(Untitled)

[erraticxthought]

While I realize this question is frequently discussed in this forum, I still feel the need to ask: How significant is it to have relevant research experience when applying to SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY programs? And how is "significant experience" defined

Comments

[sporkgoddess]

[erraticxthought]

And then how do you get research experience beyond just data entry, running participants and the research classes?

[sporkgoddess]

[tobiahawk]

This. Other option:
-Do a honors/undergrad/senior thesis (or two or three).
-Tell your professor straight up that you want to go to grad school and would like to gain significant experience. Be polite about it, of course.
-Partner with professor, even at another school, for a research project over a summer. Email people who do work you're interested in and explain your background and goals to them.

Good luck! :)

[roseofjuly]

Adding to the last one, if this is not your last year (like if you are not applying this round) you can apply to one of the established Research Experiences for Undergraduate (REUs) sponsored by the NSF (http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.cfm?unitid=5054). There are other programs at more universities that are not funded by NSF and are very similar - seriously, nearly every large research university is running a summer research program for undergraduates these days. They usually give you free room and board and pay you a nice stipend (like $3,000 for the whole summer) on top of that. If you are currently a sophomore or junior DO apply for one