FAQ FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

• 1. Is the GRE required for admission?

  No, our programs do not require either the GRE General Test or the subject GRE for admissions.

   

  In fact, to ensure fairness in our application review process, we do not accept general GRE scores as part of your application. Even if you have taken these exams, please do not include your scores on your CV or supplementary materials.

• 2. I am an international student attending a college or university in the United States, do I have to take the TOEFL?

  All applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate English language proficiency. This can be done by taking a TOEFL or IELTS test. 

  However, here is no need to take an English language proficiency test if

  • you hold a degree such as a high school diploma, bachelors, masters, or PhD from an institution where the primary instruction was in English
  • you are a US citizen (or US National) 
  • you served as a Teaching Assistant at an institution where the primary instruction was in English

  You can find more information about score cutoffs for serving as a teaching assistanthere.

• 3. Do I need to send in supplemental application materials?

  We do not require supplemental materials.  To complete your application, you need to submit a CV, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and all transcripts listed on your application. If English is not your native or primary language, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in English. 

• 4. Do I need to mail in official transcripts even though the general application states I do?

  No, we will request official transcripts if an offer is extended. It's important that your application file is electronically complete. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted for review purposes.​ 

• 5. Should I have my letters of recommendation and transcripts submitted on-line or mailed?

  It is to your advantage to have your application file completely on-line. It's easier to review your file. If for some reason you absolutely must mail your transcripts and letters of recommendation, please mail to:

   

  Graduate Office

  Department of Psychology

  Stony Brook University

  Stony Brook, NY 11794-2500

• 6. How do I decide which program to apply to?

  In most cases the decision will be clear once you have read about the faculty research interests in Integrative Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Science, and Social and Health Psychology. 

• 7. What should I include in my Personal Statement and is there a word limit?
  1. A clear statement of your general research interests and how they relate to one or more particular faculty member’s work or lab
  2. A statement about your general career goals and how Stony Brook University’s psychology program is relevant.
  3. Discussions of your independent and/or collaborative research experience(s), your professional experiences, and what you learned from them. In these discussions, we suggest emphasizing (1) the skills you developed from working on each project and (2) what your “takeaways” were from the project—such as new research ideas or questions your work inspired.
  4. Descriptions of significant leadership and/or service-related experiences that have shaped your interests, motivation, and career goals. (Note that “leadership experiences” may occur in or outside the context of research training or university experiences!)
  5. If relevant, a summary of how principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and/or life experiences and challenges have shaped your research interests and career goals.
  6.  If you believe that any factors in your application materials (e.g., GPA, research experiences) do not reflect your true potential as a researcher and scientist, please explain.

  Please try to keep your Personal Statement concise (e.g., approximately two pages single spaced). 

• 8. If I applied last year and want to reapply this year, what do I need to do?

  You need to apply again through the Graduate School’s on-line SLATE application system. If you re-apply for admission within one academic year of declining an official offer of admission, you may apply for an application fee waiver. Please attach a copy of the previous offer letter and a copy of the email declining admission to the application before submission. 

• 9. How are students notified about admission or rejection?

  Students will be notified of offers of admission by April 15. Notification is by email and is often preceded by a phone call or email from the faculty mentor. If you have not heard anything by early April, you may be on our waiting list -- please be patient! Rejection notices will be sent by email. 

• 10. What if I already have a Master's degree in Psychology?

  A limited number of your course credits may be transferred to our department. Decisions about credit transfer are made on an individual basis after an offer of admission is made.

• 11. Is it possible to just take a few graduate courses?

  Most courses are designed for full-time graduate students; however, with the advance permission of the instructor, sometimes a non-matriculated student is admitted to a psychology graduate course. In addition to contacting the instructor, you will need to contact the School of Professional Development at 632-7050 and fill out a part-time non-matriculated application.

If you have any further questions, please contact:

Risa Stein, Graduate Program Coordinator

Email: Risa Stein