Potential Timeline
Everyone's trajectory will be different! These suggestions are simply here to help guide you based on past students' experiences.
Year 1
FALL.
- Focus on getting adjusted to your program and scope out potential labs
- Take Research Methods 1 (PSYC 310)
- Plan out draft of classes you want to take (use Concordia's psychology progress charts!)
- Look at Ordre des Psychologues du Quebec (OPQ) requirements if you MIGHT want to study clinical psychology one day
- Attend the MAPS workshops about “Degree Planning in Psychology” and “How to Get Involved…”
- Get to know Concordia's resources (health, psychology department, legal and financial aid)
- Want to go on exchange? Go to Concordia Student Exchange Program (CSEP) mandatory meetings to gather information.
- Try to NOT take Statistics 1 (PSYC315) and Research Methods 1 (PSYC310) during the same semester if you can help it!
- Take Research Methods 2 (PSYC 311) if possible
- Scope out some labs you might want to volunteer with!
- Get involved in Psychology clubs to learn more about opportunities
- Apply for student exchange!
- Start volunteering in a lab by the end of this year
- Maybe take summer classes if needed
Year 2
FALL.
- Gather research experience
- Take Statistics 2 (PSYC 316)
- Go on student exchange?
- Take Research Methods 2 (PSYC 311)
- Go on student exchange?
- Work in at least one lab. Start working in a new lab by the end of the year
- Maybe take summer classes if needed
- Contact potential graduate supervisors in the summer
Year 3
FALL.
- Volunteer in at least one lab
- Start your Honours/Specialization project?
- Make sure all your classes are on track for graduation/OPQ requirements
- Attend MAPS workshops about “How to Apply to Graduate School” and “How to Apply for Graduate Funding”
- Contact Honours thesis supervisors in the winter* IF you are applying for the 5th year... applications are due in the end of the fall
- Start studying for Graduate Record Examinations (GREs) if needed, and attend our workshop "GREs: Tips and Tricks"!
- Continue Honours/Specialization project?
- Start thinking about graduate programs if you’re entering your last year
- Contact potential graduate supervisors in the summer
Year 4+
FALL.
- Submit funding applications/graduate applications
- Acquire three academic/research references (ask for them min. 4 weeks in advance)
- Work in at least one lab
- Contact potential graduate supervisors if you haven't already
- Honours?
- Honours?
- Apply for graduation
- Hopefully, graduate! Celebrate! Take a break!
Attend our “Getting Involved in Research” and “Getting Involved in Clinical” workshops for more information and check out our Past Workshops page for summary sheets!