Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Social-Personality Psychology)

University at Buffalo - SUNY

Personal Statement (required)

How Used:

Helps contextualize the more quantitative and objective credentials of an applicant.  The statement is used to evaluate the applicants goals and fit with the program and research interests of the faculty as well as how they would contribute to the diversity of thought and perspectives.

Prompt for Personal Statement (1000 words or less):

Describe the area of research you are interested in pursuing during your graduate studies and explain how our program would help you achieve your intellectual goals. The statement should include your academic background, intellectual interests and training or research experience that has prepared you for our program. The statement should also identify specific faculty members whose research interests align with your own interests.

Submitting Personal Statement:

Uploaded as part of the online application.

Transcript and GPA (required)

How used:

Provides evidence that the applicant is seeking challenging coursework, while excelling and showing academic growth. The University at Buffalo requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.  However, applications with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 can still be considered, particularly when other components of the application are strong (e.g., a high graduate GPA, high GRE scores, etc.). 

Submitting transcripts:

Upload scanned copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts as part of your online application.  Include the English translation, if applicable. 

GRE (required):

How used:

Mastery of quantitative methods, critical thinking, and good analytical writing are crucial to succeeding as an academic psychologist.  The GRE Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning, and Analytic Writing scores provide common benchmarks in these domains. 

Letters of recommendation (3 required):

How used:

Provides a third-party endorsement of the applicants attributes, ability to succeed in the graduate program, and potential to contribute to the field.  The letter offers a perspective on the applicants prior achievements and potential to succeed, along with concrete examples of the subjective traits described in other elements of the application.

Submitting Letters:

Letters must be submitted electronically. Further instructions are included in the online application.

Resume and research experience (required):

How used

Provides information on how the applicant has practically applied ideas and concepts learned in the classroom. It helps show that applicants possess the skills and dispositions needed to conduct extensive research and make substantive contributions to their chosen field.

Submitting resume

Uploaded as part of the online application.

Interview

How Used:

Interviews are a way for programs to get to know applicants as a person.  They provide a qualitative means of: (a) contextualizing quantitative and objective credentials, and (b) evaluating how well an applicants goals and training needs fit with the program and potential mentors.