1- Start the year by making an appointment with your Psychology advisor and make sure you have everything in line to graduate with your major. Take the time to make a list of questions for this meeting so that your advisor can answer any questions about Graduate School applications, options, and what you should be doing to prepare. It’s important to establish a strong relationship with your advisor not only because he/she will serve as a great resource for you but because many times schools request a recommendation letter from your advisor.

2- If you have free time in your schedule for an extra psychology course, take one! Pick something new and interesting! The more you learn, the better off you are! Also, if your schedule permits it, take a yoga class or kickboxing (something of that sort) for credit so that you can jump start an exercise/relaxation routine; this is imperative for your future and career!

3- If you haven’t already started, NOW is the time to make a list of schools you would like to apply to. Investigate, investigate, investigate!  Being that many applications are due in December and January, you musn’t procrastinate this process! Check out the schools you are interested in, jot down the application due dates, the requirements etc, and then narrow down to your top choices. Just like you did when applying to college, always be realistic as well as hopeful about the schools you apply to, and remember to have “safety schools” on your list; you never know how things will turn out or if you possibly change your mind throughout the year! Along with applications, you must start studying for the GRE and plan dates to take the test. (Check out our GRE PREP section for help)

4-Have you participated in any work related to the field? If not, this is a good time to do so! You will learn invaluable things and will have one more asset to put on your resume and grad school application. This will help you stand out from other applicants!  Being that your schedule is probably jam-packed this year, go to your psychology or education department and ask professors if you can be of assistance to them in their research. Usually you can work flexible hours during the week (even 2-5 hours a week is better than none!) and grab experience in the Research process. Ask around and do what works for you! This will also give you a better idea of the research world and if you want to be a part of it in the future or simply stick to clinical work. In addition, it never hurts to learn from an experienced Professor, build a connection, and have an extra recommendation letter under your belt.

5- Take advantage of your last year and make connections! This is part of your self-marketing! Talk to whoever you admire (student, colleague, Professor, psychologist, parent etc.) and ask them questions! Make mentors for your future; they will be there for you when you have questions and concerns about your career. Stop by your school’s Career Center. Let them revise your resume or CV, provide you with interview tips, and more.

6- READ!!!  EVERYTHING YOU CAN!! Learn more about the field and the school that will fulfill your goals and expectations. Learn more about  the multi-faceted areas and careers in psychology. If you haven’t already, fall in love with what his field has to offer, and find your passion; passion is the most important ingredient in your future success. Once you find what it is you want to accomplish, you will have direct avenues to the path you must take.

7 & Most Important: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!!!!!!!

GOOD LUCK, SENIORS!!!!! ENJOY THE BEST YEAR OF COLLEGE ; )

COME BACK SOON! – Just Like Me -SD