Dr. Moscovitch: How the Undergraduate Experience Has Changed for Psychology Students

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. David Moscovitch, a clinical psychology professor at the University of Waterloo (UW), for an engaging conversation about the current academic landscape for undergraduate psychology students. As a graduate of both UW’s Honours Psychology B.A. and Ph.D. program (in 1999 and 2005, respectively), I was eager to gain insight into how the student experience in psychology has evolved since my own time as a student. Our discussion focused on some of the pressing challenges today’s students face, from finding research opportunities to navigating the path to graduate school.

The Journey into Psychology: Dr. Moscovitch’s Story

We began the conversation with a glimpse into Dr. Moscovitch’s unique academic journey. Despite growing up in a household with two parents who were psychologists, he initially set out to pursue criminology and law. However, a chance encounter with an introductory psychology course redirected his path.

"I spent the first two years of my undergrad focusing on prerequisites for a degree in the arts, with a specific focus on criminology and law. Psychology wasn't even on my radar," Dr. Moscovitch explained. "But I realized the path I was on didn’t feel right. On a whim, I decided to try an intro psychology class—and I absolutely fell in love with it. I suddenly found myself fascinated by the very subject I had grown up hearing about at home but had never seriously considered."

He went on to describe how this newfound passion led him to take an extra year to complete his Bachelor of Science in psychology, giving him time to fully embrace the field. Interestingly, the professor who sparked his interest in psychology was Dr. Neil Rector, an anxiety disorders specialist I also know. Though Dr. Moscovitch came to psychology later than most, once he made the switch, he threw himself into research, eventually applying widely to graduate programs.

Key takeaway for students: 

It’s never too late to change direction. Psychology can become a passion even if your initial interests lie elsewhere. Staying open to new possibilities and immersing yourself in the field can lead to a rewarding career. Additionally, having an inspiring mentor or professor often plays a pivotal role in shaping a student’s career in psychology.

Navigating the Gen Z Landscape: Challenges and Distractions

Dr. Moscovitch and I discussed the evolving landscape of student life, focusing on how much has changed from when I was a student at UW to the experiences of students today. One of the most significant shifts he identified was the pervasive presence of technology and the distractions that come with it.

"Students today are constantly pulled in by their devices," Dr. Moscovitch observed. "When I was in school, I took notes in a notebook, and the biggest distraction was probably daydreaming. Now, everyone is using laptops in class, which you would think helps with learning, but it comes with its own set of challenges. There’s always the temptation to check emails, browse social media, or respond to notifications. These distractions can break focus during lectures and make it harder for students to retain information. The technology is powerful, but so are its distractions."

He pointed out how the shift in learning styles and tools has changed the way students interact with information.

“Back in my day, it was all about staying present in the moment—listening to the lecture, scribbling notes. Today’s students have to navigate a digital landscape that’s designed to pull their attention away from what’s in front of them.”

Despite this, Dr. Moscovitch noted that his graduate students generally seem to manage these distractions well, although it’s difficult to assess just how much time or productivity might be lost to technology.

Key takeaway for students:

In a world filled with constant digital distractions, learning to manage your technology use and maintain focus is crucial for success. Balancing the benefits of modern tools with the need to stay present in your learning can make a significant difference in academic performance.

Advice for Undergraduate Students: Finding Research and a Thesis Supervisor

For many undergraduates, finding a thesis supervisor is one of the most challenging aspects of their academic journey, especially given the competitive nature of the process. Dr. Moscovitch offered some valuable advice on how students can approach this daunting task and increase their chances of success.

"The key is to start early and be proactive," Dr. Moscovitch advised. "A lot of students wait until the last minute, sometimes reaching out in the first week of the semester when they need a supervisor immediately. That's not realistic. If you’re serious about finding a good match, you need to think ahead and plan for it."

He emphasized the importance of clear, professional communication when reaching out to potential supervisors.

"Writing a concise and thoughtful email that includes your resume and transcript shows initiative. It doesn't need to be long—just a paragraph introducing yourself, your interests, and why you'd love to work with that professor. It’s important to remember that we get a lot of these emails, so making it easy to understand who you are and what you’re interested in is crucial."

Dr. Moscovitch also stressed the value of flexibility and casting a wide net when approaching faculty.

"Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Reach out to several professors whose work interests you. Sometimes it’s just about timing—whether or not a professor has space in their lab at that moment. So, the more options you give yourself, the better your chances."

Key takeaway for students:

Be proactive and professional when seeking a thesis supervisor. Start early, communicate clearly, and give yourself plenty of options by reaching out to multiple professors. Flexibility and initiative can make all the difference in securing the right opportunity.

Getting into Graduate School: What Sets Candidates Apart

One of the central themes of our conversation was what it takes to successfully gain admission into graduate school in clinical psychology today. Dr. Moscovitch provided valuable insights into the two critical phases of the application process: first, securing an interview, and then making it through to the final offer.

"To get to the interview stage, a strong CV is essential, but it’s more than just listing your achievements," Dr. Moscovitch explained. "You need to clearly state your interests in your personal statement, and it’s critical that these interests align with the program and advisor you’re applying to. Faculty members are looking for students whose research goals and experiences complement the work being done in their labs. It shows that you’ve done your homework and that you’re serious about your fit with the program."

Once students reach the interview phase, Dr. Moscovitch emphasized that the focus shifts from academic qualifications to interpersonal skills.

"At that point, it’s really about making a connection with the faculty member. Being able to connect professionally and demonstrate that you’re someone they would enjoy working with for the next several years is key. You want to show that you can maintain a professional yet warm demeanor and communicate well. Faculty members are looking for students who not only have the academic skills but who are also a good fit interpersonally for their lab."

Dr. Moscovitch likened the process to assessing whether the student would be someone you could imagine working with long-term.

"It’s not just about how smart or accomplished someone is; it’s about how well you’ll work together for the next five to seven years. Faculty need to feel confident that this is someone they want to spend time with in the lab and collaborate with on research."

Key takeaway for students:

A well-rounded CV that includes relevant research experience is crucial to getting an interview, but your ability to build an interpersonal connection and demonstrate professionalism during the interview stage is often what determines whether you receive an offer. Be sure to research the program and adviser thoroughly and practice presenting yourself in a professional, approachable manner.

The Value of Taking Time and Building Research Experience

Dr. Moscovitch and I discussed the increasing competitiveness of psychology graduate programs and the importance of taking time between degrees. In today’s academic landscape, many students choose to delay applying to graduate school to build their research portfolios, gain clarity about their career goals, and develop valuable skills.

"When I applied, I had maybe one publication and a couple of presentations," Dr. Moscovitch reflected. "But students today often go above and beyond. Many spend several years after their undergrad gaining more research experience, publishing papers, and enhancing their CVs before applying to graduate programs. These students tend to stand out."

He also emphasized that taking time off between undergraduate and graduate studies can provide students with a broader life perspective and stronger intrinsic motivation.

"I value students who have taken the time to reflect, whether they used that time to work in the field, travel, or focus on research," he said. "They often come to graduate school more mature and ready to take on the challenges."

Key takeaway for students:

Don’t feel pressured to rush into graduate school. Taking time to build a strong research portfolio and reflect on your career goals can make you a more competitive and motivated applicant in today’s highly competitive academic environment. Use this time wisely to gain skills, publish research, and explore your interests.

Final Thoughts 

Reflecting on my conversation with Dr. Moscovitch, I realized that while the process of gaining research experience in a lab and finding a thesis advisor remains similar to when I was a student, the path to graduate school has become significantly more competitive. Today, students often take a few years off between undergrad and grad school to build their research portfolios, giving them not only more academic experience but also personal growth that makes them stand out as candidates. A key takeaway for Gen Z is the importance of using technology wisely—mastering it as a tool for success, rather than letting it become a distraction.

What resonated most with me, though, was Dr. Moscovitch’s philosophy on education, as he put it so aptly:  

“The success of my students is more important than my own accolades. If they thrive, I thrive.” 

This empathy-driven, supportive approach has deeply inspired me in my own work as a clinician and mentor. His focus on fostering growth in his students, rather than just personal achievement, creates an environment where everyone can succeed.

Thank you again to Dr. Moscovitch for sharing his valuable insights. I hope this blog serves as a helpful guide for students interested in pursuing psychology!