thesis, taking research methods courses, and/or other relevant preparation. Contact the area’s director or the area faculty you are interested in applying to work with for more specific information.
  • Statistics Training: Coursework, training, and/or other experience with statistics is highly valued in application review, reflecting the necessary preparation for students to be successful in our program. The importance of prior experience with software packages such as R, Python, MATLAB, or SPSS varies across labs and the research being conducted. Contact the faculty member(s) you are interested in working with if you have questions about the kinds of statistical preparation and experience most relevant to successful engagement in their research lab.
  • Diversity of Views: Reflecting the importance of a diversity of viewpoints and experiences to advance the field of psychological science, we encourage applications from individuals who will contribute to our mission to enhance inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA). Learn more about how the Department of Psychology values cultural and individual diversity and the importance of equitable access to educational opportunities on our Diversity & Inclusion page.
  • GRE Testing: Our seven areas of specialization have varying requirements for the GRE General Test and Subject Test in Psychology. For areas that require or review submitted scores, we recommend aiming for scores in the 70th percentile or higher in both the quantitative and verbal reasoning sections of the GRE General Test. Reflecting the research focus of our program, strong quantitative section scores are particularly valued by faculty reviewers. Subject Test scores, which are optional for all areas, are most appropriate when an applicant has limited psychology coursework or has not taken any psychology courses recently.
  • English Language Proficiency: International applicants and some domestic applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency by meeting one or more of the criteria provided on our International Applicants page. Please note that the Department of Psychology sets higher requirements than the Graduate School and only accepts IELTS and TOEFL scores at this time.

The Graduate School maintains aggregate admissions statistics for the Psychology PhD. Counseling and CSPR are our most competitive areas of specialization, with 1% to 3% acceptance rates in some recent years.

Application Assessment Criteria

Each area of specialization reviews applications using holistic methods that consider all parts of the applicant’s portfolio. Area reviews take into consideration the following criteria using a rubric-based review:

  • Academic preparation (as evidenced by GPA, coursework, GRE scores, etc.)
  • Evidence of potential to be successful in graduate school and beyond (e.g., growth potential, tenacity, overcoming obstacles)
  • Research experiences and preparation
  • Commitments to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) and/or how applicants’ diverse viewpoints and experiences contribute to, and advance, the field of psychological science
  • Alignment with the area’s focus, faculty expertise, and faculty availability to accept advisees