<p>I want to get my PhD in Psychology from UCLA and I’ve been reading around about how competitive it is, which really surprises me. Anyway, what can I do in addition to getting a high GPA and high test scores? Basically I’m talking about getting a job and real life experience in the feild of psychology.</p>
<p>My work experience only consists of being a receptionist.
Thanks for any tips.</p>
<p>Why UCLA? What area of psychology?</p>
<p>UCLA because that’s where I’m getting my B.A and I don’t want to move anywhere.</p>
<p>Clinical Psychology is what I want to do.</p>
<p>In clinical psych (especially for a very research-focused program like UCLA), you need research experience (working as research assistant, theses or a thesis, posters and publications–not all are required, but all are good to have) and research match (fit between your research interests–and preferably your experience–and a professor’s). Clinical experience is good to have but isn’t rated nearly as highly. Also, you’ll need excellent GRE scores (1200 MINIMUM, more like 1350+ for UCLA)–your GPA is quite strong, but not outstanding, at least. And yes, clinical psych programs are extremely competitive, with avg. acceptance rates of about 9% (UCLA’s is around 3%, IIRC). Applying to only one program (especially UCLA) is more or less a death knell for your applicationsunless you have an EXTREMELY strong CV and a perfect research match and even then it’s incredibly risky.</p>