Ooh okay I see! Forensic psychology seems to be a smaller field right now, but growing so I’m not too familiar on the process.

I'd say social psych programs are the 2nd most competitive area in psychology. Clinical first, then social psychology. Yes, I'd say the majority of people who earn a Ph.D. in Social Psychology go on to do more research and be a professor in academia. Psychology is a super marketable degree because human behavior is relevant in so many fields, so social psych students might go on to work for organizations, government, businesses, etc. From the grad students I've talked to, it seems competitive for academic tenure positions and you'd have to be willing to move wherever in the US. I think that the job market will be fine, so if you love what you’re studying, I wouldn’t worry about the job market too much. A Ph.D. in Social Psych is much more marketable than say, a Ph.D. in Nordic Studies.

If you want to get into a social psych program, you’ll need to start thinking about what the applications will require.

1. Usually a B.A. in Psych, but like I mentioned before depending on the program it might not be necessary. Find out what programs require and if you’d have to take other classes or do a post-bac program or anything.

2. Good GRE scores, or at least above average if all your other parts are solid. Mine were nothing great, a bit above average, but I think the other parts of my app are good so I’m not too concerned.

3. Great letters of recommendation, preferably from psychology professors who have overseen your research. Mine were from: 1) my honors thesis advisor, was also in her lab 2) professor who led departmental honors program, also took his social psych class 3) professor, I took her social psych lab course . These are all good choices because they are social psychologists and can speak strongly about my research skills and academic promise. The closest you can get to that the better, but even if the clinical psych professor can write you a good LOR, that would be great. If you could end up working with a social psych professor’s research, that could also be a great letter.

4. Statement of purpose - not something you need to worry about until closer to your apps, but making good connections with professors or grad students now who can look over your drafts eventually would be helpful!

5. GPA - important! Get good grades in your classes, especially the ones that are more relevant to what you want to study. I think you’re okay here.

6. Extracurriculars/work - Try to be involved in things that will be relevant in some way to your field of study. This will make it easier to write your SOP. You want to show that you are committed to this field in all aspects of your life.

7. Research - VERY IMPORTANT. Being involved in any psych lab’s research is helpful and the closer to your field of study the better. Conducting your own research is a bonus because it shows that you are aware of what the entire process entails and still excited to do more research. Maybe once you’ve proved yourself to the lab, you can ask about doing your own project with their guidance. If you’re super lucky, this might even lead to a publication. Yes, you can still be involved in research post-graduation. I suggest that you start making connections with professors now and indicate that you’re interested in working with them after you graduate. You probably wouldn’t be getting paid, but sacrifices must be made. I’d identify who’s doing research that you’re interested in and try to get into their lab, whether it’s now or after you graduate.

Also, talk to as many professors and grad students as you can! Tell them about your situation, ask for advice, what you can be doing now to make yourself a strong candidate, etc.