Several Questions
To help you think about yourself and grad school
These questions are ones I often ask when talking to someone about grad school options. They are meant to help you reflect on what you are really wanting and needing. You could print off this page and circle or write your answer so you have them when looking at other parts of this website. Best results happen when you answer honestly!
Question 1: If you imagine spending 4-5 more years in school, you...
- a) wish it was over already
- b) 2 years would be enough
- c) look forward to it
- d) wish it were longer
Question 2: If you enjoy helping others, what way suits you best when lending a hand?
- a) sit and listen
- b) listen, observe and suggest changes
- c) listen, come up with a plan based on knowledge, implement it
- d) listen, test various ideas that might work
Question 3: Research is:
- a) Something best left to others
- b) Good to read in small amounts if interesting
- c) Interesting to read and make use of findings
- d) Interesting to design studies, look at data and test hypotheses
Question 5: What have you tried? What experiences have you enjoyed?
- What classes?
- What jobs or volunteering?
- Did you want to do more? What parts exactly?
- What other experiences have you had?
Question 6: What do you want in a career (besides $)?
- Flexible schedule?
- Able to balance a variety of roles? Which roles?
- Life goals or purposes?
- Other...
Question 7: Do you feel you have enough relevant experience, a good GPA and the courses you need to apply and get in where you want?
- a) I haven't taken a good look, I really should do that this week
- b) as good as they would be if I wait and apply later
- c) I'm doing better in my courses this year and/or started doing relevant work that will help my application succeed, so there are benefits for waiting a year to apply
- d) Not sure, I'd better ask a professor in the area of interest what my chances are. I'll bring my transcript and list of experience etc., as well as a list of some of the schools I'm thinking about for the professor to look at.
Looking at Grad school and Careers can quickly become overwhelming. There are hundreds of schools in North America and hundreds of programs in psych and related areas. But there is also help available, this website included, to aid you in choosing what path to explore further. There are other great sources of information including the Career Center, your professors, graduate students you know, and pretty much anyone you know in any of your areas of interest.