University of Minnesota
Driven to Discover


Qualifications for admission

Formal prerequisites are the equivalent of four quarter or three semester courses in psychology and an introductory course in statistics. Also, most students admitted have a substantial background in psychology, courses in mathematics and the natural sciences, and undergraduate research experience.

Admission to the Institute programs is competitive. In recent years, the Institute has admitted from 7 to 14 students.

The median grade point averages and GRE scores for students offered admission for Fall Semester 2008, were as follows:

Undergraduate GPA 3.89
GRE Verbal 650
GRE Verbal Percentile 93%
GRE Quantitative 750
GRE Quantitative Percentile 84%
GRE Analytical 5.0
GRE Analytical Percentile 73%
GRE V & Q 1390

These ranges are intended only as guidelines but we anticipate that most students admitted to the Institute will have GPAs and test scores comparable to these. We do not use GRE scores as cutoffs, nor do high grades and scores guarantee admission.

Admission to the child psychology graduate program is based on the applicant's academic record, letters of recommendation, Graduate Record Exams scores (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) or TOEFL where applicable, a statement of goals and interests, and perceived program “fit.”

We embrace the University of Minnesota’s position that promoting and supporting diversity among the student body is central to the academic mission of the University. We define diversity to encompass many characteristics including economic disadvantage, special talents, evidence of leadership qualities, race or ethnicity, a strong work record, and disability. A diverse student body enriches graduate education by providing a multiplicity of views and perspectives that enhance research, teaching, and the development of new knowledge. A diverse mix of students promotes respect for, and opportunities to learn from, others with the broad range of backgrounds and experiences that constitute modern society. Higher education trains the next generation of leaders of academia and society in general, and such opportunities for leadership should be accessible to all members of society. The Graduate School and its constituent graduate programs are therefore committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities through recruitment, admission, and support programs that promote diversity, foster successful academic experiences, and cultivate the leaders of the next generation


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The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer
Last modified on June 24, 2009