Frequently Asked Questions

What are the application deadlines?
The admissions deadline for the School Psychology Psy.D. Program is December 31. Find out more about the admission requirements and application information for the Psy.D. program.

How competitive is your program?
Admission is competitive. View information on the number of applicants, interviews, and offers of admissions, sizes of our incoming classes, and average GPA and GRE scores.

Is the GRE subject exam required?
The GRE subject exam is only required for applicants who were not psychology majors. The GRE quantitative and verbal sections are required for all applicants.

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.

Would it be necessary to submit subject GRE scores if I have a Masters degree in psychology?
All applicants are required to submit general GRE scores. Students who have a Masters in School Psychology and a permanent or provisional certification in school psychology can apply for advanced standing status. Advanced standing applicants may submit PRAXIS NCSP exam scores instead of the psychology GRE. 

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 either program, but does help a candidate’s application. Particularly for the Psy.D. program, where it is asked that one of your recommendation letters speaks to your research potential.

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?
Our doctoral program is designed for full-time students only. Courses and field placements are generally offered during the work week (Monday-Friday). We do not admit part-time students for the doctoral program.

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 [email protected]. 

What happens if I apply for the Psy.D. program, but I do not get accepted? Would I still be considered for the M.S. program?
If you apply to the Psy.D. program and are not accepted, you may be considered for admission to the M.S. program. Please include a letter in your application stating that you would like to be considered for the M.S. program if you are not accepted into the Psy.D. program.

Can I apply to the Psy.D. School Psychology Program and the Ph.D. Clinical Psychology Program at St. John’s?
No, you may only apply to one of these two programs.

What if I already have a Masters degree in school psychology?
Students with a Masters in School Psychology and a permanent or provisional certification in school psychology can apply with advanced standing. These students will be required to take 50 credits. If the student’s masters did not include courses that are required for licensure as a psychologist in New York State, the student will be required to substitute these courses for his or her electives. In addition, the student’s elective courses may be used to take courses that the Program Director deems were deficient or absent in their School Certification education. They must take courses that exist in our program if they did not have equivalent courses in their masters/certification program. Courses required for licensure include: Social (Psy 622) or Cross-Cultural (Psy 625); Learning (Psy 616) or Cognition (Psy 617); Physiological (Psy 648) or Biological bases; Scaling and Measurement (Psy 659); and Research Methods (Psy 615).  Learn more about advanced standing.

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.

We also hold a luncheon for all Psy.D. applicants that are accepted that includes lunch with current students, a tour of the campus, and then the option to attend a class. This is meant to give the accepted students a better feel for our program and to have their questions answered by current students who were once in their position.

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 website:  http://www.nysed.gov/. Students can also contact the State Department directly by telephone at 518-474-3901.

Does St. John’s offer any financial assistance?
The School Psychology Programs offer excellent funding opportunities. Fellowships are available for PsyD students only. Currently most of our first year Psy.D. students are funded with an assistantship or fellowship (this includes tuition remission and possibly stipend, and requires you to work 16-20 hours/week). Fellowships are competitive and based on your on application and interview to the program (GRE scores, GPA, research experience, etc.). Fellowships are within the Psychology Department and students work for a faculty member. Students can have a fellowship for up to 2.5 years. Assistantships are available in other departments throughout campus including Theology, Student Life, Wellness Center, Athletics, Freshmen Center, Provost Office, etc. Students apply for an assistantship like applying for a job, including a resume and an interview, and then have to be selected for the position. Psy.D. students can have an assistantship for up to four years. Assistantship openings are announced through emails to the school psychology students. All fellowships and assistantships are renewable on a yearly basis and not guaranteed for more than a year (based on availability and job performance).

How much of tuition is covered with an assistantship or fellowship?
Full-time fellowships and assistantships provide tuition remission for a maximum of fifteen credits and sometimes, a stipend. Recipients are prohibited from outside employment for the duration of their contract with the University. The University requires recipients to maintain a full time course of study and work a minimum of fifteen hours per week in their respective department.

Can I work full time while attending your program?
You are permitted to work full time if you do not have an assistantship or fellowship. Classes start in the late afternoons (with no class on Fridays). However, presentations and colloquia are held throughout the semester during late morning and early afternoon hours. In 2nd year, students are also required to see clients at our Clinic for Psychological Services to complete assessments, and students must schedule their sessions outside of class time. In 3rd year, Psy.D. students are required to complete an externship 3 days per week.

When would I find out if I am awarded a fellowship or assistantship?
Students are typically notified after acceptance if they will be receiving a fellowship. Students will not know at that time what professor they will be matched with. Typically in August, close to the start of classes, students are assigned to a professor to work with for their fellowship. Once officially accepting an offer of admission, students can begin looking for and applying for assistantships. The school psychology programs will notify students of any assistantship openings around campus as they become aware of them.

Where can I find more information about Financial Aid?
For financial aid, all graduate students are eligible for the same federal loans, subsidized and unsubsidized. In order to receive financial aid, students must complete a FAFSA online in the spring of the year prior to the academic year they want to receive financial aid. Read more information on financial aid.

Where can I find more information about the Health Insurance Plans offered by St. John’s?
Find more about Health Insurance plans offered at St. John's.

What is the difference between the Psychology Lounge and the Fellows’ Lab?
The psychology lounge is on the 4th floor of Marillac Hall and is for the entire psychology department. The psychology lounge has couches and tables for studying, and also mailboxes for all graduate psychology students. The fellows’ lab is in the sub-basement of Marillac Hall and only fellows (clinical and school) have access using their storm cards. Every fellow or graduate assistant within the psychology department is assigned a space to work in (with a computer and secure file cabinets).

How do I go about finding housing?
St. John’s offers students a variety of housing opportunities. Through the Office of Residence Life, graduate students can secure on-campus housing subject to availability. To be considered for on-campus housing, students should submit their request in writing to the Office of Admission. Through the University’s Housing Service, students can find comfortable and convenient off-campus housing in surrounding neighborhoods. All inquiries should be directed to the Department of Student Life at 718-990-2417. Also, students often find apartments and/or roommates using Craigslist.com or other websites that offer housing information in the area. Flyers from other St. John’s students are also often displayed on the walls around the campus.

Will I need a laptop computer?
A laptop computer is not required. STJ has several computer labs and one is located in the School of Education. Many students, however, do find a laptop computer is convenient and frequently bring with them to classes. A personal computer is important, whether it is a laptop or desktop, for completing assignments, communicating via email, and conducting online research.