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At this point, a short reminder notice is just fine. Some would probably appreciate it.
At this point, a short reminder notice is just fine. Some would probably appreciate it.
I'm in the same boat. But I gave them a deadline of 10/30 so I figure I will send an email a week or two before that. Did you give them a deadline?
Not really. I think I probably mentioned that most programs have deadlines starting on 11/1 but I did not give one for my writers. I would like the letters [ideally] a week prior to the end of the month but, again, don't want to appear pushy...
I was curious if anyone has any advice on the type of reports state hospitals may be interested in. I have a few malingering (ILK, TOMM, SIRS) and personality reports (MMPI, MCMI, PAI) from state hospitals, but they don't integrate multiple types of assessments in one report (like malingering and personality together), and they are fairly brief (2-3 pages). I also have adhd and learning disability reports that are extensive, but seem inappropriate. I still have time to do more, so any suggestions are welcome! Thanks!
Advice on page limit for cover letters?
Also, what's the preference for "Dear Dr. DCT and Internship Selection Committee" vs "Dear Dr. DCT"
Thoughts? Thanks
So my husband asked me an interesting question today, and I thought I'd pose it to the group. I am applying to a site, that has multiple tracks, and I am planning on applying to two since they both would be great internship opportunities that fit my clinical interests. However, my husband said I should just pick the one I like best because choosing two makes me look like I am not enthusiastic enough about either one. I explained to him that it is common for people to apply for one or more tracks at a site, but now I'm wondering if he has a point. What does everyone else think? Anyone had multiple interviews at the same site for different tracks have any advice?
Question about references - my mentor is also my program's DCT. He tells me that he plans to put his letter of reference for me *within* the DCT's verification of readiness section of the application (i.e., rather than just ticking the required box saying I am eligible [which is my understanding of what this section usually consists of?], he will include a full-blown multi-paragraph letter in that space). This (he says) will then allow me to include three *additional* letters of reference from practicum supervisors (since his letter will not technically be taking up one of these spots). He seems pretty sure that this is the way to do it, but it sounds really strange to me that I would get a "free" letter of reference just because my mentor happens to be DCT. Moreover, it seems to me that this might annoy the many sites that have a 3-letter limit, since this seems to be a loopholey way of slipping in 4 letters. Or on the other hand, perhaps sites will miss my mentor's letter entirely, since the DCT verification is more often just boilerplate "yes this student is ready for internship," and perhaps reviewers don't typically look at that section.
Assuming my description of the issue is even coherent - any thoughts?
NC Department of Corrections just advertised Two openings for 14/15 if anyone is trying to start this year. Sounds like a new site.
Question about letters of reference in the AAPI:
When I send the reference invitation to my letter-writers, the AAPI has me fill out several fields, such as "title" and "notes".
When I first filled these out, I assumed that only the letter-writer would see them. I didn't know what to put for title, so I put 'registered psychologist'. In 'notes' I put a personal message to the letter writer noting that I would send them other information over email.
Now I am wondering if internship sites will see this 'title' and 'notes'? If I have filled out it wrong, only one of my letters is uploaded - maybe I should cancel the original request to the other two and fill in the fields properly?
Thanks everyone!
Hi everyone,
I am having extreme writer's block with all of my essays and cover letters, and I almost wonder if I should put off applying for a year. My top choice is due November 1st, and I don't have any essays or cover letters done yet. I have brainstormed my brains out but just cannot get any of them even started. My CV still needs work. I'm in practicum two days a week, am taking two demanding classes, TAing two classes, I'm an RA on a big project, I'm giving a guest lecture next week that I really need to work on, I'm supposed to be analyzing my data because I'm presenting it all next month….I just honestly don't see how I'm going to get all this done in time for November 1st.
I guess I'm either looking for moral support or for the acknowledgment that this is just not possible. I kind of work well under pressure but it really just seems like there's no way to finish my essays and cover letters in time. On top of it all my birthday is this month so I am losing at least 2 days of work to family commitments etc.
What should I dooo?
Thanks.
I have.a tough time getting going on something like that myself. I scheduled a time and had my wife help me. I always feel more confident when someone I trust is helping. Besides if I screwed it all up then I could have blamed her.Hi everyone,
I am having extreme writer's block with all of my essays and cover letters, and I almost wonder if I should put off applying for a year. My top choice is due November 1st, and I don't have any essays or cover letters done yet. I have brainstormed my brains out but just cannot get any of them even started. My CV still needs work. I'm in practicum two days a week, am taking two demanding classes, TAing two classes, I'm an RA on a big project, I'm giving a guest lecture next week that I really need to work on, I'm supposed to be analyzing my data because I'm presenting it all next month….I just honestly don't see how I'm going to get all this done in time for November 1st.
I guess I'm either looking for moral support or for the acknowledgment that this is just not possible. I kind of work well under pressure but it really just seems like there's no way to finish my essays and cover letters in time. On top of it all my birthday is this month so I am losing at least 2 days of work to family commitments etc.
What should I dooo?
Thanks.
Hi everyone,
I am having extreme writer's block with all of my essays and cover letters, and I almost wonder if I should put off applying for a year. My top choice is due November 1st, and I don't have any essays or cover letters done yet. I have brainstormed my brains out but just cannot get any of them even started. My CV still needs work. I'm in practicum two days a week, am taking two demanding classes, TAing two classes, I'm an RA on a big project, I'm giving a guest lecture next week that I really need to work on, I'm supposed to be analyzing my data because I'm presenting it all next month….I just honestly don't see how I'm going to get all this done in time for November 1st.
I guess I'm either looking for moral support or for the acknowledgment that this is just not possible. I kind of work well under pressure but it really just seems like there's no way to finish my essays and cover letters in time. On top of it all my birthday is this month so I am losing at least 2 days of work to family commitments etc.
What should I dooo?
Thanks.
This alleged 5th essay would be in addition to a cover letter.cover letters are usually required, not optional.
Thanks Sardonic!The APPIC website says nothing about a 5th essay, so I'm guessing that the rumor you heard was fueled by outdated information.
cover letters are usually required, not optional.
A follow-up question re: cover letters -- and I apologize of already been asked elsewhere --: how important are they, in general, and in comparison to essays. I don't think that I want to write for instance 15 individually tailored ones and would really want to have a general form with some sentences tailored to a site. Do you guys reinvent letters for each site and tailor tailor them? Any thoughts? Thanks!
Do you think it is more important than essays?? I can see that people read cover-letters first...Its the most important. Its should be tailored to each site.
Do you think it is more important than essays?? I can see that people read cover-letters first...
ugh! Thanks much. I am glad I ask...Yes.
Some are very short and concise, stating what they are interested in with regard to the particular site. Some seem to focus a lot on previous experience, including intervention hours, report numbers, etc. Others have a good blend of the two.
For those who have reviewed them, what is the most appropriate way to go about this? Also, is there an unspoken format to the cover letters - from paragraph to paragraph?
-thanks in advance
"previous experience, including intervention hours, report numbers, etc." is provided on the APPI. The prupose of a cover letter here is no different than it is in the rest of the job market. ItS What you want and what you can bring. Fit. Its not a rehash of your CV or APPI.
Does anyone know if we are supposed to upload all four essays together in one document or each one separately? As well, are we supposed to place our names on each page in a header or will the application do that for us at some point? Last technical question -- is it best to use PDFs or do word documents work just as well in terms of maintaining proper formatting?
Thanks everyone. I guess I am putting a lot of pressure on myself for these essays to be really fantastic, which is making me unable to write them at all. Going to lower my standards and just get them done.
Yes, I think lowering your standards is a great idea. I've heard a few people, including my DCT, say that the importance of the essays tends to be over-emphasized. Past applicants from our program have said they were occasionally asked about their autobiographical essay on interviews, and never about the other three. My DCT has said applicants are more likely to hurt themselves by writing an overly "creative" essay than anything else, and there's really nothing wrong with writing essays that are straightforward, and even a little "bland." Most sites will be considering your essays AFTER your CV/practicum experience and cover letter, giving them less importance.
This is all to say - the essays just have to be "good enough." This is doubly true if you feel well-prepared by your practicum and research experiences - if your training is good (and well-described in your CV and cover letter), it will speak for itself. Hopefully viewing your essays in this way will make it easier to get first drafts on paper, which is by far the hardest part.