Don't despair yet but DO ponder that you could find employment and (if dissertation is not complete) conclude that process and be in an entirely different position for the next round. Does this "suck" as the kids say, yes. But it is manageable and there is a cohort out there that was in your circumstances last year and now are done with all but internship, happily matched and have had a year's worth of some employment (even non-clinical). Hang in there. The system is broken but it doesn't have to break you.
2012 APPIC Internship Application Thread
- Thread starter PerhapsMaybeOk
- Start date
I forgot to mention- dissertation defense scheduled in two months and coursework done lol... Thanks though. Just having a moment..
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does UCSC still not have grades? that seemed so cool to me.
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Lol yes they have grades now. But you can choose if you want to take a class for a grade or pass/fail. And you can take up to 20% of your classes as pass/fail if you wanted to. But it was overrated, I always ended up getting A's in the classes I took as pass/fail. Plus graduate schools probably wouldn't look favorably on a psych major made up of "passes".
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Sorry if this sounds abrupt/blunt, I have been up all night (for kicks / a state of flow). No offense/criticism of posters intended (Sites, sure. The whole process, absolutely. But not you people. 😛)
Sites don't care about applicants' mental state or emotional wellbeing unless/until it becomes a problem for the sites. This is true in Phase I and Phase II. Most sites don't tell Phase II applicants that they aren't being interviewed (I've actually been impressed that some sites did tell applicants they weren't being considered this year because it shows at least some awareness that the applicant exists outside of obtaining/completing an internship position at a site). Most applicants in Phase II are not posting on this forum, so there's a good chance that interview invites at your other sites have gone out but you didn't get one and you won't hear of anyone who did. It definitely sucks. If we have to write tailored cover letters, they should have to send non-interview notices.
In most cases, in Phase II, no news does equal bad news. It seems unlikely to me (I haven't heard from 2 of 3 sites that I applied to and 1 of those 2 hasn't been mentioned on here, so I get the frustration...and this is my SECOND TIME, darn it!
) that many sites are waiting until next week to *schedule* interviews. It is just too late and it would seem, to me, irresponsible of a site to try to cram people in at the end of next week, even if it's phone interviews.
I tend to be more black and white than is strictly necessary. That said, the way I see it, a site that contacted me on Monday would have to have a really good excuse for why they had taken so long for me to consider ranking them. (Part of me also wonders if the one site I haven't heard from is doing that as kind of a trick to make applicants think that they're a very desirable site and had soooooo many applicants to consider that anyone that they do invite next week should be honored and rank them highly... At least, that's what I would try to convey if I were a TD
)
Get a job that will give you supervision hours toward licensure at a masters level in your state. You don't always need the exact degree mentioned in the rules, there are often "equivalents" based on the courses that made up the degree. Well worth calling your state's licensing board and asking them what you can do.
About 10% of applicants each year are applying for their second time in the match, so you're not alone and your situation isn't, unfortunately for psychology students, unique. But that means there should be people who could better advise you. I didn't have any loans, so I don't know how to help you in that area. But I looked at the stats recently and 17% of PsyD students had more than $200k in loans when they applied for internship, so you've got a lot of company (unless you're in a PhD program, then it's 3%, which is still a freaking lot). You are almost certainly not the first/only person from your program to be in this situation. (If you are, oops, I guess you fall into the gap of my "almost certainly," but you could still ask around to see how other people have managed similar situations.)
Sites don't care about applicants' mental state or emotional wellbeing unless/until it becomes a problem for the sites. This is true in Phase I and Phase II. Most sites don't tell Phase II applicants that they aren't being interviewed (I've actually been impressed that some sites did tell applicants they weren't being considered this year because it shows at least some awareness that the applicant exists outside of obtaining/completing an internship position at a site). Most applicants in Phase II are not posting on this forum, so there's a good chance that interview invites at your other sites have gone out but you didn't get one and you won't hear of anyone who did. It definitely sucks. If we have to write tailored cover letters, they should have to send non-interview notices.
In most cases, in Phase II, no news does equal bad news. It seems unlikely to me (I haven't heard from 2 of 3 sites that I applied to and 1 of those 2 hasn't been mentioned on here, so I get the frustration...and this is my SECOND TIME, darn it!
) that many sites are waiting until next week to *schedule* interviews. It is just too late and it would seem, to me, irresponsible of a site to try to cram people in at the end of next week, even if it's phone interviews.I tend to be more black and white than is strictly necessary. That said, the way I see it, a site that contacted me on Monday would have to have a really good excuse for why they had taken so long for me to consider ranking them. (Part of me also wonders if the one site I haven't heard from is doing that as kind of a trick to make applicants think that they're a very desirable site and had soooooo many applicants to consider that anyone that they do invite next week should be honored and rank them highly... At least, that's what I would try to convey if I were a TD
)Get a job that will give you supervision hours toward licensure at a masters level in your state. You don't always need the exact degree mentioned in the rules, there are often "equivalents" based on the courses that made up the degree. Well worth calling your state's licensing board and asking them what you can do.
About 10% of applicants each year are applying for their second time in the match, so you're not alone and your situation isn't, unfortunately for psychology students, unique. But that means there should be people who could better advise you. I didn't have any loans, so I don't know how to help you in that area. But I looked at the stats recently and 17% of PsyD students had more than $200k in loans when they applied for internship, so you've got a lot of company (unless you're in a PhD program, then it's 3%, which is still a freaking lot). You are almost certainly not the first/only person from your program to be in this situation. (If you are, oops, I guess you fall into the gap of my "almost certainly," but you could still ask around to see how other people have managed similar situations.)
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I was up until 1 working on prepping for my interviews and had a dream that someone updated this forum so i got up grabbed my phone and checked. That to say, my psychological sate has been comprimised. that being said, you have to remember that these sites are other human beings and while i think it is shady that they dont let us know if we are no longer being considered, these people are also mental health care providers and have jobs to do. So while it sucks for us, its not the end of the world; we will make it. There are lots of options for what you can do during this year. If you were one of your clients what would you say, or depending on your orientation what would you be wanting to scream as an obvious "truth." I would want to educate about having a growth mindset that embraces challenge as a growth oppertunity. Maybe there is a training site near you, work for an online company (a job i may consider), maybe start a company, you are 1 step away from being Dr. __________ you likey have something to offer the world.
Okay, so i have wanted to post interviews i was offered to update others, but could not figure out how to become a member of this forum, doesnt bode well for those interviewing me, but i have 2 interviews.
Allendale bradley counseling center
New Mexico State
and for any capicers out there
I have an initial screening interview with Caltech
i have recieved 2 rejections from sites already mentioned.
i have about 10 i havent heard from, started just throwing crap out there to see if anything stuck at 3am working on apps.
Good luck to you all. I know this is stressful, but dont take it personal and try to get perspective. Why did you get into this in the first place? I know part of it for me was to fill this feeling of inadequacy and desire for power and control. This process pushes against that, and would be more stressful, i think, if i didnt have some sense of awareness of that. (a side note) you could use the non-matching process to get into personal therapy or join a therapy group.
in the middle of all this i had the feeling that i was minimizing the concerns of the other stressed, along with me, posters which i did not intend that. just keep in mind for me this started at 5 am with about 4 hours of sleep, hopefully my wife keeps the kids quite so i can get a nap.
Finally, ahhhh, breath and take in the vast amount of people that are sending positive thoughts and prayers to you all, me included.
Edit. Also allendale called me early in the week monday,tuesday, weds... not sure im thinking it was a secretary and scheduled an interview monday
nmsu TD called midweek maybe, tues, weds, thurs, ???? interview monday
caltech TD called yesterday screening interview in person monday
Okay, so i have wanted to post interviews i was offered to update others, but could not figure out how to become a member of this forum, doesnt bode well for those interviewing me, but i have 2 interviews.
Allendale bradley counseling center
New Mexico State
and for any capicers out there
I have an initial screening interview with Caltech
i have recieved 2 rejections from sites already mentioned.
i have about 10 i havent heard from, started just throwing crap out there to see if anything stuck at 3am working on apps.
Good luck to you all. I know this is stressful, but dont take it personal and try to get perspective. Why did you get into this in the first place? I know part of it for me was to fill this feeling of inadequacy and desire for power and control. This process pushes against that, and would be more stressful, i think, if i didnt have some sense of awareness of that. (a side note) you could use the non-matching process to get into personal therapy or join a therapy group.
in the middle of all this i had the feeling that i was minimizing the concerns of the other stressed, along with me, posters which i did not intend that. just keep in mind for me this started at 5 am with about 4 hours of sleep, hopefully my wife keeps the kids quite so i can get a nap.
Finally, ahhhh, breath and take in the vast amount of people that are sending positive thoughts and prayers to you all, me included.
Edit. Also allendale called me early in the week monday,tuesday, weds... not sure im thinking it was a secretary and scheduled an interview monday
nmsu TD called midweek maybe, tues, weds, thurs, ???? interview monday
caltech TD called yesterday screening interview in person monday
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Hi guys! I've stalked this place for months, and I wanted to finally join and contribute. I got an interview at Kentucky Ricers CommunIty Care. I believe their last interview date was Friday.
I had another interview Friday with Heart of America- Family Psycholoical Center. When I interviewed, I was told that they hadn't finished application review and would still be contacting people next week. That gives me hope that other sites may be in a similar position.
Good luck everyone!!
I had another interview Friday with Heart of America- Family Psycholoical Center. When I interviewed, I was told that they hadn't finished application review and would still be contacting people next week. That gives me hope that other sites may be in a similar position.
Good luck everyone!!
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Tarzana Treatment Center
Orlando VA
Dupage County Health Department
Kentucky Dept. of Corrections
Spring Grove
Fulton State Hospital
Duke
Southeast Human Services Center
Brown
Baylor
Southwestern Vermont
Arizona Psych Training Consortium
Los Angeles DMH
I have no interviews yet and am quickly losing all hope. I still just can't believe this! I got 5 interviews in P1 at APA accredited sites and now nothing 🙁 WTF?
Orlando VA
Dupage County Health Department
Kentucky Dept. of Corrections
Spring Grove
Fulton State Hospital
Duke
Southeast Human Services Center
Brown
Baylor
Southwestern Vermont
Arizona Psych Training Consortium
Los Angeles DMH
I have no interviews yet and am quickly losing all hope. I still just can't believe this! I got 5 interviews in P1 at APA accredited sites and now nothing 🙁 WTF?
It is soooo helpful when people join this and give us all updates. Even if we haven't heard from places it's great to know when people have and what other information TDs give (i.e., not being done reviewing apps).
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I didn't apply to any of those sites so I can't help in that regard but I can say that you're not alone. The system is totally messed up, the numbers mean that tons of WONDERFUL people and potential psychologists don't get matched. Sometimes repeatedly. Getting interviews is a complete crapshoot in both phases (my biggest complaint about the process... along with no limit on the number of applications people can submit in Phase I). So, again, you're not alone. Even people like me who have gone through this twice now and still haven't matched aren't alone. The numbers are really bad and getting worse.
Glad that some people have heard that some sites may be offering interviews next week. Good luck everyone!
PS - I submitted my rank list early this morning, with 2 sites (one I interviewed with and one I don't expect to hear from). I may still make changes or add the other site I applied to in Phase II but it's good to have that off my back. Anyone else put in a rank list yet?
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Welcome to the forum, glad you could overcome the technical difficulties. 🙂 Congratulations on your interviews and, once again, good luck to everyone!
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Folks who are going through Phase II in our program are in the same boat. One person applied to 3 (really 2 since 1 dropped out after the student applied); one person applied to upwards of 17; and another applied to somewhere around the neighborhood of 15. The ONLY information they've received (and this is from a couple sites across all of them) is negative. No interviews for any of them thus far, and they all received multiple interviews during Phase I. We're not being entirely optimistic.
Regardless, good luck to EVERYONE going through Phase II. Hopefully folks are still weeding through apps due to large numbers -or- they've simply been super frakkin' busy with everything else going on. I know some of these places also accept apps for externs, and they have other responsibilities to boot. So maybe they're trying to multi-task and haven't gotten around to contacting anyone just quite yet.
Hi all, Feel like I don't have much to contribute but thought I would anyway. I had 4 interviews in phase I and didn't match. I applied to 8 places in phase II: St. Elizabeths, Miami VA, Ohio Psychology Internship, Devereux, Friends Hospital, WRJ VA, Fulton, & Spring Grove. I got interviews at the first 2 (yay!) and Ohio asked me last Sunday to send them a writing sample but have not contacted me since. I haven't heard from any of the others. Hang in there everyone.
Congratulations!!! Those are great sites. Have you already had the interviews?
Just for the record, I would not feel bad about not hearing from Ohio... I was in the same boat (they contacted me last week for a writing sample) and I did hear back with an interview offer, but after interviewing last night, I am not encouraged. I interviewed with the program director, and my phone interview was scheduled for 2:30. Anyway, his secretary called to postpone the interview at 2:10pm (when I was fully in my up-and-ready on-point, but relaxed, state of mind) until "between 5 and 5:30," and I finally got the call at 5:50pm. During the interview, I increasingly got the impression that he was doing me a favor by interviewing me, and he communicated at the start of the interview that they weren't even sure that they were going to fund the open position. Also, the listed opening is not the exact position that is open (outpatient forensic versus the inpatient position that is listed on APPIC). Totally left a bad taste in my mouth, and overall a ridiculous experience. UGH! With ALL of these qualified candidates trying to get an APA-accredited site... so unfair, people like this are pulling the strings.
It took me 2years before I was able to apply for internship. The first year I decided not to apply and instead get more hours for practicum while working at the same time. The second year, I wasn't able to apply bec I wasn't able to propose my dissertation on time that my program sets to be allowed to apply. I was pissed! 😡 but I had to accept the fact that I have another year to wait. I worked, full time, did tons of presentations for conferences tried getting published etc. and collected my data. anything I can do to beef up my CV bec this year was my chance to get an internship or payback for my scholarship (some kinda stipulation). In hindsight, I was glad I waited because I think I was able to make myself competitive. I also have a lot of loans and if you can't afford to get another unpaid practicum, work but work in a related or in the field. I work in a CMH and they take masters level or phd students all the time. This way u can use your work experience to your advantage, I sure did.
I'm sorry to hear about your predicament but I was thankful I waited and matched my first choice rather than match or not match last year at a place I would not have wanted to go to. Making lemonade out of lemons 😀
Hi all! Just stopping in to report that I finally heard today (by email) from the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health! I couldn't be more excited! It's my top choice!!! (No rank information intended 😀LOL). It's my 4th Interview in Phase 2 so I'm just trying to be hopeful it will work out this time!
Good Luck everyone!
Good Luck everyone!
Thank you! I was incredibly excited to get any interviews this round, after being so discouraged by not matching. I did a skype interview with St. E's on Friday and the Miami VA interview is by phone on Tue. Thanks for the info on Ohio, their attitude is unfortunate. I got the impression in phase I that many sites really feel they are doing us a favor by considering our application. I hate this process so much but would rather go through it again than end up at a site that treats its interns that way. We are all so qualified, having gotten to this point, and put so much of our selves out there in this process that I don't think a little respect from sites is too much to ask. Especially since these are psychologists who had to go through the same process at one point to get where they are. Good luck to you and everyone. As much as this sucks and I wouldn't wish it on anybody else it is helpful to know that other qualified candidates are in the same boat.
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Was a little bored, so I figured I would update the interview lists for Phase II. Good luck everyone!
InterviewsOffered:
Allendale Bradley Counseling Center
Arizona State University-phone
Berea's Children's Home-email
Bexar Juvenile Probation-email
Cal State Fullerton-email and phone
Caltech (screening interview)
Community Services Institute
Daily Behavioral Health-email
Devereux-email
Friends Hospital-phone
George Fox University
GFBHC
Greenville Correctional Center-email
Heart of America – Family Psychological Center
Heart of America-Royal Oaks Hospital
James Madison University
Jefferson Center for Mental Health
Kentucky Department ofCorrections(phone)
Kentucky Ricers Community Care
Larned State Hospital
London Clinical Psychology Residency-phone
Lone Star Consortium-Big Spring StateHospital
Los Angeles Department of Mental Health
Miami Dade-County
Miami VA-email
New Mexico State
Ohio Psychology Internship-phone
Riverview Psychiatric Center
Rogers Memorial
Saint Elizabeths
Sheridan VA
Southern Utah University
Spring Grove Hospital Center
Torrance State Hospital-phone
Travis County JuvenileProbation-email& phone
UNC-phone
University of California-Riverside-email
University of Houston
USP Hazelton
White River Junction VA-phone
Wyoming VA
Rejections:
Andrus
Miami VA
Pacific Clinics
Southern Utah University
University of Rochester-email
Community Services Institutes
WJB Dorn VA (SC) email
Wyoming VA
InterviewsOffered:
Allendale Bradley Counseling Center
Arizona State University-phone
Berea's Children's Home-email
Bexar Juvenile Probation-email
Cal State Fullerton-email and phone
Caltech (screening interview)
Community Services Institute
Daily Behavioral Health-email
Devereux-email
Friends Hospital-phone
George Fox University
GFBHC
Greenville Correctional Center-email
Heart of America – Family Psychological Center
Heart of America-Royal Oaks Hospital
James Madison University
Jefferson Center for Mental Health
Kentucky Department ofCorrections(phone)
Kentucky Ricers Community Care
Larned State Hospital
London Clinical Psychology Residency-phone
Lone Star Consortium-Big Spring StateHospital
Los Angeles Department of Mental Health
Miami Dade-County
Miami VA-email
New Mexico State
Ohio Psychology Internship-phone
Riverview Psychiatric Center
Rogers Memorial
Saint Elizabeths
Sheridan VA
Southern Utah University
Spring Grove Hospital Center
Torrance State Hospital-phone
Travis County JuvenileProbation-email& phone
UNC-phone
University of California-Riverside-email
University of Houston
USP Hazelton
White River Junction VA-phone
Wyoming VA
Rejections:
Andrus
Miami VA
Pacific Clinics
Southern Utah University
University of Rochester-email
Community Services Institutes
WJB Dorn VA (SC) email
Wyoming VA
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This process doesn't make much sense. I had 9 interviews in phase 1 and got positive feedback from multiple sites post interview (i.e., "you are a great fit for our site"). I applied to 10 sites for phase 2 and only have 1 interview at Miami VA. WTF?
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1 - It's possible you applied to many competitive sites that will only offer interviews in the next few days (because they had so many applications to review, it took them a week and a half to do).
2 - The whole internship interview process is a total crapshoot. You were lucky to get so many interviews in Phase I. You thought it was a "just world" where applicants with particular skills/abilities got rewarded by sites and the field. That was an ego-syntonic feeling for you. Now, you're starting to realize the completely arbitrary nature of the process. Imagine if you'd matched in Phase I and never had the "rejected/ignored by sites" experience. That's what happens to most applicants each year. So most newly minted psychologists think it is a "just world" and don't see the other side. (Even people who don't match often blame themselves and feel shame, when the truth is that the numbers are AWFUL and a large minority will be "held back" each year.)
[This isn't meant as an attack, though it may sound like it. Many, many people are in your position and I would have been, too, had I matched last year. But your views are common and, in my opinion, based on a problematic belief system about the application and interview process. I think it's important to point out the absurdity of the system so that more people recognize that there is a major problem here.]
I'm with ya. I had 7 interviews in Phase I. Applied to 8 places in phase II and have only heard from 1. *sigh* I'm already assuming I'm going to have to do this again.
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For those of you going through this again or dealing with Phase II now, I wanted to share my story with going through this process twice and how I'm feeling about the whole situation...
I've been feeling disillusioned and burnt out with this career in general. I'm currently finishing up internship and got a great postdoc, but I just feel so burnt out and unmotivated after everything grad school and all these applications processes put me through that I've lost my drive and energy and question whether or not I really want to do this anymore. I always knew when starting grad school that I would be research focused and on the academic path. I knew others got burnt out and changed course, but I always thought I was up for the challenge and can make it, and maybe I still can, but right now I just don't feel the passion and drive for it I used to.
It all started when I didn't match for internship the first time I applied 2 years ago. I was one of the top students in the program, had done everything right, applied broadly, and still didn't match. Everyone thought I was so awesome and were so shocked that I didn't match and it was so hard to see everyone's disappointment and fear that they would one day go through the same thing if it happened to someone like me, although everyone was very supportive of me. I worked on improving my clinical hours further as well as my interviewing skills, and did match the 2nd time. However, it was to one of my lower ranking sites, and involved me being forced to move all the way across the country far from any of my friends or family so I was taken far away from any source of social support. And the internship I got is actually a great top ranking site, and it's great training, but I just feel like I don't care anymore. I felt that after 2 years of spending so much effort, time, and money (over $10,000) applying, as well as countless hours of anxiety and depression over the whole situation, that internship has got to be this amazing life changing experience to be worth all that, right? At least it was built up in my mind that way. But although I got a great site in the end it just didn't seem worth it. I'd never had to work so hard and go through so much for any one thing in my life and it just seemed so pointless since I don't even want to be a clinician, although I enjoy doing a little bit of clinical work as part of a primarily research position. Sure getting into grad school was hard too, but that process just seemed so much more fair and reasonable so that by working hard you would get in somewhere, it just made more sense. But for internship having a good CV, being good at what you do and being hardworking and well-liked don't necessarily matter; I've realized it's all just a crap shoot in the end. I've also seen others in my program, including a close friend of mine, go through the same thing when they were also well qualified. I hate seeing the pain they've gone through as well, and questioning their own competence and future career in psychology. It's really heartbreaking to see and I hate what this field is doing to new young psychologists in breaking their spirit, even for people who are so hard working with some much potential and previously had so much passion for what they do. It kind of makes me hate this field and what it takes to be successful. I feel like networking and schmoozing and putting on an act help you more in this field than real competence, intelligence hard work and passion for what you do.
This year I also tried applying for faculty positions hoping to skip the postdoc since I've already felt so burnt out and ready to have a real job and not be so poor. My brother never even went to college but he makes 3 times my income in a manual labor job. But applying for faculty jobs didn't work out and has drained me further going through that laborious process with no offers. I do have a great postdoc and I'm sure I can be successful but I'm just so drained now from all of this and not even sure this will make me happy anymore, but not sure what else I might want to do. I hope once I get started with it some of my energy and excitement for what I do will come back, but I'm just not sure at this point. But after being in school and preparing for this career for so long it seems impossible to consider other options.
Sorry I can't be more positive, but that's how I feel right now...
Anyone else feeling this way?
I've been feeling disillusioned and burnt out with this career in general. I'm currently finishing up internship and got a great postdoc, but I just feel so burnt out and unmotivated after everything grad school and all these applications processes put me through that I've lost my drive and energy and question whether or not I really want to do this anymore. I always knew when starting grad school that I would be research focused and on the academic path. I knew others got burnt out and changed course, but I always thought I was up for the challenge and can make it, and maybe I still can, but right now I just don't feel the passion and drive for it I used to.
It all started when I didn't match for internship the first time I applied 2 years ago. I was one of the top students in the program, had done everything right, applied broadly, and still didn't match. Everyone thought I was so awesome and were so shocked that I didn't match and it was so hard to see everyone's disappointment and fear that they would one day go through the same thing if it happened to someone like me, although everyone was very supportive of me. I worked on improving my clinical hours further as well as my interviewing skills, and did match the 2nd time. However, it was to one of my lower ranking sites, and involved me being forced to move all the way across the country far from any of my friends or family so I was taken far away from any source of social support. And the internship I got is actually a great top ranking site, and it's great training, but I just feel like I don't care anymore. I felt that after 2 years of spending so much effort, time, and money (over $10,000) applying, as well as countless hours of anxiety and depression over the whole situation, that internship has got to be this amazing life changing experience to be worth all that, right? At least it was built up in my mind that way. But although I got a great site in the end it just didn't seem worth it. I'd never had to work so hard and go through so much for any one thing in my life and it just seemed so pointless since I don't even want to be a clinician, although I enjoy doing a little bit of clinical work as part of a primarily research position. Sure getting into grad school was hard too, but that process just seemed so much more fair and reasonable so that by working hard you would get in somewhere, it just made more sense. But for internship having a good CV, being good at what you do and being hardworking and well-liked don't necessarily matter; I've realized it's all just a crap shoot in the end. I've also seen others in my program, including a close friend of mine, go through the same thing when they were also well qualified. I hate seeing the pain they've gone through as well, and questioning their own competence and future career in psychology. It's really heartbreaking to see and I hate what this field is doing to new young psychologists in breaking their spirit, even for people who are so hard working with some much potential and previously had so much passion for what they do. It kind of makes me hate this field and what it takes to be successful. I feel like networking and schmoozing and putting on an act help you more in this field than real competence, intelligence hard work and passion for what you do.
This year I also tried applying for faculty positions hoping to skip the postdoc since I've already felt so burnt out and ready to have a real job and not be so poor. My brother never even went to college but he makes 3 times my income in a manual labor job. But applying for faculty jobs didn't work out and has drained me further going through that laborious process with no offers. I do have a great postdoc and I'm sure I can be successful but I'm just so drained now from all of this and not even sure this will make me happy anymore, but not sure what else I might want to do. I hope once I get started with it some of my energy and excitement for what I do will come back, but I'm just not sure at this point. But after being in school and preparing for this career for so long it seems impossible to consider other options.
Sorry I can't be more positive, but that's how I feel right now...
Anyone else feeling this way?
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Yes.
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anyone on here more advanced in the career who can say it gets better and it's all worth it?
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I can definitely attest to the questioning my competency part. I go through waves of it everyday; I do believe that I am a good clinician and competent individual. But then I think about how many chances I have been given to prove that, and how these higher powers don't see it or don't agree, and it is definitely breaking my spirit.
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I can't say it personally, as I'm not yet there myself, but what I can mention is that I don't think a single one of my supervisors (who've ranged from newly-minted to near retirement) has ever said they regretted their career choice. They're not always happy with all aspects of the field and/or their jobs, but they still enjoy the work overall.
This is an important element to keep in mind when you are slogging through this difficult time. Very few fields/jobs provide "always happy"; psychology does (eventually) offer very satisfying work and great colleagues; may not make you rich but can make you "good enough" happy. (See Winnicott)
I can't say I'm "over" the field, but I definitely share the same sentiments with the middle section of your post. It's confirming to know that sooo many people have all of these positive things to say about you and are all so "shocked" you didn't match, but then I'm like.. Okay, how does that help me?! It doesn't make sense. I think that's frustrating, because this experience doesn't validate what we're used to in the same way. It's also insulting that (well at least my school) requires you to still pay for some kind of fees even though I won't be enrolled in any units since I have nothing left to do after this spring. I don't know... just trying to hold on to that mustard seed!
What are peoples' opinions on internships at APA vs. non-APA sites? I'm wondering what the eventual ramifications of a non-APA internship are and whether (specifically in the state of CA) it would be detrimental to my future in the field. I am interested in eventual work in a hospital setting, hopefully doing some therapy as well as neuro stuff.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Got an e-mail offer for a phone interview to Fulton State Hospital late tonight. Thanks for keeping this list current!
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If you search the forums, you'll find a thread or two (or at least a few dozen posts) related to the potential ramifications of non-APA internships. Short answer: depends on what you want to do. A non-APA internship will automatically disqualify you from employment with some organizations (notably the VA and BOP), and there may be a couple states (of which CA is not one) that require it for licensure. There's a push to have it required in all states, but this obviously hasn't come to fruition yet.
For neuro in particular, a non-APA internship makes the boarding process more difficult, as the burden of proof of an adequate training experience at the internship level falls on your shoulders. Also, it will make obtaining a two-year formal neuro postdoc (required for boarding and quickly becoming the standard in the field) more difficult. The latest neuro match numbers are actually a bit rougher than even the internship match numbers (66% of 117 participating individuals matched), although I've heard numbers are skewed somewhat by "late-comers" to the specialty who decided to go the neuro route without having received much (if any) training prior to applying for postdoc.
This isn't meant as a "scare you straight" post, mind you. Plenty of individuals finish non-APA internships and go on to have successful careers. At the very least, though, I'd recommend an APPIC-accredited internship, if for no other reason than again, it makes applying for licensure and/or boarding easier (while also generally supporting the concept of maintaining a universal internship accreditation standard). Of course, I realize this is tough to do given the significant shortage of spots vs. applicants.
If you have ideas of the specific places you're considering looking for employment, you can always search their current job listings to explore the required credentials. For the boardable specialties, for example, many hospitals are necessitating that potential employees at least be board eligible.
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Has any one interviewed at Royal Oaks Hospital (Heart of America Consortium)? I felt like the interview was really short, any one else have this experience?
Also, has any one heard from Tulane, Rappahannock, or Newark Public Schools?
Thanks!
Also, has any one heard from Tulane, Rappahannock, or Newark Public Schools?
Thanks!
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No word from Georgia Tech, Duke, and Tulane on my end, and little hope.
Yes. The AF requires an extensive and separate application process prior to even submitting the APPI as well as passing a very thorough medical physical. Perhaps worth looking into next time around, but start that process around July/Aug incase anything in your physical comes up and they need time to try and get a waiver or whatever, if necessary.
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no word from Chestnut Hill or Community Outpatient Services on my end. I think someone said they were offered an interview at Georgia Tech though
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Perhaps this is conceding defeat prematurely, but I am thinking ahead to how to make myself a more competitive candidate next year. I have heard of contacting TDs to ask for their constructive feedback and how to improve. Is this limited to TDs and sites that you interviewed with? Or can you contact sites that you were rejected straight out for? What information or materials should I provide for them in order to help their assessment (or do they still have access to our information via the APPIC system)? Any advice is much appreciated.
I did that from Phase 1. It wasn't helpful because his response was that he was surprised I didn't match lol.. but it was with one I had interviewed with. I also emailed another, but never got a response. Probably busy or don't want to bother? I don't know. I appreciated the response though because it showed me that director was committed to training; although his feedback was positive, it was detailed and he offered more than a two line response. But anyway.. not helpful for going forward. He essentially just confirmed it being a random numbers game. Boooooo!!! lol👎
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Also, I didn't realize the Spring Grove Hospital Center made interview offers - were those by phone or e-mail? Thanks!
This process has definitely not helped me be any less neurotic, lol..
Have not heard from the Orlando VA either, nor have I heard of anyone who has.
Getting feedback is a good idea and good sites will be willing to provide it: but don't ask yet! TDs are overwhelmed this time of year on many counts and will be much more likely to respond positively in April or May or later. They will have access to your AAPI until the site is closed and that will not be until summer if I recall correctly.
I received a "dear applicant" email invitation to interview with Southeast Human Service Center today.
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This is not entirely helpful, since we already knew that Friends Hospital was done interviewing, but they sent me a sweet little rejection email this afternoon.
Got a rejection letter from Friends Hospital - Booo. 🙁
But also got an e-mail invite for a Skype interview at Southeast Human Service Center, yea! 🙂
Thank God...so I'll have had two interviews now in Phase II, a little more hopeful than I was.
This process has been discouraging though, can relate to many of the recent posts. All my peers, the faculty, and my DCT were shocked when I did not match. No one is able to give much of an explanation other than what a crapshoot all of this can be. But everyone has been so supportive and encouraging, which has definitely helped me keep my chin up.
Good luck everyone!
But also got an e-mail invite for a Skype interview at Southeast Human Service Center, yea! 🙂
Thank God...so I'll have had two interviews now in Phase II, a little more hopeful than I was.
This process has been discouraging though, can relate to many of the recent posts. All my peers, the faculty, and my DCT were shocked when I did not match. No one is able to give much of an explanation other than what a crapshoot all of this can be. But everyone has been so supportive and encouraging, which has definitely helped me keep my chin up.
Good luck everyone!
I got that same Friends Hospital rejection letter. 🙄
Also, a little good news... I got a phone interview request (by phone) from Portia Bell Hume Behav Health a few hours ago, so maybe some places are still reviewing apps!
Also, a little good news... I got a phone interview request (by phone) from Portia Bell Hume Behav Health a few hours ago, so maybe some places are still reviewing apps!
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For people who have had Phase II interviews, how long do they usually last, and do you typically speak to more than one person? I applied to 4 sites and haven't heard from any of them (and neither has anyone else on this forum -- Duke, Brown, Tulane, U Colorado), so I'm worried that if I get interview offers at all 4 sites, I won't have time to do them all before Monday. 😕
Received a personalized email for a phone interview with Orlando VA.
They also sent out a generic dear applicant email saying that they would be ranking the recepients and interviewing only a few due to limited time.
They also sent out a generic dear applicant email saying that they would be ranking the recepients and interviewing only a few due to limited time.
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