What sort of financial assistance is available for international students?
GENERAL INFORMATION
Would you mail an application packet for your Ph.D program in psychology to me?
The best source of information about our Graduate Program is our website. Since everything is now on the web, we no longer print hard copies of application materials. Under the "Program Areas" link, you can see the different areas of our psychology department. If you click on a particular area, you can obtain a description of that program. When clicking on the “Faculty” link, you will view the faculty members affiliated with that particular area. If you click on a faculty member’s name, you most often can view their short biography, as well as contact information. If you have questions that are specific to a certain area, we recommend that you contact the Area Chair by e-mail.
Under the “Graduate Program” link, you can obtain the full details about our Ph.D. program in psychology under “Program Description.” At the bottom of that page, there is a link to the “Requirements, Policies and Procedures Manual,” for graduate students. The “Prospective Student Info” link has an abundance of information for those interested in applying to our program. The “Application Procedures” information has links to the Rackham Graduate School’s website where you can begin processing your online application. It is now a requirement that applications be submitted online. Please feel free to contact us at psych.saa@umich.edu if you cannot find the information you need, or you have any questions about the application process.
Can I get a tour of your campus?
We do not provide campus tours for prospective graduate students. Students who are admitted to our program are invited to our Recruitment Weekend actitivies in the beginning of March.
Do you offer online courses?
Our PhD program does not include any online or distance learning courses.
I am a junior. What can I do to prepare myself for graduate school in psychology?
We cannot speak for other schools, but we regard a broad undergrad background in the natural, physical, and social sciences as the best preparation for graduate study in psychology. A laboratory course in Experimental Psychology or comparable research methods course and a course in statistical methods are strongly recommended. Bona fide experience in the field or laboratory as a research assistant or an undergraduate project is always an asset. Participation in some sort of research in order to demonstrate a capacity for independent research work to which a faculty member can attest (through letters of recommendation) will greatly enhance your credentials, as would the publication of a research paper.
Is your Clinical area program APA-accredited? Yes.
Do you offer a Psy D program? No.
Can you provide me with information about your MSW program?
The Master's in Social Work is offered through the School of Social Work. You can visit their website at www.ssw.umich.edu.
Do you have a counseling psychology program?
No, we offer a Clinical PhD program. The School of Education does not offer a counseling program either.
Do you have a program in school psychology?
We do not offer a "School Psychology" program at the University of Michigan. We do have CPEP (www.soe.umich.edu/cpep) which trains students to conduct research on schooling/educational issues. Some of Michigan's state universities offer school or counseling programs (see link below about "Are there other universities in Michigan...)
Is it possible to attend your program part time?
No, we expect students to make a full time commitment.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The program and funding package are structured for students to complete in 5 years.
Are there other universities in Michigan offering psychology graduate programs?
Yes. Click on the school name to go to their website.
Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University, University of Detroit Mercy, Wayne State University, Western Michigan University
APPLICATION INQUIRIES
What is the application deadline?
December 1st is the deadline date for Fall 2013 admission. This deadline applies to the receipt of the application and all supporting documents, including GRE scores, official transcripts, and letters of recommendation. You should start the application early and register your recommenders on the applictation so they have ample time to submit their letters by the deadline.
It is highly recommended that you submit your application a few days before the actual deadline, to account for any unforseen problems that could occur with your electronic submission.
Following is a list of Area Chairs for the Psychology Department:
- Biopsychology
Terry Robinson (ter@umich.edu)
- Clinical
Sheryl Olson (slolson@umich.edu)
- Cognition & Cognitive Neuroscience
David Meyer (demeyer@umich.edu)
- Developmental
Vonnie McLoyd (vcmcloyd@umich.edu)
- Personality & Social Contexts
Lorraine Gutierrez (lorraing@umich.edu)
- Social
Shinobu Kitayama (kitayama@umich.edu)
- Education & Psychology
Chair: Robert Jagers (rjagers@umich.edu)
- Social Work & Psychology
Berit Ingersoll-Dayton (bid@umich.edu)
- Women’s Studies & Psychology
Lilia Cortina (lilia@umich.edu)
What is the institution code for the University of Michigan? Please use the Institution Code of 1839 when requesting your scores be sent to us. You should not use a Department Code.
What is the average overall GPA?
For students admitted in 2012, the average GPA is 3.64 on a 4-point scale.
How many applicants do you admit?
The number varies by year and area, but usually we admit less than 5% of the applicants. For example, for the 2012 admissions season, we received approximately 400 applications to the Clinical area alone and three applicants were admitted.
Can you send me an application for financial aid?
Our program provides students with a 5-year, fully funded package, which combines research assistantships and teaching appointments. More information is available at Financial Assistance. When a student is admitted, the funding package is explained in detail in the award letter.
What information goes to Rackham and what information goes to Psychology Student Academic Affairs?
It is now required that all applications be submitted online. This includes not only the application but also: letters of recommendation, transcripts, GRE scores, Personal Statement, and Academic Statement of Purpose. Please don't send a paper application with the fee as it will be returned to you. Official transcripts need to be sent to Rackham. International applicants also need to provide TOEFL scores to Rackham.
I would like to apply to two different areas of Psychology. How should I do this?
Note: On the application, an Area is referred to as a Subplan. If you are interested in two Areas of Psychology, you should list both Areas under the Subplan section of the application. We then provide each Area with your application file. Think about which Area you are best suited for, and list that Area as your top choice. On page 11 of the application, you'll be given the opportunity to indicate a second Subplan, but this is entirely optional. Most applicants will only be applying to one Area.
When are applicants notified of acceptance/rejection?
Most often by the end of February or the beginning of March but no later than April 1st.
I applied to the university in the past and would like to re-apply. Do you still have the information from my previous application?
Yes, you would need to complete a new application for admission. However, you would not need to resubmit your GRE scores. You would need to submit new transcripts if you have had a degree conferred since you last submitted a transcript.
What are my chances of being admitted if I re-apply?
It is rare for students who re-apply to be accepted. However, if an applicant's credentials are markedly different due to experience gained in the intervening year, the student may wish to re-apply. Such experiences may include the student's participation in a research project which demonstrates a capacity for independent research work, to which faculty can attest through letters of recommendation, the publication of a research paper or other experiences.
Do I need a Master's degree to apply to the program?
No, a student can apply to our program with either a Master's or a Bachelor's degree. Those with Master's are reviewed in the same applicant pool as those with a Bachelor's degree.
Is it necessary to have an undergraduate degree in psychology in order to apply?
No. However, you should have some background in psychology. We regard a broad undergrad background in the natural, physical, and social sciences as the best preparation for graduate study in psychology. A laboratory course in Experimental Psychology or comparable research methods course and a course in statistical methods are strongly recommended. Bona fide experience in the field or laboratory as a research assistant or an undergraduate project is always an asset. Participation in some sort of research in order to demonstrate a capacity for independent research work to which a faculty member can attest (through letters of recommendation) will greatly enhance your credentials, as would the publication of a research paper.
I am in a graduate program at another school. What is the process for applying as a transfer student?
Students currently in a graduate program would have to complete the same application as regular applicants as we do not accept transfer credits.
I would like to meet with an admissions counselor.
We do not offer admissions counselling at the graduate level. We recommend that you meet with a counselor or mentor at your undergrad institution to obtain guidance. You are welcome to e-mail one of our Area Chairs for questions that are specific to a particular Program Area.
Which of your programs lead to being a licensed psychologist?
The only area that could lead to licensure as a practicing psychologist who sees clients is the Clinical area. Even then, the student must apply to the state board of licensure wherever they would like to practice. All of the other programs are research programs.
What are the criteria for being admitted into your program?
There are no specific criteria. There are no cutoff points for GPA or GRE scores. The admissions committees (different in each area) look at all of an applicant's qualifications, including GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, personal statement, previous research experience, professional experience, volunteer experience, and other criteria. The way in which this information is weighted varies from area-to-area, from year-to-year, and from admissions committee to admissions committee. There are always applicants who, undoubtedly, could perform well in a graduate program who may be turned away because we have too many applicants for too few spots.
GRE INQUIRIES
Can GRE scores be sent in after the application deadline?
Official GRE scores can be received after the deadline but it is not advisable. For fullest consideration of your application, all materials should be submitted by the December 1st deadline.
Which areas of psychology require the advanced GRE subject test in Psychology?
Taking the psychology subject GRE test is optional for all areas.
What code do I use for sending my GRE scores to the University of Michigan?
Use the University of Michigan institution code, which is 1839. Please do not use the Psychology department code.
What are the average GRE scores of admitted students?
The average GRE scores of students admitted in 2012 were: Writing, 4.6; Verbal, 621; Quantitative, 685.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Where should the letters of recommendation be sent?
Your letters of recommendation need to be submitted online by your recommenders. Instructions on how to do this will be available to you as you are completing the online application.
Is it acceptable to mail letters of recommendation to the Psychology Department?
We prefer that your recommenders submit their letters online. Once you "register your recommenders" through the online application, they will receive an automated email with instructions about how to submit their letters electronically. This streamlines the application process and ensures that your letters will be linked to your application.
We understand, though, that some recommenders either will not or cannot submit letters electronically; in those cases, we do accept hardcopy letters. All letters received through the mail will be scanned and then uploaded to your application. There is no advantage to submitting hardcopy letters, as reviewers will only see scanned copies.
One of my recommenders recently informed me that he would not be able to finish his letter by the Dec. 1st deadline. Will this have a negative impact on my application?
The application and the fee payment are the two things that absolutely have to be in by the December 1st deadline. While we understand that is somewhat out of your control, it is highly recommended that your credentials arrive as close to the deadline date as possible. Admissions committees will begin the review process shortly after December 1st so you will want your application to be as complete as possible by that date. It is best to apply early and give your recommenders enough time to meet the December 1st deadline.
Is it acceptable to submit letters of recommendation through my university's Graduate Letter Service?
We prefer that your recommenders submit their letters as instructed in the online application. However, you can submit your letters of recommendation through your university's Graduate Letter Service.
INTERNATIONAL INQUIRIES
I am an international student and wonder if I have to take any other tests besides the GRE?
International students are required to take the TOEFL. However, if you obtained your undergraduate degree at an English-speaking university, you do not have to take the TOEFL.
I am an international applicant. Do I have to complete the University of Michigan Affidavit of Financial Support for International Students?
You only need to submit this form if you are admitted into the program. Rackham will send this form to admitted international students at the time admission is finalized. The letter of financial support you receive from the Department can be used as documentation. Since our Ph.D. program is for 5 years and fully funded, you only need to submit additional documentation if you are bringing dependents with you. Please see this website for more information: http://rackham.helpserve.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=94
What sort of financial assistance is available for international students?
The international students that are admitted into our program are eligible for the same financial package that domestic students receive. No extra forms need to be completed.
