Many graduate schools require reading proficiency in German, French, or Russian for the Ph.D. degree. All graduate schools prefer that applicants for Ph.D. programs have several math and science courses in their undergraduate curriculum (even clinical and counseling Ph.D. programs).

Students who are considering the possibility of graduate study in psychology should discuss their intention with their faculty advisor so that an appropriate course schedule can be planned. In addition, students should consult the publication, Preparing For Graduate Study in Psychology: Not for Seniors Only!, which is available in the department chairperson's office. This book provides a timetable for choosing and applying to graduate schools and advice about selecting undergraduate courses, selecting a specialty in psychology, selecting a graduate school, and preparing the application materials. The suggestions in "Timetable for Choosing and Applying to Graduate Schools" are excerpted below, with some revisions, from the book.

Sophomore Year

1. Discuss your interest in graduate school with your psychology advisor and plan a schedule of courses.
2. If you are interested in the Ph.D. degree, plan to take more than the two math and science courses needed to meet the general studies requirement, and begin learning French or German.
3. Take Correlational Research Methods (Psyc 201) and Experimental Research Methods (Psyc 202).

Junior Year

1. Take Psyc 201 and 202 if not already completed.
2. If you are interested in clinical or counseling psychology, arrange an internship for the Spring Term. If you are interested in a research program, apply for research paracticum for Spring Term.
3. Consult the publication, Graduate Study in Psychology and Allied Fields (available from the department chairperson) for the schools which offer programs that interest you. Check the admission requirements of these schools (minimum GPA, GRE scores, and other tests that may be required).
4. Register for the aptitude Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Plan to take the GRE in the spring or summer before your senior year; this allows time in the senior year to take the exam a second time if your scores were low, and it enables you to eliminate graduate schools which have requirements higher than you can meet.
5. Prepare for the GRE by reviewing course work in math, by studying a vocabulary book, and working practice tests in Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test (Arco Publishing Co., Inc., 219 Park Avenue South, NY 10003).
6. Apply for student membership in the American Psychological Association (forms are available on the bulletin board in the department reception room).
7. Apply for membership in Psi Chi.
8. Prepare a proposal for an independent study (empirical research) for Fall Term.

Summer between the Junior and Senior Years

1. Take the GRE Aptitude Test (if you did not do so in the Spring).
2. Write to graduate schools that you are interested in and request brochures, catalogues, financial aid forms, and department application forms. 3. Prepare for the GRE Advanced Test in Psychology by reviewing a recent comprehensive introductory psychology textbook and working practice tests in Psychology: Advanced Test for the GRE (Arco Publishing Co.).

Beginning of Senior Year

1. Take the GRE Aptitude Test a second time if your first scores were low or the first time if you did not take it in the summer. (October at Virginia Tech).
2. Take the GRE Advanced Test in Psychology (October or December at Virginia Tech).
3. Take the Miller Analogies Test (October at Hollins College) if required by the schools to which you are applying.

November of Senior Year

1. Use the latest edition of Graduate Study in Psychology to determine whether your GRE scores and current GPA meet the minimum qualifications of schools in which you are interested. If necessary, revise your plans.
2. Make a final list of schools and collect application forms.
3. Check the application deadlines for each school on your final list. Deadlines for financial aid are earlier than for admission.
4. Request that GRE and MAT scores be sent to all the schools on your final list.
5. Request a study copy of your transcript from each college you have attended. Check for errors.
6. Prepare a resume for inclusion in your application.
7. Prepare a folder for each faculty member from whom you are requesting a letter of recommendation. Include the recommendation form (with deadline date circled or highlighted or otherwise indicated), a copy of your transcript (obtain from your advisor), a copy of your resume, and a statement about your goals. Stamped and addressed envelopes are not necessary; the Psychology Department will provide them. Give the folders to faculty members who have agreed to write letters for you. (The faculty members may want to discuss your plans with you).
8. Begin writing your personal statements which are required for the applications.

December of the Senior Year

1. Prepare final copies of application materials. Type them neatly. Include a photocopy of GRE and MAT scores, in case the official reports are late. Keep a photocopy of your applications.
2. Request that official transcripts be sent to all schools to which you are applying.
3. Check on the status of your letters of recommendation.
4. Take GRE a second time if scores from the first time are low.

January­April of the Senior Year

1. If you receive your GRE scores from the December test, send a photocopy of the results immediately.
2. If you have applied to clinical or counseling programs, you may be asked to interview. Be prepared to interview at as many schools as financially feasible. Ask faculty members for advice about interviewing.
3. Offers are usually made before April 1st. You have until April 15th to accept or reject any offers. Wait and hope.