Admission Process

The following is an outline of the process by which prospective students are evaluated and selected for the School Psychology Doctoral and Specialist Programs. An underlying assumption of the process is that every student who is accepted is seen as capable of successfully completing the program. For this reason, the selection procedure is quite rigorous. Applicants are selected based upon their potential to benefit from the training program and to contribute to the field of school psychology.

A culturally diverse student body is actively recruited, and applicants of academic and professional promise are not systematically excluded on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, religion, lifestyle, or sexual orientation. The admissions process is highly selective but flexible. The profession of professional psychology requires that the practitioner possess personal characteristics as well as academic and technical competence based on both objective and qualitative information.

1. The decision-making process regarding admissions begins on January 15; applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their files by that date. However, applications are accepted until all program vacancies have been filled. After January 15, prospective applicants may wish to contact the Program to determine the status of Admissions decisions.

2. Upon request, the following material is mailed to a prospective applicant:

(a) program description and curriculum guide
(b) admission and financial aid applications
(c) description of the admissions process

3. Items required to complete the application process include submission of the following items (unless otherwise instructed) to Admissions Coordinator, School Psychology Program, 522 TC, University of Cincinnati, P.O Box 21002, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0002:

Application for Admission (Apply on-line at www.grad.uc.edu)

Current vita (resume) (mail to P.O. Box 21002)

Official transcripts (mail to P.O. Box 21002)

Goal statement: The goal statement (up to 3 pages in length) should include (a) an explanation of why you have chosen to pursue a career in professional psychology with a specialty in school psychology, (b) a description of why you believe the program philosophy and orientation at the University of Cincinnati match your goals and objectives, and (c) if applying for doctoral studies, an articulation of your goals and objectives for doctoral study, including interests (mail to P.O. Box 21002).

GRE scores (including Advanced Psychology, if doctoral) (mail to P.O. Box 21002)

Financial aid application (mail to P.O. Box 21002)

Three letters of evaluation/recommendation . These letters are to be sent directly to Admissions Coordinator, School Psychology Program, 522 TC, University of Cincinnati, P.O Box 21002, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0002. At least 1 letter should be from a person familiar with your academic performance.

4. Upon receipt of any application material, an individual prospective student folder is established. Confirmation is sent to the applicant to acknowledge receipt of material and to indicate when the file is complete.

5. Faculty members review the individual files as they are completed. An initial screening is based on a careful consideration of:

(a) academic record - grades, previous coursework
(b) letters of evaluation/recommendation
(c) goal statement - compatibility with program
(d) relevant work and life experience (vita)
(e) GRE scores

Although the College requires GRE scores for all students, all of the above criteria are used in admissions decisions, and GRE scores are not a major factor for ethnic minority student admissions.

6. A meeting of the School Psychology faculty is held during which the applications are reviewed and discussed. At this point, a decision is reached as to which students will be invited for an interview.

7. Prospective students are interviewed by faculty members and current students. At this time, applicants also have the opportunity to pose questions to faculty and students in order to familiarize themselves further with the Program.

8. After the interview, an assessment is made based on the applicant's record and his/her:
(a) career goals and their compatibility with those of the Program
(b) potential for successful completion of the Program
(c) alignment with the Program's stated criteria for Continuous Progress Monitoring, expecially, sensitivity to the needs of children, families, and school personnel; interpersonal skills, communication skills, both oral and written, respect for diversity, initiative, and potential for leadership. NOTE: If geographical constraints prohibit a personal interview, a telephone interview may be conducted by the faculty or another procedure may be used.

9. As the interviews are completed, a prioritized list of acceptable candidates is compiled by the School Psychology faculty. Offers of admission are made to the top candidates based on the number of openings in the Program. The additional acceptable candidates are placed on a waiting list. Those offered admission are requested to respond with their decision within a specified time period consistent with The Council of Graduate Departments of Psychology. Applicants on the waiting list may be offered admission if additional vacancies occur.

For more information, please contact the UC School Psychology program secretary at: