Becoming a doctor is one of the most difficult career paths that someone can decide to travel. Not only does it require years and years of school, but it’s also some of the most difficult material that you can study. Even getting into the program is difficult.
If you want to become a psychologist and get into the school of your choice, there are certain things that you need to do to make sure that you aren’t disappointed. In this article, I’m going to discuss three things that you can do to ensure that you make it into the PsyD program of your choice.
Choose the Right Major
If you are planning on going on to a PsyD program you probably shouldn’t choose English Literature as a major. Graduate programs want to see that you were in a rigorous program in the sciences that has prepared you for the difficult material in a PsyD program.
Some of the more popular majors for undergrads wanting to become a psychiatrist are Health Psychology, Neuropsychology, Child Psychology, and Geropsychology. All of these programs give you a sound scientific background that’s also related to the mind.
Finish Your Undergrad With a Strong GPA
Your GPA matters. That’s all there is to it. Doctoral programs are some of the most competitive programs to get into, so if you want to get into a good PsyD program, or any PsyD program for that matter, you are going to want to have as high of a GPA as possible. You should be looking to earn a minimum of a 3.3 GPA and a 1200 or above on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
If you do happen to earn a GPA a little bit lower than a 3.3, all is not lost. However, you do have an uphill climb ahead of you. The best thing for you to do if you’re GPA is going to be less competitive is to make sure that your extracurriculars are ahead of everyone else’s. You need to be doing as much research as you can and finding high-quality internships that will give you the experience that you need.
Make Connections
Make friends with the people who are in class with you, and talk to as many professors and advisors as possible. One of the best ways to get into PsyD programs is to become close with people who are familiar with the admissions process and the people who will be choosing you.
Your professors more than likely have friends who serve as admissions officers, so if your professors like and know you, you’re going to be in a much better position. They will also be able to provide you with the glowing recommendation letters that you’re going to need in order to be selected for your program.
While becoming a doctor is certainly an honorable path, it is one of the most difficult paths that you can travel. The work that you do will be difficult, but the reward in the end makes it worth it for a lot of people. If you put in the work necessary, you should be able to find a PsyD program that will work for you.
Related resource:
Top 25 Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) Degree Programs