School of Psychology
Student Characteristics
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Typically, approximately 25 to 30 applications for graduate study in School Psychology
at USM are received each year and five to seven students are admitted. Typically,
the incoming class has slightly more students at the baccalaureate level, with a couple
of students with master’s degrees. We typically have approximately 20 students on
campus with another 4 - 5 on internship. While many of our students are from the immediate
region (Mississippi & Louisiana), over half of our students are from diverse geographic
regions and states such as California, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New
York, New Jersey, South Carolina, Florida, as well as one or two foreign national
students.
Although there is considerable variability within cohorts, the average total GRE score
(Verbal + Quantitative) for incoming students has averaged approximately 1080 (approx.
200 (V + Q) on new GRE scoring system). Attrition for the School Psychology program
has been about two students per academic year over the past several years. Each year
approximately 80 to 90% of our on-campus students in the School Psychology Program
participate in presentations at state, regional, and/or national conventions. Many
of our students also pursue publications with faculty and/or fellow students.
Students are admitted to graduate study based on an assessment of the likelihood that they will be able to attain the doctorate and make a contribution to the discipline. We seek to attract a geographically and culturally diverse student body interested in Scientist-Practitioner training. The School Psychology Admissions Committee is particularly interested in receiving applications from qualified minority students and students from underrepresented groups. We do not have automatic cut-off scores, but rather look for an overall record that suggests a good fit with the training program and a likelihood of success. Applicants are judged on the basis of prior academic record, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, evidence of creative scholarship, a self-statement of goals and career objectives, and a resume/vita.