De-rejected, need help

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So, I just got an email, and I don't know what to do about it. I recently, as many did, finished the application process. I was specifically applying to a rather small number of PsyD programs, focusing on strong programs with high APA/APPIC match rates, affiliated with universities. I was accepted by all but two of the programs, but unfortunately, those two were my top two choices. I recently sent off my deposit to one school, a good one, but one that put me off a bit by an interview process that seemed very impersonal and entirely psychodynamic (though the school focuses about equally on CBT, everyone I spoke to during the process was, apparently coincidentally, psychodynamic). I didn't feel as strong a match there, but I know that if I went there, I would be happy. I can own my education, make it my own, and thrive. This school gives me that opportunity.

Now, however, I have just received an email de-rejecting me from one of my top two choices. I am un-rejected. I am now, even after April 15, accepted. And I really don't know what to do about that. Can I accept this offer? Can I turn down another offer that I have already accepted? I'm not sure that I would necessarily be much happier, but I felt a much closer affiliation to the school that has now accepted me. All practical considerations are essentially equal; cost is equal, mean APA internship match rate is within a single percentage point between 2006 and 2011, and located near enough to one another that I can live exactly where I was planning to, with no change in commute. It's also worth noting that I didn't pay the deposit to the first school, it was covered as a gift (and the person who covered it is now urging me to go with my heart on this one, as money is not a factor for them). The only real difference is that I felt much more connected to the program that has now de-rejected me, and was much more excited about the opportunities that they offered.

So, what do I do? Can I turn down the school that I already accepted, to accept the school that initially turned me down? It's worth noting that I'm kind of freaking out about this.

I think you can go to the one you want. It's a 5 year decision. You should go where you want to go.

Originally Posted by Jon Snow

I think you can go to the one you want. It's a 5 year decision. You should go where you want to go.

Is it bad that your username makes your opinion seem more valid to me?

Yes, yes it's bad.

There may be some fallout from withdrawing from the psychodynamic school, but it doesn't sound like there will be a lot (based on the professor urging you to follow your heart). Is it something people should avoid doing in general? Of course, but that doesn't mean it should never occur given unusual circumstances. In the end, we are talking about 5 years of your life. Don't go with the lesser of two options just to make it easier on everyone logistically.

Did the un-rejection offer give you a time frame for accepting the offer? Can you sit on it for a week or two and see how you feel? You know, to get used to the feeling of getting un-rejected (which can feel pretty darn good!) and then remember that you were rejected then accepted as a second-rate incoming student. Sit with it. You may feel differently and you may want to go with the place that really wants you. Or not. How much time do you have?

Originally Posted by Veit

Is it bad that your username makes your opinion seem more valid to me?

Yes, yes it's bad.

Heh, I was on this forum before I got into the Song of Ice and Fire books. Now that I'm reading them, I can't help but assume that Jon Snow has a negative view of free standing professional schools as well as wights .

Originally Posted by Psychadelic2012

Did the un-rejection offer give you a time frame for accepting the offer? Can you sit on it for a week or two and see how you feel? You know, to get used to the feeling of getting un-rejected (which can feel pretty darn good!) and then remember that you were rejected then accepted as a second-rate incoming student. Sit with it. You may feel differently and you may want to go with the place that really wants you. Or not. How much time do you have?

I have until Friday, and the check has to be postmarked by Saturday. Not much time to consider. I also at first had some thought along the lines of "why would I want to go there if you rejected me," but it's really much more complicated than that. I like their program a lot, and it would be cutting off my nose to spite my face if I turned them down just to get back at them for turning me down. All of their emails have been about how they got a record number of applicants, and they sent me forms for sending my application over to the school's other programs. They even sent me a letter in the mail about getting funding for the psych-related masters programs, after rejecting me from their doctoral program. I'd like to have more time, but unfortunately, this needs to be a quicker decision.

Originally Posted by KillerDiller

Heh, I was on this forum before I got into the Song of Ice and Fire books. Now that I'm reading them, I can't help but assume that Jon Snow has a negative view of free standing professional schools as well as wights .

"Professional schools? You know nothing, Jon Snow."

This just happened to me yesterday. I decided to go with my heart because it is my life that I need to take control over. In addition, when I told the school, they said this happens all the time especially since April 15th was on a weekend. I hope this helps. I am happy with my decision, and you have the right to be too. Good luck!

And most schools give you until May 1st to receive a refund on your deposit. You should read the fine print to see if you can get your deposit back.

This is the next 5-7 years of your life--I would definitely go where I would be happiest. I'm sure this type of thing happens all the time. Don't settle!

Yeah, I read those books when they came out, always liked the Jon Snow character and he's a bastard, so I thought it appropriate. Now, of course, the name isn't so obscure.

It's so competitive out there for many schools, I wouldn't sit on the idea of why go if they rejected you previously. I don't think that makes one less of an applicant, there's many qualified people that get rejected! I say go with the school you have your heart set on if you think you will be happier.

Agree with the above. I wouldn't take being wait-listed personally. Clearly they want you now. You don't know who your competition was. If you were wait-listed because someone had worked in a major hospital for 5 years, gotten 10 publications out of it, knew the faculty at the program well, etc. I'm not sure it makes sense to take it as a personal affront that you weren't their top choice.

As others have mentioned, this is 5 years of your life. Unless the deposit was for 50% of the next 4 years tuition or something outlandish like that, I'm not sure it makes sense to let that stand in the way of you going to the program you liked better.

Originally Posted by KillerDiller

Heh, I was on this forum before I got into the Song of Ice and Fire books. Now that I'm reading them, I can't help but assume that Jon Snow has a negative view of free standing professional schools as well as wights .

I would accept the offer that you felt better about after the interview. Just me....but I would never in this life time go to a program that is psychodynamic oriented. This in and of itself, speaks volumns about the quality of the program since psychodynamic is basically Pseudo therapy based on non empirical Pseudo science concepts that are outdated.

Go with your heart...tell them a personal matter has happened in your life and you have to rescind your acceptance for this cohort group.

As everyone else has said, go where you want to spend the next 5 years. Don't let April 15th get in the way of that, just send the letter saying thanks to the school that originally accepted you and move on.

Originally Posted by 4410

Just me....but I would never in this life time go to a program that is psychodynamic oriented. This in and of itself, speaks volumns about the quality of the program since psychodynamic is basically Pseudo therapy based on non empirical Pseudo science concepts that are outdated.

Again, this is a very misinformed position.

To address Veit's concerns, April 15th is a recommended guideline and an acceptance is not binding, if that helps with the guilt at all

Simply cite SDN for your change in decision. Problem solved.

Originally Posted by 4410

I would accept the offer that you felt better about after the interview. Just me....but I would never in this life time go to a program that is psychodynamic oriented. This in and of itself, speaks volumns about the quality of the program since psychodynamic is basically Pseudo therapy based on non empirical Pseudo science concepts that are outdated.

Go with your heart...tell them a personal matter has happened in your life and you have to rescind your acceptance for this cohort group.

I do not consider myself a psychodynamicly-oriented person by any means, but I also don't think I would generalize it all as "pseudo"-therapy/science. I believe there are definite contributions which have been made to the field of psychology that are of value and which can be considered--even if I don't profess myself to be bent in that direction.

Originally Posted by paramour

I do not consider myself a psychodynamicly-oriented person by any means, but I also don't think I would generalize it all as "pseudo"-therapy/science. I believe there are definite contributions which have been made to the field of psychology that are of value and which can be considered--even if I don't profess myself to be bent in that direction.

Thanks for your help, everyone. I really appreciate it. I took your collective advice, and will be going to the place that was originally my top choice. I would be happy at either school and either way they'll call me doctor in five years, but I think the school I've chosen is the better match. Now I just need to figure out how to rescind my acceptance at the school that I accepted at first... Any suggestions on that front?

And for the record, all of the programs that I applied to maintain a fairly even balance between CBT and psychodynamic theoretical foundations.

Originally Posted by Veit

and either way they'll call me doctor in five years

Blech. I really hope you're joking.

Originally Posted by Psychadelic2012

Blech. I really hope you're joking.

Nope, and I'm not sure where you're coming from. I had to choose between two PsyD programs, both university affiliated, both with great reputations, and with APA internship match rates within a percentage point of one another. Like I said, I'd be happy at either program, and they both put me on the path to being called doctor. Wheaton's law, dude.

Originally Posted by Veit

either way they'll call me doctor in five years.

you should consider watching this video on youtube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZaLipDgFZQ

Originally Posted by animaladvocate

you should consider watching this video on youtube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZaLipDgFZQ

Dude, it was a turn of phrase. That video in no way applies to me, my situation, my goals or my experience. When I said "in 5 years they'll call me doctor," I was simplifying the similarities between the two programs in terms of focus, challenge, externship pool, commute, internship match rates, and price. I was saying that they're close enough in terms of all measurable values that the only real difference is how I felt about my personal match to the programs. I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. As an aside, that youtube video is incredibly condescending.

Again, Wheaton's law.

Originally Posted by animaladvocate

you should consider watching this video on youtube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZaLipDgFZQ

LOVE THIS! "My four cats don't call me doctor."

My three cats probably won't either... sigh...

The cats thing is hilarious, pretty sure I'll be going down that road myself.

Originally Posted by psypipe

In relation to psychodynamic emphasis, most or probably all clinical psychology curriculum has a psychodynamic course but some programs have psychodynamic emphasis in all of their courses. Part of the irony about psychodynamic psychotherapy is the lack of research or empirical grounding. I have friends who call themselves psychodynamic psychotherapist and I have even had psychotherapy during my didactic therapy process with a psychodynamic psychotherapist. Much to my surprise, she used behavioral and cognitive behavioral practices and when asked about use of these techniques it really surprised me that she indicated such techniques are commonly used in psychodynamic psychotherapy and that Albert Ellis and other prevalent REBT or CBT therapist developed many of their techniques from psychoanalytical theory, but renamed many of the constructs or stole many of the constructs from psychoanalytical theory.

Modern day psychodynamic oriented therapist frequently use CBT principals but they view CBT therapy as a simplified version of psychodynamic therapy and they do not refer to themselves as CBT therapist. I know a CBT therapist that has a Freud Bobble Head Doll on her desk because she frequently uses Hypnotherapy and she credits Freud for his work in Hypnosis. On the other hand, though she considers herself a CBT therapist and she is a big time fan of Donald Meichenbaum.

Originally Posted by 4410

I know a CBT therapist that has a Freud Bobble Head on her desk because she frequently uses Hypnotherapy and she credits Freud for his work in Hypnosis.

Too bad she knows nothing about the origins of hypnosis.

Originally Posted by Psychadelic2012

Too bad she knows nothing about the origins of hypnosis.

Well, Freud did practice hypnosis for some time... and then abandoned it completely in favor of his own psychoanalysis. I won't lie, though, I'd love to have a Freud bobblehead to knock around some.

Originally Posted by Veit

Well, Freud did practice hypnosis for some time... and then abandoned it completely in favor of his own psychoanalysis.

Well, yeah, he did practice it, but he was horrible at it and shunned it as a result. He's not exactly the first person any hypnotist would think about when considering the history of hypnosis, that was my point (if you know the history of hypnosis).

Originally Posted by Veit

Well, Freud did practice hypnosis for some time... and then abandoned it completely in favor of his own psychoanalysis. I won't lie, though, I'd love to have a Freud bobblehead to knock around some.

Sigmund Freud Bobble Head Doll

Standing 7" tall, and dressed in a dapper grey suit, this hard plastic Sigmund Freud Bobble Head is ready to unlock the mysteries of your brain. Prop him somewhere private and he'll listen patiently as you prattle on about your mother, your fear of volcanoes and your fondness for burlap. Move or tap the Sigmund Freud Bobble Head and his oversized head will respond with a pensive nod

Originally Posted by 4410

In relation to psychodynamic emphasis, most or probably all clinical psychology curriculum has a psychodynamic course but some programs have psychodynamic emphasis in all of their courses. Part of the irony about psychodynamic psychotherapy is the lack of research or empirical grounding. I have friends who call themselves psychodynamic psychotherapist and I have even had psychotherapy during my didactic therapy process with a psychodynamic psychotherapist. Much to my surprise, she used behavioral and cognitive behavioral practices and when asked about use of these techniques it really surprised me that she indicated such techniques are commonly used in psychodynamic psychotherapy and that Albert Ellis and other prevalent REBT or CBT therapist developed many of their techniques from psychoanalytical theory, but renamed many of the constructs or stole many of the constructs from psychoanalytical theory.

Modern day psychodynamic oriented therapist frequently use CBT principals but they view CBT therapy as a simplified version of psychodynamic therapy and they do not refer to themselves as CBT therapist. I know a CBT therapist that has a Freud Bobble Head Doll on her desk because she frequently uses Hypnotherapy and she credits Freud for his work in Hypnosis. On the other hand, though she considers herself a CBT therapist and she is a big time fan of Donald Meichenbaum.

She was right. CBT is not reinventing the wheel, just shifting the focus. Inevitably, any modern therapeutic technique is going to borrow (even if only unwittingly) from psychoanalysis.

Also, your claims that psychodynamic therapy is complete ascientific and non-empirical, whilst praising the scientific validity of CBT, is strange. They treat differentt things, and approach the things they converge on differently. Both can be used in tandem. Also, in regards to CBT being the be-all-end-all, you might want to read:
Baydala, A. (2001). The soliloquy of empirical validation in cognitive psychology. Australian Psychologist, 36(1), 44-50.
She does a fantastic job detailing the strange ways in which CBT prides itself on empirical validation, but its own constructs and the ways in which they are scientifically treated, are misguided.

My 0.02.

Originally Posted by 4410

Sigmund Freud Bobble Head Doll

Standing 7" tall, and dressed in a dapper grey suit, this hard plastic Sigmund Freud Bobble Head is ready to unlock the mysteries of your brain. Prop him somewhere private and he'll listen patiently as you prattle on about your mother, your fear of volcanoes and your fondness for burlap. Move or tap the Sigmund Freud Bobble Head and his oversized head will respond with a pensive nod

Nice. Is that a straw or a cigar? And wouldn't it be more realistic with a smudge of white powder somewhere...?