Frequently Asked Questions
Updated: 2/19/08
Program Questions
- Do you have a Master's Degree Program?
- Do I need an undergraduate degree in Psychology to apply?
- How long does the program take to complete?
- Can I do this program on a part-time basis, or during evenings and weekends?
- Do you have an on-line or distance-learning program?
- Is this the right program for you? Is submitting an application worth your time and effort?
- Will I be able to obtain a license to practice psychology after completing this program?
- Do you accept transfer credit?
- Do you accept Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM) students?
Admissions Questions
- Where do I mail my application?
- What is the application deadline and what if I miss it?
- If December 15 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, what do I do?
- How many applicants do you typically receive and how many do you admit?
- Can I apply to more than one area and how do I do that?
- What criteria do you use in making admissions decisions?
- Can I see admissions statistics?
- When will I know if I have been selected for an interview?
- How will I be funded? Do I need financial aid?
- When will I know if I have been accepted or denied?
- If I get in, can I defer enrollment one year to gain more experience?
- What is the earliest I can apply?
- Can you mail me an application?
- Can I visit the Department of Psychology or schedule an advising appointment?
Application Questions
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Regarding Online Graduate School Application
- Where is the link to the online Graduate School application?
- When I try to print my application it says "DRAFT- DO NOT MAIL THIS COPY" what do I do?
- Do you require the psychology subject test in the GRE?
- What are the institution/department codes for sending my GRE/TOEFL scores?
- What if I took the GRE/TOEFL test late?
- Do you accept other language exams besides TOEFL?
- What are the language requirements for international applicants?
- Do you accept old exam scores?
- Do I have to take the GRE/TOEFL? Can it be waived?
Regarding Writing Samples - Should I include a writing sample?
- What's the difference between the "Statement of Purpose" and "Personal Statement?"
- Do you have forms for the letters of recommendation?
- How many letters of recommendation do I need?
- Letters of recommendation can be submitted online, what does this mean?
- My recommender did not receive the request email to submit an online letter.
- Can letters be mailed directly to the Department or can I mail them to you?
- What transcripts are required?
- What if I haven't graduated and earned my Bachelor's/Master's degree by the application deadline?
- I just received new grades, can I send you an updated transcript?
- Do I still need to mail a transcript if I'm currently a student at the University of Washington?
- Can transcripts be mailed directly to the Department or can I mail them to you?
- How do I calculate my GPA?
- What happens with late materials?
- Why do I have to upload my application?
- What if I can't get electronic copies of my exam scores, transcripts, or letters of recommendation, etc?
- How do I reapply? What materials do you keep?
- What if I have other questions?
- Other: How do I make a PDF?
Regarding Exams: GRE, TOEFL, etc.
Regarding Letters of Recommendation
Regarding Transcripts & GPA
Regarding Separate or Late Materials
Regarding the mostly-paperless process for 2009
Regarding Reapplication Procedures
Regarding Other Questions or Concerns
Graduate Program Questions
- Do you have a Master's Degree Program?
No, we do not. However, students on their way to the Ph.D. may earn a Master's along the way.
- Do I need an undergraduate degree in Psychology to apply?
No, it is not required to have a prior degree in Psychology to apply to our graduate program. We do strongly advise that applicants have prior experience with psychological research. It is important whether applicants have realistically assessed their interests and motivation to pursue a career along the lines available in our graduate program. It is unfortunate for everyone when a graduate student discovers that he or she has undertaken a career whose real rewards simply do not fit the needs of that student. Applicants with relevant previous experience, especially, participating in studies at some level, however rudimentary, are more attractive because we can be more confident that the applicant understands both the rewards and frustrations to be encountered in his or her chosen career.
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How long does the program take to complete?
Our program generally takes 5 to 7 years to complete. Because you are preparing to become a research scientist, courses after the first year are typically chosen with the advice of your advisors and supervisory committee with your individual career goals in mind. Students in Adult or Child Clinical tracks will also be required to complete a year-long pre-doctoral internship.
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Can I do this program on a part-time basis, or during evenings and weekends?
It is not possible to participate in our program on a part-time basis. This is generally a more than full time commitment which includes coursework, lab work, participation in seminars and lab meetings as well as the 20 hrs/wk appointment as a Teaching or Research Assistant.
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Do you have an on-line program?
Because of the scientific nature of the program which includes a great deal of lab participation, it is not possible to do this program without being here.
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Is this the right program for you? Is submitting an application worth your time and effort?
The faculty of the Psychology Graduate Program is committed, above all else, to research that promotes the advancement of psychology as a science. First, we attempt to select individuals for whom the scientific investigation of psychological questions is an integral part of their career goals. In all fairness, we want to discourage applications from people who, for any of a variety of reasons, will be disappointed by participation in a science and research oriented program. Second, we believe that psychological research benefits from the involvement of people with diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from people who represent diverse educational, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
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Will I be able to obtain a license to practice psychology after completing this program?
Yes. Our program provides excellent training in both clinical and research competencies, and all Clinical students complete a one-year predoctoral clinical internship in the final year of their training. Internships are listed in the APPIC book or website. Many (but not all) states also require additional supervised postdoctoral training in order to qualify for licensure. Statistics on obtaining licensure is beyond the breadth of our program's responsibility. However, this website provides a listing of licensing boards and other relevant information. Historically, our students have done very well on national and state licensing examinations.
Students from the other non-clinical areas do not take internships, and are not qualified to apply for one. Students from other areas cannot move into the clinical areas after they are accepted. Clinical faculty accept only those they can support, financially, in class time, in lab time, and mentoring time. If you are interested in clinical psychology then please apply to one of clinical tracks.
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Do you accept transfer credit?
Maybe. We will need to evaluate the course(s) in question with our own. It is up to the discretion of the instructor of the course, your advisor, area head, and the Graduate School whether the course can be skipped or replaced by another. The transfer of courses will not significantly lessen the amount of time you will spend in the program and there is also a limit as to the number of transfer credit that can be applied to a degree.
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Do you accept Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM) students?
Maybe. Please email us directly, so we can properly advise you.
Graduate Admissions Questions
- Where do I mail my application?
Beginning with 2009 admissions (when we accept applications by December 15, 2008), we will only be accepting official transcripts in the mail. Please mail only your transcripts to our department address by December 15. No other paper materials will be accepted. U.S. Applicants are not required to mail additional materials to the UW Graduate School unless a degree was earned outside the United States. International Applicants will be required to mail additional materials (will be listed in the check list provided on our site and the UW Graduate School Application) to the UW Graduate School.
Department of Psychology UW Graduate School Using regular postal service Graduate Selections Committee
Department of Psychology
University of Washington
Box 351525
Seattle, Washington 98195-1525UW Graduate School
Graduate Admissions Office
301 Loew Hall
P.O. Box 84808
Seattle, WA 98124-6108Using UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc Department of Psychology
University of Washington
Guthrie Hall, Room 119
Seattle, WA 98195Room 119 is the Department's Main Office, where packages are received, please do not mail items directly to the Graduate Program Office/Advisor or change the address as listed above, thank you.
Same as above - What is the application deadline and what if I miss it?
For U.S. applicants, the online UW Graduate School application must be completed by 11:59pm (PST) on December 15. The Psychology Department will only accept paper transcripts which are mailed to us with the postmark of December 15.
For International applicants, the UW Graduate School application and its required additional components are due November 1, and the transcripts meant for the Psychology Department application is to be postmarked by December 15. The earlier deadline was chosen to provide the Graduate School with ample time to sort through the additional materials required of international applicants (information found here and here). If you are unable to submit your UW Graduate School application by November 1, please do it as soon as possible, and no later than December 15.
We only accept applications once a year, for the following academic year which begins late September. If you miss the deadline, we will hold onto your materials for one year. If you choose to apply the following year, please notify us by email to reactivate your file. You will have to submit another application (including payment) to the UW Graduate School and ideally, updated Statement of Purpose and a new letter of recommendation (or more).
- If December 15 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, what do I do?
If December 15 falls on a Saturday, you can still get your December 15 postmark. The U.S. Postal Service operates on Saturdays. You will need to check their website for the nearest location open on Saturday. Keep in mind that not all locations are open on Saturday and those that are, may not be open for complete business hours. If you elect to mail via UPS, FedEx, or DHL, please check their websites as not all locations are open on Saturday and those that are, may not have Saturday pick-ups. If you need to provide a street address, please refer to answer #1 immediately above.
If December 15 falls on a Sunday, your postmark is due the next immediate day, Monday the 16th.
Please plan accordingly, in order to get your postmark. Our office is closed Saturday and Sunday, so there will be no one to receive your package if you pay to have it arrive on Saturday.
- How many applicants do you typically receive and how many do you admit?
This varies from area to area within the department, and from year to year. Overall, the department receives more than 500 applications for approximately 20 open positions.
- Can I apply to more than one area and how do I do that?
In general, it is not recommended to apply to more than one area, but it is possible. The only restriction is that both areas cannot be the clinical (adult or child) programs. It can be one clinical (adult or child) and one non-clinical OR both non-clinical.
You must complete and pay the UW Graduate School online application twice (one for each area) now that we are (nearly) paperless. Please contact us if you are considering this so we can properly advise you.
- What criteria do you use in making admissions decisions?
Our evaluation will be based on the application as a whole. We do not have rigid cut-off points on conventional criteria such as GRE scores or GPA. However, the bulk of our accepted applicants are strong on these criteria. Because standardized tests were designed for the standard student and may not reflect the capabilities of applicants from less traditional backgrounds, we would also like to encourage applicants with unusual qualifications to submit supplementary materials (e.g., non academic recommendations, summary of work experience) which they feel will more truly demonstrate their competence.
In general, we are looking for students whose capabilities and motivation will allow them to contribute significantly to the advancement of psychological science. These capabilities include the obvious intellectual strengths, the ability to reason clearly and insightfully, creative imagination, the ability to articulate one's ideas, and mathematical and computational skills. It also includes diversity of perspectives, and the strength of motivation to pursue difficult problems.
- Can I see admissions statistics?
Sure, statistics for the past three years (2005-2007) are located here.
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When will I know if I have been selected for an interview?
Each area within the Psychology Department has a different timetable for reviewing applications. Most areas begin to make selections in January and will contact applicants by phone or e-mail for interviews beginning in February, although most contacts will be in March or even early April. We encourage applicants to visit if they have been invited to do so, and can sometimes, but not always, assist in at least partial funding of travel expenses.
- How will I be funded? Do I need financial aid?
We do not make offers to U.S. or International applicants unless we can fund them with either a Teaching or a Research Assistantship for half time (expected workload of 20 hrs/wk).
This appointment comes with a full tuition waiver, a modest monthly stipend (For 2007-2008 year, the stipend for TA/RA is $1,656/mo. After the general exam is completed, $1,780/mo.), and health benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage (GAIP). After the waivers are applied, students can expect to pay ~$250 per quarter.
The funding package is usually enough to cover the needs of most students including international students. Some students may require additional funding for books, childcare, etc. If so, you may consider applying for financial aid through the UW's Office of Student Financial Aid or various other outside funding agencies. These sources are not generally available to international students.
International applicants: In order to qualify for TA funding, a speaking language exam must be taken (either TSE, TOEFLiBT speaking portion, or the UW offers a SPEAK test). More information can be found on "conditions of appointments for TAs who are not U.S. citizens." Please also view the Section entitled "Graduate Application Questions" Answer 6 below for additional information.
- When will I know if I have been accepted or denied?
Since each area within the Psychology Department has a different timetable for reviewing applications, we will notify applicants of decisions as soon as they are confirmed by the area. This does not usually begin until sometime in March. Offers are not typically made without contacting the applicant for a phone or in-person interview. Denials are sent via the U.S. mail. If you have moved since submitting your application, please log into your online application to update your address.
The last day for making offers or accepting students to our graduate program is April 15. This is also the last day for applicants to notify us whether they intend to accept our offer.
- If I get in, can I defer enrollment one year to gain more experience?
Due to the highly competitive nature of our program, we do not allow enrollment deferments—new students must enter in the following September. Once in our program, students are allowed to go on-leave (i.e., maintain affiliation with our program and UW without having to be registered) for various reasons. It is up to the approval of his/her advisor to arrange on-leave through this Graduate Program Office.
- What is the earliest I can apply?
The earliest you can apply would be September-October before the December 15 deadline. Any earlier, you would fall into the previous year's admission profile and would need to complete another online UW Graduate School application and payment for your intended year of enrollment. Please contact us if you are unsure if it is too soon to apply.
- Can you mail me an application?
Our application and its procedures are only available online on our "Apply" page. We no longer mail paper materials.
- Can I visit the Department of Psychology or schedule an advising appointment?
The Department of Psychology hosts two invitation only interview weekends for prospective graduate students. Applicants who have been selected for interview will be notified personally, so please be sure to get your application completed on time and have current contact information.
Applicants who wish to visit at other times should contact faculty with whom they are interested in doing research before they arrive in Seattle to schedule individual meetings. Meetings with faculty or current students (Faculty might refer you to one of their students) are most beneficial for visitors who are deciding if the UW Psychology Graduate Program is right for you. You will be able to speak about research currently being done here and also possibly tour a lab or attend a journal club meeting.
Applicants may also contact the Graduate Program Assistant by email or at 206-543-8687 to schedule a meeting to discuss general admissions questions only. Please note during the months of November-January, the Graduate Program Office will be extremely busy with admissions and email is the preferred method of communication. Please contact us before you plan to visit. Thank you for your consideration!
Graduate Application Questions
- Where is the link to the online Graduate School application?
https://www.grad.washington.edu/applForAdmiss/Please remember to return to our application page and download the current application materials for applying to our department. Thank you!
- When I try to print my application it says "DRAFT- DO NOT MAIL THIS COPY" what do I do?
You are no longer required to submit this item in paper form to our department. Only mailed paper transcripts will be accepted from now on. - Do you require the psychology subject test in the GRE?
No, we do not. Only the general test—verbal and quantitative—is required.
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What are the institution/department codes for sending my GRE/TOEFL scores?
ETS will send your scores electronically to the UW Graduate School as long as you use the UW's institution code, 4854. Both 2016 and 2001 GRE codes will be routed to us in the Psychology Department. As for TOEFL Department codes, you can use either 93 or 08. We can look them up once you have submitted your application to the Graduate School, provided that you use the institution code as shown above.
The institution and department codes are found in the registration packet for GRE/TOEFL when you sign up for a test date (if you click on GRE or TOEFL in the previous sentence it will lead you to the page with the codes). It is your responsibility to ensure the codes listed in the previous paragraph are current by verifying with the ETS information. -
What if I took the GRE/TOEFL test late?
It is recommended that you take the GRE no later than the October exam, possibly even November. Scores will be sent to the Graduate School two to three weeks after you take the exam but there may be delays due to the increased enrollment for graduate admissions across the country. You may self-report scores to us via e-mail as soon as they are available to you, or fax them to us at (206) 685-3157 ATTN: Graduate Program. If you must take the exam in December, scores received after January 1 run the risk of missing important selections committee review meetings. If you cannot take your exam by our December 15 deadline, then we recommend you apply next year, otherwise your materials will be marked incomplete.
- Do you accept other language exams besides TOEFL?
Please see the next question for all the exams and their minimum scores which may be accepted by the Graduate School.
- What are the language requirements for international applicants?
International applicants are required to take either TOEFL (minimum score 580), TOEFLC (minimum score 237), TOEFLiBT (minimum score 70 only includes listening, writing, reading, and not speaking), MLT (minimum score 90), or IELTS (minimum score 70).
As the TSE has been discontinued, it has been determined that a score of 28 or higher on the speaking portion of the TOEFLiBT is equivalent to a 55 on the TSE, which will allow international and permanent resident graduate students to assume teaching duties required of a teaching assistantship. The UW also conducts the SPEAK test which is can be used for this requirement (it is only accepted at UW though).
The language requirement is waived for individuals who are citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom or have earned a bachelor's or higher from the U.S. or the countries listed above. However if you are a degree-holder but not a citizen of the above countries and wish to be qualified for TA funding, you will need to provide a TSE or iBT speaking score (or SPEAK).
More details can be found on the Graduate School website, Memoranda no. 8 and no. 15.
- Do you accept old exam scores? (GRE/TOEFL)
We accept GRE scores that are within 5yrs of the test date. ETS may not keep scores as long though, so you should contact them immediately if you have taken the GRE close to 5yrs ago. If you have taken it multiple times, we look at the single highest exam sitting.
Language exams are accepted within 2yrs of the test date and the most RECENT exam is used for admission.
Contact Educational Testing Service (ETS) for questions about your exam.
- Do I have to take the GRE/TOEFL? Can it be waived?
The GRE is only waived if you have earned a doctorate-level degree from an accredited institution in the United States previously. More information on Graduate Admissions is located here.
The TOEFL/lanugage exam is waived for non-U.S. applicants who have earned a degree (Bachelor's or higher) in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand. However, a speaking score is required to qualify for Teaching Assistantships if your citizenship is not of the countries listed. The speaking score can either be the TSE, TOEFLiBT speaking section, or the UW offers the SPEAK exam. The speaking score is not required to qualify for a Research Assistantship, however all our students will teach at some point so it is best to meet this requirement as soon as possible. More details can be found on the Graduate School website, Memoranda no. 8 and no. 15.
Return to Top - Should I include a writing sample?
We consider the Statement of Purpose a writing statement. Additional copies of articles under review or in press just slow down the application review process. You may mention them in your statement, but a complete copy is not necessary or desirable, unless requested by a reviewer.
- What's the difference between the "Statement of Purpose" and "Personal Statement?"
Statement of Purpose (required): Typically, the statement of purpose describes what motivates you to pursue a career in psychology. What theoretical issues, research problems, clinical problems, or application areas are your central interests? Why are these issues especially interesting and important? Include in your statement the following: description of research experience, reason for applying to our graduate program, and the name(s) of faculty members who are pursuing similar research in our department with whom you may wish to work.
Statement of Purpose are on average 2-5 pages, double spaced (or equivalent formatting)
Personal Statement (optional): You may also include a brief section on any of the following topics that may apply to your situation: first generation to attend graduate school, low-income background, overcoming adversity in your educational or other development. This information is voluntary and will be used only to identify students who may qualify for diversity funding. Template available for download from us as .pdf or .doc file.
- Do you have forms for the letters of recommendation?
No, we do not require or provide forms for the letters of recommendation. We only accept letters online through the UW Graduate Application. There will be an opportunity for you to decide if you wish to waive your right to view the letter when you designate your recommender, but beyond this, we have no forms. The letters should address your academic and research abilities as much as possible.
- How many letters of recommendation do I need?
We require three letters of recommendation. If you have a couple extra that would be acceptable, but excessive numbers of letters (more than 5) are not helpful.
- Letters of recommendation can be submitted online, what does this mean?
Letters of recommendation will ONLY be accepted online, as part of the online UW Graduate School application. We are no longer accepting paper letters. While completing your UW Graduate School online application, you will be given the opportunity to designate who your recommenders will be. Your recommenders will be notified via email that they have agreed to submit a letter for you. It is your responsibility to ensure the email addresses are correct. Please contact us if you have any difficulty with this step.
- My recommender did not receive the request email to submit an online letter.
The email request may have been identified as spam or bulk mail. Have your recommender add our email address to their addressbook and then re-send the request. You may log into your online UW Graduate School application profile and select the option to re-send any requests. We are also happy to assist you with re-sending the email request.
- Can letters be mailed directly to the Department or can I mail them to you?
No. We no longer accept paper letters, please see above for information on electronic letters of recommendation.
- What transcripts are required?
U.S. Applicants: One set of transcripts from all collegiate institutions from which you earned a Bachelor's degree or higher to the Department of Psychology. This means we do not need transcripts from community colleges or your previous institution if you transferred in. These credits will be reflected on your degree-earning transcript under "transfer" or "outside." If you studied abroad, we do not need that transcript, either. If you earned a degree outside of the U.S., an additional transcript and degree statement must be sent to the UW Graduate School. If you have taken additional, relevant coursework since earning your degree, we would like to see that transcript (helpful for those who did not have psychology undergraduate degrees or for those who have been out of school for a few yaers).
International Applicants: Two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to the Department of Psychology AND the UW Graduate School. More information is located here on the materials required of the UW Graduate School.
- What if I haven't graduated and earned my Bachelor's/Master's degree by the application deadline?
You will still need to send us a transcript, please. If you are admitted to our program, the UW Graduate School will request an official transcript showing that you have earned your degree.
- I just received new grades, can I send you an updated transcript?
No, but thanks for the offer!
- Do I still need to mail a transcript if I'm currently a student at the University of Washington?
Yes. You still need to send us an official paper transcript even if you are currently a UW student, thanks!
- Can transcripts be mailed directly to the Department or can I mail them to you?
Yes. Your institution can mail transcripts directly to us, or you can mail them to us. You are also required to upload an unofficial transcript as part of the online Graduate Application. Unofficial transcripts are typically available in the student portal of your University's website, you can copy and paste the entire page into a Word document, then save the file. Or you can scan a paper transcript and upload the file.
- How do I calculate my GPA?
The UW Graduate School requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for at the last two years (90 quarter credits or 60 semester credits) of study where you earned your degree (Bachelor's or higher). Exceptionally strong applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may still be considered. If you have taken classes after graduating but did not earn a degree at this second institution, please do not factor the grades you earned at this second institution. Only use the GPA from the program where you earned your degree (Bachelor's or higher).
- What happens with late materials (scores, transcripts, etc.)?
Materials sent later than the December 15th deadline should be mailed ASAP. While we will make every effort to see that the late materials catch-up with their respective application folders, applicants will run the risk of missing important selections committee review meetings.
- Why do I have to upload my application?
- What if I can't get electronic copies of my exam scores or transcripts etc.?
We understand that not all materials are easily obtained electronically. Unofficial transcripts can usually be found on the student portal site of your university's website. Copy and paste the entire page into a Word document and save it. Otherwise, you can use a document scanner and scan a paper transcript so that you can upload it into the application. Please do not delay sending us your application if you are missing an item or two. Remember, everything is going to be paperless beginning in 2008 except for official paper transcripts. It is imperative that applications be submitted as wholly as possibly online.
- How do I reapply? What materials do you keep?
We keep application materials for one year. If you are reapplying to our program, please check in with us in the fall when the admissions cycle begins again. We will be able to properly advise you on a reapplication. Be prepared to know what materials you intend on keeping or replacing for your application. You will have to complete another online UW Graduate School application and submit the application fee. Paper applications older than one year are destroyed in the summer (e.g., Applications for entry in 2006-2007, which were received in 2005, were destroyed in August 2007).
- What if I have other questions?
You may contact us via email. This is the best (and for you the least expensive) method of communication. As a last resort, you may call the Graduate Program Office at 206-543-8687, and, while we will do our best to be available, we cannot guarantee that your call will be answered.
- Other: How do I make a PDF?
You may visit PDF Online and use their free and easy PDF converter for your Word Documents and other file types as well.
By uploading your materials to us, the reviewing committee will have instant and shared access to your application, allowing us to make decisions faster. It also saves a lot of time/work/money/materials by significantly cutting down the amount of mail to process.
