Guide to Getting Into Graduate School > What You Can Do to Increase Your Chances of Acceptance

Maintain your GPA

• For most Master's programs, you need at least a 3.0.
• For most Ph.D. programs, you need at least a 3.5.
• Balance your required courses with courses you enjoy and can do well in.
• Avoid taking on too much in any one semester.

Develop Relationships with Faculty

• Ask and answer questions in class, contribute to discussions.
• Learn where and when your professors hold office hours and stop in with questions or comments about course material.
• Participate as a research assistant.
• Get to know your faculty advisor.

Participate in Research

• For Ph.D. applicants, this is one of the most important factors in your graduate admissions.
• Talk to your Advisor or a Professor. They know what their peers are researching and can help you find a faculty member with similar research interests as yours.
• Attend information sessions offered by the Psychology department.

Develop Your Writing Skills

• Visit the writing lab for help with your papers. Don't just use them as proofreaders, take their advice on how you can improve your writing.
• Participate in research, and then present the research at an undergraduate conference or poster session.

Prepare for the GRE

• Take practice tests and attend information sessions.
• Review areas in which you are weak.