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Learn how to prepare for the competitive graduate school process to become a school psychologist.
School psychology is an exciting, dynamic career path! We help students succeed in school and in life by addressing various cognitive, developmental, and educational difficulties and supporting many areas of social-emotional health, mental health, and behavior. We also support teachers, administrators, and students alike and are an in-demand position in many districts! Sound like something you want to become?
All school psychologists are required to acquire a graduate-level degree to practice in schools. Keep reading to learn more about graduate school, the application process, and some easy tips to help you get into the right program for you!
Tip #1 - Research programs that will fit your goals
Good news: you can attend a school psychology graduate program in almost every state! However, before you apply to every program, it's highly recommended that you do some research on the difference in coursework and some self-reflection on your goals! Most programs are typically structured the same way to provide students with a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience, so it really is just about answering the following questions and finding a program that fits what you need:
How much time do I want to be in graduate school?
Do I want to attend an in-person or online program?
Do I want a masters-level (MA/MS/Ed.S) or doctoral-level (PhD) degree?
Is the program in the state I'll likely be practicing in?
Many programs offer additional specializations or opportunities for additional certifications, do I want to pursue that?
Do I need pre-requisites to attend the program?
Is the program I'm applying to nationally certified (by NASP)?
Do I get my state certification at the end of the program?
What is my budget for graduate school?
Will I need to take out loans, attend a program that offers assistantship, or qualify for financial aide during school?
Masters-level programs last on average three years and doctoral-level programs require students to complete an additional dissertation, making the program approximately five years in length. There are also online options for school psychology graduate programs, but these are not generally nationally certified. Attending a NASP-certified program makes it easier to apply for your National Certified School Psychologist credential, which can lead to additional compensation in some districts and gaining a different state's credential if you move.
Year one of the graduate program typically begins with a series of core and specialized courses that cover foundational topics in psychology, education, and related disciplines. Depending on the program, these courses may include law and ethics, assessment, multicultural issues in education, counseling theories, behavior foundations, and graduate-level statistics.
In the second year (although some programs also start practicum in the first year), students will complete 450 hours of supervised practicum at a school site, which is intended to give a hands-on introduction to the role of school psychologist. These are supervised field placements in educational settings where students apply their knowledge and skills under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Year three for the masters-level is dedicated to internship, which lasts a full academic year, and is intended to immerse future practitioners in the role. During internship, students gain extensive hands-on experience in a school or educational setting, working directly with students, teachers, and administrators. Often during the third year of the masters-level program is also when you take specialized courses for any other advanced certifications (ABA courses, LPCC, ERMHS, mental health-based courses, etc.).
It's important to note that specific program structures may vary between universities, so it's recommended to review the curriculum and requirements of individual school psychology programs you're interested in applying to!
Tip #2 - Visit the NASP website
"The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) represents and supports the profession of school psychology by advancing effective practices to improve students' learning, behavior and mental health, and by maintaining essential standards for ethics and practice" (NASP, 2023).
NASP guides the practices of all school psychologists at the national level, and although many states have additional guidelines that practitioners follow, the practice model (below) is what is expected for all school psychology graduates to learn.
Familiarize yourself with the various resources on the NASP website and gain a better understanding of the role and responsibility of your chosen career path. School psychologists are trained in a variety of areas including assessment, behavior, counseling techniques, mental health, legal and ethical issues, data-based decision making, and consultation/collaboration. Graduate programs may interview you about or ask you questions about you experience in these areas. The NASP website is a great place to begin familiarizing yourself with appropriate responses and your future role.
Tip #3 - Take the GRE
Preparing for the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is an important step if you're planning to apply for a school psychology graduate program. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
Start Early: Begin your preparation well in advance of your test date. This allows for thorough review and practice, reducing last-minute stress.
Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the structure of the GRE, including the sections (Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing) and the types of questions you'll encounter.
Take a Diagnostic Test: Begin your preparation by taking a practice GRE test. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus your study efforts more effectively.
Create a Study Plan: Develop a detailed study schedule that allocates specific time for each section of the GRE. Be realistic about your time commitments and set achievable goals.
Practice Time Management: The GRE is a timed test, so practicing time management is crucial. Work on pacing yourself during practice tests to ensure you complete each section within the allotted time.
Vocabulary Building: Enhance your vocabulary, particularly if you're planning to take the GRE Verbal Reasoning section. Use flashcards, vocabulary apps, and read widely to expose yourself to a range of words.
Practice Writing Essays: For the Analytical Writing section, practice writing essays within the time constraints. Focus on developing clear arguments and providing evidence to support your points.
Track Your Progress: Keep a log of your practice test scores and review it regularly to monitor your improvement and identify areas that still need work.
Stay Calm and Confident: On test day, remain calm and confident in your preparation. Trust that you've put in the effort and that you're capable of performing well.
Remember that consistent practice, along with a well-structured study plan, is key to achieving your target score on the GRE. Additionally, consider seeking additional resources such as prep courses, study guides, and tutoring if you feel you need extra support. Good luck!
Tip #4 - Stay organized and on top of application deadlines
The graduate school application process can be stressful. Staying organized when submitting college applications is crucial for several reasons, including minimizing your stress! Keeping track of deadlines, requirements, and submission materials helps prevent common mistakes like missing documents, incomplete applications, or submitting to the wrong program. Organized and early applicants convey a sense of responsibility and attention to detail, which are both key traits of school psychologists. This can leave a positive impression on admissions committees, potentially increasing your chances of acceptance into a graduate program.
Keep in mind the impression you will leave on the graduate school application panel. In many programs, the professors and mentors will be your peers, not only in graduate school, but when you enter the field and become a practicing school psychologist. These will also be the individuals you will request recommendations and learn from throughout your graduate school journey, so making a good first impression by showing responsibility and organization is key!
Tip #5 - Practice for your interview
Interviewing can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you're not accustomed to it. Practicing helps build confidence by familiarizing you with common questions and allowing you to formulate thoughtful responses. School psychology programs will have differing interviews formats; some might be a panel interviews, one-on-one interviews, or even group interviews. Knowing the format in advance can help you prepare and strategize.
If you practice with a friend, mentor, or career advisor, they can provide constructive feedback on your performance. This feedback can be invaluable in making improvements before the actual interview. Interviews are not just about what you say, but also how you say it. Remember, practice doesn't mean memorizing answers verbatim. It means understanding your experiences, qualifications, and goals well enough to discuss them confidently and effectively. It also means being adaptable and able to think on your feet, as you may encounter unexpected questions.
Here are examples of questions you may be asked:
Describe your life experience thus far as it relates to education or the field of school psychology.
Why school psychology or what do you think a school psychologist does?
What are your own strengths/weaknesses?
How do you manage your time?
Why did you choose to apply to this program?
Tip #6 - Own your unique story
School psychology is not a one-size-fits-all career and graduate programs are not always simply looking for former educators or students with an undergraduate degree in psychology. While this may help (or be required) in some programs, school psychology as a field values diversity in their practitioners, and highlighting your own unique journey can contribute to a more diverse and inclusive cohort in the program. Different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives enrich the learning environment for everyone.
Admissions committees for school psychology programs receive a large number of applications, many of which may have similar academic achievements or backgrounds. Owning your own unique story can set you apart and helps you stand out in a competitive pool. Your unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives make you who you are. Highlighting these aspects in your application and interview allows the admission panel to get a sense of your individuality and how you will contribute to the makeup of the cohort the program is trying to build.
Ultimately, being unique in the graduate school application process allows you to present a well-rounded, multi-dimensional version of yourself. It's not about trying to be different for the sake of it, but about authentically representing who you are and what you can bring to the program cohort.
Above all, make sure the program you choose fits your goals and needs.
Your unique qualities, experiences, and preparation will contribute to your success in a school psychology graduate program and beyond. They can shape your goals, interests, and career path in ways that set you apart in the professional world. At the end of the graduate application process, when you get into programs, be sure to choose the school that will fit your own goals, lifestyle, and needs.
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