How do I catch up?: Undergrad psych senior just now on grad path

Graduate School
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>After discovering journalism wasn't my passion and law didn't match my dreams, I realized I wanted to go to grad school in psychology and earn a PhD, because I know deep down I'd be genuinely happy as a professor. Unfortunately, I came to this realization a week before the senior year of undergrad at the University of California, Berkeley. I'm the kind of obsessive, hyper-competitive person who really wants to get into a top-tier graduate school, but I'm anxious that I'm already too late to build up the kind of resume necessary. My question is: For someone who has very little research experience this late in the game, what steps can I take to catch up? Has anyone else been in a similar situation as mine and would like to share? I'm willing to take a year off to catch up research-wise, but I'm scared I'll end up in some stagnant, long-term limbo after my B.A. and I'll be stranded.</p>

<p>I have very strong grades and I attend a top research school, and I feel I can get a good GRE score, but the whole realm of research seems so labyrinthine that I don't know where to begin...</p>

<p>Anyway, thanks for reading. I'm a little distressed so if anyone has any advice, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Also, how important is it to earn “highest honors” on an honors thesis compared to “honors”? In the grand scheme of things, is that a big factor in having a good grad school resume?</p>

3

<p>An honors thesis will be key for you since that’s where you’ll get your first research experience. Obviously, “highest honors” would be great since you’ll likely have to apply next year, not this one, and the grad schools will see your completed transcript; however, it won’t make or break your application. Your thesis topic and your advisor’s assessment of your work will be much more important.</p>

<p>And yes, do take that year. You need to prove that this newest direction is not just another phase.</p>

4

<p>Also, how do you know you’ll be happy as a professor? You haven’t even done any research yet.</p>