While in college, psychologists usually engage in two activities that enhance their education and likelihood of admission to graduate school. They usually work as a research assistant for faculty members and they work in clinical settings. The clinical work may be a part-time job or part of an internship in the undergraduate program. Psychologists then apply to graduate school. The path to graduate school varies from person to person.
Most psychologists apply to graduate school during the senior year of college.
Many do not get into a graduate program from this application. A large number of psychologists apply after working in the field with a Bachelor's degree. Some may apply to and attend a Masters program, work for a few years, then attend a doctoral program. While in graduate school, psychologists discover which specialty area and work setting they find attractive. They focus on this area while participating in a general course of training.