How to Apply

Helpful Hints for Preparing Your Application

The School Psychology program has specific application requirements. NLU enables potential applicants to apply online. The online application process, although expedient, often does not provide applicants to our School Psychology Program with sufficient guidance to describe their backgrounds or qualifications fully. 

In other words, don't rely on the online application! It is designed for applying to programs that are not as selective as school psychology graduate programs. We don’t do it that way. We (the faculty) carefully look over application materials.

Your Personal Statement is Critical

For all your materials in your application, we would suggest treating the application like a research project. A successful application starts with the personal statement. You should convince us that you know what specific school psychology program you are applying to. For example, what do you know about NLU to suggest that it is the right program for you? How is it the same (or different) from other school psychology programs? What is going on in the field of school psychology and how can the NLU faculty prepare you best for this role? Who are the faculty? What do you know about them?

Have a Professional Vita

As part of your application, a vita is standard for our field. It also shows awareness and preparedness.

We need to be convinced that not only do you know about what the NLU program has to offer you, especially with respect to the needs of students and families, we also need to be convinced that you can do graduate-level work.

Not All Letters of Recommendations are Equally Important: Academic Letters Matter Most!

To us, this is the first and foremost purpose of your letters. Make sure at least one of them, preferably three, but two is OK, are academicians who know the kind of work you do--and the kind of person you are.

The School Psychology Program has specific application requirements. NLU enables potential applicants to apply online. The online application process, although expedient, often does not provide applicants to our School Psychology Program with sufficient guidance to describe their backgrounds or qualifications fully. 

In other words, don't rely on the online application! It is designed for applying to programs that are not as selective as school psychology graduate programs. We don’t do it that way. We (the faculty) carefully look over application materials. 

Students Know Best

Talk to some students. Attend a class or two. Find some recent graduates and speak with them.