careers in psych test 3

MODULE 6: Working with the Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

1. Career Goals

• Goal Types: Life, career, educational

• Ideal vs. typical goal-setting patterns

• Social-Cognitive Career Theory: Careers shaped by learning experiences and expectations

• Benefits of setting goals: Greater satisfaction, productivity, and self-esteem

2. The Psychology Degree

• A liberal arts degree; not a license to practice as a psychologist

• Develops broad knowledge and transferable skills: analysis, communication, info gathering

• Psychology is one of the most popular majors (~6–8% of undergrad degrees)

3. Employment & Employers

• Can’t practice psychology directly, but can pursue entry-level roles or grad school

• Employers value:

  • Major, experience, communication

  • Skills: writing, analysis, teamwork, leadership, work ethic

4. Résumé & Cover Letter

• Résumé: Targeted, concise, neat; includes education, experience, skills

• Cover Letter: Personalized, introduces self, aligns skills with job

5. Interviews & Offers

• Preparation: Know org, anticipate questions, dress, materials

• Two key questions: Why this job/org? Why you?

• Use STAR method for behavioral questions

• Follow-up with thank-you and professional correspondence

MODULE 7: Attending Graduate School

1. Making the Decision

• ~40% of grads attend grad school; higher in social sciences (~60%)

• Motivations: Career opportunities, love of learning, subject passion

• Consider: Costs, readiness, alternatives

2. Preparation Steps

• Research career and grad program requirements

• Take key coursework (must-haves: Research Methods, Stats)

• GPA: Minimum 3.0; competitive average ~3.5

• Gain research & field experience

• Build relationships for letters of recommendation

• Develop a financial plan

3. Evaluating & Applying

• Evaluate by: Acceptance rate, funding, focus, faculty, alumni success

• Grad programs seek:

  • Academic strength, research experience, independence, writing skills

• Application components: SOP, transcripts, GRE, LORs, writing samples

4. GRE & Subject Test

• Purpose: Standardize GPA, predict grad success

• Sections: Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing

• Psychology Subject Test: General knowledge

• Percentile goals:

  • Master’s: 25th–50th

  • Doctoral: 50th–75th

5. Statement of Purpose

• Comprehensive or specific-question format

• Do: Tailor it, show fit, back claims with evidence

• Don’t: Overshare, flatter, generalize, joke, complain

6. Letters of Recommendation

• Ask professors who know your work/goals

• Provide materials and ask well in advance

7. Interviews

• Common in applied/PhD programs

• Know the program/faculty, prepare questions

8. Funding Grad School

• Tuition waivers, assistantships, scholarships

• Loans (federal, PLUS), employer programs, loan forgiveness

🧠 Practice Exam Questions

Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following is NOT a typical section on a résumé?

   • A. Profile

   • B. References

   • C. Skills

   • D. Education
     Answer: B

2. What is the average accepted GPA for most graduate programs in psychology?

   • A. 2.75

   • B. 3.0

   • C. 3.5

   • D. 4.0
     Answer: C

3. Which GRE percentile is the minimum typically expected by doctoral programs?

   • A. 25th

   • B. 50th

   • C. 75th

   • D. 90th
     Answer: B

True/False

4. You can practice therapy with just a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
   False

5. Most graduate programs prefer a general, untailored statement of purpose.
   False

Short Answer

6. Name three things graduate schools typically look for in applicants.
   Academic ability, research experience, writing skills

7. Describe the STAR method used in interviews.
   Situation, Task, Action, Result – used to answer behavioral questions

8. List two forms of financial aid for grad school.
   Assistantships, scholarshipsand grants.