2013 APPIC Internship Application Thread

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I'm trying to keep my spirits up and believe that all it takes is one good interview. I remind myself that last year in my program someone only had two interviews and matched, while probably the most qualified guy in our program had 12 interviews and did not match. So I'm sitting here with my 1 interview to date, hoping that the next week brings some good news from some of my remaining 10 sites. Honestly, if all 15 of my sites would have extended invitations it would have hurt financially, but I would have found a way to make it to every interview possible. The expense of interviewing is minor in comparison to spending yet another year in grad school. Moving on with my life has a lot of value that can't be measured in dollars and cents.
Exactly my fear...as another person said...too many variables at play for anyone to be feeling good about this sick process! Sending positive vibes to everyone as we forge ahead! We all just need one...any one! Lol. I know I'm sick of being in school! I want to be a grown up!! But, if it doesn't happen this year...I'll try this thing again next year. *sigh*

Fingers and toes and eyes crossed for all of us! Even though we may not know each other personally...we are all in this madness together...and I wish this "system" was better/less stressful.
 
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Turned down at Saint Elizabeths in DC. Generic email (generic track). This was probably lower on my list anyway, so I'm not that bothered by it. Seems today is rejection day for me...
 
Generic rejection to Durham VA.

Feeling a bit relieved to not have to schedule another interview in addition to my 9 others, but also a bit guilty to admit that knowing I am lucky to have that luxury.
 
What do you all think happens when people have a ton of interviews and don't match? I have 9 and, like everyone else, I know amazing people that only got 1 and matched (to a top choice) and amazing people that got 17 and didn't match. So clearly there is an X factor that we can't control, that is not logical. But any reflections on what some controllable factors may be?
 
What do you all think happens when people have a ton of interviews and don't match? I have 9 and, like everyone else, I know amazing people that only got 1 and matched (to a top choice) and amazing people that got 17 and didn't match. So clearly there is an X factor that we can't control, that is not logical. But any reflections on what some controllable factors may be?

...just like trying to control how many invites you get is impossible in this, I think that we can't predict or control the "x factors." It stinks how much distress tolerance is required in this process and dealing with the ambiguity of it all, but we just don't have control.

I'd say that, as you did with your education, training, and application material prep thus far, just do the best you can with the aspects you can control (like going to interviews prepared), and don't focus on the things outside of your control.
 
The highly qualified guy from my program that didn't match last year had us all scratching our heads. In general it was thought that he didn't interview well. On paper he looked good, very good, but his interpersonal interviewing skills just weren't there. I don't think it helped that in an effort to save money he was driving to as many of his interviews as he could. I was in practicum with him and he took off a lot of time just for driving to interviews. I remember he had back to back interviews scheduled with a driving distance of 8 hours in between them. Completed one of his interviews at 4 p.m. Hopped in his car and drove for 8 hours so he could interview the next morning at another site. That had to take a toll on him too. He could not have been at his very best with as tired as he must have been.

This year he's interviewing again. But I know that he's spending a lot of time preparing for the actual interviews, his experience from last year has given him an insight into types of questions he should expect. He's not concentrating on the number of interviews he gets, but is instead concentrating on making the best impression at each interview that he does get. That said, I think so far he has 5 interviews and he says he's happy with that even if he doesn't get any more. He feels that 5 is a manageable number for him.

As for the X factor, who knows? Just do your best at your interviews and leave the rest up to the powers that be. My take away from the guy that did not match last year even though he had 12 interviews is to be rested and relaxed and alert.
 
Good luck today everyone! I'm realizing just how nice it is to be able to post on here and use this forum for much needed support during this stressful time. The pros really outweigh the cons for me!

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile
 
hang in there everyone! After receiving 5 rejections initially, I've gone on a streak of 4 interviews. Things can turn around! Don't be too hard on yourself! you are probably very overqualified for many spots and they simply can't see that in writing!

And to add to everyone else's stories. What I was told was during this entire process is that "you only need one". I believe this to be very true! If you (I really hope not) end up with only one or two interviews, make those interviews the best damn possible. Present your skills and knowledge in a way that leaves the supervisors feeling like the following year would be terrible if they didn't match with you!

Good luck everyone!
 
Received an interview invitation to St. Joseph's Healthcare (Hamilton) via email about 30 minutes ago. It seemed like a form letter, but it was sent directly to me with my name (Dear XXXX...). Interview dates are Jan 7, 10, 15, 16, or 18, with a choice of AM or PM interview slots on each day. I applied to the "general stream", but the email didn't specifically refer to this track.

Hoping for some good news for everyone today!
 
Generic Interview (via email and attached document) invite from Mendota! Dates are January 18, 22, and 25.
 
I know for some people last year who had many interviews and didn't match needed to work on their interviewing skills. Hope this helps!
 
WCPIP (Wichita Collaborative Psychology Internship Program) just announced that their COMCAST rotation is no longer available. So, another place that's a no-go. Received word via mass email.
 
Rejection from Primary Children's Medical Center. Boo, I was holding out hope for that one! Oh we'll, here's for better news ahead.
 
Rejections

Regina Qu'appele Health Region (Regina, SK, Canada) Personal Email - 11/30/12

Invitations

Saskatoon Health Region Residency in Clinical Psychology - Generic group Email - 12/7/12
 
Generic email invitation to interview at University Counseling Services at Virginia Commonwealth University!

on-site interviews available on 1/2, 1/4, 1/7, 1/9, 1/11
phone interviews available on 1/8 and 1/10
 
Rejection from Primary Children's Medical Center. Boo, I was holding out hope for that one! Oh we'll, here's for better news ahead.

Same here - but no worries - I'm sure you'll have good news up ahead...good luck!
 
WCPIP (Wichita Collaborative Psychology Internship Program) just announced that their COMCAST rotation is no longer available. So, another place that's a no-go. Received word via mass email.

Got that one too. I wish they would have let us know sooner so at least I could have applied to a different site.
 
My first interview is coming up and my anxiety is at an all time high. I can't help but feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. I can't afford to not match, I have no idea what we will do if I don't... I am so anxious. This process is absolutely awful. It boggles my mind that this "imbalance" has gone on for so long and very little is being do to rectify it. I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that we have all worked so hard to get to this point and many of us will be denied the opportunity to complete our degrees in a timely manner. I don't know if I am the only one (I doubt it) but financially I can't afford another year as a graduate student. Sorry for the vent I am just incredibly drained, anxious, and trying my best tolerate the enormous stress of this process.
 
Personalized email invitation to Phoenix VA, dates:
Wednesday, January 2, 2013; 8-12:00
Wednesday, January 4, 2013; 8:00-12:00
Monday, January 7, 2013; 8:00-12:00
Tuesday, January 8, 2013; 8:00-12:00
Wednesday, January 9, 2013; 8:00-12:00

Personalized email invitation to Maine VA (neuropsych track), dates:
Friday, December 21
Friday, January 11
Friday, January 18
Friday, January 25
 
Got an invite this morning from the Atlanta VAMC, Interview dates are Jan. 9th, 14th, and 22nd.
 
I just received email interview offers from Illinois State University and Virginia Commonwealth University. So far I have 4 interviews, 0 rejections, and I am waiting on 13 more sites to respond back 🙂. Happy Friday!
 
I got a personalized email invitation from the DOT. "You may interview with us over the telephone on January 9th, 10th, or 11th during our office hours. Alternatively, you may visit us for an onsite interview on either Monday, January 14th or Tuesday, January 15th."
 
My first interview is coming up and my anxiety is at an all time high. I can't help but feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. I can't afford to not match, I have no idea what we will do if I don't... I am so anxious. This process is absolutely awful. It boggles my mind that this "imbalance" has gone on for so long and very little is being do to rectify it. I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that we have all worked so hard to get to this point and many of us will be denied the opportunity to complete our degrees in a timely manner. I don't know if I am the only one (I doubt it) but financially I can't afford another year as a graduate student. Sorry for the vent I am just incredibly drained, anxious, and trying my best tolerate the enormous stress of this process.

You are very much not the only one! It's really frustrating that the imbalance has been allowed to get as bad as it is, and I suspect it'll be a while before all the "we really should do something" statements translate into any meaningful action. I really don't have any great advice, as I'm in a place similar to yours. My best strategies for stress management are distraction, husband and friend support, and just repeating to myself as often as possible that it will work itself out somehow. They don't always work, but it's better than nothing. 🙂 Good luck to you and to everyone else!
 
Generic email invitation to interview at AGH. Interviews are the 4 Fridays in January.
 
My first interview is coming up and my anxiety is at an all time high. I can't help but feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. I can't afford to not match, I have no idea what we will do if I don't... I am so anxious. This process is absolutely awful. It boggles my mind that this "imbalance" has gone on for so long and very little is being do to rectify it. I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that we have all worked so hard to get to this point and many of us will be denied the opportunity to complete our degrees in a timely manner. I don't know if I am the only one (I doubt it) but financially I can't afford another year as a graduate student. Sorry for the vent I am just incredibly drained, anxious, and trying my best tolerate the enormous stress of this process.

i am so nervous. i just keep on thinking i'm gong to be one of those folks with lots of interviews that dosen't match, and then i've already applied to the majority of sites i'd ever want to apply to. it is truly amazing but it is the waiting that is the most awful part of this, not the application process itself.
 
Generic email invitation to Danville VA (Illiana VA)
Dates are every Mon, Wed, and Fri in January (except MLKjr Birthday)
 
Decided to quit creeping on here and actually post. How many in-person interviews is everyone trying to coordinate? I am up to 5, and hoping that I can still accommodate a few more if needed. I am worried about phone and skype interviews not being enough to make an impression with sites.

Thoughts???
 
Around 8 was my thinking as well. I hope I can afford to travel. The closest sites for me don't offer in-person at all, which is kinda lame.
 
Decided to quit creeping on here and actually post. How many in-person interviews is everyone trying to coordinate? I am up to 5, and hoping that I can still accommodate a few more if needed. I am worried about phone and skype interviews not being enough to make an impression with sites.

Thoughts???

I am at 9, 3 of which are local-ish, and have 10 more to hear from. 1/2 of those are local sites but still. it is getting expensive because i am getting a hotel the night before so that i am not exhausted for my morning interviews. less expensive than an extra year...
 
Decided to quit creeping on here and actually post. How many in-person interviews is everyone trying to coordinate? I am up to 5, and hoping that I can still accommodate a few more if needed. I am worried about phone and skype interviews not being enough to make an impression with sites.

Thoughts???

I've got 6 so far and have 9 places left to hear from, so I'm hoping for 9 interviews total. So far I've been able to spread them out enough that I'm not doing any back to back (eg Thurs/Fri) but if I get more, that may be inevitable. I'm hoping at the least if I do end up with two back to back they'll be in the same state.
 
Generic rejection from St. Elizabeths & personalized rejection from St. Joseph's Healthcare (Hamilton, ON) today. 2 top site rejections. I'm feeling like crawling into a hole & the rainy weather is suiting my dark mood. And if one more person says "It's going to be okay"...:boom:
 
That happened in our program too! Guy had 2 interviews, matched at top choice overall. Another had 11 interviews and didn't match in phase 1 or 2. It's just hard to get past feeling like the number of interviews is a reflection of your worth as a candidate. There are clearly too many variables involved in this whole process to make any real sense of it.

I am totally in this boat. 2 interviews 9 rejections 4 to go. I don't expect any more interviews - so that makes me feel really good! The interviews are top choices and very competitive sites. Don't let all of those rejections define your worth or freak you out! I am a top student and I bet you are too.

Also: you're doing something you love! In the absolute worst case scenario you'll delay one year (think of all the progress you can make on your dissertation 🙂 )
 
Interview paired with a rejection.

Personalized email invitation from Western Washington University. Phone interviews the week of Dec 17.

Personalized email rejection from Pacific Psychology Clinic.

I'm already up to more interviews that I had last year!!! Feels good!

Do you mind if I ask how many places you applied to and how many interviews you had last year?
 
Generic rejection from St. Elizabeths & personalized rejection from St. Joseph's Healthcare (Hamilton, ON) today. 2 top site rejections. I'm feeling like crawling into a hole & the rainy weather is suiting my dark mood. And if one more person says "It's going to be okay"...:boom:

Me too re: St. Josephs, although at least I don't have to rush order my passport.
 
I am totally in this boat. 2 interviews 9 rejections 4 to go. I don't expect any more interviews - so that makes me feel really good! The interviews are top choices and very competitive sites. Don't let all of those rejections define your worth or freak you out! I am a top student and I bet you are too.

Also: you're doing something you love! In the absolute worst case scenario you'll delay one year (think of all the progress you can make on your dissertation 🙂 )


Thank for you for this much needed (at least for me) reframe!
 
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Generic Email invite for interviews on Jan 21 & 22...
 
Hi guys,

I have a few questions that are mostly just for my own reassurance. I'm still waiting to hear from 7 sites. 2 of those sites have already sent out invitations, so I'm expecting "No's". The others aren't on the list....but a friend in my program said that since she hasn't heard anything and it's relatively late in the process now, that she's not expecting to get invites from many more of her outstanding sites. Has anyone else heard this as well. Kind of makes me lose hope....
 
Has anyone heard from MercyFirst recently? I know they invited people over the phone a while ago, but nothing since. I havent seen an invite or rejection since 11/19. Please let me know!

Secondly, I saw that Watson Institute sent out both invites and rejections yesterday. I applied there and havent a word from them? Should I wait a bit longer or should I email them to get clarification? (I have checked my spam and junk email on both the emails listed on my appi).

Any help would be appreciated! thanks guys and gals!
 
Hi guys,

I have a few questions that are mostly just for my own reassurance. I'm still waiting to hear from 7 sites. 2 of those sites have already sent out invitations, so I'm expecting "No's". The others aren't on the list....but a friend in my program said that since she hasn't heard anything and it's relatively late in the process now, that she's not expecting to get invites from many more of her outstanding sites. Has anyone else heard this as well. Kind of makes me lose hope....

your friend is wrong. as i stated earlier, i have a feind who got 6 of their 8 interviews on Dec 15th. faculty at these programs are just like us. some of them get stuff done as soon as it crosses their desk, but plenty know that if they have a Dec 15th deadline, they do not need it get it out until then and won't.
 
Hi guys,

I have a few questions that are mostly just for my own reassurance. I'm still waiting to hear from 7 sites. 2 of those sites have already sent out invitations, so I'm expecting "No's". The others aren't on the list....but a friend in my program said that since she hasn't heard anything and it's relatively late in the process now, that she's not expecting to get invites from many more of her outstanding sites. Has anyone else heard this as well. Kind of makes me lose hope....

It depends on the kind of site... for example, BOPs are notorious for sending their invites on 12/14 or 12/15. If there hasn't been any word, I'd think there was a good chance they haven't invited anyone yet.
 
Has anyone heard from MercyFirst recently? I know they invited people over the phone a while ago, but nothing since. I havent seen an invite or rejection since 11/19. Please let me know!

Secondly, I saw that Watson Institute sent out both invites and rejections yesterday. I applied there and havent a word from them? Should I wait a bit longer or should I email them to get clarification? (I have checked my spam and junk email on both the emails listed on my appi).

Any help would be appreciated! thanks guys and gals!

i had the same scenario a few days ago (invites and rejections wen tout the same day, i heard nothing) and go an invite 2 days later. i was surprised, because the invites were generic emails, but i guess that all faculty have a template, so that even if one faculty is sending out invites later than another, they use the same general email.
 
i had the same scenario a few days ago (invites and rejections wen tout the same day, i heard nothing) and go an invite 2 days later. i was surprised, because the invites were generic emails, but i guess that all faculty have a template, so that even if one faculty is sending out invites later than another, they use the same general email.

Thanks, Kyril! That info is much appreciated!
 
Sorry to bother this forum with so many noob questions, but this waiting game is killing me. Has anyone experienced or known someone who has never heard from a site at all? so a site does not send them an invite or rejection? Or is it assumed that every site will contact you to let you know if you are in the running or not? Thanks!
 
It depends on the kind of site... for example, BOPs are notorious for sending their invites on 12/14 or 12/15. If there hasn't been any word, I'd think there was a good chance they haven't invited anyone yet.

Agreed. University counseling centers also also generally notify people ON 12/15 or thereabouts. This time of year is extremely busy for them because students are stressed and reaching out for help due to finals, family, and upcoming holidays. So don't lose hope! As much as we'd like to wish it otherwise, TDs and selection committees are just as busy as we are. For myself, I'm waiting to hear back from 18 of the 21 sites to which I applied.

8 more days, guys. WE CAN MAKE IT.

Best, HB
 
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