WAMC: What Are My Chances

SDN Members don't see this ad. (About Ads)

Hey, everyone. I'm a third year psych. undergrad and I want to eventually get my PhD in Clinical Psych.
I'm currently involved in two different research projects and plan on having 1.5 years of research experience by the time I apply to grad school.
My overall GPA: 3.8
My psychology GPA: 3.9

I haven't taken the GRE yet. So far, I am planning on applying to the University of Miami, and the University of Rochester.

What would my GRE scores have to be to make me truly competitive? Also, is the amount of research experience I plan on having going to be enough? What can I do to increase my chances? Thanks!

Hi, Everyone this is my first post although I've been a hufe fan of SDN since I first came to college. I started with a science major in a small New England school, transferred to Rehabilitation Studies and a general Health Science. I decided to pursue my master's but since I was graduating a semester early I decided to stay at my school and get a master's in Rehabilitation Counseling Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Substance Abuse Counseling. Ultimately, I would like to get a PhD in Counseling Psychology or Rehabilitation Counseling and teach at a college.

My question is, what kind of internships at the master's level would be appealing in the long run when I apply for a doctorate in Counseling Psychology?



I have searched all over the forums and different websites and can't seem to find anything so any feedback would be great.

Originally Posted by positive psyc

Hi, Everyone this is my first post although I've been a hufe fan of SDN since I first came to college. I started with a science major in a small New England school, transferred to Rehabilitation Studies and a general Health Science. I decided to pursue my master's but since I was graduating a semester early I decided to stay at my school and get a master's in Rehabilitation Counseling Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Substance Abuse Counseling. Ultimately, I would like to get a PhD in Counseling Psychology or Rehabilitation Counseling and teach at a college.

My question is, what kind of internships at the master's level would be appealing in the long run when I apply for a doctorate in Counseling Psychology?



I have searched all over the forums and different websites and can't seem to find anything so any feedback would be great.

I did a year long internship in a forensic facility (granted my interests are in forensics) doing group and individual counseling. I think as long as you have some sort of supervised counseling experience it will help.

This was during a MA program prior to entering my PhD program

I haven't really seen anything in this forum in regards to people applying multiple times. I have applied for PhD positions in Counseling and Clinical Psychology for the past 5 years.
I have a poor GRE score, around 950, (forgive me; I don’t remember what it was with the new scoring system). No matter how many times I have taken the GRE, I can never seem to improve on it.
My undergrad GPA was a 3.7 I also have a Master's degree from a 60 hour program in which I earned a 3.95 GPA. I have a master's in Human Resources with an Option in Rehabilitation Counseling. I also have 2+ years of counseling experience, post masters.
I have applied to programs that have similar research interests to mine; my research areas pertain to people with disabilities and their adjustments to that disability, specifically spinal cord injuries and TBI's. I am also interested in multicultural counseling and career counseling as I do them on a daily basis. I also use motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy.
My only research experience was in, "Deception Detection," because that was the only option available to me at the time.
I have published three papers, even though my professor's name is the first author and I have done 5 presentations about my research.
Anyways, I hardly seem to get an interviews, and im usually always on the waitlist for most of the programs I apply for. However, I am not on the waitlist for any program I applied to this year, and coincidently, they were the exact same programs I applied to last year. ( I applied to 12 programs).
I am to the point that I am sick of applying, I am sick of competing with 300-500 people that applied to the same program only to make it to the top 20, and be either wait-listed or told to apply next year.
Every year, I ask the professors I applied with if I could have done something different to make my application stronger and every year I hear, "We want to see if you can handle graduate work, (I guess my 3.95 GPA in a 60 hours master's program wasn't good enough). We want you to broaden your research interests and counseling practice, (It doesn't seem to matter that the professors and I have carried on conversations about their research and theoretical orientations and that we seem to match). And my favorite, "We want you to show interests in our program, (Applying 5 times, and talking with them a few times throughout the year apparently does not show any interest what-so-ever!).

As I posted above, I am to the point that I am sick of applying. Can you all think of any thing that might help my application? I realize I have a low GRE score, and it seems that months of studying never helps. Is there an APA requirement that states that programs are only allowed to look at/interview applicants with over a 1000 GRE score?

Originally Posted by Psychfan0084

I haven't really seen anything in this forum in regards to people applying multiple times. I have applied for PhD positions in Counseling and Clinical Psychology for the past 5 years.
I have a poor GRE score, around 950, (forgive me; I don’t remember what it was with the new scoring system). No matter how many times I have taken the GRE, I can never seem to improve on it.
My undergrad GPA was a 3.7 I also have a Master's degree from a 60 hour program in which I earned a 3.95 GPA. I have a master's in Human Resources with an Option in Rehabilitation Counseling. I also have 2+ years of counseling experience, post masters.
I have applied to programs that have similar research interests to mine; my research areas pertain to people with disabilities and their adjustments to that disability, specifically spinal cord injuries and TBI's. I am also interested in multicultural counseling and career counseling as I do them on a daily basis. I also use motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy.
My only research experience was in, "Deception Detection," because that was the only option available to me at the time.
I have published three papers, even though my professor's name is the first author and I have done 5 presentations about my research.
Anyways, I hardly seem to get an interviews, and im usually always on the waitlist for most of the programs I apply for. However, I am not on the waitlist for any program I applied to this year, and coincidently, they were the exact same programs I applied to last year. ( I applied to 12 programs).
I am to the point that I am sick of applying, I am sick of competing with 300-500 people that applied to the same program only to make it to the top 20, and be either wait-listed or told to apply next year.
Every year, I ask the professors I applied with if I could have done something different to make my application stronger and every year I hear, "We want to see if you can handle graduate work, (I guess my 3.95 GPA in a 60 hours master's program wasn't good enough). We want you to broaden your research interests and counseling practice, (It doesn't seem to matter that the professors and I have carried on conversations about their research and theoretical orientations and that we seem to match). And my favorite, "We want you to show interests in our program, (Applying 5 times, and talking with them a few times throughout the year apparently does not show any interest what-so-ever!).

As I posted above, I am to the point that I am sick of applying. Can you all think of any thing that might help my application? I realize I have a low GRE score, and it seems that months of studying never helps. Is there an APA requirement that states that programs are only allowed to look at/interview applicants with over a 1000 GRE score?

I know that they're expensive but have you considered taking a Kaplan or Princeton Review class (in person)? I'm terrible at making myself study for something like that independently and for me the classroom setting made a difference and really helped me get a 1250+ score. It sounds like you already have a lot of clinical experience and graduate coursework as well as some good research experience under your belt. I wonder why you want a Ph.D. as opposed to being content with your current career? If it's really that essential then the GRE seems to be your only limitation. That and maybe finding some new programs to look at your application!

Originally Posted by Tesseract18

I know that they're expensive but have you considered taking a Kaplan or Princeton Review class (in person)? I'm terrible at making myself study for something like that independently and for me the classroom setting made a difference and really helped me get a 1250+ score. It sounds like you already have a lot of clinical experience and graduate coursework as well as some good research experience under your belt. I wonder why you want a Ph.D. as opposed to being content with your current career? If it's really that essential then the GRE seems to be your only limitation. That and maybe finding some new programs to look at your application!

I have taken one Princeton Review course, however it was years ago. It did not seem to help.
I do have a lot of experience, however, at my current job, I am not allowed to do "mental health counseling," but rather, "adjustment to disability" counseling. I am also not allowed to teach or do any research at my current job. I have wanted to be a clinical psychologist since I was in high school. I am currently 27. I have always wanted to, if I ever got admitted into a counseling psych or clinical psych program, go on to do a post-doc in neuropsychology.

As for being content in my field. I am not. I got a master's in my field as a way to get a job and sustain myself while I applied to PhD programs. I have always wanted to have a private practice, something I cannot currently have, teach and do research. I had several professors in my undergrad and master's program that did all three.

Is the stupid GRE really all that stands in my way?

Originally Posted by Psychfan0084

I have taken one Princeton Review course, however it was years ago. It did not seem to help.
I do have a lot of experience, however, at my current job, I am not allowed to do "mental health counseling," but rather, "adjustment to disability" counseling. I am also not allowed to teach or do any research at my current job. I have wanted to be a clinical psychologist since I was in high school. I am currently 27. I have always wanted to, if I ever got admitted into a counseling psych or clinical psych program, go on to do a post-doc in neuropsychology.

As for being content in my field. I am not. I got a master's in my field as a way to get a job and sustain myself while I applied to PhD programs. I have always wanted to have a private practice, something I cannot currently have, teach and do research. I had several professors in my undergrad and master's program that did all three.

Is the stupid GRE really all that stands in my way?

Looking back at your original post I really do think that your main limitation on getting looked at initially is the GRE. It just really needs to be higher when you're up against 150+ other applicants with 1300s and 2+ years of research. This segues into the other part that needs to be stronger (albeit not as big a leap): your research experience. You said you had limitations in finding opportunities and that your have a few presentations/paper (though no 1st authors), but have you shown progression and passion in research or a in specific area through your experiences? It may be that once you make the cutoff, your application looks too practice oriented? I don't know that anyone here can point to specifics but these seem to be the aspects that need more polish from what you originally posted. Out of curiosity, how many times have you applied total?

Originally Posted by Tesseract18

Looking back at your original post I really do think that your main limitation on getting looked at initially is the GRE. It just really needs to be higher when you're up against 150+ other applicants with 1300s and 2+ years of research. This segues into the other part that needs to be stronger (albeit not as big a leap): your research experience. You said you had limitations in finding opportunities and that your have a few presentations/paper (though no 1st authors), but have you shown progression and passion in research or a in specific area through your experiences? It may be that once you make the cutoff, your application looks too practice oriented? I don't know that anyone here can point to specifics but these seem to be the aspects that need more polish from what you originally posted. Out of curiosity, how many times have you applied total?

I have applied 5 times., almost 5 consecutive years. I did not apply during the first year of my master's program. I try to apply to at least 10-12 programs a year.
I have met several students that were accepted into the very programs I applied to, and some of them are just out of a bachelor's program with no experience and even less research experience than I had. Some of the students I talked to did not have any. However, their professors keep telling me that I need significant prior research.
RIght now I am a little frustrated and wondering if it is even worth applying next year.
I am also frustrated at being an alternate most years or barely even getting an interview. An average of 1 per year.

Originally Posted by Psychfan0084

I have applied 5 times., almost 5 consecutive years. I did not apply during the first year of my master's program. I try to apply to at least 10-12 programs a year.
I have met several students that were accepted into the very programs I applied to, and some of them are just out of a bachelor's program with no experience and even less research experience than I had. Some of the students I talked to did not have any. However, their professors keep telling me that I need significant prior research.
RIght now I am a little frustrated and wondering if it is even worth applying next year.
I am also frustrated at being an alternate most years or barely even getting an interview. An average of 1 per year.

It looks as though you may need to get research experience that is in line with your interests. If your only research experience is in deception detection and that is not what you want to focus on in a PhD program, you would probably benefit from gaining some research experience in your area of interest. It may be that the applicants who go on to get accepted to the programs you apply to just have a better fit with the professor if they have experience in the area. Also, maybe you could look into private tutoring for the GRE? I'm not sure which area is your weakness, verbal or quantitative, but personal tutoring may help you improve your scores.

Hi everyone, just joined!

So I will be finishing my M.A in Clinical and Counseling Psych this May and will be thinking of applying to Ph.Ds in a year or two. I want to strengthen my resume first though.
My current GPA is 3.58, I have received no grades lower than a B(only one cause the prof was a d*ck.) A's in stats, and assessments.
Undergrad cum. GPA was a 3.8 also, don't know if that matters.
My GREs.....well that's my weak point. I got a 440 on math and a 380 on english.....
I'll be taking a Kaplan class this summer and retaking the GRES so hopefully I'll do better.

So my hx with the field:
Currently interning in an outpatient setting, where I created and ran a group of ADHD kids for 2 months. Mainly see patients ranging from all ages and pathologies.
Also interned in a substance abuse setting while in Rutgers, my undergrad. Co-ran 3 groups of a variety of ages.
I was a teacher's assistant in undergrad also. Taught a recitation class a week.
Helped out with research that the head of the psych dept was doing at Rutgers.
Also did community service by joining a health group in Rutgers.

So what I have done in Graduate school is:
Currently assisting my advisor with her research, and will also be starting my own very soon.
Like I mentioned above, interning.

I don't know if I am missing anything.
I am in line to have a position working in research with a top schizophrenia researcher at Rutgers, so hopefully I get that.

Sorry if everything seems out of place, its almost midnight and my mind is a tad scattered.

So basically, what would be my chances of getting in with all my current credentials, and future research?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Psychfan0084

I have taken one Princeton Review course, however it was years ago. It did not seem to help.
I do have a lot of experience, however, at my current job, I am not allowed to do "mental health counseling," but rather, "adjustment to disability" counseling. I am also not allowed to teach or do any research at my current job. I have wanted to be a clinical psychologist since I was in high school. I am currently 27. I have always wanted to, if I ever got admitted into a counseling psych or clinical psych program, go on to do a post-doc in neuropsychology.

As for being content in my field. I am not. I got a master's in my field as a way to get a job and sustain myself while I applied to PhD programs. I have always wanted to have a private practice, something I cannot currently have, teach and do research. I had several professors in my undergrad and master's program that did all three.

Is the stupid GRE really all that stands in my way?

I know EXACTLY how you feel!
I scored a total 800 something on mine, but I got into all of my Masters programs I applied to. Of course having a strong background helps a lot.
I have been thinking of taking a Kaplan class, since they say they refund your money if you don't do well on the exam or something like that.
But it didn't help you? That is not comforting to me

Originally Posted by Brian1

Hi everyone, just joined!

So I will be finishing my M.A in Clinical and Counseling Psych this May and will be thinking of applying to Ph.Ds in a year or two. I want to strengthen my resume first though.
My current GPA is 3.58, I have received no grades lower than a B(only one cause the prof was a d*ck.) A's in stats, and assessments.
Undergrad cum. GPA was a 3.8 also, don't know if that matters.
My GREs.....well that's my weak point. I got a 440 on math and a 380 on english.....
I'll be taking a Kaplan class this summer and retaking the GRES so hopefully I'll do better.

So my hx with the field:
Currently interning in an outpatient setting, where I created and ran a group of ADHD kids for 2 months. Mainly see patients ranging from all ages and pathologies.
Also interned in a substance abuse setting while in Rutgers, my undergrad. Co-ran 3 groups of a variety of ages.
I was a teacher's assistant in undergrad also. Taught a recitation class a week.
Helped out with research that the head of the psych dept was doing at Rutgers.
Also did community service by joining a health group in Rutgers.

So what I have done in Graduate school is:
Currently assisting my advisor with her research, and will also be starting my own very soon.
Like I mentioned above, interning.

I don't know if I am missing anything.
I am in line to have a position working in research with a top schizophrenia researcher at Rutgers, so hopefully I get that.

Sorry if everything seems out of place, its almost midnight and my mind is a tad scattered.

So basically, what would be my chances of getting in with all my current credentials, and future research?

Thanks!

As you've mentioned, The GRE score is currently going to be your biggest hurdle. Most doctoral programs are going to have an absolute lower limit of 1000, with average scores falling in the low- to mid-1200's. Aiming for 1100+ would be great, but clearing 1000 is almost a necessity just to get back the initial "cut" that occurs.

Beyond that, continue with the research. Your clinical experience of course seems solid, but in general, research experience and productivity are weighted more heavily by most programs. If you can end up with a few years' worth of RAing couple with getting your name on a handful of posters, that should put you into the ballpark.

Your grad and undergrad GPAs are fine (although I'd personally suggest getting out of the mindset of, "I got a B because the professor's a jerk;" even if it's true, it generally doesn't tend to be helpful, and having that opinion can sometimes come out inadvertently and/or indirectly during interviews, which is a huge turn-off), so not much to worry about there. The only issue would be explaining the slight dip in performance from undergrad to grad, which shouldn't be terribly difficult to do.

Finally, keep in mind that if one aspect of your app is "below average," (e.g., if your GREs are closer to 1000 than 1200+), committees will generally want to see it made up for in other areas (often research experience/productivity) relative to other applicants. So basically, the more research you can be involved in, the better.

Originally Posted by Brian1

I know EXACTLY how you feel!
I scored a total 800 something on mine, but I got into all of my Masters programs I applied to. Of course having a strong background helps a lot.
I have been thinking of taking a Kaplan class, since they say they refund your money if you don't do well on the exam or something like that.
But it didn't help you? That is not comforting to me

I apologize for sounding negative. I have heard those programs help out, but for some reason it didn't for me. I am glad you got into several masters programs. Those can provide a lot of opportunities for you. As for me. I have reached the limits of what I can do with a masters at my current job and I am not really fit to do much else. I have always felt a PhD is what I wanted and right now a test that seems to have nothing to do with graduate school seems to be standing in my way.
Best of luck to you!

Originally Posted by AcronymAllergy

As you've mentioned, The GRE score is currently going to be your biggest hurdle. Most doctoral programs are going to have an absolute lower limit of 1000, with average scores falling in the low- to mid-1200's. Aiming for 1100+ would be great, but clearing 1000 is almost a necessity just to get back the initial "cut" that occurs.

Beyond that, continue with the research. Your clinical experience of course seems solid, but in general, research experience and productivity are weighted more heavily by most programs. If you can end up with a few years' worth of RAing couple with getting your name on a handful of posters, that should put you into the ballpark.

Your grad and undergrad GPAs are fine (although I'd personally suggest getting out of the mindset of, "I got a B because the professor's a jerk;" even if it's true, it generally doesn't tend to be helpful, and having that opinion can sometimes come out inadvertently and/or indirectly during interviews, which is a huge turn-off), so not much to worry about there. The only issue would be explaining the slight dip in performance from undergrad to grad, which shouldn't be terribly difficult to do.

Finally, keep in mind that if one aspect of your app is "below average," (e.g., if your GREs are closer to 1000 than 1200+), committees will generally want to see it made up for in other areas (often research experience/productivity) relative to other applicants. So basically, the more research you can be involved in, the better.

Thanks for the response.
I'm still kinda getting over that grade so I'm a bit frustrated by it lol.
If all goes well this semester, which it seems it is, I should get enough to bump my gpa to a 3.7 or 3.6.
So what you said is what I've been thinking, continue with research, and work on GRES.
Thanks again!

Hello! I'm applying to quite a few schools, but the ones I'm most worried about (for obvious reasons) are these:

Harvard
Princeton
Stanford
UCLA

My GRE scores were V:156/Q:160/AW:5. I'm taking it again this summer to try to improve them, and taking the Psych GRE in April.

With regards to research, I don't have any experience. I've been calling a few Forensic psychologists (My area of interest) to see if I could shadow them, but no luck so far. I decided to take a year off after graduation to try to gain some experience before applying.I have been able to receive an internship with the Neuropsychology department of a rehabilitation hospital for older patients who have had strokes, falls or accidents causing trauma to the brain, among others.

My overall GPA was a 3.43, up from a 1.7 in my freshmen year (I messed up in my second semester, but only got three Bs and the rest As after that). I majored in Psychology (3.93 GPA) and minored in Criminology. This includes three semesters of statistics and research methods. While I have been focusing on gaining experience, I have been taking language and mathematics courses.

I have strong LORs and am getting a lot of help for the SOP.

I'm not really sure if community service will help my application in any way, so I was wondering if someone could also let me know whether including my volunteer work in Japan doing disaster relief after the Tsunami last year in my application would helpful or not? Do you guys also know what I can do to improve my application? I greatly appreciate any advice!

Originally Posted by viliger2000

Hello! I'm applying to quite a few schools, but the ones I'm most worried about (for obvious reasons) are these:

Harvard
Princeton
Stanford
UCLA

My GRE scores were V:156/Q:160/AW:5. I'm taking it again this summer to try to improve them, and taking the Psych GRE in April.

With regards to research, I don't have any experience. I've been calling a few Forensic psychologists (My area of interest) to see if I could shadow them, but no luck so far. I decided to take a year off after graduation to try to gain some experience before applying.I have been able to receive an internship with the Neuropsychology department of a rehabilitation hospital for older patients who have had strokes, falls or accidents causing trauma to the brain, among others.

My overall GPA was a 3.43, up from a 1.7 in my freshmen year (I messed up in my second semester, but only got three Bs and the rest As after that). I majored in Psychology (3.93 GPA) and minored in Criminology. This includes three semesters of statistics and research methods. While I have been focusing on gaining experience, I have been taking language and mathematics courses.

I have strong LORs and am getting a lot of help for the SOP.

I'm not really sure if community service will help my application in any way, so I was wondering if someone could also let me know whether including my volunteer work in Japan doing disaster relief after the Tsunami last year in my application would helpful or not? Do you guys also know what I can do to improve my application? I greatly appreciate any advice!

You really, really need research experience in order to get into PhD programs. Many applicants have multiple years of experience before applying. Clinical/applied work is great, but schools want a solid research background. Can you join any research labs during your time off?

I'd say definitely include your disaster relief work. That's a really unique experience and definitely something to mention.

Originally Posted by syzergy

You really, really need research experience in order to get into PhD programs. Many applicants have multiple years of experience before applying. Clinical/applied work is great, but schools want a solid research background. Can you join any research labs during your time off?

I'd say definitely include your disaster relief work. That's a really unique experience and definitely something to mention.

I've been applying to many research labs for the past seven months, but I've only been given 3 interviews and no luck. I don't know what else to do. I have been trying to do shadowing as well, and nothing. I live in a city with two universities and a large community college, so research jobs are highly competitive here, and without previous experience, no one wants to hire me since they can easily find someone else that already has some. It's actually kind of frustrating O.O

I'm glad about the volunteering being helpful, thank you.

Originally Posted by viliger2000

I've been applying to many research labs for the past seven months, but I've only been given 3 interviews and no luck. I don't know what else to do. I have been trying to do shadowing as well, and nothing. I live in a city with two universities and a large community college, so research jobs are highly competitive here, and without previous experience, no one wants to hire me since they can easily find someone else that already has some. It's actually kind of frustrating O.O

I'm glad about the volunteering being helpful, thank you.

You are definitely right that research jobs are hard to come by but is there any chance you can volunteer at one of these places? Or at one of the universities? Even if its just 5 or 10hours a week that you might be able to do. Something is better than nothing. As mentioned, it is going to be very difficult to get into a program without any research experience.

Originally Posted by napsych8771

You are definitely right that research jobs are hard to come by but is there any chance you can volunteer at one of these places? Or at one of the universities? Even if its just 5 or 10hours a week that you might be able to do. Something is better than nothing. As mentioned, it is going to be very difficult to get into a program without any research experience.

I know someone who has connections in the volunteer department. I have filled out the application, but was told flat out when I originally asked for an application that they did not want to see it until the end of March (This was in January) and that they would be able to place me somewhere maybe in May. They also said that it wasn't likely that I would be placed in a research lab, but I'm crossing my fingers.

I understand that my lack of research is a HUGE problem with my application Is the rest of my application ok? Or are my chances really bad even if I do get placed in a research lab? Thanks for the advice.

Originally Posted by viliger2000

I understand that my lack of research is a HUGE problem with my application Is the rest of my application ok? Or are my chances really bad even if I do get placed in a research lab? Thanks for the advice.

The rest of you application is good but similar to a lot of the other applicants for PhD programs. The 4 schools you mentioned earlier are so competitive that chances are bad just based on the numbers. Make sure to apply to programs that are less competitive, in terms of number of applications received.

Originally Posted by napsych8771

The rest of you application is good but similar to a lot of the other applicants for PhD programs. The 4 schools you mentioned earlier are so competitive that chances are bad just based on the numbers. Make sure to apply to programs that are less competitive, in terms of number of applications received.

Ok, thank you! I'm also trying to see if maybe I would be allowed to do a DIS or take a supervised research course as a non-degree seeking student in one of the nearby universities. I'm also going to try to raise my GRE scores some when I retake it in the Summer.

I am definitely applying to other schools as well, and my back-up for not getting in anywhere is to try to get a masters in Criminology from my alma mater and then apply again, hopefully with better chances. Thank you all so much for the advice! Any other advice is very welcome!

Originally Posted by viliger2000

Ok, thank you! I'm also trying to see if maybe I would be allowed to do a DIS or take a supervised research course as a non-degree seeking student in one of the nearby universities. I'm also going to try to raise my GRE scores some when I retake it in the Summer.

I am definitely applying to other schools as well, and my back-up for not getting in anywhere is to try to get a masters in Criminology from my alma mater and then apply again, hopefully with better chances. Thank you all so much for the advice! Any other advice is very welcome!

At the schools you mentioned (which are mostly clinical science programs), you likely have no shot without at least 2 years of research experience at a bare minimum. Most people will have more (and in full-time positions), in addition to publications.

Originally Posted by psycscientist

At the schools you mentioned (which are mostly clinical science programs), you likely have no shot without at least 2 years of research experience at a bare minimum. Most people will have more (and in full-time positions), in addition to publications.

I understand. I appreciate the straightforwardness.

Originally Posted by viliger2000

I understand. I appreciate the straightforwardness.

Also, if possible, I'd recommend that if you end up going the master's route, you do so in an experimental psychology (or at least counseling) focus. This will give you the relevant experience that a criminology program lacks (quite honestly, I don't know that having a crim master's would do anything for your app, unfortunately) while also likely giving you the opportunity to complete independent research.

+1 regarding research experience (quality experience through which you actually learn how to conduct research rather than just entering data). You won't be able to "shadow" a forensic psychologist any more than you could shadow any other psychologist - there are massive ethical issues that prohibit such things. Are you also paying attention to fit? Do the listed programs (and the others to which you applied but did not list) even have researchers working on forensic topics?

Hi!

I will be graduating this May and I will be applying to PhD an PsyD programs in clinical psychology this fall. I am looking into more practice focused programs, specifically those with GPA scores matching mine.
Here are my stats:
GPA overall: 3.4
Psychology GPA: 3.6
Have yet to take the GRE.
I have been in 2 different research labs, total of 3 semesters.
Interning at a behavioral children's center for 2 semesters.
Attended a National Eating Disorders Association Conference.
No publications.
Good recommendations.

Do I have a shot? Should I apply to schools with GPAs lower or higher than mine? If so, by how much?

Thank you!

Originally Posted by linzerpinz

Hi!

I will be graduating this May and I will be applying to PhD an PsyD programs in clinical psychology this fall. I am looking into more practice focused programs, specifically those with GPA scores matching mine.
Here are my stats:
GPA overall: 3.4
Psychology GPA: 3.6
Have yet to take the GRE.
I have been in 2 different research labs, total of 3 semesters.
Interning at a behavioral children's center for 2 semesters.
Attended a National Eating Disorders Association Conference.
No publications.
Good recommendations.

Do I have a shot? Should I apply to schools with GPAs lower or higher than mine? If so, by how much?

Thank you!

I would think you have a shot. It'd help to have some experience with your target population (not sure if your previous work is what you're still interested in) and for the Clinical Psych PhD some more research experience (e.g. poster presentation, publication) even for more practice-oriented programs. I can't speak to the PsyD though.

Assuming things go well with the GRE, I'm not sure GPA matters a whole lot. In my experience, granted its more research-focused than it sounds like you are, GPA isn't as important, assuming you're near mean of accepted students. So I think you should apply to programs that provide training you're interested in and for Clinical Psych PhD programs make sure it is a more clinical oriented program. You may also think about a Counseling PhD, you can look at some threads on SDN for the differences between the two (its not that much).

If you're interested in eating disorders primarily, I can recommend a balanced/clinical-oriented PhD program. Feel free to PM me about it.

I'm not sure if this is the appropriate place, but I have a question.

I know that in the SOP one of the major things to address is how well you fit the program. I honestly have no idea how to do this. Literally none. As a matter of fact, I don't even quite understand how to assess whether or not I'm a good fit for the program, which is probably an important thing to figure out before I apply!

Originally Posted by psychmusic

I'm not sure if this is the appropriate place, but I have a question.

I know that in the SOP one of the major things to address is how well you fit the program. I honestly have no idea how to do this. Literally none. As a matter of fact, I don't even quite understand how to assess whether or not I'm a good fit for the program, which is probably an important thing to figure out before I apply!

You want to be sure, first and foremost, that your research and clinical interests match those of your chosen POI(s). If you apply to work with someone who primarily treats and researches developmental disorders in children, yet you're hoping to work with eating disorders in adolescents and young adults, that's going to be a poor match. You'd at least want the POI's focus to be in the same general area as yours (e.g., the POI deals with various anxiety disorders and you're interested in substance abuse and social phobia).

Originally Posted by psychmusic

I'm not sure if this is the appropriate place, but I have a question.

I know that in the SOP one of the major things to address is how well you fit the program. I honestly have no idea how to do this. Literally none. As a matter of fact, I don't even quite understand how to assess whether or not I'm a good fit for the program, which is probably an important thing to figure out before I apply!

I would recommend sitting down to talk with an instructor or advisor about this from your undergraduate institution. These are important issues to clarify before you waste time, energy, or money on the application process.

My major concern is more how close the match has to be. For example- I work in cognitive neuroscience studying both memory and addiction. I really either want to go into neuropsych assessment of traumatic brain injury or stroke (or potentially into addiction), and I know I want to focus largely on research. I am having trouble figuring out how closely my current research activities need to match with POI research to have a shot.

Originally Posted by psychmusic

My major concern is more how close the match has to be. For example- I work in cognitive neuroscience studying both memory and addiction. I really either want to go into neuropsych assessment of traumatic brain injury or stroke (or potentially into addiction), and I know I want to focus largely on research. I am having trouble figuring out how closely my current research activities need to match with POI research to have a shot.

They don't have to be an EXACT match, as your interests may very well change in school, perhaps even more than a few times (mine certainly have). Basically, at the very least, you'll want to find a neuropsychologist as a POI, and will want to be sure he/she works with either adults or children, depending on your interests (sounds like you're leaning more towards adults, so applying to work with a pediatric neuropsychologist would be a poorer fit).

It shouldn't be terribly difficult to find a faculty member who works, or has worked, with both TBI and stroke. If your chosen POI doesn't, you could look into whether someone/somewhere else in the program does, at least.

Beyond that, just be sure your POI has, at the least, done some research in your area of interest. If you want to focus on forensic neuropsych, be sure the POI has published and/or practiced in that area. If you're interested in the neuropsych of addiction, be sure your POI has practiced and/or published in alcohol/substance use/abuse. If you want to involve imaging, be sure it's available and that your POI has worked with it. If you find a closer match than that, awesome; if not, honestly, I'd think you'd still be seen as compatible by most programs (although this is just my opinion).

Originally Posted by psychmusic

My major concern is more how close the match has to be. For example- I work in cognitive neuroscience studying both memory and addiction. I really either want to go into neuropsych assessment of traumatic brain injury or stroke (or potentially into addiction), and I know I want to focus largely on research. I am having trouble figuring out how closely my current research activities need to match with POI research to have a shot.

Another option is to look at the other programs of graduate study within depts that offer clinical. You may be able to combine your interests by locating a prof outside the clinical dept (say in cognitive psych or whatever) who works with these issues. Although the prof may not be in clinical, you may be able to propose collaborating with that particular faculty member while working within the clinical dept. There are *some* programs that may allow this, and ours has done or considered it with a few students. The trick is finding the connections.

I keep posting questions in this thread because I don't want to clutter the boards with any more individual questions about myself, so I apologize, but here it goes.

I have been looking into the Clinical program at UColorado Boulder for a while now, and it will be my first choice by a LONG SHOT, but I have two questions about it.

First, their full disclosure data indicates they did not accept any new students for 2010, which seemed strange and troubling to me, and I was wondering if anyone knew why that was.

Second, the school would be my first choice by such a long shot that I might not even apply to doctoral programs next year (currently junior undergraduate) so that I could strengthen my research experience before applying (looking seriously into RA positions or potentially MS programs like Villanova). I've got a great GPA (3.9 general, 3.93 psych), and I expect solid GRE scores, two years in a cognitive neuroscience lab, and one semester in an addiction psychiatry lab, but no publications or presentations outside of my college. My question, then, is more of a plea for someone to talk some sense into me. I know that it would be stupid to put off applying just to increase my chances at ONE SCHOOL, but the program seems to fit absolutely everything I would want. I know that even after strengthening my application, my chances are incredibly slim.... so I'm just looking for some advice, and don't be afraid to tell it like it is...

Originally Posted by psychmusic

My question, then, is more of a plea for someone to talk some sense into me. I know that it would be stupid to put off applying just to increase my chances at ONE SCHOOL, but the program seems to fit absolutely everything I would want. I know that even after strengthening my application, my chances are incredibly slim.... so I'm just looking for some advice, and don't be afraid to tell it like it is...

Keep very, very, very low expectations and don't count on it. It's usually a death wish to only apply to one program.

I applied to only one program this year (clinical PhD)...Got 1st alternate on the waitlist...I really had my heart set on one program in particular and went for it! There is still some hope..we'll see!

I simply looked for schools that seemed to have some similar interests to mine. I didn't really understand the whole "school fit" thing until I interviewed. Once I interviewed I quickly discovered what this term means. It was easy to tell once I was there. I would say apply to places that look interesting to you and where the faculty research matches some of your interests. Then when you interview you can see how you fit there.

Originally Posted by psychmusic

I'm not sure if this is the appropriate place, but I have a question.

I know that in the SOP one of the major things to address is how well you fit the program. I honestly have no idea how to do this. Literally none. As a matter of fact, I don't even quite understand how to assess whether or not I'm a good fit for the program, which is probably an important thing to figure out before I apply!

Hi everyone,

I just went through the application process this year and I was rejected from all doctorate-level schools I applied to. I was offered one interview, which just so happened to be my top choice. While I felt the interview went well, I received disappointing news today (I wasn't even wait listed!). I have asked POI's for advice for next year, although some did not respond, and a few suggested research fit was a problem, even though they made mention of good fit prior to my sending away the application. I am going to post my stats; I hope someone can provide me with some guidance on how I might improve for next year. The one concern I have are my GRE scores, although I wonder if it's truly worth re-writing.

Undergraduate GPA: 3.7/4.0 (BA Honors in Psychology)
Graduate GPA: 4.0/4.0 (MA Counseling Psychology)
GRE: 154V 152Q 4.0AW
-2 first author publications (I hope to increase this to 3 by next year), 6 posters/presentations
-Currently serving as a reviewer for two well known journals in my area
-Over 3 years of research experience
-About 2 years experience in mental health care

The schools I applied to are as follows:
Bowling Green State University, Clinical Psychology
Duquesne University, Clinical Psychology
University of Tennessee--Knoxville, Clinical Psychology
Oklahoma State University, Clinical Psychology
University of Montana, Clinical Psychology
Marquette University, Clinical Psychology
University of Arkansas, Clinical Psychology
Iowa State University, Counseling Psychology
Virginia Commonwealth University, Counseling Psychology
University of Utah, Counseling Psychology

It is perhaps worth mentioning I am a Canadian student. I look forward to hearing your comments.

Originally Posted by eligh

Hi everyone,

I just went through the application process this year and I was rejected from all doctorate-level schools I applied to. I was offered one interview, which just so happened to be my top choice. While I felt the interview went well, I received disappointing news today (I wasn't even wait listed!). I have asked POI's for advice for next year, although some did not respond, and a few suggested research fit was a problem, even though they made mention of good fit prior to my sending away the application. I am going to post my stats; I hope someone can provide me with some guidance on how I might improve for next year. The one concern I have are my GRE scores, although I wonder if it's truly worth re-writing.

Undergraduate GPA: 3.7/4.0 (BA Honors in Psychology)
Graduate GPA: 4.0/4.0 (MA Counseling Psychology)
GRE: 154V 152Q 4.0AW
-2 first author publications (I hope to increase this to 3 by next year), 6 posters/presentations
-Currently serving as a reviewer for two well known journals in my area
-Over 3 years of research experience
-About 2 years experience in mental health care

The schools I applied to are as follows:
Bowling Green State University, Clinical Psychology
Duquesne University, Clinical Psychology
University of Tennessee--Knoxville, Clinical Psychology
Oklahoma State University, Clinical Psychology
University of Montana, Clinical Psychology
Marquette University, Clinical Psychology
University of Arkansas, Clinical Psychology
Iowa State University, Counseling Psychology
Virginia Commonwealth University, Counseling Psychology
University of Utah, Counseling Psychology

It is perhaps worth mentioning I am a Canadian student. I look forward to hearing your comments.

Your stats seem very solid, though admittedly I have no idea how the new GRE scores breakdown. Two questions come to mind: the first is whether or not you have solid letters of recommendation. These are very important in most applications, so make sure you received solid letters from professors and/or research mentors. The second question is what are you interested in studying? Are you applying to work in labs with a topic/population you're experienced in? Given the responses from POIs, you should make sure you applying to the right programs, with labs that are in your interest area. This doesn't necessitate that your previous experience be in this area (though it helps) but make sure these POIs research/area of interest is similar to yours.

Thank you for your response. The new GRE score I posted translates to a 520V 670Q.

I am sure that 2/3 of my letters of rec are outstanding. Ive known and worked with each of these letter writers for about 3 years plus now. The third latter may or may not be, but I share a personal relationship with him, so it most likely is. That said, I haven't asked any of my letter writers directly, so I might take the step to do that.

I did make quite an effort to seek out mentors who share similar interests, although one concern is that my interests have changed recently from the research I have been involved in over the past four years. In fact, one of my POI's said I would've been interviewed if I targeted professors in the area I was working in previously (they had two professors in that area) because, according to her, they were the better match. I'm developing a review manuscript currently in my new area of interest which I hope to publish before the next application cycle.

My feeling sometimes is that none of this is worth trying to make sense of. Perhaps I was just outdone by hundreds of other students with really high GRE scores.

One thing that may be an issue is that your MA is in counseling psych and you applied to many clinical psych programs. Not that it is this way for all clinical psych programs, but I have heard that many do not take people with counseling masters degrees. It's kinda of a catch-22 because some counseling programs only take people with masters degrees. Just something to think about.

That's a great point. I had wondered about that, but, in the end, didn't think that universities would hold it against me. My thought, then, is that humanistically-oriented clinical programs (my preference) may be most open to accepting someone with a counseling background. I know of three: Clark, Duquesne and Bowling Green. If anyone can add to this list, please do.

I think it would be in my best interest to apply to predominantly counseling doctoral-level programs next year, though there aren't too many folks in counseling psychology who do the research I do.

Originally Posted by eligh

Thank you for your response. The new GRE score I posted translates to a 520V 670Q.

I am sure that 2/3 of my letters of rec are outstanding. Ive known and worked with each of these letter writers for about 3 years plus now. The third latter may or may not be, but I share a personal relationship with him, so it most likely is. That said, I haven't asked any of my letter writers directly, so I might take the step to do that.

I did make quite an effort to seek out mentors who share similar interests, although one concern is that my interests have changed recently from the research I have been involved in over the past four years. In fact, one of my POI's said I would've been interviewed if I targeted professors in the area I was working in previously (they had two professors in that area) because, according to her, they were the better match. I'm developing a review manuscript currently in my new area of interest which I hope to publish before the next application cycle.

My feeling sometimes is that none of this is worth trying to make sense of. Perhaps I was just outdone by hundreds of other students with really high GRE scores.

Kind of going out on a limb here, but if your interests changed recently, maybe they're worried that your interests will change again, and you'll end up not being a good fit for the lab? Or maybe it wasn't clear enough in your personal statement what your new area of interest is?

Originally Posted by CatsFan

Kind of going out on a limb here, but if your interests changed recently, maybe they're worried that your interests will change again, and you'll end up not being a good fit for the lab? Or maybe it wasn't clear enough in your personal statement what your new area of interest is?

Yes, both points are defiinite possibilities. I think I may consult someone around how to construct an appropriate statement of research interest

Hey everyone,

I am currently a 3rd year biology major with aspirations to go to medical schools, but I recently decided that medical is not for me. So I have been looking into the career path of clinical psychology since I have been taken a good amount of elective psych classes for my major. However, my GPA is low ( like a 2.8), but my psych GPA is a 3.4. My GRE score is a 1300, but I will be retaking it to see if I can get a better score.. I also plan on taking the psych GRE test. I will be working as a research assistant for a developmental psych prof this summer and next school year. I have been volunteering at hospitals and mental health hospitals. With the mental health hospitals, I have worked one-on-one with psychologists and have been very interested in the work that they do. I have been volunteering there for about 2.5 years now and at hopitals for about 4 or 5 years. I have also been volunteering at a retirement home where I worked a patient that has dementia. I am really interested in being a clinical psychologist, but my GPA is probably they only thing that will potentially not get me into the ph.d programs.

So my two questions are "what are my chances" and should get a MA degree in general psych to make my application more competitive. Also, would it be better to apply to both MA programs and Clinical ph.d programs just to be safe?

Thank you all in advance

Originally Posted by eligh

Hi everyone,
It is perhaps worth mentioning I am a Canadian student. I look forward to hearing your comments.

Hi fellow Canuck!

It is definitely important to take your status as an international student into account. Some schools are far less open to taking international students than other schools because of extra costs involved (e.g. any school in the UC system). It's not a bad idea to contact schools in advance and find-out their perspective on international students.

If you can I would try to bring-up your GRE scores. Many schools have an unofficial cut-off of 1200, and some top schools have a cut-off of 1350. I am not sure where you are located, but could you try and volunteer with researchers in your new field? Having recommendations from individuals in your field can really go a long way in altering your chances of admission.

Hi everyone,
I'm International applicant, had applied for the first time this year. I'm little confused and disappointed right now: got rejection few hours ago. But being in this forum and reading about application process has assured me that I'm not alone. I'm looking for some guidance.

My credentials-
1. Three year graduation in Applied Psychology, honors; GPA=4.0
2. Two years Masters (with clinical psychology as specialization); GPA=3.9
3. Mater's Dissertation on "Neurocognitive function and functional outcome in schizophrenia patients" (currently working on its manuscript to submit for publication)
4. Four months of posting in state psychiatric unit
5. Five independent professional presentations in my country
6. General Revised GRE: 310 and Psy GRE:650
7.TOEFL scores: 115/120 (iBT)

I have done my graduation and post graduation from very prestigious state university and have good extra-curricular credentials. I was college secretary, editor of college journal, class co-ordinator, have done voluntary social work with special children.

This year I was very unsure of my chances and applied to two Ph.D Clinical psychology programs. I interviewed for one, got wait listed and just received rejection. I'm interested in Schizophrenia spectrum disorders and neuropsychology.

Now my questions-
1. Should I retake psych GRE? Mine seems quite low. I had some unforeseen troubles during the paper and screwed up my scores....
2. I felt I lack experience. What kind of research forays will strengthen my profile in terms of my research interest?
3. Can I apply for paid RA positions in USA? Should I consider this option or is better to get more research experience in my country as getting the latter will not be troublesome...
4. Should I apply this year again with some more experience or get research experience for two years before applying again
4. Anything else that I should consider

Thanks. Looking forward to your replies.....

Originally Posted by Johnny411

Hey everyone,

I am currently a 3rd year biology major with aspirations to go to medical schools, but I recently decided that medical is not for me. So I have been looking into the career path of clinical psychology since I have been taken a good amount of elective psych classes for my major. However, my GPA is low ( like a 2.8), but my psych GPA is a 3.4. My GRE score is a 1300, but I will be retaking it to see if I can get a better score.. I also plan on taking the psych GRE test. I will be working as a research assistant for a developmental psych prof this summer and next school year. I have been volunteering at hospitals and mental health hospitals. With the mental health hospitals, I have worked one-on-one with psychologists and have been very interested in the work that they do. I have been volunteering there for about 2.5 years now and at hopitals for about 4 or 5 years. I have also been volunteering at a retirement home where I worked a patient that has dementia. I am really interested in being a clinical psychologist, but my GPA is probably they only thing that will potentially not get me into the ph.d programs.

So my two questions are "what are my chances" and should get a MA degree in general psych to make my application more competitive. Also, would it be better to apply to both MA programs and Clinical ph.d programs just to be safe?

Thank you all in advance

I would say yes to the bolded question. I hear experimental Ph.D.s are more valuable.

Your GREs are not bad and I think GPAs really vary from University to University. WHy not aim high and see how you do? You can always apply for a backup Master's program if you are determined to begin school either way right away.

Originally Posted by deliciousgoose

Hi fellow Canuck!

It is definitely important to take your status as an international student into account. Some schools are far less open to taking international students than other schools because of extra costs involved (e.g. any school in the UC system). It's not a bad idea to contact schools in advance and find-out their perspective on international students.

If you can I would try to bring-up your GRE scores. Many schools have an unofficial cut-off of 1200, and some top schools have a cut-off of 1350. I am not sure where you are located, but could you try and volunteer with researchers in your new field? Having recommendations from individuals in your field can really go a long way in altering your chances of admission.

Thanks for your response. I will certainly check in with universities next year to see if they usually accept international applicants. The thing about GRE scores is I checked most of the stats for schools and I ensured that I fell in the average range of accepted applicants, or slightly below (verbal is lacking). I'm thinking of steering in the direction of counseling programs next year (though I will target a few humanistic clinical programs), because I have come to the conclusion that the counseling orientation is, in fact, a better fit. Counseling generally has a lower GRE cutoff. Only one of my letter writers is a psychologist, but all do psychological research and are regarded highly in their respective fields.

Confused. Haven't given up, though.