Mentoring Future Psychologists

A mentoring program connecting Derner School of Psychology undergraduates with PhD students to support their goals and prepare for graduate study.

The Mentoring Future Psychologists (MFP) program in the Derner School of Psychology connects undergraduate psychology and neuroscience students with PhD students in Clinical Psychology for individualized guidance and support.

Through individually responsive mentorship, you can explore career paths in psychology, prepare for graduate school, and gain the skills and confidence to reach your goals. This is not a for-credit academic program, but mentors may offer course guidance as you plan your academic journey.

The MFP program’s focus is to:

  1. Support Derner psychology/neuroscience undergraduates as they plan a career path
  2. Provide meaningful guidance to mentees for navigating challenges, discovering opportunities, and achieving goals
  3. Emphasize skill-building and professional growth in a supportive and open environment, utilizing an individually responsive mentoring framework

MFP Meetings

Mentees meet in groups and one-on-one with their assigned mentor.

The purpose of group meetings is to create a cohort in which mentors and mentees can exchange information and emotional support, share learning experiences, discuss difficulties, and solve problems together.

Group meetings will have a partial agenda and allow time for emerging topics as needed. Topics may include:

  • Understanding current needs in psychology and related areas
  • Understanding how to identify graduate programs that match your professional goals and interests, and understanding the differences between areas of psychology and various graduate degrees
  • Personal Statements and CVs
  • Resume building/problem-solving: research and clinical experience (finding a lab, etc.)
  • Recommendation letters
  • Learning about financial resources for graduate applications and GRE testing
  • GRE preparation
  • Financial aid resources for graduate school
  • Self-care skills to manage the process of graduate school applications and graduate school challenges

One-on-one meetings promote a meaningful interpersonal mentor-mentee relationship and provide opportunities for mentees to learn first-hand how to navigate academic and social challenges and successes from successful graduate students.

The mentor will guide conversations and take a mentee’s individual needs into account, as well as Derner School of Psychology and Adelphi University-wide requirements (e.g., course registration periods, course deadlines, etc.).

Expectations for Participation

  • Students who are interested in being mentored must submit a brief application. You will be contacted after submitting your application.
  • Mentors and mentees must commit to at least one year and/or for as long as a mentee is part of the program.
  • All participants are expected to attend group and individual meetings and stay in communication.
  • In-person meetings are required, and regular check-ins are recommended. Phone, video conferencing and email conversations are encouraged, but they should not replace in-person meetings.

Program Coordinators

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