by Kimia Lavasani (2023-2024 Experimental Liaison)

Doctoral programs are highly demanding and are becoming more and more competitive every year. With the growth of psychology as a field, it can be challenging to feel unique and appreciate one’s efforts as much as one should. For some, this issue can present itself in the form of Imposter Syndrome.

Here are a few tips that may help in overcoming Imposter Syndrome:
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1. Understand it: First and foremost, it is absolutely essential to understand what Imposter Syndrome is. The easy definition marks this syndrome as one where the individual does not see their full potential as others see it. They may feel like they are a “fraud” who is pretending to know what they are doing, and who may be eventually “discovered” as someone who is not as competent as others think they are. Notably, this can be extremely common among high-achieving individuals; especially if they are first-generation college students. Acknowledging and accepting that this may be what you are going through is the first step in the right direction!

2. Manage it: There are many ways you can make such feelings more manageable. One of the most important and widely used techniques involves boosting your self-esteem. One major component of Imposter Syndrome is the fact that the individual does not accept their potential and competence in a realistic manner. To overcome this, you can keep an accomplishments notebook. You can add pictures or write a motivating sentence or two for your future self as well. This way, when you begin to notice your self-doubt coming back, you can review your notebook to remind yourself of the person you truly are. You can also leave sticky notes on your mirrors or a quick note on your phone, summarizing yourself in a way that you are proud of and motivates you. It is important to note that these are not the only ways to remind yourself of your potential, there are many creative ways you can do this. No matter what method you choose, it is essential to have reminders to look back during challenging times. Self-affirmations in any form have been shown to be effective in reducing some of the symptoms of Imposter Syndrome.

3. Ask for Help: Lastly, it is important to realize that Imposter Syndrome can be extremely debilitating if left untreated. You may be thinking that it is not a serious enough condition or that it is normal to be so full of doubt in graduate school. But the truth is that if you are consistently putting yourself down and undermining your competence, then your quality of life can be significantly impacted. There are many professional development opportunities (e.g., workshops, conferences) that can offer more detailed coping strategies. Also, it never hurts to discuss any concerns with a mentor or licensed clinician in a safe space.

Best of luck!

by Suchika Siotia (2023-2024 Diversity Liaison)

Preparing for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) can be a daunting task for aspiring psychologists. This comprehensive exam assesses a wide range of knowledge and skills essential for the practice of psychology. To help you navigate this challenging journey, we've compiled a list of tips and tricks to optimize your preparation and increase your chances of success. By following these strategies, you can approach the EPPP with confidence and achieve your goal of becoming a licensed psychologist.

1. Understand the Exam Structure
The EPPP consists of 225 multiple-choice questions, covering eight content areas:

• Biological Bases of Behavior: Focus on neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, psychopharmacology, and biological processes influencing behavior.
• Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior: Study memory, learning, perception, and emotions.
• Social and Cultural Bases of Behavior: Cover social psychology theories, group dynamics, cultural diversity, and human behavior in social contexts.
• Growth and Lifespan Development: Understand developmental psychology across different life stages.
• Assessment and Diagnosis: Know psychological testing, assessment techniques, and diagnostic criteria (DSM-5).
• Treatment, Intervention, and Prevention: Study therapeutic approaches, intervention strategies, and prevention programs.
• Research Methods and Statistics: Focus on research design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of data.
• Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues: Review ethical guidelines, legal standards, and professional conduct.

2. Create a Study Plan
Set a Timeline
Establish a realistic timeline for your study period. Most candidates prepare for 3-6 months. Break down your study schedule into weekly goals, ensuring you cover all content areas.

Daily Study Routine
Dedicate specific hours each day to study. Consistency is key, so try to study at the same time each day to build a routine.

Detailed Scheduling

• Weekly Goals: Define specific topics or chapters to cover each week. Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track.
• Daily Sessions: Break study sessions into chunks (e.g., 2-3 hours with breaks) to avoid burnout.
• Review Time: Allocate time for regular review sessions to reinforce memory and understanding.

Adaptive Planning

• Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust your plan if certain areas require more attention.
• Feedback Loop: Regularly assess your progress and make necessary changes to your study strategy.

3. Use Quality Study Materials
Books and Guides

• Comprehensive Texts: Choose detailed study guides like those from ASPPB, which are specifically designed for the EPPP.
• Specialized Books: Use additional resources focused on particular content areas where you need more depth.

Online Resources

• Prep Courses: Online courses from providers like AATBS, PsychPrep, or Academic Review offer structured learning and practice.
• Webinars and Workshops: Attend webinars and workshops that provide tips and interactive learning opportunities.

Digital Tools

• Flashcard Apps: Apps like Anki or Quizlet can be very helpful for memorizing key concepts and terms.
• Practice Apps: Look for apps that offer daily practice questions and simulate the test environment.

4. Practicing Effectively
Full-Length Practice Tests

• Simulated Conditions: Take practice tests in one sitting, under timed conditions to build endurance.
• Post-Test Analysis: Review your answers thoroughly to identify patterns in mistakes and areas needing improvement.

Question Banks

• Diverse Questions: Use question banks with a wide range of questions to cover all content areas.
• Explanation Review: Focus on the explanations for both correct and incorrect answers to deepen your understanding.

5. Targeting Weak Areas
Focused Study

• Topic-Specific Resources: Use specialized books, articles, or videos to deepen your knowledge in weaker areas.
• Additional Practice: Concentrate additional practice questions and exercises on these topics.

Group Study

• Study Groups: Join or form study groups where you can discuss challenging topics and share insights.
• Peer Feedback: Use study groups to test each other and provide feedback on answers and reasoning.

Seek Help When Needed
If you’re struggling with specific topics, consider joining a study group or seeking help from a tutor or mentor.

6. Develop Test-Taking Strategies
Time Management

• Timed Practice: Regularly practice with a timer to ensure you can pace yourself during the actual exam.
• Checkpoint Timing: Plan to check your progress at regular intervals (e.g., after every 50 questions) to stay on track.

Answering Techniques

• Elimination Method: Use the process of elimination to narrow down answer choices.
• Flagging System: Mark questions you’re unsure of and revisit them after you’ve completed the rest of the exam.

Staying Focused

• Mental Breaks: Practice taking brief mental breaks to reset your focus without losing too much time.
• Stress Management: Use stress management techniques like deep breathing or positive visualization during practice and the actual exam.

Answer Every Question
There’s no penalty for guessing, so make sure to answer every question. If unsure, eliminate obviously incorrect options and make an educated guess.

7. Take Care of Yourself
Balanced Routine

• Exercise: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine to boost energy and reduce stress.
• Nutrition: Eat balanced meals and stay hydrated to maintain optimal brain function.

Relaxation Techniques

• Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness or meditation to help manage anxiety and improve concentration.
• Hobbies: Spend time on hobbies and activities you enjoy to balance the stress of studying.

8. Exam Day Preparation
Final Preparation

• Review Notes: Skim through your notes and flashcards the day before the exam for a final refresher.
• Rest Well: Ensure you get a good night’s sleep before the exam day.

Logistics

• Test Center Familiarity: Visit the test center in advance if possible, or research its location and parking options.
• Essential Items: Prepare all necessary items (e.g., ID, admission ticket, snacks) the night before.

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Success in the EPPP requires a blend of strategic preparation, effective study habits, and personal well-being. By understanding the exam structure, creating a detailed and flexible study plan, utilizing diverse study materials, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, you can approach the exam with confidence. Remember, consistent effort and a positive mindset are essential components of your preparation journey. Good luck!