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Learn about the field of school psychology, what school psychologists do, and tips for applying to graduate school.
Congratulations on discovering the career of school psychology! Becoming a school psychologist is a rewarding and exciting path, but not one for the faint of heart. We are key members of Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and crisis teams in the school setting. There are many exciting opportunities after graduating from a school psychology program, including becoming a psychologist at a district or school, becoming a program coordinator or director of special education (with an administrative credential), or opening a private practice. The first step in this career is familiarizing yourself with what school psychologists do and how to prepare yourself for graduate school.
Who are school psychologists?
Magicians? Superheroes? No, just school psychologists. While we are called many names, at our core, we are simply professionals who work within an educational setting to support the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of students. Our primary role is to help students succeed in school and in life by addressing various psychological, developmental, and educational issues.
While every day is different, and that's what makes our field so exciting, here are some of the key responsibilities and functions school psychologists encounter on a daily basis:
Assessment and Evaluation: School psychologists conduct assessments and evaluations to understand students' strengths and weaknesses, identify learning disabilities, developmental delays, and emotional issues. We use various standardized tests, observations, interviews, and other assessment tools to determine if a student needs special education supports and services, or other interventions as necessary. Some school psychologists are also their program's Section 504 Coordinator or Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Coordinator. See the RIOT method as a way to guide your evaluations.
Counseling and Intervention: We provide counseling and intervention services to students dealing with a wide range of issues, including academic difficulties, behavioral problems, mental health, social-emotional learning, family issues, and peer conflicts. We may also work with students who have experienced trauma or crisis situations.
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): School psychologists play a crucial role in the development and implementation of IEPs for students with disabilities. We help create strategies and accommodations to support students with IEPs in the classroom.
Crisis Intervention: In the event of a crisis, such as a school-wide emergency or a student in crisis, school psychologists may provide immediate support and guidance to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. We also are key members of the school's crisis prevention team, and may consult on systems-wide ways to prepare for and prevent emergencies.
Consultation: On an almost daily basis, we collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school professionals to provide guidance on how to support students' academic, social, and emotional needs. School psychologists may offer strategies and interventions to improve classroom management, student behavior, or social-emotional lessons.
Prevention and Wellness Programs: We often develop and implement programs and interventions aimed at preventing issues such as bullying, substance abuse, and mental health problems. These programs promote a positive school environment and student well-being.
Data Analysis: School psychologists analyze data related to student performance and behavior to identify trends and patterns. Usually as part of an RTI or MTSS program, this information can inform decision-making and help improve educational programs and interventions.
Professional Development: They often provide training and professional development for teachers and staff. Some topics may include, but are not limited to classroom management techniques, behavior intervention strategies, cultural responsiveness, social-emotional learning, and special education overall.
Advocacy: School psychologists may advocate for students' rights and services, ensuring that they receive appropriate support and accommodations as needed. This may involve working with parents, school administrators, teachers, and other specialists that work with the student or are part of the IEP team.
Research and Program Evaluation: Some school psychologists (usually at the district level) engage in research and program evaluation to assess the effectiveness of educational interventions and policies and to contribute to the development of evidence-based practices. This goes hand-in-hand with data analysis as we consistently work with school-wide and systems-wide stakeholders to improve delivery of our programs and services.
In the educational setting, school psychologists play a crucial role in promoting the overall well-being and success of students, teachers, and families. We work to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all students have the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.
Tips for applying to graduate school
Applying to a school psychology graduate program requires careful preparation and attention to specific requirements. Here are some specific tips for applying to a graduate program in school psychology:
Research Programs Thoroughly: Explore school psychology programs and identify those that align with your interests and career goals. It always helps to have an idea of where you want to practice post-graduation, as many programs have an embedded state certification in their programs. Consider additional factors like program accreditation, faculty expertise, research opportunities, financial aid or assistantships, and internship/practicum placements. Highly recommend applying to programs accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) or a similar accrediting body, as this is often a requirement for licensure. Additionally, some programs have additional options embedded in their programs if you want a speciality to give yourself the edge as a professional. Licensures like LPCC, MFT, or ABA may be able to be added onto your licensure if that's something you're interested in!
Meet Prerequisite Requirements: There are MANY school psychology programs out there, and some of them require prerequisite coursework. Ensure you have completed any required undergraduate coursework or prerequisites. This may include psychology courses or related subjects. If you haven't, there are many options for community college courses that may satisfy these requirements and will help set a good foundation for you prior to grad school!
Understand Licensure and Certification: Familiarize yourself with the licensure and certification requirements for school psychologists in the state or country where you plan to practice. Different regions may have varying requirements.
Prepare for Standardized Tests:
Many school psychology programs require the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or a similar standardized test. Prepare for the test well in advance and aim for competitive scores. Again, doing your research on what each application requires, and if there is a minimum standard score needed to be competitive, will go a long way to support your graduate application journey.
Gather Strong Letters of Recommendation: Request letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors, or professionals who can speak to your academic and interpersonal skills. Choose recommenders who are familiar with your qualifications for school psychology and can provide specific examples of your abilities.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: This is an extremely important part of the application journey, especially if your background deviated from the direct from undergraduate-to-graduate-school-pipeline! All experience is valid and will support you in this field, whether you had customer service background, problem-solving in an office, school-based experience, legal report writing, etc. The most important thing you can do is write a thoughtful and well-organized personal statement that highlights your passion for school psychology, relevant experiences, and long-term career goals. Explain why you are interested in the program you're applying to and how it aligns with your aspirations. This career path isn't one-size-fits all, and if you've taken a break from school, or had a different background than one in psychology, it helps to explain why you want to become a school psychologist and how your varied experiences have prepared you for graduate-level studies. Also, as the field is consistently trending to supporting students with diverse backgrounds, highlight any experiences working with diverse populations or your commitment to promoting inclusivity and equity in the educational setting.
Prepare for Interviews: Almost every school psychology graduate program requires an interview with current faculty, current graduate students, or working professionals as part of their admission process. Practice your interview skills and be prepared to discuss your experiences and goals. One school even asked for a quick written personal statement as part of their process, so it's best to be prepared for anything verbal or written. Some things that schools may ask in the in-person interview process are, "why school psychology?," "what do you think the day-to-day of a school psychologist looks like?," "what makes you different?," "how do you handle stress or self-care?," and "what three words describe you?" The best advice is to be honest and true to yourself and your experience. Consider the interview process as a way for you to interview the school faculty in turn and visualize if you can see yourself attending school there for three years.
Check Application Deadlines and Review Application Materials: Carefully review application deadlines for each program. Some programs have earlier deadlines, so plan accordingly. Review your application materials for errors in grammar, spelling, and formatting. Attention to detail is crucial in the field, and application reviewers will be looking meticulously for mistakes and how you handle yourself as a professional.
Seek Guidance: If possible, it's always best-practice to consult with current school psychology graduate students or professionals in the field for insights and advice on the application process. Exploring the myriad of resources on the National Association of School Psychologists site or the blogs on I Heart School Psych are a great way to familiarize yourself with the field.
Applying to a school psychology graduate program can be highly competitive, so it's essential to present a strong application that reflects your dedication, relevant experiences, and commitment to the field. Tailoring your application to the specific program and demonstrating a clear fit with their mission and values will increase your chances of admission.
Read our other blog about getting into graduate school for more tips here!
Resources to help on your journey
When applying for a school psychology graduate program, there are several items and resources you may consider purchasing to help you with the application process and your studies once you are admitted.
Below are some resources that have helped copious school psychologists on their pre-grad school journey and beyond!
GRE Preparation
GRE Prep Plus 2024: 6 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online (Kaplan Test Prep)
If you get nothing else to prepare you for the GRE exam, go with the overview prep book from Kaplan! GRE Prep Plus 2024 guides you through the GRE step-by-step, with expert strategies, essential content review, and five online practice tests. Get an advantage on test day with our proven test-taking strategies, math skills review, and one-year access to online practice, and lesson plans.
GRE Vocabulary Flashcards (Fourth Edition)
This set of 500 essential flashcards help you build strong vocabulary skills so you can master the GRE Verbal Reasoning section of the test. Plus, a web-based app lets you review your flashcards on any device.
Book of GRE Practice Problems, Fourth Edition: 1,800+ Practice Problems in Book and Online (Manhattan Prep 5 lb)
Practice makes perfect (and for a better GRE score)! Developed by actual GRE instructors, the problems in this book are sensibly grouped into practice sets and mirror those found on the GRE in content, form, and style. You can build fundamental skills in math and verbal through targeted practice.
Organization
Eccolo Large Planner (12 Month, Yearly, Monthly & Weekly Pages, Habit-Gratitude Tracker)
A quality and aesthetically beautiful academic planner for the year will help keep you on track and meet pre-graduate school deadlines! Many people use Google or Apple Calendar to track their lives (which is also great!), but it can also be fulfilling to have a yearly planner to carry around and double check your deadlines. Highly recommend the one from Eccolo!
Journal Planner Pens Colored Pens Fine Point Markers (Pack of 18)
You need fine-tip journal markers to accompany your planner! These are my favorite for journals and planners. The water-based ink leads to minimal bleed thru (except very thin paper), these fine-tipped pens create fine lines and intense water-based colors.
GoGirl Budget Planner & Monthly Bill Organizer
Graduate school can be expensive and you as a student need to plan accordingly! Get ahead with a budget planner/bill organizer from GoGirl. You will be able to set goals, meticulously track your expenses, reflect on your progress, and keep moving forward.
I Heart School Psych Hard-Cover Journal
Make your school psych day more stylish with this matte hardcover journal. Everyone on the pre-graduate school journey needs a place to track check-lists and application information.
Remember to use all your resources to create a budget and financial plan to help you manage your expenses effectively during your time in graduate school. Additionally, some of these expenses may be eligible for financial aid, so explore all available funding options to support your education. Good luck!
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