2012 Official Decision Thread (Class of...)

[pavlovthedog]

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I feel your pain completely. I'm having an extremely tough time deciding between two school psych programs... UW Madison and UC Santa Barbara. 😕 I'm a California native so the thought of moving to Wisconsin terrifies me, but it has amazing research opportunities and a great reputation. However, UCSB is unique due to its combined nature (clinical/counseling/school) and is a strong program in its own right. Both offered me equal funding.

I am going absolutely crazy.

I am in the same boat. I am choosing between a school in Cali or one in Illinois. I am a California native too so I get being scared at the thought of moving but I think ultimately the school in Illinois is way more reputable in the psychology community and I would be working with an amazing professor with awesome research opportunities. I know it can be scary to move but I personally don't think you should let a little harsh weather be what stops you. You have to think of what is going to benefit you more and which program you would ultimately be happier with. But I totally get it--I fear the thought of not being able to see my family for months...but there are breaks. Also, my letter of rec./research professor went to the clinical program at UW-Madison and she just raves about it--she loved it so much. She's crazy driven and finished in 5 years (her last year internship done in SoCal) and now she's a researcher/professor at UCI. So there is hope to come back! (These are all the same thoughts that are in my head as I lean toward my option in Illinois lol)

 

[eml192]

Temple University School Psychology PhD Class of 2017-ish! 😀

 

[IcedBennu]

Anyone going to Roosevelt? If so- PM me.....

 

[spafticus]

Anybody else going to University of Nebraska - Lincoln?

 

[sacredrage]

I am in the same boat. I am choosing between a school in Cali or one in Illinois. I am a California native too so I get being scared at the thought of moving but I think ultimately the school in Illinois is way more reputable in the psychology community and I would be working with an amazing professor with awesome research opportunities. I know it can be scary to move but I personally don't think you should let a little harsh weather be what stops you. You have to think of what is going to benefit you more and which program you would ultimately be happier with. But I totally get it--I fear the thought of not being able to see my family for months...but there are breaks. Also, my letter of rec./research professor went to the clinical program at UW-Madison and she just raves about it--she loved it so much. She's crazy driven and finished in 5 years (her last year internship done in SoCal) and now she's a researcher/professor at UCI. So there is hope to come back! (These are all the same thoughts that are in my head as I lean toward my option in Illinois lol)

One thing I'd strongly consider in this situation is funding. If I was at all torn and there was a notable difference in funding that would be more than enough to sway me towards the fully funded program. I think we can all agree that psychology is not particularly apt to provide a large income and the "reputation" of the program carries increasingly less weight (so long as they are both reasonable programs) as your career progresses. In fact, as time goes on what matters are your publications and research experience. In consideration of that fact, I think it's really important to note that the debt that you are carrying can severely limit your options due to financial constraints. Maybe you want to take an amazing job but the compensation is too low to cover your standard of living and so you have to decline. This concern becomes even more critical when one begins to consider whether or not they'd like to have a family, or stay home with the kids, or what sort of neighborhood they'd like their children to live in etc. Hopefully you have two fully funded offers/stipends and it's not an issue - but if it is - there are literally hundreds of threads on SDN that serve as cautionary tales for the short/long term ramifications of carrying debt. I reiterate: If there's any disparity, go with the program that's offering you better funding.

One other note that is a little more subjective but hopefully still helpful: I am also from California and I spent some time on the east coast for graduate school (MIT) and I have to tell you it was the worst time in my life. I came back to California IMMEDIATELY upon graduation because of how poor my experience was. I think California people particularly struggle going east - as the weather, climate, food, entertainment options, and culture are dramatically different. It has been my experience that the vast majority of native Californian's at MIT and Harvard really had a rough time of it in the northeast. By contrast, during my time at USC the experience was the opposite and people from the east coast largely tended to stay in California upon graduation. The experience was shockingly ubiquitous. There are always exceptions, but for me the combined experience of my peers speaks for itself. Don't underestimate the value of being happy for the next 5 - 7 years. You're never going to get that time back.

 

[paramour]

One thing I'd strongly consider in this situation is funding. If I was at all torn and there was a notable difference in funding that would be more than enough to sway me towards the fully funded program. I think we can all agree that psychology is not particularly apt to provide a large income and the "reputation" of the program carries increasingly less weight (so long as they are both reasonable programs) as your career progresses. In fact, as time goes on what matters are your publications and research experience. In consideration of that fact, I think it's really important to note that the debt that you are carrying can severely limit your options due to financial constraints. Maybe you want to take an amazing job but the compensation is too low to cover your standard of living and so you have to decline. This concern becomes even more critical when one begins to consider whether or not they'd like to have a family, or stay home with the kids, or what sort of neighborhood they'd like their children to live in etc. Hopefully you have to fully funded offers/stipends and it's not an issue - but if it is - there are literally hundreds of threads on SDN that serve as cautionary tales for the short/long term ramifications of carrying debt. I reiterate: If there's any disparity, go with the program that's offering you better funding.

One other note that is a little more subjective but hopefully still helpful: I am also from California and I spent some time on the east coast for graduate school (MIT) and I have to tell you it was the worst time in my life. I came back to California IMMEDIATELY upon graduation because of how poor my experience was. I think California people particularly struggle going east - as the weather, climate, food, entertainment options, and culture are dramatically different. It has been my experience that the vast majority of native Californian's at MIT and Harvard really had a rough time of it in the northeast. By contrast, during my time at USC the experience was the opposite and people from the east coast largely tended to stay in California upon graduation. The experience was shockingly ubiquitous. There are always exceptions, but for me the combined experience of my peers speaks for itself. Don't underestimate the value of being happy for the next 5 - 7 years. You're never going to get that time back.

The folks from California in our program (midwest) would agree with you. They despise it here and all intend to move back to California as soon as humanly possible.

 

[dramaqueen616]

Thought I would chime in on this since there seem to be a couple of discussions about moving and weather going on 😉. I have to agree a bit with Sacred and Paramour. As a California native I moved to the east coast for graduate school for one year and hated it. I would love to be in a program in California... Still hoping it might happen. At any rate, you are fortunate to have such good options, good luck making your decision 🙂

 

[VioletAnn87]

I'm accepting my offer for the Clinical PsyD at La Salle 🙂

Hey there! Congrats on deciding to attend La Salle. I am currently deciding between La Salle and another program. Would you mind sharing what made you choose La Salle? I'd appreciate it!

 

[RTB]

One other note that is a little more subjective but hopefully still helpful: I am also from California and I spent some time on the east coast for graduate school (MIT) and I have to tell you it was the worst time in my life. I came back to California IMMEDIATELY upon graduation because of how poor my experience was. I think California people particularly struggle going east - as the weather, climate, food, entertainment options, and culture are dramatically different. It has been my experience that the vast majority of native Californian's at MIT and Harvard really had a rough time of it in the northeast. By contrast, during my time at USC the experience was the opposite and people from the east coast largely tended to stay in California upon graduation. The experience was shockingly ubiquitous. There are always exceptions, but for me the combined experience of my peers speaks for itself. Don't underestimate the value of being happy for the next 5 - 7 years. You're never going to get that time back.

On the other hand...I'm a southern California native that moved to New York 7 years ago for undergrad...and I will be staying here to attend Columbia in the fall.

I know Illinois does not equal New York City, but I have loved having seasons and while I have struggled with the weather at points, it makes visiting home that much more enjoyable. I can always head back west after getting the PhD, but for the time being I'm really enjoying the east coast life.

 

[Psych2011]

So, since yesterday morning I have gone from the completely super anxiety provoking state of being a high alternate at three schools and having POIs trying to find funding to accept a student (me) at two other schools but with no acceptances, to later yesterday getting accepted to a school I would love to go to and feeling calm and relaxed, to getting accepted at another one of my top choice schools today and now feeling super anxious again trying to decide what school I should choose... Oh how I wish this was an easy choice... but it's not...

 

[sacredrage]

On the other hand...I'm a southern California native that moved to New York 7 years ago for undergrad...and I will be staying here to attend Columbia in the fall.

I know Illinois does not equal New York City, but I have loved having seasons and while I have struggled with the weather at points, it makes visiting home that much more enjoyable. I can always head back west after getting the PhD, but for the time being I'm really enjoying the east coast life.

I will grant you that NYC is a major exception as it offers a similar quality of life to Los Angeles - minus the great weather. Another easterly destination that works for CA natives is South Florida (Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, etc.) so long as you can bare the ungodly summer humidity. But by and large it's been a pretty tough experience for my friends in PhD programs across the country.

Here's an excerpt from a facebook conversation I literally had a a few hours ago. I mean, I JUST had this conversation:

ME: Hey buddy how have you been?
Friend: I've been better
ME: What's wrong?
Friend: Just finished grading like 20 essays. Now I will be up until at least 2.
ME: Did you weep for the future of our country after reading your student's work?
Friend: Just a bit. 2-3 are good.
ME: u mean typing lik thiz on twitter isnt gooooood 4 lerning writeing skillllz?
ME: How's the PhD coming along? How much longer until you're finished?
Friend: Maybe never? I was just looking at how many units I have actually and they just listed classes for next semester. I only need 1 more class but then there is the comprehensive exam and dissertation. So that's at least 3 years after this semester.
ME: What kind of comprehensive exam can they give you for a humanities PhD?
Friend: They give you a list of 200 books and 9 months to study and then they ask you questions (orally) for an hour and a half.
ME: Sounds awesome
Friend: That will be the next year of my life if I even stay
ME: IF you stay? Why wouldn't you?
Friend: A job sounds nice right about now?
ME: Yeah but all that work for nothing? 2 masters degrees and time already in the PhD?
Friend; I eat ramen noodles the last week of every month! And I'm in IOWA.
Friend: I O W A
ME: You're going to be a doctor man. PhD. It's worth it.
Friend: It would be OK
Friend: I guess
Friend: How are things with you?
ME: It can't be as bad as MIT/Boston. I promise you that.
Friend: maybe not, but it's not good.
ME: I get it. Are you at least learning stuff and growing in your field?
Friend: sort of. You can't control what you want to learn in your classes but it's supposed to get better.
ME: Do you have to be in residence for your dissertation?
Friend: No - but if I leave then I have to get a job. Which are competitive as hell.
ME: Well at least you'd be out of Iowa.
ME: Just get past the comprehensive exam and then you can decide if it's worth it to come home.
ME: I'm really sad to hear you're struggling. You have so much potential
ME: I'm eager to see you realize it
Friend: I also feel like I could get crushed by a falling bookshelf and die alone in the library in this craphole and people would never know
Friend: For like
Friend: two weeks
Friend: but see this is how it screws with your head
Friend: the phd program
ME: you know you are loved and cared for and respected right? I just saw X last weekend and Y on Friday and you came up in both conversations. People think about you and miss you man
Friend: thanks, I appreciate it. Things are just weird here.
ME: What do you mean weird?
Friend: just like the social culture, I guess. And the church social culture, too.
Friend: That make it much harder to want to stay.
ME: Examples?
Friend: the people here at church go to a country bar to go line dancing at least twice a week
ME: pass.
ME: Time to find a new church. I'd rather take a drill to my temple than go line dancing twice a week.
Friend: yeah. I've been thinking about that.
ME: Finding a new church or taking a drill to your temple?
Friend: ha
Friend: I've been to a couple other churches.
ME: Look, if the culture of your place of worship isn't a good fit go to a place that is.
Friend: There aren't any.
ME: What about outside of church?
Friend: 60,000 people here. Not exactly a bastion of diversity
ME: Have you thought about finding some young coed from class and starting an inapropriate relationship? That's always fun and who knows, if you're lucky you might wind up getting expelled. Then you wouldn't have to debate whether or not you want to quit anymore. You'd have no choice.
ME: So, win-win.
Friend: ha
ME: Think of it this way. In Iowa , being a white guy from CA actually makes you exotic. Not very many places where you're ever going to get to play that card my friend. You should bask in it.
Friend: Yeah I guess.
ME: Or ... how about you can tell everyone you know Aston Kutcher and you hang out with Snoop Dog and make up amusing anecdotes to all those other stupid questions people from the midwest ACTUALLY ask us. It would at least give you something to do.
ME: Do you ever watch big bang theory?
Friend: I've only seen a few episodes but they were all very funny
ME: You could totally Wallowitz me once you graduate
ME: This will be you to me once you graduate!
ME: .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-c4iS454WA.
ME: Z does it to me all the time and ABC does and she barely started her program.
ME: So, if anything, it's worth sticking it out just to bag on me
Friend: Thanks for talking - but I've got to get back to my writing.
Friend: hope things are well with you
ME: The artist hard at work.
ME: Hang in there buddy. I promise you it's worth it.
ME: Let me know if I can do anything to help out in the meantime.

___

My friend totally comes off sounding depressed, right? I can't even get him to joke around with me. He's like a shadow of his former self. I went through the same thing during my time on the east coast so I know exactly what he's going through. I mean, the east coast was bad, but I have to imagine Iowa and the rest of the midwest would be even worse.

 

[zensouth]

Jeeze, is there a thread on this forum that doesn't end up making everywhere that's not CA sound like crap? Or is there just some sorta kool-aid that everyone in CA drinks . . . I mean, NYC, Boston, Washington DC, Atlanta . . . people live there and are happy. I guess it depends on what you're used to . . . I know people who have moved to CA then moved back and been like "The weather is good but thank God I'm outta there . . "

I mean, I know the midwest might not be exciting either but you know there have to be others on this forum that live there and like it. Must be a little disheartening to hear the place that is home to your childhood memories always referred to as such a terrible place to live.

 

[GoPokes]

Jeeze, is there a thread on this forum that doesn't end up making everywhere that's not CA sound like crap? Or is there just some sorta kool-aid that everyone in CA drinks . . . I mean, NYC, Boston, Washington DC, Atlanta . . . people live there and are happy. I guess it depends on what you're used to . . . I know people who have moved to CA then moved back and been like "The weather is good but thank God I'm outta there . . "

I mean, I know the midwest might not be exciting either but you know there have to be others on this forum that live there and like it. Must be a little disheartening to hear the place that is home to your childhood memories always referred to as such a terrible place to live.

I agree with this post. Not everywhere outside of CA is awful like a lot of these posts suggest. You couldn't pay me to live in CA, NY, or any place like them. I absolutely love living in rural areas and the south and wouldn't trade 'em for the world.

 

[CPsychYeah]

I agree with this post. Not everywhere outside of CA is awful like a lot of these posts suggest. You couldn't pay me to live in CA, NY, or any place like them. I absolutely love living in rural areas and the south and wouldn't trade 'em for the world.

+1 I don't live in a rural area, but I am from the south and love being from the south. My husband is from CA and wishes he was from here.

 

[goldfinch]

I mean, I know the midwest might not be exciting either but you know there have to be others on this forum that live there and like it. Must be a little disheartening to hear the place that is home to your childhood memories always referred to as such a terrible place to live.

As a proud Midwesterner who stayed here for college and will remain for grad school, I agree with those posting directly above. I understand that the point the Californians are making is that the rest of the country is very different from their home state, but different does not necessarily equal bad. I know people who moved here for undergrad for whatever reason and, contrary to the apparently popular belief, do not hate it and want to stick around. At the same time, I understand it is not for everyone. Did you all just make decisions without visiting the place you would be spending your life for 5-6 years?

ME: Think of it this way. In Iowa , being a white guy from CA actually makes you exotic. Not very many places where you're ever going to get to play that card my friend. You should bask in it.
Friend: Yeah I guess.
ME: Or ... how about you can tell everyone you know Aston Kutcher and you hang out with Snoop Dog and make up amusing anecdotes to all those other stupid questions people from the midwest ACTUALLY ask us. It would at least give you something to do.

As an aside: Ashton Kutcher is from Iowa and visits quite a bit (he's a huge Hawk fan), so there are people here who actually do know him!

 

[dramaqueen616]

I don't think any disrespect was meant. I am from a rural area in CA ( yes those do exist) and my point was simply that if given the opportunity I would love to do my schooling close to home and a move to the northeast was extremely difficult. I think it is just about what you are use to. It's all about what environment works for you.

 

[sacredrage]

I agree with this post. Not everywhere outside of CA is awful like a lot of these posts suggest. You couldn't pay me to live in CA, NY, or any place like them. I absolutely love living in rural areas and the south and wouldn't trade 'em for the world.

That's the point though isn't it? The culture and lifestyle's aren't compatible. If you love living in a rural area and that's a defining characteristic of who you are then how could you be happy living in California where, with the exception of a few sparsely populated areas, the majority of the state comes from places where 20,000 people is an unusually small city. Remember, 1 out of every 6 people in the US lives in California. The people chiming in are all FROM the midwest DEFENDING the midwest. The people who have actual experience as CA transplants or who know CA transplants have all painted a different picture though, haven't they? Maybe something is fundamentally wrong with us Californian's. Maybe you midwestern/east coasters are all bonkers. It really doesn't matter for our purposes here. The issue at hand is that students from CA who are choosing between two relatively equal offers in state and out of state should think long and hard about where they want to spend their next 6 or 7 years and whether or not it's worth the likely risk spending a significant portion of their youth unhappy.

As I stated in my first post in this thread there are always exceptions, but I think enough anecdotal evidence has been provided to prove the rule. I even went so far as to share a very recent private facebook conversation to illustrate the point. Granted, my friend is in an English Lit PhD program (rather than psychology) but I think all of the pertinent points still stand. It's nothing against the people from these areas (well, Boston is full of mass-holes, lets just keep it real). In fact my own political and moral values align much better with the midwest than with the coasts. But the cultural adjustment is akin to making a kid from the chess club hang out exclusively with jocks. Neither the chess club kids or the athletes are inherently better than each other - but (excuse my gratuitous use of stereotyping here - I'm just making a point) they aren't exactly a good fit. I'm sorry if it's hurtful, but it doesn't help people who are looking for honest answers about making a potential transition to the west coast to fill their heads with visions of sugar plum fairy's. People ought to know what they're in for and by and large the adjustment from CA to the midwest/east coast - with a few rare exceptions like NYC and Miami is a nearly universally tough transition. It's not a judgement on either place - it's just a fact. I can tell you that I sure wish someone had told me how hard it was going to be - It would have saved me on a lot of frustration and disappointment and I can name DOZENS of friends from my time in graduate school who felt the same way.

 

[sacredrage]

As an aside: Ashton Kutcher is from Iowa and visits quite a bit (he's a huge Hawk fan), so there are people here who actually do know him!

That's why I picked him in my joke in the conversation. That particular friend had mentioned the fact that Kutcher was from Iowa in a previous conversation by saying something to the effect of, "They are actually proud of having Ashton Kutcher here - like it's a super big deal". He's at University of Iowa, which is probably how he knows.

 

[busybusybusy]

That's the point though isn't it? The culture and lifestyle's aren't compatible. If you love living in a rural area and that's a defining characteristic of who you are then how could you be happy living in California

Sorry, but I have to disagree. I was born and raised on the east coast living either in DC or NYC my whole life. I am a city girl. However, for grad school I got a great opportunity to work with an amazing mentor, only downside was that the school he taught at was in the DEEP south and relatively rural - atleast compared to what I was used to. Although I was not excited about moving there, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Now that I'm here I actually really like it. It's a much different pace of life and that will be nice for a few years. I'm probably not going to stay down here but thats mostly bc of family. I never would have experienced another part of the country and found that I loved it. It is not bad to experienced different things, it seems so xenophobic of people who refuse to move. I also don't understand the idea that graduate school should acclimate to the individuals life as opposed to vice versa.

And on the politics note I've actually found that there are all more liberals in red states than you would think. I have had no issues with that.

 

[goldfinch]

I'm sorry if it's hurtful, but it doesn't help people who are looking for honest answers about making a potential transition to the west coast to fill their heads with visions of sugar plum fairy's. People ought to know what they're in for and by and large the adjustment from CA to the midwest/east coast - with a few rare exceptions like NYC and Miami is a nearly universally tough transition. It's not a judgement on either place - it's just a fact. I can tell you that I sure wish someone had told me how hard it was going to be - It would have saved me on a lot of frustration and disappointment and I can name DOZENS of friends from my time in graduate school who felt the same way.

I understand your intention and that you are trying to help others avoid the rough times that you had to deal with in graduate school, and that is admirable. However, I would hope that those who are considering very long distance transitions would have some grasp of the fact that various regions of the country can be vastly different from each other (or is this somehow a surprise to many California transplants?).

I guess I am just surprised by the amount of negativity you are injecting into the conversation - I think it would definitely be useful to rationally explain various differences (cultural, weather, arts, what have you) in order to assist someone in making this decision, but is it necessary to talk about how "bad" the rest of the country is? Yes, *you* (and many of your friends, apparently) thought it was awful, and you can obviously make that opinion as clear as you want, but to paint with such a broad brush... there are others chiming in here that found they/people they know discovered some enjoyable things in various areas of the U.S., so I would guess there are just individual differences in the amount of openness to change and what adjustment in environment is tolerable to folks.

To the topic at hand - obviously these are personality characteristics that people need to consider when making a choice between attending school in a familiar locale and moving somewhere completely different. For those that will be infinitely more comfortable in familiarity, perhaps sticking around would be the healthiest choice. For people who want to take some years to experience something new and different and aren't bothered by the changes, considering something different could work out very well for them.

 

[sacredrage]

I understand your intention and that you are trying to help others avoid the rough times that you had to deal with in graduate school, and that is admirable. However, I would hope that those who are considering very long distance transitions would have some grasp of the fact that various regions of the country can be vastly different from each other (or is this somehow a surprise to many California transplants?).

I guess I am just surprised by the amount of negativity you are injecting into the conversation - I think it would definitely be useful to rationally explain various differences (cultural, weather, arts, what have you) in order to assist someone in making this decision, but is it necessary to talk about how "bad" the rest of the country is? Yes, *you* (and many of your friends, apparently) thought it was awful, and you can obviously make that opinion as clear as you want, but to paint with such a broad brush... there are others chiming in here that found they/people they know discovered some enjoyable things in various areas of the U.S., so I would guess there are just individual differences in the amount of openness to change and what adjustment in environment is tolerable to folks.

To the topic at hand - obviously these are personality characteristics that people need to consider when making a choice between attending school in a familiar locale and moving somewhere completely different. For those that will be infinitely more comfortable in familiarity, perhaps sticking around would be the healthiest choice. For people who want to take some years to experience something new and different and aren't bothered by the changes, considering something different could work out very well for them.

The difference is that you're speaking from theory and I'm sharing based on fact. The negativity I'm injecting is coming from the largely (not 100% - but largely) negative experiences that so many people I know have had. If it was JUST ME I would keep my mouth shut. But whenever I ran into another Californian at grad school (so it's not just a pool of my friends) or someone I've known who went off to grad school 90% of the time the "it sucks out here" conversation inevitably comes up. I don't have the time or inclination to go city by city and write out every nuance (i.e. San Fran people have the easiest time adjusting to the east coast because San Fran is the only east coast style city on the west coast) it's easier just to say, "Hey, most people from CA who went to the midwest to the east really thought it sucked. Oh, and here's an example of a conversation I just had with a buddy in Iowa that's a few hours old and by the way I've seen dozens of people have a tough time of it making this transition over the years."

If someone wants to make the move and find out for themselves because they want to listen to the exception rather than the rule, or because they can't see the incentive problem with a few midwesterner's sticking up for how awesome Wichita or South Bend or Waltham or Iowa City or Ithaca are that's their choice. All I can do is try to make a convincing argument that if you're from Santa Monica or Santa Barabara or Cerritos or Long Beach or wherever and you make the aforementioned move the strong odds are that you're in for a culture shock and a pretty tough time. I've already granted there are exceptions to the rule - there always are - and sure people are sufficiently tribalistic that they want to defend their hometown my unique position affords me a lot of contact with academics and I've seen it time and time again. Is location the ONLY factor? Of course not. I'd go to MIT again even knowing how much I disliked Boston because it's MIT. But if I was choosing between Cal Tech, Cornell, Brown, and Duke what I now know about location would make Cal Tech the easy choice. I wouldn't even have to think about it and the same could be said for most of my Californian peers and I think that's a REALLY important piece of data for anyone making a decision - especially since 1/6 of the country is from here.

Finally, couching the experience of moving as one for those, "who aren't AFRAID to try something new" is misleading and misframing the point of contention. I could frame any number of misdeeds or grotesque acts as simply being about the fear of the unknown - but it would be sophomoric and intellectually dishonest.

 

[zensouth]

Didn't meat to start all that . . . just wanted to stick up for the rest of us. And sorry, sacredrage, to have offended in any way if I did. It is true that people definitely need to know what they're in for and that the adjustment can be very difficult. I also wouldn't expect anyone to be too happy in any location while going through a PhD . . . that whole process will break anyone regardless of location. It should also be a warning to everyone here that if you don't get therapy currently then you probably should when you start a program, the transition is difficult. I am starting a program across the country this fall and I am in for all the difficulties people have mentioned. Every current student I have talked to recommends starting therapy ASAP upon arrival to manage the transition. And for all of you going to the midwest or the south for school take heart- it isn't a death sentence. Just go in with realistic expectations and hit up the current students for advice on how to adjust/what to expect.

Best of luck to everyone here who got accepted.

 

[sacredrage]

Didn't meat to start all that . . . just wanted to stick up for the rest of us. And sorry, sacredrage, to have offended in any way if I did. It is true that people definitely need to know what they're in for and that the adjustment can be very difficult. I also wouldn't expect anyone to be too happy in any location while going through a PhD . . . that whole process will break anyone regardless of location. It should also be a warning to everyone here that if you don't get therapy currently then you probably should when you start a program, the transition is difficult. I am starting a program across the country this fall and I am in for all the difficulties people have mentioned. Every current student I have talked to recommends starting therapy ASAP upon arrival to manage the transition. And for all of you going to the midwest or the south for school take heart- it isn't a death sentence. Just go in with realistic expectations and hit up the current students for advice on how to adjust/what to expect.

Best of luck to everyone here who got accepted.

A prudent and conciliatory response. Kudos. Maybe now would be a good time for people who have made their decisions to chime in with good news!

 

[deliciousgoose]

Stuff...The negativity I'm injecting is coming from the largely (not 100% - but largely) negative experiences that so many people I know have had.

Anecdotes =/= data.

End of story. This goes both ways in this debate.

 

[sacredrage]

Anecdotes =/= data.

End of story. This goes both ways in this debate.

I would argue that the social sciences are dominated by data sets that could be boiled down to individual "anecdotes". I don't think that invalidates an agglomeration of experience.

You know, just because Californians tend to have a hard time transitioning to the east coast/mid west it doesn't mean the blame is on the other places. It could be that something is wrong with the Californians. In fact, the very notion of better or worse isn't even necessarily applicable as much of this is dealing with largely culturally/developmentally acquired matters of preference.

 

[clinical psych]

Anyone made any more decisions yet?

Let's make this week an eventful one! 🙂

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I would argue that the social sciences are dominated by data sets that could be boiled down to individual "anecdotes". I don't think that invalidates an agglomeration of experience.

You know, just because Californians tend to have a hard time transitioning to the east coast/mid west it doesn't mean the blame is on the other places. It could be that something is wrong with the Californians. In fact, the very notion of better or worse isn't even necessarily applicable as much of this is dealing with largely culturally/developmentally acquired matters of preference.

I can say with certainty that that majority of grad students I've spoken with, regardless of where they originated, complain to some degree about the location of their grad program. It just seems to be par for the course, and likely stems in some part from the general malaise that appears to permeate some peoples' grad experiences (i.e., grad students complain, it's what we do).

CA residents might express it more than some others (as a CA transplant put it to me once, "people in CA live in a bubble; we pretty much think the entire world revolves around us, and we're shocked when we move away and find out that's not the case"), but it's a pretty universal trend. Mind you, I'm not saying that statement accurately portrays most Californians' outlook, of course.

If you go in with an open mind, you'll find something to like about anywhere you end up, guaranteed. If you go in already dreading the move, you're going to be miserable. In the case of my program, even the people who absolutely hated the city where we trained enjoyed the experience overall.

As for therapy, that's obviously an entirely personal decision (or perhaps one that will be dictated or encouraged by your program). I never attended, and I don't believe the majority of other students in my programs did, either, but that's not to say it wouldn't be beneficial for some/most grad students.

 

[IcedBennu]

Roosevelt University! Psyd.

Just paid my deposit. Chicago here I come!

 

[penguinbean]

Can the California/living situation conversation be taken to a different post?

 

[dcc777]

can the california/living situation conversation be taken to a different post?

+1

 

[riceowl2012]

*

 

[rlw23]

I have officially accepted UW-Milwaukee Clinical PhD program (finally - I have had this offer for so long!)

congrats! maybe I'll be lucky enough to join you. 🙂

 

[riceowl2012]

*

 

[syzergy]

I really do hope so

I also had an awkward moment, I emailed all of my other schools including the ones that I hadn't heard anything from just because I don't want something unexpected to happen that will make me doubt my decision. I emailed my POI from one school that I didn't get an interview at, but I had emailed her several times, just informing her that I had accepted and wanted to remove my application (even though I had basically been rejected due to no contact). She responded by clearly indicating she had no idea who I was and that I had likely emailed the wrong person.

Oh man, that is so awkward! 🙄

 

[emily621]

Speaking of emailing to inform other programs of your decisions - I emailed the three POIs I was waiting to hear back from after interviews to tell them I had accepted elsewhere, and only heard back from one. The other two never responded at all. I find that kind of rude...am I just overreacting?

 

[Mianess]

Speaking of emailing to inform other programs of your decisions - I emailed the three POIs I was waiting to hear back from after interviews to tell them I had accepted elsewhere, and only heard back from one. The other two never responded at all. I find that kind of rude...am I just overreacting?

I don't think you overreacted--I hate it when people don't respond to emails. Especially when you're taking the initiative to be respectful and notify them of your decision. 🙄

 

[Idealist64]

Speaking of emailing to inform other programs of your decisions - I emailed the three POIs I was waiting to hear back from after interviews to tell them I had accepted elsewhere, and only heard back from one. The other two never responded at all. I find that kind of rude...am I just overreacting?

I don't think you're overreacting either. All of the POIs who I emailed to be removed from waitlists/post-interview wrote back a nice note. The only school who didn't reply was actually a school where I had an OFFER, and so I stressed over wording on how to politely decline, express appreciate, etc, in my email. And then I heard nothing back. Granted it was not a mentor-model program, so it was to a dept secretary and not a prof, but still...some common courtesy and a "thanks for letting us know so early!" would have been nice.

 

[VeggiesInChi]

Officially accepted offer to SUNY Albany PhD Clinical Psychology. If other cohort members are out there, PM me! Good luck with decision-making everyone else! Second time applying so feels great to have options this time around.

 

[member8675309]

I'm still awaiting one more decision (PGSP - Stanford PsyD - I think I was on their "not sure" list) but besides that am debating between the following

-Chicago School of Prof. Psychology (giving me $30k)

-U of Indianapolis (I'm an alternate for possible full tuition reimbursement but I won't know until the other person accepts or declines ... sigh)

-Nova Southeastern (my dad wants to buy a condo in FL and said he would let me stay there while I'm at school so that would be a huge break in housing costs)

I'm originally from NYC, living in Indy right now and love my friends here and am kind of romantically involved with someone but it is VERY new so in no way should I let it influence my decision. I'm very torn right now. I went to Notre Dame and have family in Chicago. Florida is beautiful and Nova has amazing opportunities in the Trauma field (what I want to do). U Indy has a great program and I could stay close to everyone and I already know the area. If PGSP-Stanford says yes it would hard to say no because of it's match rates and reputation. But it's so expensive! I've never lived in California. But I'm starting to think that I will not be receiving an acceptance letter. Oye ... any advice?

 

[CBTerrific]

Accepted an offer to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Clinical Psych Program. Very excited!!

 

[ticktoc]

Has anyone heard from VCU counseling??

 

[purelife01]

Accepted an admissions offer from UT Austin, counseling psychology PhD

 

[Seminole12]

Sent in my acceptance letter and deposit to Nova Southeastern Psy.D program today. I can't wait till this fall!

 

[Member01032001]

The University of Washington
Adult Clinical PhD

My top choice...Pretty excited! Any other Huskies out there?

 

[Dewe]

Because there was a comment that some people were speaking theoretically and not from experience, I thought I'd quickly share my experience of leaving CA. While I love CA, it does sadden me a bit that Californians sometimes do not appreciate other areas of the US. I grew up in a major city in California and moved to Boston for undergrad and am in Illinois for grad school. Sure, the transition is a bit rough when winter hits, but I believe that if you keep an open mind, you'll likely be fine. I loved Boston and it is one of my favorite cities (hated the weather, but the city is vibrant and full of culture). I wasn't crazy about the idea of moving to Illinois for grad school, but I don't regret it for a second because the program is great, and I've come to quite enjoy living here. I also became friends with non-grad students who grew up in the city I live in (which I highly recommend), and they were able to show me lots of cool things about this area that I have grown to love. I applied to internships across the US and I matched at a site in one of the largest cities in CA. I eventually would like to settle in CA because it is close to family, but I could have seen myself staying several more years in Illinois with the only downside being that I am not a fan of cold weather. Sure the weather is great in CA, but from a personal growth perspective, I am very glad that I chose to live in other areas of the US for the last decade and see what those had to offer as well. If the idea of leaving CA is horrendous to you or if you are very emotionally affected by the weather, then maybe it's not the best idea because you might not ever adjust. But if you can say positive things about the other school/city outside of CA and you can keep an open mind, you should be fine.

 

[Dewe]

I'm still awaiting one more decision (PGSP - Stanford PsyD - I think I was on their "not sure" list) but besides that am debating between the following

-Chicago School of Prof. Psychology (giving me $30k)

-U of Indianapolis (I'm an alternate for possible full tuition reimbursement but I won't know until the other person accepts or declines ... sigh)

-Nova Southeastern (my dad wants to buy a condo in FL and said he would let me stay there while I'm at school so that would be a huge break in housing costs)
...
Oye ... any advice?

If you get the tuition reimbursement at U of Indianapolis, I'd do that hands down. Full tuition vs no tuition reimbursement is no content (I'm assuming Chicago is giving $30K total and not $30K/year).

 

[psych4]

.

 

[psych4]

George Mason University - Clinical psychology PhD

This was my first choice and I am thrilled! Not only do I get to go to a great program but I don't have to apply to PhD programs ever again!

Congratulations! You all deserve a huge pat on the back!! 👍

EverHopeful-
I am currently looking at schools. I will be applying in December and am very scared and doubtful about the process ( as I am sure most of you can relate). I am wondering what made George Mason your first choice? After making my excel sheet of programs it is looking like a wonderful program, but I have not started ranking them. How did you go about determining that GM is your number one choice?

Thank you kindly.

 

[syzergy]

Congratulations! You all deserve a huge pat on the back!! 👍

EverHopeful-
I am currently looking at schools. I will be applying in December and am very scared and doubtful about the process ( as I am sure most of you can relate). I am wondering what made George Mason your first choice? After making my excel sheet of programs it is looking like a wonderful program, but I have not started ranking them. How did you go about determining that GM is your number one choice?

Thank you kindly.

Try to keep yourself from ranking schools before you even apply! This is completely my personal opinion and I'm sure people think differently but I think ranking schools right away just sets yourself up for disappointment. If you rank George Mason as your first choice before applying and don't even get an interview, you're already out your first choice (and believe me, this sucks).

This whole process is already so difficult, I tried to think of multiple ways to keep myself sane. This included not ranking programs until I had visited/received offers. Also, rankings change during interview season. You may love George Mason but go there and realize it's not for you. Or you go to a school at the bottom of your list and love the program. Then you have to reorder everything.

This is just one thing I did during my interview season and I think it really helped me keep an open mind about all the schools I visited. I know everyone will have school preferences but this is just my opinion. Good luck choosing schools!

 

[psych4]

Try to keep yourself from ranking schools before you even apply! This is completely my personal opinion and I'm sure people think differently but I think ranking schools right away just sets yourself up for disappointment. If you rank George Mason as your first choice before applying and don't even get an interview, you're already out your first choice (and believe me, this sucks).

This whole process is already so difficult, I tried to think of multiple ways to keep myself sane. This included not ranking programs until I had visited/received offers. Also, rankings change during interview season. You may love George Mason but go there and realize it's not for you. Or you go to a school at the bottom of your list and love the program. Then you have to reorder everything.

This is just one thing I did during my interview season and I think it really helped me keep an open mind about all the schools I visited. I know everyone will have school preferences but this is just my opinion. Good luck choosing schools!

Some very good points! I need to do all I can to keep myself sane.