Frequently Asked Questions

Doctoral Program Requirements

Q: What are the basic criteria for admission to the Division of Psychology doctoral progam?
A: GRE scores above the 75th percentile; UGPA of 3.20 or above.

Education Testing Service Codes

Q: What is the ETS institution code for Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine?
A: The ETS code number is 1565.

Q: What is the ETS department code?
A: Department code number 2001 indicates the Division of Psychology at the Feinberg School.

Other Important Applicant Codes

Q: What is the financial aid code for Northwestern University?
A: Northestern’s financial code number is E00617.

Q: What is the program code for the doctoral program in clinical psychology offered at the Feinberg School?
A: Use code number C30PH when completing the Graduate School application.

Testing

Q: Do I need to take the advanced psychology subject test?
A: Yes; we cannot consider your application without your scores on this test.

Q: Do I need to take the MCAT?
A: No; taking the MCAT is not necesary.

Letters of Recommendation and Applications

Q: May the referees send their letters of recommendation directly to the Division of Psychology?
A: Yes. The three (3) letters of recommendation are to be mailed directly to the Medical School.

Q: Are there formal materials for referees to fill out?
A: No. Letters of recommendation are to be submitted on referees' stationary.

Interviews

Q: Are interviews conducted via telephone?
A: No. All interviews take place on the Chicago campus in February or March.

Q: Do you offer informational interviews?
A: No.

Course Enrollment

Q: May I take a psychology course or audit a course if I am not a Division of Psychology student?
A: Yes, if you are a Northwestern University graduate student. Depending on the course, you may enroll with permission of the instructor. Division of Psychology courses are not open to the public.

Q: If I am not a psychology major, what prerequisite courses should I take?
A: You should take courses in abnormal, clinical, and experimental psychology and statistics.

Research Interests

Q: Is it necessary when applying to indicate my choice of a research supervisor?
A: It is not necessary. However, it will help us to know if one or more of our research areas interest you. We then can guarantee that the appropriate faculty members will review your application and meet with you if you are selected for an interview. The application provides an opportunity for you to state your preferences.

Applicants Accepted

Q: How many students are accepted into your program each year?
A: Five, out of approximately 200 applicants.

Financial Concerns

Q: Does your department offer scholarships?
A: Yes. A variety of funding opportunities are offered, which change slightly every year. Scholarships may cover half, three-quarters, or the total tuition. Paid research assistantships are also available.

Printed Material

Q: May I have the information on the Division of Psychology Web site mailed to me?
A: No. All required information, including the application, is on this Web site.

Clinical Experience

Q: Will clinical and/or research experience help me as a candidate for entry into your program?
A: Yes.

Campus Tour

Q: Does the Division of Psychology conduct campus tours?
A: No, but you can find maps and other information about Northwestern’s Chicago campus on the University’s Web site at http://www.northwestern.edu/campus.

Chicago Campus and Evanston Campus Clinical Psychology Programs

Q: What is the difference between the two Northwestern University graduate psychology programs?
A: The goal of the Feinberg School program on the Chicago campus is to prepare students for research and clinical careers in academic medical center and hospital settings, although graduates are well prepared to conduct research and perform clinical work in other settings as well. For a description of theWeinberg College of Arts and Sciences program on the Evanston campus, see http://www.wcas.northwestern.edu/psych.