SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY ADMISSIONS
Our admissions process has been designed to reflect our program's ecosystemic philosophy and emphasis on multicultural perspectives. Each year we receive approximately 100 applications from across the nation, as well as from several countries around the world. We conduct our admissions process to provide the best information by which to determine our admissions recommendations for the best 10 to 12 applicants we will accept. Thus, our applicant:admit ratio is about 10:1. Review of applications begins on January 15 for program entry July 1. Officially, we continue to accept applications until we have filled the new cohort; however after February 1 , please contact the program office to see if we are continuing to receive applications.
We use equitable admissions policies and procedures: Different (from the traditional) admissions criteria and measurement mechanisms are applied equally to all applicants. We have three categories of criteria by which we determine admissions to the program:
• Academic Readiness: Does the applicant have the academic background and skills to succeed in our graduate program? For example: Psychology major or substantial related coursework, quality of personal statements (essays).
• Professional Readiness: Does the applicant have sufficient knowledge of and experience with children, youth, and/or schools to predict professional commitment & development? For example: Relevant experience, especially with underserved populations; familiarity with the profession; interpersonal skills and leadership.
• Cross-Cultural Readiness: Does the applicant have the depth &/or breadth of cultural knowledge or experiences needed for service providers in diverse schools? For example: Culture-focused or multicultural studies or experiences, depth and breadth of experience beyond mainstream U.S. culture, proficiency in a language in addition to English.
We use multifaceted indices of readiness in each criterion category at each stage of the admissions process.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY APPLICATION
Step One: Application Portfolio - Written Application and Supporting Materials
In addition to completing the Application for Graduate Study in the California State University, applicants complete a program application form and provide materials in support of their written application. The Program application process requires:
- The Program application form (the link to the application instructions and form is below)
- Your Vita (a framework is available here).
- Three Personal Statements (essays) - see application form for specific questions.
- At least three letters of recommendation (there are no specific forms for these), and
- GRE, CBEST, and, if applicable, TOEFL results (copies of test scores will suffice for the Program application).
- Application affidavit.
It is incumbent upon applicants to provide the materials necessary by which we can discern their academic, professional, and cross-cultural readiness for our demanding graduate-professional program dedicated to educational equity. Many applicants include other supporting materials, for example: undergraduate papers, videotapes of work with children, annotated photo albums, and a professional goal essay or statement. Each application is reviewed by at least two core faculty members, who use multifaceted data to rate the candidate's readiness in each of the three areas of readiness. We typically invite about 30 applicants to the interview.
Important Notes Regarding Standardized Tests:
• The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) (general sections) is required by the SDSU Division of Graduate Studies for admission. Official results of the GRE must be received by SDSU Graduate Admissions (code 4682) for your application to be considered complete. Please send a copy of GRE results with your Program application. We do not use specific score cut-offs for program admissions recommendations. Green (2003) found that GRE scores do not predict either academic or professional success in our program. GRE website.
• Taking the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) prior to admission is a requirement of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing; again, we do not require that you pass the CBEST prior to admission. Include a copy of your CBEST results with your application portfolio. Out-of-state applicants may take the CBEST after admission but before the end of the first semester in the program. By California law, the CBEST must be passed prior to recommendation for the Internship or School Psychology Credential. CBEST website.
• The SDSU Graduate Division requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for all postbaccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English and whose education was primarily in a language other than English. Official report of results must be sent to Graduate Admissions; a copy with the Program application. TOEFL website.
Intermediate Step: International Applicants Only
Given the high costs associated with participating in our required small group interviews, an intermediate step is provided for international applicants who have been identified as potential interview participants. A structured telephone conference interview with at least three school psychology faculty members will occur prior to the decision to invite international applicants to interview. The results of this telephone interview will be included in our final determination regarding participation in the required small group interview.
Step Two: Small Group Interviews: Authentic Introduction to Program Practices
All of the selected applicants come to campus on the same day for a lengthy series of small group interviews with the School Psychology Interview Team (about 15 members in all). The small groups rotate through a variety of tasks and activities, designed to be authentic assessments resembling the teaching-learning experiences of our program. Each interview task is facilitated by a faculty member and observed by additional faculty, alumni, students and/or interns. This interview is required.
Step Three: Program Recommendations to the Graduate Division
The School Programs Faculty Committee meets to review and discuss all admissions data reports of interviewed candidates (i.e., both portfolio review and interview performance are considered). This Committee prepares recommendations which are considered by the faculty of the Department of Counseling and School Psychology. The CSP Faculty then make a recommendation regarding admission to the Graduate Division. Candidates will be notified regarding our recommendations.
Step Four: Admissions by the Graduate Division
While the Graduate Division has different admissions requirements for degree-seeking and non-degree post-baccalaureate students, all applicants must meet our Program criteria for admissions. The vast majority of our students pursue the integrated professional-graduate program in school psychology culminating in our recommendation for both the California credential and the graduate degree. Occasionally, we have "credential-only" students (e.g., post-doctoral specialization studies). This ensures that, as a group, our admits have attained a level of academic qualifications equivalent to or higher than candidates admitted to other post-baccalaureate programs.
Exceptions to the SDSU Graduate Division Admissions requirements may be made on a case-by-case basis, without regard to race, gender, ethnicity, color, or national origin.
Current School Psychology Students
Program Graduates
San Diego State University maintains and promotes a policy of nondiscrimination and nonharrassment on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, age, disability or veteran status, including veterans of the Vietnam era. The policy stands as a statement of his university's moral commitment to the right of all persons to equal opportunity in a nondiscrimination, harassment-free atmosphere. San Diego State University places high priority on that objective and expects all members of the University to support this policy fully.