Applications for the Developmental Science program are due Dec 1. Application procedures can be found here*: https://support.psyc.vt.edu/grads/program/application-procedures.
We use a holistic review process when making admissions decisions. Typically, we consider undergraduate grade point average (GPA), a personal statement from prospective students, letters of reference, research experience, research interests, "fit" of research interests with our faculty, and commitment to Departmental and University values (https://advancement.vt.edu/about/mission-values.html). Other characteristics taken into account are the quality of the prospective students' writing samples, the degree of difficulty in undergraduate course selection, and interviews. Note: For applicants to the Developmental Science training program, GRE scores will be neither required nor considered. All applicants are evaluated holistically.
We follow a mentoring model of selection in which individual faculty choose finalists from a pool of applicants. We look especially for compatibility between individual faculty interests and the research interests and research experience of individual applicants. Given this process, in your personal statement, please be sure to nominate preferred faculty members and describe why and/or how you would like to work with each of the faculty members.
*Please note: Recruitment information and details can be found on our graduate recruitment website. As you will see there, our recruitment this coming cycle (for new graduate students starting in Fall 2026) is limited. Please check the websites of the individual faculty members you are interested in.