2009-2010 Clinical PhD Application Thread

[PrisonPsych]

Originally Posted by PhDClinical

Haha "the plague" -- I like it.

Anyone have a sense of a good time line for calling to make sure that materials were received? I don't trust the post office and want to check in!

I would say a week to 10 days after mailing, and email rather than call if you can.

[eatsleeppsych]

Just submitted my first application, to the University of Denver. I am so incredibly paranoid that I forgot something, or left a typo somewhere, despite reading it a hundred times and having 3 other readers as well. Ugh. Is this nausea normal?

[hamsterpants]

Originally Posted by eatsleeppsych

Just submitted my first application, to the University of Denver. I am so incredibly paranoid that I forgot something, or left a typo somewhere, despite reading it a hundred times and having 3 other readers as well. Ugh. Is this nausea normal?

I need to submit mine to U of D soon. I'm also paranoid I will forget something or make a mistake. But they won't sent the online link to your recommenders until your app is in. ;(

Best of luck. Who knows - Maybe we will see each other there!

I remember an earlier post from you- I'm pretty sure we have different research interests.

[PhDClinical]

Originally Posted by hamsterpants

I need to submit mine to U of D soon. I'm also paranoid I will forget something or make a mistake. But they won't sent the online link to your recommenders until your app is in. ;(

Best of luck. Who knows - Maybe we will see each other there!

I remember an earlier post from you- I'm pretty sure we have different research interests.

Wow, I also applied to Denver! Whom did you both apply to?

I emailed the department coordinator about something and havent heard back -- anyone have similar issues?

[hamsterpants]

Originally Posted by PhDClinical

Wow, I also applied to Denver! Whom did you both apply to?

I emailed the department coordinator about something and havent heard back -- anyone have similar issues?

My POI is Benjamin Hankin.

I haven't emailed the dept coordinator. Feel free to PM me if you think it is something a fellow applicant might have an idea about.

[eatsleeppsych]

Pm me and I'll mention my poi, I'm paranoid But hampsterpants you're right we don't have the same one. I emailed the coordinator an email and heard the next day, so that's weird.

[terpskins10]

I have 2/11 applications completely finished and submitted. Took the GRE yesterday, and I'm quite disappointed with my score

Hopefully admissions committees will show me some mercy

[terpskins10]

EDIT: Decided not to post this info

[StacyTXLPC]

Hey there!

I'm applying to USUHS and wonder if anyone else has located a recommedation form we can use?

If not, what kinds of info are you providing to your "recommenders" to assist them?

Thanks!

[jenn1015]

Without a form, I think it's typical to provide:
CV
draft of personal statement (and they can critique it, too)
transcripts
At least, that's what I gave to mine. One of my LOR writers also asked for my GRE scores, in addition to those things.

Originally Posted by StacyTXLPC

Hey there!

I'm applying to USUHS and wonder if anyone else has located a recommedation form we can use?

If not, what kinds of info are you providing to your "recommenders" to assist them?

Thanks!

[deadmau5]

so currently freaking out. Revising schools. Might need to send a few more emails.

I have 6 schools I am sure about applying. A few of the others... i might be better off making sure before wasting money for nothing. Doubting my chances. Ordering GRE/transcripts. Added another school and removed another.

[StacyTXLPC]

I was just reading through the thread "GRE scores of those accepted" for 09-10 class. Very interesting.

I'm pretty confident I can study my way up to the scores I need. But I need some advice about 2 other issues.

1) I have 11 years post-masters clinical experience, but I lack research experience. I'm now an RA at a military hospital, but it's been less than a year. I'll also be getting a LOR from my supervisor there. I'm hearing that some folks fail to get an offer for lack of clinical experience, but does my clinical background in any way offset the lack of research?

2) Opinions about whether to discuss family in personal statement or interviews? As much as I hate to say it, I'm hearing there's some discrimination against folks with family commitments. I am married with a 5yo daughter. Also, is it appropriate or necessary ("well-rounded") to discuss my hobbies/interests in my personal statement? When I write a draft that way, it reads like an application for the dating game (she likes ponies, romantic novels, and long walks on the beach....)

[hamsterpants]

For Supplemental sheets you need to fill out and mail to the dept directly, is it ok to handwrite? Is there a way/program to write on pdfs?

Thanks!

[clinicalpsyapp]

Originally Posted by StacyTXLPC

I was just reading through the thread "GRE scores of those accepted" for 09-10 class. Very interesting.

Where is this thread you speak of? I can't find it and it sounds interesting!

I'm mailing out all of my Dec 1 apps today! I was lucky enough to have half on 12/1 and half on 12/15 (plus Duke's random 11/8 for reduced application fee), so it was easier to handle and just do 5 at a time.

I happen to be visiting my best friend this weekend who is in the program at one of my top choices... we actually have two very different research interests, and I made the decision to apply to this school completely separate of her being there. Anyway, I'm going to hand deliver my app to that school to save on the postage and then I know that they received it.

An ethical question... I am truly just going to visit this school to visit my friend, but she has invited me to go to one of her psychopathology classes with her and has cleared it with her prof. However, I don't know if she told him that I'm applying to the program. I really do want to go to the class with her, but I don't want people (e.g., other grad students, the professor, etc) to think I'm trying to like sneak my way in to get ahead of other applicants. Do you think this is sketchy? I feel like I'm cheating or something haha. Also, I can't decide if this would help or hurt me if they found out I have a good friend in the program. I certainly don't want them to think that I'm applying so I can go to the same school as my friend.

Thoughts?

[Therapist4Chnge]

Originally Posted by StacyTXLPC

2) Opinions about whether to discuss family in personal statement or interviews? As much as I hate to say it, I'm hearing there's some discrimination against folks with family commitments.

It varies by applicant. Some people put it out there (and have ready a response in case they get asked about time commitment issues), while others don't. There are some programs that are more family friendly and understand needing to miss things here and there because of a child being sick, and others that expect their people to put in long hours. It is important to understand where a program falls, because if they expect you to crank out publications and present multiple times a year....that requires a different time commitment than a program that wants you to be productive, but doesn't expect you to juggle multiple manuscripts and fly all over the place.

[Wildcat06]

Originally Posted by clinicalpsyapp

An ethical question... I am truly just going to visit this school to visit my friend, but she has invited me to go to one of her psychopathology classes with her and has cleared it with her prof. However, I don't know if she told him that I'm applying to the program. I really do want to go to the class with her, but I don't want people (e.g., other grad students, the professor, etc) to think I'm trying to like sneak my way in to get ahead of other applicants. Do you think this is sketchy? I feel like I'm cheating or something haha. Also, I can't decide if this would help or hurt me if they found out I have a good friend in the program. I certainly don't want them to think that I'm applying so I can go to the same school as my friend.

Thoughts?

I would ask your friend not to mention it if she hasn't already. If she did already and the prof is still fine with you visiting, I think you're in the clear. But I think it could definitely come off shady otherwise.

[StacyTXLPC]

Originally Posted by clinicalpsyapp

Where is this thread you speak of? I can't find it and it sounds interesting!

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/show...&highlight=gre

[StacyTXLPC]

Anyone applying to OLLU ?

[hamsterpants]

I'm not sure about discussing family in a personal statement (though personally I would probably choose not to). As for an interview, I probably would as you don't want to end up in a program that is completely family unfriendly but it would depend on the context.

If you are applying for research focused clinical programs, I've been told you should treat the statement as more of a job application than a truly personal essay. So I have left off hobbies/ interests unless they were related at least somewhat to my research interests. and honestly for most schools the word/ page limit is so low, I wouldn't have space for them anyway.

and less than a year as an RA is still research experience. and will be more come matriculation time. This plus your clinical experience may be an acceptable combo. just my 2 cents- i'm just a fellow applicant

Good luck!

Originally Posted by StacyTXLPC

I was just reading through the thread "GRE scores of those accepted" for 09-10 class. Very interesting.

I'm pretty confident I can study my way up to the scores I need. But I need some advice about 2 other issues.

1) I have 11 years post-masters clinical experience, but I lack research experience. I'm now an RA at a military hospital, but it's been less than a year. I'll also be getting a LOR from my supervisor there. I'm hearing that some folks fail to get an offer for lack of clinical experience, but does my clinical background in any way offset the lack of research?

2) Opinions about whether to discuss family in personal statement or interviews? As much as I hate to say it, I'm hearing there's some discrimination against folks with family commitments. I am married with a 5yo daughter. Also, is it appropriate or necessary ("well-rounded") to discuss my hobbies/interests in my personal statement? When I write a draft that way, it reads like an application for the dating game (she likes ponies, romantic novels, and long walks on the beach....)

[StacyTXLPC]

Originally Posted by hamsterpants

I'm not sure about discussing family in a personal statement (though personally I would probably choose not to). As for an interview, I probably would as you don't want to end up in a program that is completely family unfriendly but it would depend on the context.

If you are applying for research focused clinical programs, I've been told you should treat the statement as more of a job application than a truly personal essay. So I have left off hobbies/ interests unless they were related at least somewhat to my research interests. and honestly for most schools the word/ page limit is so low, I wouldn't have space for them anyway.

and less than a year as an RA is still research experience. and will be more come matriculation time. This plus your clinical experience may be an acceptable combo. just my 2 cents- i'm just a fellow applicant

Good luck!

Hamster -

Thanks for the feedback. I tend to agree - feels more appropriate to leave the personal stuff out. I've made one reference to my husband being a military retiree, but it's relevant to my research interests....

thanks again and good luck!

[eatsleeppsych]

So I have a question regarding SOP lengths. So some of my schools have specified if they want them single spaced or double spaced. But what should you do about schools that don't specify, and instead say "1-2 pages." Frankly, I'd like to do single-spaced, because otherwise I'd have to cut a huge chunk out of my SOP, but I also don't want to get application thrown out if they wanted it double spaced. Thoughts? Anyone else encountering this?

[twilson]

Originally Posted by eatsleeppsych

So I have a question regarding SOP lengths. So some of my schools have specified if they want them single spaced or double spaced. But what should you do about schools that don't specify, and instead say "1-2 pages." Frankly, I'd like to do single-spaced, because otherwise I'd have to cut a huge chunk out of my SOP, but I also don't want to get application thrown out if they wanted it double spaced. Thoughts? Anyone else encountering this?

If they do not specify double spaced, I would do single spaced. To make sure you probably should email the department. I made some of mine 1.5 spaced or single spaced for those who did not specify anythin beyond font size and number of pages

[hamsterpants]

Warning fellow applicants: The thread "Where does all the money go" is a serious buzzkill. Reading it while finishing my apps has caused a lot of anxiety.

Then again, it may make rejections feel better & so may be required reading come April for me

[krisrox]

Question for all:

One of my schools requests students answer certain specific questions/topics in their personal statement. They are basically everything you'd put in a personal statement (research and clinical experience, pubs, interest in the field) but they're numbered out. Should I mimic this format and number my responses to the questions, or should I stick with my personal statement in the format it's in?

Thanks, guys!

[StacyTXLPC]

Originally Posted by hamsterpants

Warning fellow applicants: The thread "Where does all the money go" is a serious buzzkill. Reading it while finishing my apps has caused a lot of anxiety.

Then again, it may make rejections feel better & so may be required reading come April for me

Why didn't I just listen to you! I had to go look for myself......

[psychlady]

hey guys. so i am trying to make my ps more specific to each school and kind of having a hard time doing so without it being totally obvious that i just threw in a couple sentences at the end of the paper. any suggestions?

[krisrox]

Originally Posted by psychlady

hey guys. so i am trying to make my ps more specific to each school and kind of having a hard time doing so without it being totally obvious that i just threw in a couple sentences at the end of the paper. any suggestions?

That may be okay if your programs are very similar and have similar faculty research interests and foci. I would dedicate a full paragraph to how you match with the program, both clinically and research-wise.

[cara susanna]

hamsterpants: Try reading that thread when you're already in grad school. Aghhh.

[psychgirl77]

Originally Posted by cara susanna

hamsterpants: Try reading that thread when you're already in grad school. Aghhh.

+1

[hamsterpants]

Originally Posted by StacyTXLPC

Why didn't I just listen to you! I had to go look for myself......

Sorry! I wavered on posting that, knowing there would be folks like me - who need to do something as soon as someone says don't do it

But on reflection, I am glad to have read it. Although sobering- I would rather go into this with eyes wide open.

and since I am only applying to v. competitive programs. and I think my chances to matriculate at any are 50/50. it may be bookmarked for rereading after rejection.

[Therapist4Chnge]

Originally Posted by cara susanna

hamsterpants: Try reading that thread when you're already in grad school. Aghhh.

Or when you are looking at fellowships/post-docs/jobs....blah.

[jenn1015]

Originally Posted by krisrox

Question for all:

One of my schools requests students answer certain specific questions/topics in their personal statement. They are basically everything you'd put in a personal statement (research and clinical experience, pubs, interest in the field) but they're numbered out. Should I mimic this format and number my responses to the questions, or should I stick with my personal statement in the format it's in?

Thanks, guys!

Not that I'm any expert--I've been wracking my brain over questions just like this for my apps--but I'd say as long as you answer all the questions you're good to go. Plus, unless they say otherwise, I'm assuming they're asking for an essay.

[applebottom]

Originally Posted by krisrox

Question for all:

One of my schools requests students answer certain specific questions/topics in their personal statement. They are basically everything you'd put in a personal statement (research and clinical experience, pubs, interest in the field) but they're numbered out. Should I mimic this format and number my responses to the questions, or should I stick with my personal statement in the format it's in?

Thanks, guys!

The statement should be in formal essay format, so numbering out your responses to each question is probably not appropriate. What I have been doing is changing my standard SoP to include my reasons for applying to the specific school and making sure that I answered all of the questions in the school's prompt.

[Buzzwordsoldier]

I just need to say --

the most ridiculously stressful part of the application process has been getting LORs. Asking people was easy enough. Getting commitments was no problem. Just getting the dang things done has been a freak show. One referee didn't know what uploading was, and wound up submitting on-line recommendations absent an actual letter. Then this same referee sent paper recs without including a printed letter. Long story how I found out, and it's pretty much straightened out. Then my second referee had to move and has gone incommunicado because his landlord went into foreclosure. Third referee just needed a hug and words of encouragement...

[childpsych479]

Originally Posted by Buzzwordsoldier

I just need to say --

the most ridiculously stressful part of the application process has been getting LORs. Asking people was easy enough. Getting commitments was no problem. Just getting the dang things done has been a freak show. One referee didn't know what uploading was, and wound up submitting on-line recommendations absent an actual letter. Then this same referee sent paper recs without including a printed letter. Long story how I found out, and it's pretty much straightened out. Then my second referee had to move and has gone incommunicado because his landlord went into foreclosure. Third referee just needed a hug and words of encouragement...

Anyone have suggestions on how to gently approach letter writers who haven't submitted their letters yet? I asked each of them to complete/submit their letters by October 30th and gave them all of the materials they would need in early-mid September. One letter writer is located on the other side of the country and I haven't heard from them in over six weeks. Obviously I expected some bumps along the way so I asked for 4 LORs just in case. I've been busting my butt to get my personal statements and applications finished and keep it all organized. I would just hate for my application(s) not to be considered because someone else did not honor their commitment! Arghhhh.

[PrisonPsych]

Originally Posted by childpsych479

Anyone have suggestions on how to gently approach letter writers who haven't submitted their letters yet? I asked each of them to complete/submit their letters by October 30th and gave them all of the materials they would need in early-mid September. One letter writer is located on the other side of the country and I haven't heard from them in over six weeks. Obviously I expected some bumps along the way so I asked for 4 LORs just in case. I've been busting my butt to get my personal statements and applications finished and keep it all organized. I would just hate for my application(s) not to be considered because someone else did not honor their commitment! Arghhhh.

Have you emailed or called them to check in? That would be my first step.

[Therapist4Chnge]

Originally Posted by childpsych479

Anyone have suggestions on how to gently approach letter writers who haven't submitted their letters yet? I asked each of them to complete/submit their letters by October 30th and gave them all of the materials they would need in early-mid September. One letter writer is located on the other side of the country and I haven't heard from them in over six weeks. Obviously I expected some bumps along the way so I asked for 4 LORs just in case. I've been busting my butt to get my personal statements and applications finished and keep it all organized. I would just hate for my application(s) not to be considered because someone else did not honor their commitment! Arghhhh.

It can be a really busy time for professors in the Fall.....so keep that in mind. Six weeks is better than some get, but some may still need a nudge, as they get busy.

[Psych528]

Hello! Long time listener, first time caller. As of now, I 'm applying to a mix of doctoral programs in the south and midwest. I feel like this application year has just snuck of up on me!

[multicultpsyc]

Quick question. For personal statements, if schools do not give a length limit or any directions regarding length or format, what is a good length & format? A couple of the schools ask you to answer 5 or 6 questions which is hard to do in a short paper. Is 12pt font, 1.5 spacing, 3 pages good or too long?

[StacyTXLPC]

Originally Posted by multicultpsyc

Quick question. For personal statements, if schools do not give a length limit or any directions regarding length or format, what is a good length & format? A couple of the schools ask you to answer 5 or 6 questions which is hard to do in a short paper. Is 12pt font, 1.5 spacing, 3 pages good or too long?

I'm no expert, but based on feedback from other applicants, mine is about 1-1.5 pages. I tried to make it short and sweet, like a resume vs a CV.

[StacyTXLPC]

Anyone take the Psych GRE Saturday? How'd you feel about it?

[jenn1015]

Originally Posted by multicultpsyc

Quick question. For personal statements, if schools do not give a length limit or any directions regarding length or format, what is a good length & format? A couple of the schools ask you to answer 5 or 6 questions which is hard to do in a short paper. Is 12pt font, 1.5 spacing, 3 pages good or too long?

I made sure to keep mine under 2 pages.

[jenn1015]

I mailed my first application today-- For a Nov 15 deadline. I'm suuuuuper paranoid about it not getting there in time (even though I paid for it to get there by Wed), forgetting to put something in the envelope, missing a typo somewhere, etc.
I'm hoping the stress will decline the more apps I mail, even though I know that's doubtful haha

[hamsterpants]

Originally Posted by jenn1015

I mailed my first application today-- For a Nov 15 deadline. I'm suuuuuper paranoid about it not getting there in time (even though I paid for it to get there by Wed), forgetting to put something in the envelope, missing a typo somewhere, etc.
I'm hoping the stress will decline the more apps I mail, even though I know that's doubtful haha

I just did my first one too! right after I pressed submit, the butterflies started (or maybe it's all the coffee). I reread my SOP about 15 times and when I realized I was actually just changing words and changing them back again (and not making the essay any better), I realized I was being a tad obsessional

Today's was for U Denver, the deadline is 12/1 but they do not send emails to LOR writers til you submit and I needed to get that show on the road. My next (and top choice) is due 11/24. I am pretty much finished but alas I have to wait til next paycheck - 11/15 to submit because I am broke. Then two are due 12/1 and four due 12/15. Last one is 1/1. I am getting broker and broker.

Just talked to my younger sister, she was appalled we had to pay for all this. She thought applying was basically free. She said "I guess I know what to get you for Christmas!".

[hamsterpants]

Originally Posted by StacyTXLPC

Anyone take the Psych GRE Saturday? How'd you feel about it?

Me. I felt pretty good about it.

[jenn1015]

Originally Posted by hamsterpants

I just did my first one too! right after I pressed submit, the butterflies started (or maybe it's all the coffee). I reread my SOP about 15 times and when I realized I was actually just changing words and changing them back again (and not making the essay any better), I realized I was being a tad obsessional

Today's was for U Denver, the deadline is 12/1 but they do not send emails to LOR writers til you submit and I needed to get that show on the road. My next (and top choice) is due 11/24. I am pretty much finished but alas I have to wait til next paycheck - 11/15 to submit because I am broke. Then two are due 12/1 and four due 12/15. Last one is 1/1. I am getting broker and broker.

Just talked to my younger sister, she was appalled we had to pay for all this. She thought applying was basically free. She said "I guess I know what to get you for Christmas!".

I know exactly what you mean. I'm terrified that I printed out the wrong version of my SOP or something (even though I'm sure I didn't).

And yeah, I posted this on a different thread a min ago- but I had to re-order my GRE scores, and so now I have spent a total of $540 on just sending my scores. I am livid. How am I supposed to buy groceries for next week??!

[Psych528]

Is anyone applying to the clinical PHD at Auburn?

[Chenelsea3]

Ok this is a stupid, but I really want my application to give the right impression (since it apparently didn't last year). What are you all mailing your application materials in? Can I just stick everything in a big yellow envelope and mail it, or should I put it in a folder and stick it in a nice Post-Office envelope, or what? I don't want to spend extra money, but I also don't want

[summerssun]

Originally Posted by jenn1015

I know exactly what you mean. I'm terrified that I printed out the wrong version of my SOP or something (even though I'm sure I didn't).

And yeah, I posted this on a different thread a min ago- but I had to re-order my GRE scores, and so now I have spent a total of $540 on just sending my scores. I am livid. How am I supposed to buy groceries for next week??!

Yikes! My condolences! Why did you have to reorder your scores? And how did you learn you had to do that? I need to send my scores to additional schools, plus, I'm terrified that for some reason they won't be sent to the four "free" schools I chose... or that they'll hold off on sending them until they get the results of my Nov 7th subject test...

It's so unfair that ETS gouges us AND is unreliable. If I'm paying through the nose, I'd at least like to be paying for good service!

[thewesternsky]

Originally Posted by Chenelsea3

Ok this is a stupid, but I really want my application to give the right impression (since it apparently didn't last year). What are you all mailing your application materials in? Can I just stick everything in a big yellow envelope and mail it, or should I put it in a folder and stick it in a nice Post-Office envelope, or what? I don't want to spend extra money, but I also don't want

Relax. The only person who is likely to see your envelope is the administrative assistant who prepares the files for faculty. Your POI won't be opening the package him/herself... and even if he or she did, do you really want to spend the next 4-7 years working with someone who would reject you because of an envelope?

Don't waste your money. Just make sure the postage is right, the address is legible, and that you mail it on time to get there by the deadline.