Hey CogNeuro,
I attend a university-based PsyD program. Regarding class sizes, we had a cohort of 19, and the reasons I attended were fourfold: 1. It was close to my undergrad institution and not far from family/friends. 2. It was partially funded. 3. Solid accredited match rates and 4. I partied/ was lazy all throughout undergrad and only got involved with research during my senior year and couldn't get into a fully funded program. My GPA and GRE were stellar, but without evidence to suggest responsible and dedicated research interests, I only ended up getting 1 PhD interview offer. Had I gotten a funded PhD offer I probably would’ve taken it (albeit I completely would not have deserved it).
Regarding support, I can only speak for my school, and I imagine this varies greatly between Uni-based and FSPS’s, but my level of support throughout the process was great. I worked in a neuropsych lab (my initial interest area) which eventually led to my thesis and dissertation, and was supported greatly throughout that process. Regarding practicums, they were all paid, and we didn’t have to “compete” for spots like I’ve seen on here. If you wanted to eventually work in a VA, you got VA pracs; if you wanted prison experience, you worked in prison pracs; same goes for state psychiatric institutions. All of my colleagues who were interested in neuro/rehab/ forensics were all well-prepared come internship app time. One thing I would stress to future prospective PsyD students is to know the number of faculty to students. You want to be able to develop a strong relationship with a mentor, and some programs just can't accomodate this I imagine based on the cohort sizes.
In regards to my own experiences, I’m a bit of an outlier, so I really would stress, don’t go by me lol. I initially did not think I was going to be able to apply for internship because at my school we have to have all of our data run and an initial first draft of our dissertation into our DCT before we can apply. I barely got this done by the deadline, and as a result I essentially found my sites, got my letters of rec, wrote my essays and did the whole internship application process in about five days. (I'm also a bit of a procrastinator, as you could probably surmise; I'm working on that though lol) I was very lucky and received all forensic site interviews and matched at my number 1. (Again, I stress do not do this if you are not one that likes working ‘under the gun’ and also if you’re not interpersonally savvy [I tend to interview well]). I also ended up getting multiple interviews and offers for forensic fellowships. (Again, I am by no means stellar, but I’m also probably not modal, in that I tend to interview well and am a bit of a charmer). Friends of mine in my program also ended up getting AMC/VA fellowships for neuropsych and rehab.
Regarding debt, I definitely accrued some over the course of my five years. In regards to this you've really got to have a plan. Some of my friends are doing NHSC loan payback. For me, the goal has always been to get a full time gig with the govt at a state hospital, while also doing private practice on the side. I’m currently in talks with a former supervisor to work 15-20 hours/week at his forensic practice on top of a 9-5. I also don’t have kids and do not plan to for at least 10 years (I’m applying to night law schools after fellowship). Here’s the thing though, and I’m going to be completely honest about this; had I not gotten an APA internship, I would for real be screwed. I wasn’t super concerned at the time, but looking back, there would be no way I could reasonably have a chance to pay off the debt had I not matched at an accredited site. I saw a fellow colleague at a nearby program not match for two years in a row, and now has no way of reasonably paying off their debt, and it will ultimately come back on taxpayers. Match rates, match rates, match rates---so important people. Know these before getting in heavy.
Regarding the negatives, I definitely did not get enough exposure to statistics. We had two courses and an elective. I’ve essentially had to do that work on my own to make sure I’m at a competent level for practice. I completely agree with many of the posters on here that say that should be integral to the training. I felt that we got slightly above what an advanced undergraduate might receive. I kind of feel like I got “jipped” there.
Overall, I’m mostly satisfied with the training I received. Like I said, I imagine that there are going to be differences between programs. I do want to stress that all of the things I am saying that were good about my schoool are by no means special. Any good PhD or PsyD program in clincal psych should have them as a basic part of their training model. Also, it might not be advisable to go to a school that is advertising to their prospective students. Not a good sign people. I can’t stress enough one thing; know the match rates!
