We hope these suggestions help you develop a comprehensive and compelling application for graduate school admission.

Key Considerations in Our Review Process

1. Significant Work or Life Experiences that Lead to the Decision in Pursuing a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology/Neuroscience

   • Highlight knowledge and skills acquired through these experiences.
   • Specify how these experiences motivate you to pursue a Ph.D. in the field.
   • Showcase personal qualities such as resilience, scientific mindset, open-mindedness, strong work ethics, and teamwork, etc.
   • Support your experiences with concrete examples that can be corroborated by reference letters or published work.

2. Alignment with the PI, ICON Lab, and the Research Environment

   • Explain your choice of PI(s) and their relevance to your research interests.
   • Articulate why the ICON Lab is your preferred choice and how it fits your goals.
   • Address the advantages of the UMD, NIH, DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia) environment for your scientific growth, including access to mentors and research opportunities. Provide specific examples.

3. Harmony between Career Goals and Lab's Training Objectives

   • Define your short-term and long-term career aspirations.
   • Clearly outline your expectations from the training offered at the ICON Lab.

4. Relevant Qualifications

   • Identify your primary interests within Cognitive Psychology/Neuroscience, providing specific examples that captivate you. For instance, if you are drawn to topics such as visual working memory or cognitive control, mention one or two studies that particularly pique your interest and explain why they fascinate you.
   • Emphasize your quantitative and programming skills, focusing on your ability to translate ideas into logical code, instead of the ability to program in “XXX.”
   • Describe your envisioned initial project upon joining the ICON Lab. Explain how the lab or PI can assist you in achieving your project goals.

Factors Minimally Considered in Our Review Process

1. Admission decisions are not based on any single factor alone; a holistic evaluation is undertaken.
2. The GRE score is not taken into account in our assessment at the ICON lab.
3. While GPA is considered, we place greater emphasis on the trajectory of your academic performance and your achievements in specialized courses relevant to your field of interest.
4. Proficiency in English is a prerequisite but not mandatory at the time of application. Applicants with lower language test scores may be required to take remedial classes if admitted. See UMD’s guidelines here.
5. Financial support policies remain consistent for both domestic and international students.
6. Visa status is not a consideration factor in our admission process.