Originally Posted by BlergLDN

Hi folks! Just started checking this forum and thought I should register and say hi! This is more for the upcoming 2010 application cycle, so I apologize in advance if this is the wrong place! I've made this somewhat vague in the interest of anonymity...

GPA: 3.9 from top 30 University, psych major
GRE: 1270 (580 verbal, 690 quant, 4.5 writing), 670 subject
Pubs: 1 (not 1st author)
Presentations: 4
Experience: 2 years during undergrad in a few different labs and completed a senior thesis. 2 years work experience after undergrad in psych research lab at a University. Clinical experience during undergrad for about 1 year, good hands-on experience, though I was rarely ever asked about it.
Letters of rec: All from psych professors I have done research with. 2 of the professors I'm fairly close with, 1 that I'm not as close with, but I believe wrote a good letter.

Last year, applied to about 5 programs, received 2 interviews. Applied this year to about 12 places, received 3 in-person interviews and 2 phone interviews. However, no acceptances.

At this point, I'm wondering if I should continue on my hopes to get into a clinical PhD program or move on. I'm mainly interested in research oriented programs, but also applied to programs that lean closer to 50-50 between research and clinical. I'm not sure I can realistically make my application that much stronger and could use any suggestions. I know my GREs are on the lower end, so I'm trying to work on my general, though I'm hoping my subject is high enough. My concern is that I am not a very consistent standardized test taker. I was hoping to get another publication with this past job, but it's been difficult as the PI really only publishes with the grad students. I've had my statement of purpose reviewed and edited, though I'm thinking I should make some big revisions. Anyone know of any good resources for writing psych statements in particular? Maybe I'm awful at interviews, any good resources for interviews (I have the Insider's Guide)?