Question 1

Which motivation for applying to graduate school tends to be more indicative of someone who is likely to have trouble finishing an advanced degree?

Accepted Answer

A motivation based on wanting to be called doctor is more superficial and may not sustain someone through the rigors of an advanced degree program. It also suggests a focus on the title and status rather than the actual work and knowledge gained through graduate school.

Question 2

Graduate schools vary in their _____, which is reflected in the thresholds the programs set for GRE scores and grade point averages.

Accepted Answer

Selectivity refers to the degree to which graduate schools are exclusive in their admissions criteria, such as GRE scores and GPA thresholds.

Question 3

Why is gaining research experience before applying to graduate school so important?

Accepted Answer

Gaining research experience before applying to graduate school is important because it provides first-hand knowledge from a faculty member for writing a letter of recommendation, builds necessary skills for graduate school, and helps one determine if research is truly the path they want to pursue, ultimately saving time and money. Therefore, all of the answers are correct.

Question 4

When is applying to master's degree programs a good idea?

Accepted Answer

Applying to a master's degree program can be a good idea if your academic track record is not strong enough to be competitive for a PhD program. Master's programs can provide additional coursework and research opportunities to bolster your academic record and make you a stronger candidate for a PhD program in the future. The other options presented do not address this particular reason for applying to a master's program.

Question 5

Which statement is TRUE regarding the process of applying to graduate school?

Accepted Answer

The goodness of fit between the applicant and the program's requirements regarding GRE scores and GPA is an essential consideration when applying to graduate school. This match highlights the applicant as a qualified candidate, and it also determines if the applicant is an excellent fit for the institution. Therefore, choice C is the only true statement. A, B, and D are incorrect.

Question 6

What percentage of students who start graduate school never complete the degree?

Accepted Answer

The percentage of students who start graduate school but never complete their degree is approximately 50%. However, given the options provided, the closest to various studies and reports is 35%. Dropout rates can vary significantly by field of study, institution, and country, but on average, about one-third of graduate students do not finish their programs.

Question 7

Once you finish the Graduate Record Exam,

Accepted Answer

After completing the GRE, test-takers receive their unofficial Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores immediately.

Question 8

Two typical indices of quality for clinical training programs include accreditation status and what other measurement?

Accepted Answer

Internship placement percentage is a key indicator of the effectiveness of a clinical training program. It indicates the program's ability to prepare graduates for the workforce and employer demand for program graduates. Accreditation status is also an important index of quality as it ensures that the program meets certain standards and requirements set forth by a recognized accrediting body. The other options, average number of credits completed at graduation, number of honors of program faculty, and number of training grants applied for by the faculty, may provide some insight into the program's quality but are not as directly related to program effectiveness as internship placement percentage and accreditation status.

Question 9

Which training format emphasizes clinical practice issues for those who wish to become clinical psychologists?

Accepted Answer

The PsyD format emphasizes clinical practice issues and is focused on preparing students for professional practice as clinical psychologists.

Question 10

Should you waive your right to see your letters of recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Waiving your right to see your letters of recommendation signals your trust in the relationship with your recommender. This can increase the confidence and credibility of the recommendation in the eyes of the admissions committee or employer. It is also important to note that letter writers typically give you a copy of what they say, making the waiver meaningless.

Question 11

What is a primary function of the capstone course in the undergraduate psychology curriculum?

Accepted Answer

The primary function of the capstone course is to provide a vehicle to integrate learning across courses, allowing students to synthesize and apply their knowledge in a comprehensive manner. This helps students develop a deeper understanding of the field and prepares them for further study or careers in psychology.

Question 12

Which factor tends to carry the LEAST weight with graduate admissions officials?

Accepted Answer

Extracurricular involvement tends to have the least weight with graduate admissions officials compared to other factors like letters of recommendation, research experience, and GRE scores. This is because extracurricular activities are often seen as secondary to academic and research achievement, which are more directly relevant to the graduate program. However, this may vary depending on the specific program and the emphasis it places on different aspects of a candidate's profile.

Question 13

What is the risk you face if you complete your program at an unaccredited graduate program?

Accepted Answer

If you complete your program at an unaccredited graduate program, you may not qualify for jobs that you want to get after graduation, as many employers require candidates to have graduated from an accredited program.

Question 14

Ideally, when should the process of taking formal steps to apply to graduate school begin?

Accepted Answer

Starting the application process as a rising junior allows ample time for researching programs, preparing for entrance exams, securing recommendations, and crafting a strong application.

Question 15

What constitutes a big "red flag" in applicants' personal statements for those who are interested in clinical psychology?

Accepted Answer

Elaborate discussions of past mental health challenges can indicate that the applicant is not ready or capable to handle the emotional demands of clinical psychology, or may have unresolved personal issues that could interfere with their ability to provide effective therapy.

Question 16

What is an important feature you should incorporate into a poster presentation?

Accepted Answer

Including a concise oral summary of the project allows the presenter to highlight the most important aspects of their research and capture the audience's attention. It also allows for a better understanding of the research and creates an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.

Answer: A and B 
 Providing a photocopy of the poster as a takeaway allows the audience to review the content at their leisure or share it with colleagues who weren't able to attend the presentation. Additionally, including a handout of references used to produce the research shows the audience that the presenter has done their homework and helps to establish credibility.

Answer: D 
 While it's always a good idea to express gratitude to the conference organizers or hosts, it's not necessarily an important feature of a poster presentation that would significantly impact the audience's understanding of the research.

Question 17

APA's Graduate Study in Psychology indexes graduate programs by alphabetical order as well as by:

Accepted Answer

APA's Graduate Study in Psychology indexes graduate programs both alphabetically and by areas of specialty and degrees offered, allowing students to easily identify programs that align with their academic and career goals. This makes choice (C) the best answer. While factors such as age of program, honors achieved, size and prestige of faculty, and accreditation status are important considerations, they are not the primary means by which APA categorizes and indexes graduate programs in psychology.

Question 18

At student conferences, oral presentations given by students usually last how long?

Accepted Answer

Student presentations at conferences typically last between 15-20 minutes to allow for multiple presenters and to keep the sessions moving along in a timely manner. Option B) 5 minutes is too short for a substantive presentation, C) 25-30 minutes is too long for a student presentation, and D) one hour is too long for a conference session with multiple presenters.

Question 19

APA's Graduate Study in Psychology is published:

Accepted Answer

Graduate Study in Psychology is published annually, providing students with detailed information about graduate psychology programs across the United States and Canada.

Question 20

What is a senior thesis?

Accepted Answer

A senior thesis is an opportunity for a student to perform independent research work from start to finish, usually under the guidance of a faculty member. It is typically a culminating project completed during the final year of undergraduate studies.

Quiz 10: What Can You Do With an Advanced Degree in Psychology