When Demand Exceeds Supply: Second-Order Criteria Used by Graduate School Selection Committees

Abstract

The three primary criteria used to evaluate applicants by doctoral selection committees—grade point average, Graduate Record Examination scores, and letters of recommendation—may fail to narrow the field to the small number of slots available. A survey of doctoral selection committee members identified the relative importance of the next level of selection criteria. Among the most important are research experience, “good match” factors, and writing skills. Among the least important are ability to speak a language other than English, geographical origins of applicants, and “legacy.” Few differences were found between selection committee members from clinical/counseling programs and experimental programs, underscoring the importance of undergraduate research opportunities and adequate faculty advising.

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