Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to have GRE scores?

All applicants must complete two separate applications. The graduate school application (see www.research.uky.edu/gs/) requires GRE scores. The graduate school will forward your official scores to the department. You should also enter your scores on your departmental application form. The graduate school does not have a minimum GRE score requirement for admission, however individual programs have differing ranges of expected scores. Questions regarding those expectations should be directed to the relevant program chair.

2. Is there a specific format for letters of recommendation?

There is no specific format; letter writers should use their own letterhead. Choose references who know you well in an academic or professional context and can address your suitability for advanced study. Letters of recommendation may be sent with your departmental application or separately.

3. How do I apply for assistantships and fellowships?

Applicants are not eligible for assistantships or fellowships until after they have been admitted to one of our programs. There is no single application process for assistantships and fellowships. Fellowship information can be found at www.research.uky.edu/gs/fellowship/fellowships.html. Information about different assistantships is disseminated over the EDP student listserv. A summary of EDP students’ funding sources in recent semesters is available.

4. What is the financial support for international applicants?

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee, in advance, financial support for graduate students. It is our understanding that U.S. immigration law requires international students to demonstrate that they can support themselves in order to get a visa. An explanation of this requirement can be found at the website: www.research.uky.edu/gs/intapp/finanres.html. Our graduate school recommends that students contact the U.S. Embassy in their home country about potential grants to fund their study.

5. How are departmental admissions decisions made?

Each program (Counseling, Educational and School Psychology) makes its own admissions decisions. Once students have met the graduate school admission requirements, program faculty consider factors such as applicants’ academic and professional preparation, and their fit with the program. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the research interests of faculty and the goals of their program of choice.

All three doctoral programs conduct on-site interviews before making final admissions decisions. Applicants for master's and specialist degree programs may also be asked to interview prior to admission.

6. Why an April 15 acceptance deadline?

The April 15 deadline has been an APA policy for a number of years

Other questions?

Questions that are specific to your program, such as course requirements, the nature of internships, or research projects, are best directed to the program chair:

• Rory Remer, Chair, Counseling Psychology Area Committee
  (859) 257-7877, 233 Dickey Hall, e-mail
• Kenneth Tyler, Chair, Educational Psychology Area Committee
  (859) 257-7878, 229 Dickey Hall, e-mail
• H. Thompson Prout, Chair, School Psychology Area Committee
  (859) 257-1381, 241 Dickey Hall, e-mail

Questions about the application process in general are best directed to:

• Rory Remer, Director of Graduate Study, (859) 257-7877, 233 Dickey Hall, e-mail
• Penny Cruse, Administrative Assistant, (859)-257-7881, 237 Dickey Hall, e-mail