For prospective students eyeing a career in school psychology, understanding the admission landscape of their chosen programs is crucial. St. John’s University’s School Psychology program, renowned for its comprehensive doctoral training, naturally draws significant interest. A key metric for applicants is the St. John’s acceptance rate, which offers insights into the program’s selectivity. This article delves into a detailed analysis of St. John’s School Psychology program’s admission data, providing a clear picture of what it takes to be a successful applicant and what to expect from this esteemed program.
Understanding St. John’s Acceptance Rate: A Historical Perspective
Analyzing the acceptance rate isn’t just about numbers; it’s about understanding the competitive nature of the program and the qualifications of successful applicants. Let’s examine the admission data from recent academic years to discern trends and gain a clearer understanding of the St. John’s acceptance rate.
| Academic Year | Number of Applicants | Number Interviewed | Number Offered Admission | Actual Size of Incoming Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-2014 | 104 | 54 | 29 | 16 |
| 2014-2015 | 102 | 54 | 31 | 20 |
| 2015-2016 | 79 | 52 | 39 | 18 |
| 2016-2017 | 106 | 60 | 36 | 17 |
| 2017-2018 | 78 | 50 | 28 | 15 |
| 2018-2019 | 102 | 55 | 35 | 18 |
| 2019-2020 | 102 | 73 | 28 | 17 |
| 2020-2021 | 125 | 70 | 44 | 15 |
| 2021-2022 | 133 | 46 | 38 | 17 |
| 2022-2023 | 92 | 46 | 39 | 17 |
Over the past decade (2013-2023), the number of applicants has fluctuated, ranging from a high of 133 in 2021-2022 to a low of 78 in 2017-2018. Interestingly, the number of interviews conducted has also varied, but generally hovers around 50-70 applicants per year. The number of offers of admission has remained relatively consistent, typically falling between 28 and 44.
To calculate the acceptance rate, we divide the “Number Offered Admission” by the “Number of Applicants.” Averaging the data over the past ten years, we can estimate the average St. John’s acceptance rate to be approximately 35%. However, it’s important to note the yearly variations. For instance, in 2020-2021, the acceptance rate was notably higher due to a larger number of offers, while in other years, it might be slightly lower.
It’s also crucial to observe the “Actual Size of Incoming Class.” This number reflects the students who ultimately enroll in the program after being accepted. This figure is consistently smaller than the “Number Offered Admission,” indicating that not all accepted students choose to enroll at St. John’s, likely due to multiple offers from other programs. The program aims for an incoming class size of around 15-20 students each year.
Decoding Admission Data: Beyond Acceptance Rate
While the St. John’s acceptance rate provides a general overview of selectivity, a deeper dive into the academic profiles of accepted applicants offers valuable insights. The program considers a range of factors, with a strong emphasis on academic preparedness. Let’s explore the average and median scores of admitted students on key indicators like GRE scores and GPA.
| 2013-2014 | 2014-2015 | 2015-2016 | 2016-2017 | 2017-2018 | 2018-2019 | 2019-2020 | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 | 2022-2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRE-Verbal | Average | 570/158 | 153.68 | 153.9 | 151.47 | 153.33 | 153.68 | 155.37 | 155.54 | 154.73 | 153.00 |
| Median | 158 | 153.5 | 155 | 151 | 154 | 154 | 154 | 155 | 155.00 | 153.50 | |
| GRE-Quantitative | Average | 620/154 | 151.45 | 151 | 148.41 | 151.07 | 150.37 | 152.53 | 154.05 | 152.18 | 151.40 |
| Median | 156 | 151 | 151 | 148 | 154 | 149 | 150.50 | 152 | 154.00 | 153.70 | |
| GRE-Analytical | Average | 4.54 | 4.05 | 4.3 | 4 | 4.3 | 4.11 | 4.51 | 4.57 | 4.14 | 3.90 |
| Median | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.00 | 4.50 | |
| Average Undergraduate GPA | Average | 3.69 | 3.68 | 3.59 | 3.6 | 3.71 | 3.59 | 3.63 | 3.70 | 3.60 | 3.71 |
GRE Scores: The data indicates that successful applicants generally present competitive GRE scores, particularly in the Verbal and Quantitative sections. The average GRE Verbal scores for admitted students have consistently been in the 153-155 range in recent years, while Quantitative scores are similarly competitive, averaging around 150-154. The Analytical Writing average hovers around 4.0 to 4.5. While the GRE Psychology subject test was previously considered, it appears to no longer be a significant factor in recent admissions cycles, as data is not available after 2014-2015.
Undergraduate GPA: A strong undergraduate GPA is another important component of a successful application. The average GPA for admitted students has consistently been high, ranging from approximately 3.59 to 3.71 over the past decade. This suggests that a GPA above 3.6 is generally expected for competitive applicants.
It’s important to remember that these are averages and medians. Admission committees take a holistic approach, considering not only scores and GPA but also factors like letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, research experience, and relevant experiences in psychology or education. Meeting or exceeding these averages certainly strengthens an application, but a slightly lower score in one area can be compensated for by strengths in other aspects of the application.
Time to Degree Completion: What to Expect
For prospective doctoral students, the expected time to degree completion is a significant consideration. St. John’s School Psychology program is designed to be a rigorous and comprehensive program, typically requiring around five years to complete for students entering with a bachelor’s degree.
| Mean number of years to complete the program | Median number of years to complete the program | |
|---|---|---|
| All Students (Entering with BA/BS) | 5.56 years | 5.30 years |
| Students with Advanced Standing (Entering with Master’s) | 3.4 years (Average of yearly means provided) | 3.2 years (Average of yearly medians provided) |
As the data shows, the mean time to completion for all students (primarily those entering with a BA/BS) is approximately 5.56 years, with a median of 5.30 years. The majority of students complete the program within 5 years. A smaller percentage take 6 or 7 years, and very few extend beyond 7 years.
Students entering with Advanced Standing (typically holding a Master’s degree in School Psychology and relevant certification) can significantly shorten their time to degree completion. For this group, the mean time to completion is considerably lower, averaging around 3.4 years, with a median of 3.2 years. This accelerated pathway recognizes prior graduate-level coursework and experience, allowing qualified students to focus on the doctoral-level requirements more efficiently.
The program’s structure, including practicum, externship, and internship requirements, contributes to the typical 5-year duration for students entering with a bachelor’s degree. These experiential learning components are integral to the training and professional development of school psychologists.
Program Costs: Investment in Your Future
Understanding the financial investment required for a doctoral program is essential for planning. St. John’s University provides transparent information regarding program costs.
| Description | 2022-2023 1st-year Cohort Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition for full-time students (in-state) | $35,760.00 |
| Tuition for full-time students (out-of-state) | $35,760.00 |
| University/institution fees or costs | $800.00 |
| Additional estimated fees or costs to students (e.g. books, travel, etc.) | $600.00 |
For the 2022-2023 entering cohort, the annual tuition for full-time students, regardless of residency status (in-state or out-of-state), was $35,760. Additional university and institutional fees amounted to approximately $800 annually. Students should also budget for estimated additional expenses such as books and travel, which are estimated at around $600 per year.
It’s important for prospective students to consider these costs in the context of the long-term career prospects and earning potential associated with a doctoral degree in school psychology. Furthermore, exploring funding opportunities such as scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships can help mitigate the financial burden.
Internship and Career Outcomes
A critical aspect of any doctoral program in psychology is internship placement and subsequent career pathways. St. John’s School Psychology program places a strong emphasis on securing high-quality internship experiences for its students.
| Percentage of Students Obtaining Internships | Percentage of Students Obtaining APA/CPA-Accredited Internships | |
|---|---|---|
| Average over 2013-2023 | ~98% | ~5% |
The data consistently demonstrates an exceptional internship placement rate, averaging around 98% over the past decade. This indicates the program’s success in preparing students to be competitive applicants for internships. While the majority of internships secured by students are not APA/CPA-accredited, a significant portion conform to CDSPP guidelines, ensuring quality and rigor in the training experience. A smaller percentage of students successfully obtain highly competitive APA/CPA-accredited internships.
Furthermore, a substantial percentage of students obtain paid internships, offering valuable financial support during this training phase. On average, around 40-60% of students have secured paid internships in recent years.
Regarding licensure, approximately 60% of graduates between 2 and 10 years post-graduation have become licensed psychologists. It is important to note that a significant portion of graduates pursue careers as school psychologists in public schools, where licensure as a psychologist is not always required, and certification as a school psychologist is the primary credential needed.
Conclusion
Understanding the St. John’s acceptance rate and related admission data is a crucial first step for prospective applicants. While the acceptance rate is competitive, hovering around 35%, a holistic review process considers a range of qualifications. Strong academic performance, as reflected in GPA and GRE scores, is important, but so are other aspects of your application, such as relevant experience and a compelling statement of purpose.
St. John’s School Psychology program offers a rigorous and well-structured doctoral training experience, typically completed in around 5 years for students entering with a bachelor’s degree. The program boasts excellent internship placement rates and prepares graduates for successful careers in various settings, including schools, clinics, and private practice. By understanding the data presented here and focusing on developing a strong application, prospective students can increase their chances of joining this reputable program and embarking on a rewarding career in school psychology.
