Since opening with four psychology programs in 2015, PSYCAS, the centralized application service for graduate psychology, has grown to nearly 80 programs at the master’s- and doctoral-levels of training in 2018. For prospective students to PsyD programs, more than one quarter of APA-accredited PsyD programs now participate in PSYCAS. Unfamiliar with PSYCAS? You can learn more here.
If a program you plan on applying to uses PSYCAS, what do you need to know in order to be successful? Listed below are our top 10 tips to improve your application process:
1. Get prepared: Identify fit with educational offerings that match your background and career goals. The APA Office of Graduate and Postgraduate Education & Training offers regular webinars on Finding Fit or you can view the presentation slides at any time. The PsychLearningCurve’s blog series on Getting into Graduate School: Your Roadmap to Success can help you prepare.
2. Get set: Order copies of your unofficial transcripts for all of your post-high school coursework (including institutions from which you did not graduate). You will need this information to complete the PSYCAS application. Unofficial transcripts may be available for low or no fee from the school(s) you attended.
3. Create a PSYCAS account: Visit the PSYCAS page and follow the instructions to create an account. Would you like for programs of interest to contact you prior to submitting an application? Make sure you agree to the release statement in the “Personal Information” section of the application.
4. What are your plans? Once your account is created, PSYCAS will request information on your academic plans. Would you like to matriculate in the upcoming year or in some future year? Honestly stating your intentions in the application allows programs to reach out to you at the right time.
5. Search and organize: View the “Add Program” tab to search for programs, learn about deadlines, and understand the specific requirements for each program. While PSYCAS collects information that is sent to all of your programs, each program may have its own specialized requirements (e.g., short-answer questions or document uploads) particular to its review process.
6. Lower your application costs: For 2018-2019, APA subsidizes a PSYCAS fee waiver for qualified applicants. Determine your eligibility and submit documentation at least one month prior to submitting an application.
7. Get verified: Order official transcripts and have those sent to PSYCAS by your school’s registrar as soon as possible. Although PSYCAS verifies transcripts in a matter of days, your application moves forward only after all transcripts are received. You send just a single set of transcripts in for all of your PSYCAS applications.
8. Get recommended: Identify and contact evaluators who are best able to assess your potential for success in graduate school. PSYCAS requires that you identify three recommenders in order to submit an application. Remember that these letters are viewable by all programs to which you apply so your evaluators only need to submit one letter for all of your PSYCAS applications. In the case where an evaluator would like to write a personal letter to a specific program on your behalf (in addition to the three required), contact the program and ask if they will accept a letter outside of PSYCAS.
9. Follow directions: Attending graduate school is a major life event decision so make sure to read all instructions and take your time. If you have questions, PSYCAS offers dedicated customer service. if you have a question about a program’s review process and curriculum, you can contact the program directly.
10. Be nice: Yes, this needs to be stated: Every interaction you have with a program and its faculty and staff should be treated as an interview. Be yourself but make sure it is your best self.
Best of luck with your applications!
