Note: The GRE will no longer be considered for admissions. If you have questions, please email our PhD Program Manager, (kbelt@psych.wisc.edu).
The deadline for Fall 2026 entry for the program is December 1, 2025. All applications on file must be completed by this date otherwise the application will be withdrawn from consideration by the Department of Psychology. An outline detailing the components of a completed application is provided below, along with instructions on how to complete each required component. If you have any questions about this process or need further assistance, please contact gradinfo@psych.wisc.edu.
Checklist for a Completed Application
- Complete the Graduate School Application, available only online. Within the Graduate School Application:
- Submit letters of recommendation electronically. A minimum of three letters of recommendation are required, but more than three letters may be submitted. The instructions for submitting electronic letters of recommendation can be found on the Graduate School Application.
- Complete the Psychology Department Supplemental Application. In this section you identify your area group and mentor/s of interest.
- Complete a personal statement and CV in the area entitled “Statements and CV”. The personal statement is a place for you to communicate your motives for attending graduate school, what your future goals are and why you think the University of Wisconsin is the best place for the training that will help you meet your goals. Be sure to tell us in your personal statement if you have prior research experience and tell us about your role in that research. There is no word limit to the statement.
- If you wish to submit additional material such as a writing sample please send it to gradinfo@psych.wisc.edu. The document should be named in the following format: LastName.FirstName.TypeOf Document. For example: Doe.John.Paper1
- Unofficial transcripts will be uploaded as part of the application on the Grad School website. They must be uploaded no later than December 1, 2025.
- Submit a $75 non-refundable application fee to the Graduate School.
- Fee is payable by credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or debit card through the electronic application
- English Proficiency scores are required if you are an international applicant unless you have a previous degree from an institution where English is the mode of instruction. For more information on this requirement, check the English proficiency section on the Graduate School’s Requirements for Admission page.