Improving Undergraduate Psychology Students’ Understanding of the Graduate School Application Process

Abstract

Background

More students with a bachelor’s degree in psychology are seeking graduate studies, though many lack knowledge about the admission process.

Objective

We created a brief educational presentation to increase student knowledge of the application process, positive outcome expectations for obtaining a master’s degree in psychology, and intention to apply.

Method

We recruited N = 55 undergraduate psychology majors at a public university in Texas. We randomly assigned participants to either a 52-min written or video version of the educational presentation.

Results

Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed that participants increased their positive outcome expectations for a master’s degree in psychology and increased their perceived knowledge of the application process. Our qualitative content analysis revealed improvements in participants’ objective knowledge of what to include in a curriculum vitae and personal statement, who to ask for a letter of recommendation, and what resources exist for funding graduate school.

Conclusions

Professors could consider using evidence-based, brief educational presentations in mentoring undergraduate students on career goals including graduate study in psychology.

Teaching Implications

Additional training may be required to help educational professionals to incorporate evidence-based career planning during key stages of students’ undergraduate psychology study.

Keywords

psychology graduate school admissions advising

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