"Lately, my inbox has been flooded with emails from prospective Ph.D. applicants. What I notice is that nearly everyone is motivated, but not everyone is well-prepared. As a first-generation American, I still remember the shock of my sophomore year in college when I learned that I needed to start building research experience early to even be considered for competitive programs."
"Thankfully, I was fortunate to participate in the McNair Program, which gave me mentorship, funding, and exposure to research opportunities. Without it, I wouldn't have known how to navigate the complex and often opaque process of applying to graduate school. Now, as a faculty member, I mentor students both formally and informally. I hear the same questions over and over-about research experience, GRE scores, personal statements, and recommendation letters."
"One of my favorite resources is Mitch's Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology (Revised 2025). You can also check out my throwback infographic below-Applying to Grad School?-which breaks the process into clear visual steps. I've combined these resources, added my own perspective, and laid everything out in a timeline, because y'all know I like structure and a plan!"
Many prospective Ph.D. applicants are motivated but lack early preparation and research experience required by competitive programs. First-generation students often encounter this realization later in college. Participation in programs like McNair provides mentorship, funding, and research exposure that aid navigation of the graduate application process. Mentors commonly field questions about research experience, GRE scores, personal statements, and recommendation letters. Public resources and clear visual guides can increase access. Applicants should follow a timeline: 12–18 months before applications clarify career goals and populations of interest, begin building research experience, seek mentorship, and identify programs and mentors that align with long-term values.
Read at Psychology Today
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