Application Checklist

Your application will be reviewed immediately after the application deadline of December 1st. You will be notified when admissions decisions are finalized. In January, our most competitive applicants will be invited to attend our welcome event, which is typically held in the last week of February. You can check the current status of your application materials on the online application. 

Application Materials & How to Submit

To apply to the PhD program, you must submit an application to the University's Graduate School through the online application. 

• Select “University of Minnesota – Twin Cities” as the University of Minnesota campus you plan to attend.
• Select "Psychology - your intended area of specialization - PhD” from the program list. (You are only permitted to apply to one area per application.)
• Be sure to select your entry term as "Fall", or your application will not be reviewed. 
• Use the online application to upload all supplemental materials for your Graduate School application.
• We do not accept mailed copies of any admissions materials, including official test scores or transcripts. All materials must be uploaded via the online application.

Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts or academic records should be uploaded directly to the online application. If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material. View more information about transcripts and credentials.

GRE Scores

To submit official electronic GRE scores to the University, you should use Institution code 6874. In addition, scores should be entered in the online application. It is acceptable for official scores to arrive after the December 1st deadline, provided scores are available in the self-reported field by the time of application submission.

Some of our areas also recommend that students submit subject-specific GRE scores this year, if possible. Please read our admissions requirements for more information.

English Language Exam Scores

TOEFL or IELTS - For non-native English speakers only

If you take the TOEFL, you must send official electronic scores to the University. Use institution code 6874.
 
If you take the IELTS, official scores must be sent to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
University of Minnesota
309 Johnston Hall
101 Pleasant Street SE
Minneapolis, MN  55455

In addition, scores should be entered in the Test Information-Self-Reported field in the online application. It is acceptable for official scores to arrive after the December 1st deadline, provided scores are available in the self-reported field by the time of application submission.

You can view more information about TOEFL/IELTS scores and the University's English proficiency policy on the Graduate School website.

Department/Program Forms

Complete the Psychology Program Application form in the online application. On the form you will identify faculty members with whom you have communicated or would like to work. You will also upload your course abstract documents on the form.

• Cognitive and Brain Science (CAB) applicants will also be asked to select an area of emphasis within CAB.
• Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research (CSPR) applicants will be asked to briefly describe their research interests within CSPR and upload a supplement to the personal statement:
  • Please provide a one-page, single-spaced essay that describes your understanding of, and commitment to, clinical science-based training using the approaches embraced by our program.

Course Abstract Uploads I and II

Upload two course abstracts to the Department/Program Forms application in the online application. Course Abstract I should list all psychology courses you have taken. Course Abstract II should list courses outside of psychology that would complement your chosen area of specialization. Further directions and examples can be found in the Course Abstract Sample.

Personal Statement

Upload your personal statement in the materials section of the application. Please review the personal statement prompt for further instructions. 

Resume or CV

Upload your resume or CV in the materials section of the application. Review detailed instructions on what we want to see in your resume or CV.

Three Recommendations

Your recommenders will be required to fill out a rating form and upload a letter of recommendation on your behalf. These must be in by the December 1st deadline. No more than three recommendations will be accepted. View more information about recommendations.

Application Fee

Application fees differ for US and non-US residents. Please review the Graduate School’s Application fee page for more information.

Please note that if you are a McNair Scholar or have done summer research through CIC SROP, MARC, the COR program, Howard Hughes, or other similar programs, you may be eligible to have your application fee paid. Please contact psyapply@umn.edu for more information.

If you are a member of the Next Gen Psych Scholars Program (NPSP) and meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able to have your application fee paid. This opportunity is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact psyapply@umn.edu for more information.

Diversity Statement (Optional - for US residents only)

If you wish to be considered for the Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) fellowship, please be sure to indicate this on your program application, and then upload a statement briefly describing how your background, experiences, and achievements will contribute to the University’s goal of promoting excellence through diversity of background and experiences.

We will automatically consider students who submit this second statement. You do not need to contact the director of graduate studies. Submit a DOVE statement only if you feel you meet DOVE Fellowship criteria. The DOVE Fellowship is only available to US residents. View more information about the DOVE Fellowship.