2008-2009 Application Thread

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So, here are the schools I'm applying to. That is, if I have a decent GRE score!!

1) University of Minnesota
2) Northwestern University in Chicago (the Feinberg School of Medicine program)
3) University of Illinois-Chicago
4) Loyola in Chicago
5) Marquette
6) University of Wisconsin- Madison
7) University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee
8) University of Iowa

I have interest in working/doing research with a pediatric population, and also would love to incorporate social issues into my research (psychology and law, how welfare/homelessness effects children, etc.) I'd say UIC and Northwestern are my top choices, but I'd be thrilled to get into any program!
 
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Doing research and GRE studying! I don't even have my list narrowed down yet. Is that bad? 😀
 
We are alike here haha ... I haven't started narrowing my list either.
I'm studying too. *DYING* grr. Ok...lets do it by Tues...or at least have 5 schools picked out by then. Sound good?
 
i'm currently in the process of applying. took my GRE in college in 2004 and have been working as a research assistant and research coordinator for the past few years since graduating.

i'm at the point where i want to start making a list and writing my SOPs, but its hard since i don't even know what professors are accepting students yet. how am i supposed to get started if i won't even know where i can apply until September??

anyone else frustrated by this?
 
SourPatchKid said:
i'm currently in the process of applying. took my GRE in college in 2004 and have been working as a research assistant and research coordinator for the past few years since graduating.

i'm at the point where i want to start making a list and writing my SOPs, but its hard since i don't even know what professors are accepting students yet. how am i supposed to get started if i won't even know where i can apply until September??

anyone else frustrated by this?
Click to expand...

I've been having success with e-mailing professors and asking them if they are accepting students for fall 2009. Sometimes I sneak a copy of my CV in there as well if they are receptive to my first e-mail.🙂
 
Do you have a list? At least 2? I'm seeing where you are. We keep each other in line ok?
 
I have at least four, though I dunno if they're taking new students yet 😀
 
I'm applying to a few Master's and a few Psy D programs:
American University
Catholic University
Saint Michael's College
College of Saint Joseph
Antioch NE
Argosy (though I'm leary on this school....heard some bad things...diploma mill)
Wisconsin School of Prof. Psychology
University of Maine
Emporia State
Chesnut Hill College
Michigan School of Professional Psychology
Wheaton
Immaculata
Adler
Spalding U

yeah its a ton but whatever
 
I've added a school to my list- Rosalind Franklin University. There is some research there I'm interested in, and my POI informed me that he will be taking a student on in 2009-2010. Has anyone heard anything about this program, good or bad? I wonder how feasible it would be to live in Chicago and take the train to campus....
 
BamaPsych said:
Woohoo hello to future (hopeful) enrolling class of 2009 😀! I'm applying to PhD (equal emphasis)and Psyd clinical programs mostly. My research interests include LGBT mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety disorders, neuropsychology, and forensic psychology.

I'm a junior undergraduate right now getting some research experience under my belt. I do plan on applying this fall but I can handle the rejection if I don't make it, because I think I'll be a much stronger contender after my undergrad is complete anyway.

Studying for GRE right now, working in 2 research labs. Mostly worried about strong letters of rec.

I've been working on the whole grad school thing since January and I still feel so behind. *nervous*
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BamaPsych-- your research interests sound a bit like mine... LGBT issues, depression, health behaviors. Also I'm applying to PsyD and balanced Clin PhD programs with clear 'diversity' focus. It's been hard finding programs that fit my interests and won't cost me $150k.... sigh.

Anyway, to the general post: I've finally put together a list of about 10 schools, some of which I'm super excited about and some of which I'm curious/interested in. Ready?

Rutgers PsyD
Virginia Consortium
Loyola MD PsyD
IUP PsyD
Widener PsyD
Xavier PsyD
Loyola Chicago PhD
U of M St Louis PhD
Georgia State PhD
Fordham PhD
UVM PhD
Utah PhD

Ok that's' actually 12... I should probably learn to count before I take my GREs in 1.5 weeks 🙄 So on my to do list is keep studying for the GRE, get my LoRs going and start those darn Personal Statements. I'll be trolling this board and happy to talk about these programs (from what I know)... if anyone goes to any of these schools and wants to give them a shout out feel free!
 
leavingprov said:
BamaPsych-- your research interests sound a bit like mine... LGBT issues, depression, health behaviors. Also I'm applying to PsyD and balanced Clin PhD programs with clear 'diversity' focus. It's been hard finding programs that fit my interests and won't cost me $150k.... sigh.

Anyway, to the general post: I've finally put together a list of about 10 schools, some of which I'm super excited about and some of which I'm curious/interested in. Ready?

Rutgers PsyD
Virginia Consortium
Loyola MD PsyD
IUP PsyD
Widener PsyD
Xavier PsyD
Loyola Chicago PhD
U of M St Louis PhD
Georgia State PhD
Fordham PhD
UVM PhD
Utah PhD

Ok that's' actually 12... I should probably learn to count before I take my GREs in 1.5 weeks 🙄 So on my to do list is keep studying for the GRE, get my LoRs going and start those darn Personal Statements. I'll be trolling this board and happy to talk about these programs (from what I know)... if anyone goes to any of these schools and wants to give them a shout out feel free!
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I'll through out another school, George Mason, where there is a faculty member (Mohr) who studies LGBT issues.
 
My professor told me to add some backups, meaning second tier programs, to my list. Any suggestions? I have no idea what's second tier. :/
 
i'll be interested to see what others have to say in response to cara susana.

i though of second tier as ones that weren't the ideal fit, but still had fit. for me, that was programs what were more clinically oriented than balanced, bit still had a prof with openings that had work i could get into, or programs that had what i wanted but were new or such and didn't have the rep others may have. once agian though, you go into this with tiers and reaches and whatever, and then you go for your interview and who knows, love the hidden gem program and get an off vibe from the one that looked so good on paper.
 
Would you mind giving me a list of the backups you applied to? I'm not sure if they'll have research I'm interested in, but it's worth giving it a try 😀
 
cara susanna said:
Would you mind giving me a list of the backups you applied to? I'm not sure if they'll have research I'm interested in, but it's worth giving it a try 😀
Click to expand...

I actually think myelins suggestion about looking at Graduate Schools in Psychology will be really helpful for you. Like Insiders, its info isn't gospel, but it does give you a good general outline -- I found stuff like the general aspects of the programs (orientation, resources, faculty interests) be be pretty accurate, financial aid info "eh" (def/ check on the website/with the program for up to date info) and admissions info pretty accurate, esp. applied/admitted ratios. I bet by shopping through it you can get a good list of programs to check out.

There was also a thread on the boards last season about hidden gem programs, asking contributors to name under-rated clin-psych programs. That may be helpful too!
 
Thanks for the recommendation! I will definitely look into buying it.
 
So: We're heading into late-September. Where is everyone at now? I think I am heading into panic/higher stress mode about all of this and am thinking it is way too early for that.

I guess that's a positive though since the first time around I really did not feel this way...um, ever.

Jon🙂
 
Jon4PsyD said:
So: We're heading into late-September. Where is everyone at now? I think I am heading into panic/higher stress mode about all of this and am thinking it is way too early for that.

I guess that's a positive though since the first time around I really did not feel this way...um, ever.

Jon🙂
Click to expand...

I'm starting to feel the pressure as well. It's getting closer, isn't it?

Recently, I've been speaking with my professors and asking them when would be a good time for them to work on a LOR for me. I've got about 13 schools, and I want to make it as easy for them as possible.

I've been contacting POIs at the programs I'll be applying to. Some have been highly receptive, looked over my CV, chatted about research, etc. while some have given me maybe 10 words. Some care about the GRE, some not as much. I'll continue e-mailing them up until apps go out to keep fresh in their minds.

I do need to start working on my PS. My advisor said that he would help with editing, so that's a relief.

What about you, Jon? Where are you at in the process?
 
I see no point until after I take my GRE. *FOR ME* I honestly can't fanthom wanting to put together an application if my GRE scores are crap.
*SCARED*.

I should right, look, think positively as if, you know, I would do well on them and there is a point to starting early. But I've just been doing so crap on the GRE prac tests that I'm starting to doubt.

. . . .
 
leavingprov said:
BamaPsych-- your research interests sound a bit like mine... LGBT issues, depression, health behaviors. Also I'm applying to PsyD and balanced Clin PhD programs with clear 'diversity' focus. It's been hard finding programs that fit my interests and won't cost me $150k.... sigh.

Anyway, to the general post: I've finally put together a list of about 10 schools, some of which I'm super excited about and some of which I'm curious/interested in. Ready?

Rutgers PsyD
Virginia Consortium
Loyola MD PsyD
IUP PsyD
Widener PsyD
Xavier PsyD
Loyola Chicago PhD
U of M St Louis PhD
Georgia State PhD
Fordham PhD
UVM PhD
Utah PhD

Ok that's' actually 12... I should probably learn to count before I take my GREs in 1.5 weeks 🙄 So on my to do list is keep studying for the GRE, get my LoRs going and start those darn Personal Statements. I'll be trolling this board and happy to talk about these programs (from what I know)... if anyone goes to any of these schools and wants to give them a shout out feel free!
Click to expand...

Why would you leave USUHS and Baylor off this list? Both have people who specialize in gender/sexuality issues. USUHS and Baylor are both surprisingly diverse.

Mark
 
cara susanna said:
My professor told me to add some backups, meaning second tier programs, to my list. Any suggestions? I have no idea what's second tier. :/
Click to expand...

University of North Texas (Average GRE ~1175, GPA ~3.6)
Oklahoma State University (Average GRE ~1150, GPA ~3.7)
University of Southern Mississippi (Average GRE ~1175, GPA ~3.7)
Our Lady of the Lake University (Psy.D.,Average GRE ~1010, GPA Unknown)
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Psy.D,Average GRE ~1220, GPA ~3.7)
University of North or South Dakota (Average GRE ~1100, GPA ~3.6)

I wouldn't call them "second tier", just slightly less competitive. The desire to live in Stillwater, OK does not generate much in excitement. Less competitive programs are often found in places where population densities are low and the weather is less forgiving (North Dakota)

Just as a comparison:

Arizona State University (Average GRE last year: 1344 Average GPA: 3.83), when you think about it 150-200 GRE points and a GPA difference of .1 or .2 isn't all that much.


Here is a good link to help you out.

Mark

http://www.am.org/cudcp/universities_providing_statistic.htm
 
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Thanks! Some of those are on my list, actually 😀

Anyway, at this stage I am: working on my SOP, though I really am starting to hate my first paragraph so I may have to do some total revisions, just asked two out of three people for LoRs, and putting together all of the information that I need for each school in a chart.

You guys are emailing POIs already? I was told to wait until Oct or so.
 
cara susanna said:
Thanks! Some of those are on my list, actually 😀

Anyway, at this stage I am: working on my SOP, though I really am starting to hate my first paragraph so I may have to do some total revisions, just asked two out of three people for LoRs, and putting together all of the information that I need for each school in a chart.

You guys are emailing POIs already? I was told to wait until Oct or so.
Click to expand...

Very cool. The reason why I am hesitant to call these tier II programs is because they are still managing near 100% funded APA/APPIC internships. That's hardly anything to be ashamed of, or worthy of being called second tier. Second Tier in my mind are programs that are placing 75% or less in funded APA/APPIC internships.

This is my opinion, but your concerns should be this (and in this order.)

1. Is the program a good match for me (philosophy, goals, time, funding.)
2. Does the program have a reputation for placing it's interns in FUNDED APA/APPIC internships.
3. Can I get in.

I think it's important to make it clear that while there are more prestigious universities in the upper tier, I don't think that really as important as who your mentor is. Strong research programs exist in unlikely places. This becomes especially true as you specialize at the doctoral level. True, prestigious institutions do attract great faculty but "lesser" programs do as well.

So keep working it and remember, you are looking for someone YOU want to really work with for the next several years. This is about YOU, not them, sure you have to impress your future boss/mentor... but the focus is you.

Mark
 
Yeah, that was always my top priority but then my prof said that with my list I was living pretty dangerously, which of course made me pretty nervous. Thanks mainly to the APA book, I was able to find more programs with my research interest--hopefully some of which are less competitive.
 
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Hi Myelin & All,
Well I re-took the GRE and got it up 200 points! So that kept me busy for awhile. Honestly: NEVER TAKING THAT AGAIN. EVER. EVER, PERIOD. haha.

I got it up from 1140 to 1340 overall (do schools average it?). But my Master's GPA slipped a bit last semester (3.4 is how it ended). My undergrad GPA was 2.7 (3.2 Psychology). Do they average those two GPA's? Or look at them completely seperate?

I guess I'm trying to narrow down to a final list and I feel like because of my GPA I am cutting down a lot of schools (based on their averages in the Insider's Guide). Or maybe I'm just trying to set low expectations.

Other than re-taking the GRE's and getting the results: No personal statements yet, and asked 2 letter writers but haven't told them where I'm going yet just asked whether they would write for me 🙁 ...sigh

Jon
 
But it does make me a little more relaxed that you guys have not down your personal statements either. I am hearing friends already say, "What are you waiting for?! You need to get on it!"

Jon
 
I have figured out all my schools, emailed all my POI's (almost all of them have gotten back to me). Put together an excel sheet with all the info of all schools and their information, downloaded all the forms, put together sheets for each letter writer, and wrote the first draft of my SOP...and besides that i am taking two graduate classes (one in stats) , preparing my honors thesis and another project on which I hope to be first author...

I AM SO OVERWHELMED....dont want to think about having to study for the psych GRE, get all my scores and transcripts sent to school, rewrite my statement.....and ALL of this till Dec 1 st....ARHG
 
Okay Marisa you officially ruined our stagnant group! Haha. Can someone else post in about a week that they still haven't done anything yet? It's very calming.

But in all seriousness: Good for you! You are definitely on top of things. I think that has what has slowed me down, the fact that I am in graduate school as well at the moment.

I can't believe it's almost October. Ahhhh

Jon
 
As you can see from my post somewhere else -- I have done nothing.
No list, No letters, No statement.
 
Jon4PsyD said:
But it does make me a little more relaxed that you guys have not down your personal statements either. I am hearing friends already say, "What are you waiting for?! You need to get on it!"

Jon
Click to expand...

My friend was like "You've been working on it for months!"
 
I dunno, for me, I don't see a point if my GRE scores aren't good. I have to start AFTER I finish my GRE, I'll decide from then...
 
scienceisbeauty said:
I dunno, for me, I don't see a point if my GRE scores aren't good. I have to start AFTER I finish my GRE, I'll decide from then...
Click to expand...

I think Mark's point is that you are potentially setting yourself up to have A LOT of work to do in a short amount of time, if you wait until after you take the GRE to start the application process.
 
people get in with an 1100. but people with 1500's won't get in if they apply to poor matches or have weak personal statements. not that you're going to have/do either, but the GRE isn't the be all end all of the application. in addition, for me anyway, once i got the ball rolling on my PS it helped keep me motivated, as i was essentially writing essays about how awesome i am and how sweet my match was for the program.
 
scienceisbeauty said:
I dunno, for me, I don't see a point if my GRE scores aren't good. I have to start AFTER I finish my GRE, I'll decide from then...
Click to expand...

Well what do your practice tests suggest? I would take the last practice test and use that as a predictor of where you'll be... +/- 100 points. I was expecting 1100-1200 and ended up with a 1300 on the real deal. I picked out my schools based on that information, and prepped most of my packets. When I got my real scores, I dropped some safety schools and added some reach schools. Your personal statement will not change based on your GRE score... so start working on it! 😀 Stay motivated, you should do well!

Mark
 
Since I was working on applications last night, I will finally admit I am applying (again). So I've got 10 PhD clinical programs and 2 PhD applied developmental programs on my list.
As for my current status: putting together packets for my letter writers, working on the personal statement, filling in all those irritating bio/academic/work questions every application has.
 
Yes...I've debated retaking my GRE, as I've heard many people say that they know people who have gotten into Clinical Psychology Ph.D. programs with scores around 1100. However, I think this is probably pretty rare, especially in more heavily research-based programs (such as the ones I am applying to). I got an 1150 on my GRE, and know I can do better...I simply spent too much time on a reading passage in the first section, and it hurt me greatly (I had to rush through many of the last questions and guess!) I figure I want to make my applications as strong as possible if I am going to be sending them out. I would be devastated if my low GRE score was the only thing that kept me out, and I could have retaken the test and done better.

The rest of my background is as follows:

Undergrad GPA: 3.75, with Departmental Honors and an independent research project, double-major: Psychology and Vocal Music

Research Experience: Past 2 years- Senior RA in a University of Minnesota Lab, in Psychiatry (doing neuroimaging stuff, which I love)

Clinical Experience: Worked as a Direct Care Staff for 3 years while in high school and early college- all with children; was a Behavioral Therapist with children with autism for a year after college, and also worked part-time with a child with aggression/PDD-NOS for 8 months after college.

Publications: Currently am an author on 2, and most likely will be an author on 2 more before next year; an author on 3 posters.

I would like to think I could get in without retaking the GRE....but I'm too scared not to retake it!
 
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leavingprov said:
BamaPsych-- your research interests sound a bit like mine... LGBT issues, depression, health behaviors. Also I'm applying to PsyD and balanced Clin PhD programs with clear 'diversity' focus. It's been hard finding programs that fit my interests and won't cost me $150k.... sigh.

Anyway, to the general post: I've finally put together a list of about 10 schools, some of which I'm super excited about and some of which I'm curious/interested in. Ready?

Rutgers PsyD
Virginia Consortium
Loyola MD PsyD
IUP PsyD
Widener PsyD
Xavier PsyD
Loyola Chicago PhD
U of M St Louis PhD
Georgia State PhD
Fordham PhD
UVM PhD
Utah PhD

Ok that's' actually 12... I should probably learn to count before I take my GREs in 1.5 weeks 🙄 So on my to do list is keep studying for the GRE, get my LoRs going and start those darn Personal Statements. I'll be trolling this board and happy to talk about these programs (from what I know)... if anyone goes to any of these schools and wants to give them a shout out feel free!
Click to expand...

Well, research interests aren't the only thing we have in common. Looks like I might be seeing you at a few interviews =)

Oh and just as an update to my fellow application class..I have contacted my 3 letter writers and those are under way. Took the general GRE already and did good so not retaking. Taking the Psych GRE in October. Transcripts and GRE scores have all been sent to respective schools. Statements of purpose currently being constructed. I should be ready to send off my packets as soon as I get my letters of rec back in early november. *Crosses fingers and hopes for no mailing nightmares*
 
cara susanna said:
Oh my God, your packets are already ready?

*cries*
Click to expand...

Haha, well, I've done pretty much everything I can do. Now just waiting on my letters of rec.

Don't worry! It's only September...still plenty of time
 
mplsgirl said:
Yes...I've debated retaking my GRE, as I've heard many people say that they know people who have gotten into Clinical Psychology Ph.D. programs with scores around 1100. However, I think this is probably pretty rare, especially in more heavily research-based programs (such as the ones I am applying to). I got an 1150 on my GRE, and know I can do better...I simply spent too much time on a reading passage in the first section, and it hurt me greatly (I had to rush through many of the last questions and guess!) I figure I want to make my applications as strong as possible if I am going to be sending them out. I would be devastated if my low GRE score was the only thing that kept me out, and I could have retaken the test and done better.

The rest of my background is as follows:

Undergrad GPA: 3.75, with Departmental Honors and an independent research project, double-major: Psychology and Vocal Music

Research Experience: Past 2 years- Senior RA in a University of Minnesota Lab, in Psychiatry (doing neuroimaging stuff, which I love)

Clinical Experience: Worked as a Direct Care Staff for 3 years while in high school and early college- all with children; was a Behavioral Therapist with children with autism for a year after college, and also worked part-time with a child with aggression/PDD-NOS for 8 months after college.

Publications: Currently am an author on 2, and most likely will be an author on 2 more before next year; an author on 3 posters.

I would like to think I could get in without retaking the GRE....but I'm too scared not to retake it!
Click to expand...

My .02? Retake the GREs. From personal experience i found that most schools filter out candidates based on GREs first and foremost. No matter how strong the rest of your application is (and yours look AMAZING) you may be overlooked based on your scores 🙁 Trust me, it's terrible, and i'm in the same boat except i'm not as optimistic as you are that i can do better...

Good luck!!!!!!
 
ClinicalGal said:
My .02? Retake the GREs. From personal experience i found that most schools filter out candidates based on GREs first and foremost. No matter how strong the rest of your application is (and yours look AMAZING) you may be overlooked based on your scores 🙁 Trust me, it's terrible, and i'm in the same boat except i'm not as optimistic as you are that i can do better...

Good luck!!!!!!
Click to expand...


Thanks for the $.02 🙂 It is annoying. As you suggest, I am planning on retaking the GRE next month....hopefully it will pay off! The only reason I'm optimistic about doing better is because I ran out of time on one section. But, anything can happen- just have to do my best! Hopefully I can reach at least a 1200.
 
Roll call! 🙂 How's everyone doing?

I'm applying to mostly competitive research-focused programs, with a few exceptions (where the programs are 4s or 5s but my potential supervisor is quite prolific/research-focused). Here's my list, with potential minor changes as faculty decide whether they're taking students...

-Queen's University (Kingston, Canada)
-University of Western Ontario
-Northwestern University (the Weinberg College)
-Wisconsin-Madison
-Ryerson University (potentially a back-up)
-University of British Columbia
-University of Miami
-Temple University
-York University, Toronto
-University of Manitoba
-Simon Fraser University
 
I totally just realized I know you from the applyingtograd LJ comm. 😉

Anyway, I'm putting together stuff for my LoR writers and writing the program-specific parts of my SOP.
 
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