How competitive is the psychology program at Michigan State?

I'm interested in applying to Michigan State University for their psychology program, but I'm not quite sure how competitive it is. Has anyone gone through the application process for psychology there, or can share some insights? I've been involved in psychology club at my school and plan to take AP psychology next year. Would love to hear about admission stats, recommended extracurriculars, or anything specific they look for in applicants!

Michigan State University's psychology program is rigorous and well-regarded, and while the acceptance rate for the entire university is around 71%, the competitiveness can vary based on the specific department or program of study.

Your involvement in a psychology club and plans to take AP Psychology bodes well for you as it shows that you are enthusiastic about the subject and you're taking the initiative to increase your understanding even before college.

Michigan State, like many universities, will evaluate your academic record in high school, especially in courses that are related to your intended major. Therefore, your performance in AP Psychology, and even other science or humanities classes, can be vital.

Although they don't explicitly state specific extracurricular activities that are preferred for psychology applicants, your active participation and leadership in psychology-related activities, like your school's psychology club, could be advantageous. It's beneficial to show that you've made an effort to explore your interest in psychology outside of class, whether that's through extracurricular activities, volunteering, internships, or independent study. This demonstrates commitment to the field and can help set you apart.

Additionally, when writing your essays for the application, you can use examples from your personal experiences in these activities to highlight your understanding and interest in the field. You could talk, for example, about a significant project or research you conducted through psychology club, or rich discussion you had in AP Psychology that sparked your passion for the subject.

Remember that Michigan State, like many universities, takes a holistic approach to admissions, so your application essays, recommendations, and other aspects will also play a role in your application. Good luck with your application process!