What are the application
deadlines?
The School Psychology M.S. Program has rolling admissions. Find out
more about the
admission requirements and application information for the M.S.
program..
How competitive is your
program?
Admission is competitive. For information on the number of
applicants, interviews, and offers of admissions, sizes of our
incoming classes, and average GPA and GRE scores please see the
following websites:
Is the GRE subject exam
required?
Yes, we require both the general GRE and GRE subject for
admission.
I've taken or am going to take the GRE/GRE
subject test but the scores will not be in my file by your
deadline. What is the status of my application?
We request that applicants submit with their application a copy of
the confirmation of when they will be taking the test along with a
note explaining they are going to take the test and when the school
should expect their scores. We will still consider your
application; however, admission may remain contingent on us
receiving your scores.
What is the “cutoff” for GPAs and
GREs?
We do not use a “cutoff” system. Rather, these scores as well as
other variables (e.g., personal statement, letters of
recommendations) are collectively considered in our admission
process. We compare applicants in a given year to each other and
select the most highly qualified students for interviews.
What is a personal statement?
Applicants are required to provide a clearly written statement of
educational and professional goals. The statement of goals is a
personal essay in which you should briefly, but meaningfully,
introduce yourself and describe what you hope to achieve by earning
a graduate degree at St. John's. For example, applicants may
address such topics as why they chose St. John's, what professional
steps they plan to take after earning their degree, and the way
that they can contribute to the graduate community if
accepted.
Whom should I ask to write letters of reference for
me?
The most effective letters come from professors and professional
supervisors who know you very well and also know what it takes to
succeed in graduate school. Less useful are references from
professors who don’t know you well or from family friends or
non-academic employers who are not familiar with graduate school
demands. We realize that some applicants have been away from
college for an extended period of time, and that letters from
former instructors may not be feasible and we take that fact into
account
Do I need prior research
experience?
Prior research experience is not required for the program, but does
help a candidate’s application.
Does your program require in person interviews?
Yes, the program requires in person interviews. Once applications
are reviewed, selected applicants will receive a request for an
on-campus interview with the faculty. The interview provides you
with additional information about the program, the opportunity to
meet with current students, and provides the faculty an opportunity
to further evaluate your match with our program, including career
goals, theoretical orientation, interests in working in schools and
other educational settings, research interests, interests in
intervention and prevention efforts at the systems level, and your
professional dispositions and skills. This interview also provides
you an opportunity to assess how well our program fits with your
goals and objectives. In extenuating circumstances, applicants may
request a phone interview.
May I enter the program at different times during the
year?
Students are only admitted for matriculation in the fall of each
academic year because the course of study is sequenced and
cumulative. Entering in the spring semester would put one out of
sequence. Students currently enrolled in another program are also
admitted only during the fall semester
Is it possible to enter the program with
an undergraduate major other than psychology?
Yes. However, it is still necessary to complete the prerequisite
courses, including courses in introductory psychology, statistics,
and a laboratory course. Applicants with undergraduate majors in
areas such as teaching often bring highly related experiences, and
may have completed prerequisites in areas such as development and
learning. If you are interested in taking these courses at St.
John’s, you need to contact the Undergraduate Admissions and/or
Undergraduate Psychology Department.
May I pursue my degree on a part-time
basis?
Students may pursue their M.S. on a part-time basis. However, it is
important to note that courses and field placements are generally
offered during the work week (Monday-Friday).
Is it possible for me to enter the
doctoral program right after finishing my undergraduate
degree?
Yes. We accept students into the doctoral program after they have
completed their undergraduate degrees. Most students enter with an
undergraduate major in psychology
Will taking time off after completing my
undergraduate degree be a disadvantage?
No. Generally, “taking time off” before enrolling in graduate
school is not a disadvantage, especially if you have remained
involved with children, youth, or schools in some way. In fact, the
maturity and added experience may provide a distinct
advantage.
Can I meet with a faculty member?
Although they would like to meet with each prospective applicant,
the amount of inquiries far exceeds the time they have available to
do so. Our faculty and graduate assistants will do their best to
accommodate your request and meet with you. Our program staff can
answer any questions you may have. You’re welcome to call us
at (718) 990-5861 or e-mail us at schoolpsych@stjohns.edu.
Do I have the opportunity to meet with
current students during the application process?
At the interviews, applicants meet with students of all levels in
addition to interviewing with faculty members. During this time,
applicants can ask the students any questions they have about the
program and current students can share all aspects of their
experiences in the program.
What is the Registration
meeting?
After accepting admission to the School Psychology Programs,
students will be invited to attend an orientation in June. During
this time, students will register for fall classes, and receive
their log-in information for email and the online system.
Information about the program will be presented, and incoming
students will meet faculty and current students to discuss any
questions they have.
What is the SASP orientation?
SASP is the Student Association of School Psychologists and is an
organization composed entirely of school psychology graduate
students whose objective is to coordinate different initiatives,
programs, and events designed to improve the graduate school
experience. Programs range from group social events to educational
colloquia. SASP holds an orientation before classes start to
provide the incoming students with tips and information about the
program. Every incoming student is matched with a second year
student and the buddy helps to answer any questions students may
have as they adjust to graduate school and our program. Also, at
this orientation, students receive information such as what
psychology associations and organizations are recommended to become
members of and our faculty members’ research interests.
Does being able to speak a language other
than English enhance my application?
It is highly advantageous to be able to speak another language,
especially Spanish, for the field of school psychology. We
recommend students consider obtaining this proficiency as an
undergraduate. Preference during admissions is not given for
proficiency in foreign languages, but such proficiency will provide
you with a valuable set of skills and may enhance your career
options. These skills may also open up areas of research for you.
Students must obtain approval from the Program Director to enroll
in the bilingual track. Enrollment in the bilingual track is not
contingent upon passing the NYS bilingual certification
exams. Students are expected to take the NYSTC exam in
the first semester of attendance prior to taking PSY 662B.
More detailed information on bilingual certification and the
requisite testing is available online at the New York State Education
Department. Students can also contact the State Department
directly by telephone at 518-474-3901.