Guiding Students to Graduate School: A resource for faculty mentors and advisors

When your students graduate, you hope they succeed in whatever path they choose. For students interested in a career in psychology, counseling, or behavioral health, this path might include graduate school. As a faculty member who knows your students, your advice and encouragement can help students make informed decisions about what institution, program, and career path aligns with their goals.

Find our tips below on how to support these students and have valuable conversations about their futures.

Step 1: Help students think big picture

Some students might come to you with a specific goal or laid-out plan, but for many, talking to a trusted faculty member is their first step to pursing graduate school. Having a casual conversation with your students about their goals, passions, and the field in general can be helpful. 
Your experience and knowledge of not only higher education, but also the individual student’s strengths and learning style will provide valuable insight to the conversation. Encourage your students to think about questions like:

• What do you want to do? E.g. Do you want to work directly with clients? Focus more on research?
• Who do you want to serve? What populations, age groups, etc. do you want to work with?
• Where do you want to work? Is there a particular space such as a school, hospital, or community center that you can see yourself working in?
• Why do you want to do this work? What draws you to the field of psychology or counseling?

Step 2: Encourage students to research a variety of programs

Once a student has a better idea of their goals, you can help guide their research into specific programs. It can be overwhelming with the variety of options and details to look at before applying to a program, so you can help your students focus on the most important factors to consider. Have your students answer questions such as:

• What is the cost of the program(s) and are scholarships available?
• Do you need licensure for the job you want and does the program provide the appropriate credential?
• What are the specifics of the program (length, part-time or full-time, online or in-person, etc.) and does this fit with your life and learning style?
• What opportunities does the program offer outside of the classroom? Are there practicum, internship, or other hands-on learning experiences? How many hours of practicum/internship are required, and how does that compare to other programs?
• What is the career outlook for the program? Will you be qualified for the job you want? Are alumni finding jobs in the field?
• What is the culture of the program or institution? Do the faculty have experiences or academic interests relevant to your goals? What supports are available to students?

Step 3: Support their Application

As students conduct their research, they will begin to narrow in on what programs and/or institutions might be a good fit for them. You can help them make final decisions on where to apply and create a plan for the admission process. You can offer your support by:

• Reviewing their resume and offering insight into ways to strengthen their application (such as through internships or volunteer work).
• Writing a letter of recommendation on their behalf.
• Helping them craft their application essay or personal statement.
• Giving advice or resources on preparing for the GRE, if needed.
• Providing guidance on graduate school interviews and helping them practice with a mock interview.

Remember, some students may delay graduate school for many reasons such as being unsure of what career to pursue or wanting to gain more experience in the field before applying. Let your students know you are available even after graduation for conversation, advice, or application support.

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