Are you planning to attend graduate school?
The Career Development Center (CDC)
Located on the second floor of Glendening Hall (211), the CDCenter is a great resource for professional/graduate school research, career exploration and internship/employment opportunities.
Make an online appointment to visit the CDC!
Join MentorNet! What is graduate school really like? How can you make the most of your first "real" job? The CDC's MentorNet directory gives students and recent graduates the opportunity to learn about graduate study and the world of work by connecting with professionals in their field of interest. Relevant mentors can be easily identified by searching the database according to major, graduate degree, occupation, location, or keyword. Contact the Career Development Center at careercenter@smcm.edu to obtain a unique username and password.
Alumni Spotlight
Erika Delanoy '09 completed her Masters in Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin in 2011. She interned in Hospice/Palliative Care at the Department of Veteran Affairs for 5 months and is now currently a social worker for Family Preservation Services in Charlottesville, VA.
How to Ace the GRE Psychology Subject Test
by psychology major alumna Elliot Blackwell ('05) and the Psychology Faculty
- Register for the test ASAP and read over the information they send to you!
- Buy a study guide book…but don't rely on it! The information is sometimes inaccurate and it can focus too much on the connection between the theory and theorist, whereas the actual GRE test focuses more on the application of the theory. The tests at the end of the study guide book are tailored to the information presented in the book so use the study guide to learn test-taking tips and general information covered. You should have at least a basic understanding of each topic in the book.
- Form a study group (3-4 people) and study consistently in small doses! Start studying early and meet often, as if in a class. Try to all have different study guide books and compile notes and/or study guides from courses; with enough study partners, all areas of the test should be covered. Go over a topic each meeting, having the person most familiar with the topic be the moderator to go over information or answer questions. Share mnemonic devices for remembering information. Use Intro to Psychology textbooks and other area-specific textbooks to help clarify concepts you may need to refresh (FYI: The Psychology Student lounge by GH127 has lots of textbooks you can borrow). If time allows, go over multiple choice questions in the study guide book, or in a Psych 101 or area-specific textbook.
- Take Practice Tests! Take the GRE Practice Test first as it has harder and more typical questions. Take tests from your study guide and other study guides in your group. Review the questions you got wrong and try to strengthen your understanding of that area.
- Don't forget to study for the GRE General Test! Not all programs need Subject Test scores (although a good score won't hurt you!). There is conflicting information over which test is more important to focus on. To be safe, try to do well on both!
- Take a history and systems course (PSYC 305) if you can fit it into your schedule!
- Attend to your anxiety and stress! Be sure to take breaks to have fun. Get enough sleep and good nutrition. Try not put too much pressure on yourself during the GRE study process.
GOOD LUCK!
