Master's in Psych

[CABstudent1!]

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Hi guys,

I am currently in the midst of applying for 2 MA general psychology programs CSU Sac & CSU Long Beach). My objective is to gain research experience and skills to better prepare me for entering into a doctoral program. Over the past week I have been reading articles published by potential mentors/professors and narrowing down my list of professors I'd like to work under seeing as both of the programs are scientist-practitioner based. Now that I have narrowed down my list, I know that my next step is to contact them. I am very nervous about contacting them and am unsure as to what I need to ask them, how to present myself, and what I am looking to gain out of this (are they going to tell me whether or not they want me?). Also, there are some weaknesses in my application. Should I be frank and let them know about these early on and ask if they are still willing to take a chance on me? Should I share with them my CV and GPA? Additionally, I am a first generation college student and a second generation American but there is no where in my application to include this. Do you think it is worthy of mentioning to them or is that irrelevant? Any and all advice would be helpful, thank you in advance!

 

[Temperance]

Unsolicited advice: apply for post-baccalaureate research assistant positions in addition to those M.A. programs. You can gain research experience in a full-time job where you are paid, especially if your undergraduate degree is already in psychology, as opposed to spending ~$20,000 for the California State University programs if you do not land one of their competitive graduate assistantships.

I cannot comment on whether or not it is helpful to send an email for master's-level applications, but I will say that if you choose to email them that you should keep it relatively brief and direct. Focus on (a) your interest in working with them, (b) how their research interests are a good fit for yours, and (c) attached is your CV for their reference. That's it. There is no need to explain weaknesses in the initial email; that's what the application is for if you choose to use the space for that.

If you want to mention how being a first-generation college student and second-generation American was formative to your academic and professional development, then the statement of purpose is an appropriate place to do that.

With regard to weaknesses, there's a few ways to approach it. Personally, I chose to not mention my weaknesses at all because I wanted to make my application package as focused as possible on my strengths and research fit. Some have used the space to very briefly mention extenuating circumstances that may have affected grades; I don't particularly recommend doing this because it takes the spotlight away from the things you're good at, but others may have better thoughts on how to approach this. Something really important to remember is that every single applicant has at least one weakness somewhere, so it may not be worthwhile trying to justify what weaknesses you perceive in your own application.

 

[CABstudent1!]

Unsolicited advice: apply for post-baccalaureate research assistant positions in addition to those M.A. programs. You can gain research experience in a full-time job where you are paid, especially if your undergraduate degree is already in psychology, as opposed to spending ~$20,000 for the California State University programs if you do not land one of their competitive graduate assistantships.

I cannot comment on whether or not it is helpful to send an email for master's-level applications, but I will say that if you choose to email them that you should keep it relatively brief and direct. Focus on (a) your interest in working with them, (b) how their research interests are a good fit for yours, and (c) attached is your CV for their reference. That's it. There is no need to explain weaknesses in the initial email; that's what the application is for if you choose to use the space for that.

If you want to mention how being a first-generation college student and second-generation American was formative to your academic and professional development, then the statement of purpose is an appropriate place to do that.

With regard to weaknesses, there's a few ways to approach it. Personally, I chose to not mention my weaknesses at all because I wanted to make my application package as focused as possible on my strengths and research fit. Some have used the space to very briefly mention extenuating circumstances that may have affected grades; I don't particularly recommend doing this because it takes the spotlight away from the things you're good at, but others may have better thoughts on how to approach this. Something really important to remember is that every single applicant has at least one weakness somewhere, so it may not be worthwhile trying to justify what weaknesses you perceive in your own application.

Thank you so much. That is amazing advice. I was not aware that post-baccalaureate research assistant positions were even a thing. Where would I apply to these and are they competitive?

 

[Temperance]

Thank you so much. That is amazing advice. I was not aware that post-baccalaureate research assistant positions were even a thing. Where would I apply to these and are they competitive?

The positions can be competitive. Like with graduate school applications, though, if you're a good fit with the job because of the skills you have or because of your passion for the research area, then how competitive it is matters less. It's very helpful if you've had prior research experiences during college. I've posted about how to find these jobs here.

 

[representwitpixels]

For what it's worth I did a research oriented MA and got almost all the tuition waived. I discussed my goals and demonstrated my work ethic to the professor I wanted to work with (via email with the details that Temperance suggested at first, then a couple of live chats). I was honest about being a noob and having limited skills but they liked my eagerness/proactivity and critical thinking about their work. Not sure about the schools you mentioned though.

 

[CABstudent1!]

For what it's worth I did a research oriented MA and got almost all the tuition waived. I discussed my goals and demonstrated my work ethic to the professor I wanted to work with (via email with the details that Temperance suggested at first, then a couple of live chats). I was honest about being a noob and having limited skills but they liked my eagerness/proactivity and critical thinking about their work. Not sure about the schools you mentioned though.

I love that and think that is great advice! If you don't mind me asking, what school did you go to?