PhD/PsyD 2013-2014 PhD/PsyD application thread

[futureapppsy2]

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Hi all,

Here's a thread where everyone who's applying to PhD/PsyD programs during the 2013-2014 application cycle can ask each other questions, provide support, etc.

Also, I suggest that one of you start an interview invite thread fairly soon, as grad school interview invites typically start going out in the first or second week of December. It's a lot of work, but SDN lure/history has it that the person who manages the interview thread typically has good luck during their application cycle--not the most empirical thing in the world, but there you go. If you decide to manage the interview invite thread, please, please be willing to do so through the entire "invite season" (December to early March).

Good luck to all--may you all get offers with full funding and POIs who are great fits!

 

[mishpug]

Thanks for posting this. I have been wondering how my fellow applicants are doing now that deadlines are upon us. I have submitted everywhere that I am applying (Counseling Psych PhDs) and I am just trying to troubleshoot supporting documents (mostly transcripts). While is a relief to have to have finished all the essays and apps, I am now incredibly anxious about the waiting game.

I saw that the Interview Invite thread was already going by this point last year, but I know I cannot manage it. I am not able to be online consistently enough to manage the lists of invites received.

 

[fallen625]

Does anyone have interview prep resources? I was hoping to get started over the holidays while my schedule is not too crazy. So far I found Mitch Prinstein's Portable Mentor and Grad School Guides helpful, does anyone have any other suggestions? It would be highly appreciated!

 

[SomedaySoonNY]

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[SomedaySoonNY]

Does anyone have interview prep resources? I was hoping to get started over the holidays while my schedule is not too crazy. So far I found Mitch Prinstein's Portable Mentor and Grad School Guides helpful, does anyone have any other suggestions? It would be highly appreciated!

Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. The book has a section on interviewing with lots of sample questions.

 

[mishpug]

Is anyone applying to Depaul University's Clinical Program? On the website it says that you must upload a course history list. There is a link to a pdf form on the site, but over the past week, I've been getting a website maintenance message. I've emailed but haven't gotten a response. I guess I'll just type up a list to submit with my app?

Sorry, I am not applying there so I cannot comment on the website issue, but I think typing up a list to submit is a good plan. If they respond later you can always use their PDF but at least this way you know you have submitted all the information they asked for on time.

 

[mishpug]

Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. The book has a section on interviewing with lots of sample questions.

Good suggestion. I have been taking a breather, having finished my applications, but I should probably start thinking about interview preparations. (Fingers crossed that I actually get interviews!)

Fallen625, if you are still in school you may want to see if your school has any resources for mock interviews or if you can work with your advisor to practice interviewing.

 

[runnergirl62]

Is anyone applying to Depaul University's Clinical Program? On the website it says that you must upload a course history list. There is a link to a pdf form on the site, but over the past week, I've been getting a website maintenance message. I've emailed but haven't gotten a response. I guess I'll just type up a list to submit with my app?

Here's the pdf if you still need it. Good luck!

 

[bre333]

Ok I have a weird question: how do you go about confirming that your application is complete? None of my applications let me check every aspect of my application status online. So far I've e-mailed two of my schools (that were due yesterday) about checking on the status of my transcripts and GRE scores, and I haven't had a response. In both cases I just used the e-mail they said to contact if you have any questions about the application process. This is an accepted practice right? I don't want to be really annoying, but also I don't want to be rejected from all my schools if my transcripts got lost in the mail or something!

 

[mishpug]

Ok I have a weird question: how do you go about confirming that your application is complete? None of my applications let me check every aspect of my application status online. So far I've e-mailed two of my schools (that were due yesterday) about checking on the status of my transcripts and GRE scores, and I haven't had a response. In both cases I just used the e-mail they said to contact if you have any questions about the application process. This is an accepted practice right? I don't want to be really annoying, but also I don't want to be rejected from all my schools if my transcripts got lost in the mail or something!

Most of my schools sent a link to a place where I could login to check my application status. This was not always accompanied by clear instructions and the format has varied from school to school, creating a bit of frustration on my part as I tried to figure it out. I have a spreadsheet with the information for each school, otherwise I could not keep track!
For the few schools that did not have a way for me to verify online that all my application materials were received, I did send an email last week to confirm that they had everything. All but 1 replied promptly and kindly, so I think that it is probably okay to contact them if there is no online portal.

 

[fallen625]

Did anyone apply to SMU - Clinical Psych?

We were given a personalized link to see if our apps / materials are in. None of mine are in, despite submitting it. I called a few weeks ago and they told me everything was in. However, the link hasn't updated and I am worried they are not forwarding my materials to the Psych department. I sent them an email but received no response. Is anyone else going through this issue? Should I call again?

 

[mishpug]

Did anyone apply to SMU - Clinical Psych?

We were given a personalized link to see if our apps / materials are in. None of mine are in, despite submitting it. I called a few weeks ago and they told me everything was in. However, the link hasn't updated and I am worried they are not forwarding my materials to the Psych department. I sent them an email but received no response. Is anyone else going through this issue? Should I call again?

How long ago did you send the email? If they don't respond to your email within 2-3 days, I would email or call again just to be sure.

I think that they are processing a lot of materials right now and if they told you that they have everything, it may just be taking a while for the system to update. A lot of the portals I have checked have had a note toward the bottom stating that it can take a certain amount of time for the system to be updated after they receive your materials. You can check to see if the link has that info and what that time frame is for this system.

 

[bre333]

So, while I'm currently sweating like a pig because I've e-mailed my first choice school twice (with a 4 day gap between e-mails) asking to confirm the status of my transcripts and GRE, I'm focusing on finishing all my apps that are due on the 15th early.
Is anyone else applying to Stony Brook? Their SoP guideline is very vague--they ask you to describe your interests and research experiences, and to mention who you wanna work with, but as for length they only state "Although there is not a word limit, it is advised to keep your Personal Statement concise." Anyone have an idea of what sort of range that means? Half my personal statements so far have been in the 1200 word range, the other half have been in the 500-700 range. I have no idea how much to write for this--I feel like the 1000ish word one is probably too long, but I honestly have no idea what range they're thinking of.

 

[QAsPsych]

So I got an email saying "welcome to [school name]!" and got excited for exactly two seconds before rational thought kicked in and said that is not how this process works and it was likely an email just giving me login information to check my status. This waiting is gonna drive me nuts.

Is anyone else applying to Stony Brook? Their SoP guideline is very vague--they ask you to describe your interests and research experiences, and to mention who you wanna work with, but as for length they only state "Although there is not a word limit, it is advised to keep your Personal Statement concise." Anyone have an idea of what sort of range that means? Half my personal statements so far have been in the 1200 word range, the other half have been in the 500-700 range. I have no idea how much to write for this--I feel like the 1000ish word one is probably too long, but I honestly have no idea what range they're thinking of.

I would go with the shorter version since they are asking you to be concise, unless there's something in the longer statement you feel would really help your chances there in particular.

 

[mishpug]

So, while I'm currently sweating like a pig because I've e-mailed my first choice school twice (with a 4 day gap between e-mails) asking to confirm the status of my transcripts and GRE, I'm focusing on finishing all my apps that are due on the 15th early.
Is anyone else applying to Stony Brook? Their SoP guideline is very vague--they ask you to describe your interests and research experiences, and to mention who you wanna work with, but as for length they only state "Although there is not a word limit, it is advised to keep your Personal Statement concise." Anyone have an idea of what sort of range that means? Half my personal statements so far have been in the 1200 word range, the other half have been in the 500-700 range. I have no idea how much to write for this--I feel like the 1000ish word one is probably too long, but I honestly have no idea what range they're thinking of.

I agree with what QAsPsych said about keeping the essay in the 500-700 range. If their primary specification with regards to length is to be precise, you are probably right that the 1000ish word essay is too long.