I can sympathize with the problem of having outstanding students who do not always get accepted. I also advise them to choose the programs they apply to carefully and be sure they learn about those programs and the faculty they might wish to work with. I also encourage them to seek out a range of good programs that they would be happy in and not just choose top-name schools where the odds of being admitted are low. Finally, some of our top students have a tough time focusing their application on specific programs. They may come across as interested in Social Psych, but also emphasize clinical interests, or Forensics, and I have been told that this detracts from their application. They should show evidence of knowing the area they are applying for and the specific features of the program. Perhaps related, recently one of our students applied to a range of programs from social to clinical-forensic and learned that his research experience was seen as not well matched to the clinical programs and his clinical interests not well fitted to the emphases of the social programs. Hence, I try to talk more with students about investigating more carefully the programs they consider and how well the academic climate of these programs may fit with their interests. Now and then when students are doing research in particular areas, I advise them to contact faculty who are working in those areas when considering graduate programs. I am not sure if this is always wise, but if done tactfully, it may be useful. Gary
Gerald L. (Gary) Peterson, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Psychology Saginaw Valley State University University Center, MI 48710 989-964-4491 [email protected] --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected]. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df5d5&n=T&l=tips&o=1379 or send a blank email to leave-1379-13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df...@fsulist.frostburg.edu
