WHEN DEMAND EXCEEDS SUPPLY - 2ND-ORDER CRITERIA USED BY GRADUATE-SCHOOL SELECTION COMMITTEES

The three primary criteria used to evaluate applicants by doctoral sel ection committees-grade point average, Graduate Record Examination sco res, and letters of recommendation-may fail to narrow the field to the small number of slots available. A survey of doctoral selection commi ttee members identified the relative importance of the next level of s election criteria. Among the most important are research experience, ' 'good match'' factors, and writing skills. Among the least important a re ability to speak a language other than English, geographical origin s of applicants, and ''legacy. '' Few differences were found between s election committee members from clinical/counseling programs and exper imental programs, underscoring the importance of undergraduate researc h opportunities and adequate faculty advising.