The Department of Psychology in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh invites students to apply for an exciting opportunity to learn from cutting edge researchers in psychology. The goal of the VIPitt program is to provide support and information to students applying for graduate study who can help us meet our diversity goals. The weekend includes seminars, panel discussions, and workshops on the components of a competitive graduate application, as well as formal and informal meetings with current graduate students and faculty in the applicants’ area of interest. Attendees also will be introduced to the Pitt psychology department, specific graduate programs, and graduate training in psychology broadly. Meetings with university administrators will focus on funding and resources available to underrepresented students. Travel, housing, and meals are provided for all attendees.
Eligibility
Individuals interested in pursing doctoral training in clinical, developmental, health, biological, social or cognitive psychology are invited to apply. Undergraduates (Juniors and Seniors) and college graduates are eligible. A GPA of 3.0 or higher and prior research experience are suggested but not required. Students must identify one or more Pitt Psychology faculty as prospective mentors. Students underrepresented in psychology (Alaska Natives, Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Native Americans, or Pacific Islanders) who are U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents are encouraged to apply.
Application
The application requires one letter of recommendation, unofficial transcripts (to be emailed to vipitt@pitt.edu), and GRE scores, if available. Applicants should include a two-page personal statement describing professional goals, past research experience, and how their research interests' align with faculty in our program.
Schedule
July 1 Applications Due
August 1 Acceptance Notification
September 1 Confirmation of attendance due
October 18 Participants arrive in Pittsburgh (Thursday morning) Half-day workshops & meetings
October 19 Full day workshops (Friday)
October 20 Return travel (Saturday)
How to Apply
Students interested in being considered for the 2018 VIPitt Weekend should click here to complete the application. The application includes unofficial transcript (to be emailed to vipitt@pitt.edu) and GRE/TOEFL scores, as well as one letter of recommendation (to be uploaded as a PDF or emailed to vipitt@pitt.edu by the letter writer), and a statement of purpose.
Additional Information
For more information about the VIPitt Weekend as well as the Department of Psychology’s graduate programs, please contact:
Kathryn Roecklein, PhD @ kroeck@pitt.edu
Elizabeth Votruba-Drzal, PhD @ vipitt@pitt.edu
Ms. Philippa Carter, Director of Diversity Initiatives and Academic Affairs @ vipitt@pitt.edu or 412-624-6096
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to identify a faculty member I would want to work with prior to applying to the VIPitt program?
A: In short, yes. Because our psychology graduate program operates on the mentorship model, the fit between student research goals and faculty interests and expertise is paramount to acceptance.
Q: Should I arrive on the day before or the morning the program starts?
A: Participants traveling from further away from Pittsburgh may want to plan to arrive on the day before the first day of the workshop, to ensure that they can travel from the airport to the University in time for an 11:30 am start on October 18th. Final travel arrangements, and housing for the night of the 17th, will be arranged once acceptance decisions are finalized and confirmed.