Results: Mastering Your Masters

In the last few weeks I have been occupied with applying for Masters programs in Health and Clinical Psychology. The application process alone is very time consuming, and rather costly. Each application costs $100, and the GRE (Graduate Records Exam) costs $200 plus study materials, which was around $275. My mother said when she applied for Grad school, she did not remember having to pay for applications or take any tests. Which of these is true for you?

Each application must include two program references, a statement of interest and a curriculum vitae, which essentially is your scholastic and life experience letters. Scholastically I did very well, but my experiences are where I really shine. I have extensive volunteer and research experience, and I am hoping that schools focus on that. Which do you think should be more important when entering a Master's program?

My interest in Health Psychology really developed when I did a 16 month research project with one of my professors at University. Her project was the Hart Lab (Health Adaptation Research on Trauma). Its goal is to introduce training programs to first responders that help them reduce their job stress, strengthen their cognitive performance, and improve situational awareness. As a research assistant my tasks included collecting data in the field, analyzing and coding it back in the lab, and trying not to flinch every time a training gun went off. I was the senior lab assistant, given this leadership role after only two months in the program. Have you ever done volunteer work that ended up setting you on a particular career path?