I will not be accepting new students for Fall 2026.

Here are the criteria that my colleagues and I have used in the recruitment process (in previous years there were about 30 applicants for each opening):

– Undergraduate GPA
– GPA in psychology courses
– GPA in research methods/statistics courses
– The characteristics of the university from which the applicant got their BA/MA/BS
– Statement of purpose (in the final round this may be the most important criterion)
– Letters of recommendation
– Research experience (having worked in a lab, preferably in multiple labs)
– Honors/seniors thesis or independent research project
– NSF scholarship, other scholarships

Other criteria (that play a smaller role) are:

– The extent to which the candidate helps the lab work toward its
diversity goals
– Professional experience (e.g., having worked or done an internship in a company that does diversity training, a survey institute, an advertisement firm, in a company/NGO that focuses on behavior change)
– Experience as a lab manager at a university
– Scientific publications
– Special skills (e.g., programming, data analysis, foreign languages)
– Special experiences (e.g., Peace Corps, particular first-hand experience with discrimination)
– Leadership abilities (e.g., student government, student associations)
– Being a well-rounded person (i.e., a good mixture of academics, extra-curricular activities (sports, music, etc.), and social engagement).

Department Application Process Information

Markus Brauer: markus.brauer[at]wisc[dot]edu