2014-2015 APPIC (internship) application thread

[ddsooner]

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It's bittersweet to be back on this forum posting-- now for internships! It's cool to see some of the same folks from way back when 🙂

Anyway, does anyone have any advice regarding disclosure in the essays, particularly the autobiographical one? I understand there's the notion that counseling centers enjoy more personal disclosure when compared to hospital-type settings. I am applying primarily to hospital/VAs and am unsure whether sexual orientation disclosure would be harmful. Obviously it wouldn't be a "I'm here and I'm queer" kind of thing, but more integrative with the flow of the essay.
Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks
-D

 

[WisNeuro]

You'll be fine with those hours at most VA's, especially if you have experience within the VA system. all about your letters and CV at this point.

 

[cara susanna]

You'll be fine with those hours at most VA's, especially if you have experience within the VA system. all about your letters and CV at this point.

Agreed. I had 150 assessment hours and matched at a VA.

 

[starsinnight]

Agreed. I had 150 assessment hours and matched at a VA.

Thanks to you both, WisNeuro and Cara Susanna. I can now get back to trying not to stress. And trying to defend before summer.

 

[researchgirl]

Any creative ways to get more assessment hours in the next 2 months at a VA? (like asking the C&P evaluator to assist administration/giving all my clients an OQ/ideas welcome!)

Total intervention: 600 hours; total assessment 150 hours; total integrated reports 25; 3 years
Anxiety = high

Applying to VAs

That is plenty of hours. I had 570 TOTAL face to face hours- 470 therapy, 100 assessment, with maybe 9 integrated reports, and I'm at a highly respected consortium.

My impression last year was that you need to meet a bar for having enough hours, but having extra hours does not give your application any significant boost.

 

[researchgirl]

It's bittersweet to be back on this forum posting-- now for internships! It's cool to see some of the same folks from way back when 🙂

Anyway, does anyone have any advice regarding disclosure in the essays, particularly the autobiographical one? I understand there's the notion that counseling centers enjoy more personal disclosure when compared to hospital-type settings. I am applying primarily to hospital/VAs and am unsure whether sexual orientation disclosure would be harmful. Obviously it wouldn't be a "I'm here and I'm queer" kind of thing, but more integrative with the flow of the essay.
Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks
-D

Personally, I wrote my autobio essay more as the story of me as a psychologist, and used a brief personal story to illustrate my point (i.e. I'm mostly behaviorally oriented and talked about behavioral principles applying to solving a problem in my life that was, for me, rather benign to share). If your story of who you are as a psychologist involves disclosing your sexual orientation, I say go for it, otherwise, I wouldn't. Does that make sense?

(For what it's worth, I'm on internship at an academic medical center and VA consoritum).

 

[CheetahGirl]

Anyway, does anyone have any advice regarding disclosure in the essays, particularly the autobiographical one? I understand there's the notion that counseling centers enjoy more personal disclosure when compared to hospital-type settings. I am applying primarily to hospital/VAs and am unsure whether sexual orientation disclosure would be harmful. Obviously it wouldn't be a "I'm here and I'm queer" kind of thing, but more integrative with the flow of the essay.
Thoughts? Suggestions?

Ask yourself if it is relevant for writing a strong, coherent essay...and if so, how does this personal disclosure make you an effective clinician? (I'm a mother which is a HUGE part of my identity but left it out for obvious reasons). Like I could say I'm hetero (unless i'm having a girl-crush that day...ha!), but it doesn't make me a more effective clinician by disclosing or considering my heterosexuality. So some skeptics could think the same (especially if they found other reasons to cut your application and needed one more). Perhaps, I would say my ethnicity does make me an effective clinician (I'm an immigrant who grew up in the U.S.). I also felt my familial relationships helped develop those qualities needed to be an effective therapist. When I thought about how I could stand 'apart' with these two factors (immigration-status and growing up in a large family), I linked it to some sort of theoretical, scholarly construct that seems utterly relevant (which was mentalization). So I felt my autobiographical essay shared a huge part of my identity but was also mindful of my scholarly ability to convey what I learned was unique about myself now that I was trained as a clinician. (And heck, yeah, I got 'deep' and put a lot of energy into this essay-writing task b/c it is the only way sites get a 'flavor' who you are without meeting you first).

If you are Queer and Here, fine...but is it relevant to your job? If you're Proud and Loud, great, but make sure that you are not being evocative in your self-disclosure as a means of finding those who will accept you as you are. [insert Kurt Cobain singing 'come as you are' right about now...]

This is about a job, clinical training, and working towards licensure. These interviewers are not your new BFFs who need to hear everything about you up front. You have to be wary of how/why you are self-disclosing what you are, and if it is relevant in making an impactful statement (and not just provocative). If you take this with a grain of salt and still want to disclose, then perhaps look at other factors (so you can really stand out) - like does your sexual orientation/identity as a gay-person impact your ability to work with diverse groups (uh...yeah.) or research interests (Essay #3 or #4)? If so, link it to some scholarly effort, so interviewers can see that not only it [being gay] is part of your identity, but will be advantageous to have you on their clinical team b/c of your sophistication and care for people with differing issues (or the depth that you possess for each individual b/c of your conscientiousness about your own deeply-considered experiences)...IMO.

Good luck!

BTW, I am also an intern at an VA/AMC consortium. I didn't get a massive number of interviews (6/16), but all my interviews were at very competitive, top-notch internships in the NYC area. And to preserve my ego-strength, I started to believe the other sites (who didn't offer me interviews) thought they didn't stand a chance to be considered by me b/c I was THAT good. Ha - talk about delusional narcissism - but it got me through some tough times, and I eventually matched at my #1 ranked. You do (and think) what you need during internship match time...to get you through it and hopefully come out on top.

*My response to you - typed on my cell on the train that was lost - was much more succinct, but I wanted to respond b/c I had an opinion on this issue based on past conversations with close friends.*

 

[PsychPhDone]

Any creative ways to get more assessment hours in the next 2 months at a VA? (like asking the C&P evaluator to assist administration/giving all my clients an OQ/ideas welcome!)

Total intervention: 600 hours; total assessment 150 hours; total integrated reports 25; 3 years
Anxiety = high

Applying to VAs

Do you have any neuropsych experience? Any research studies need assessments administered?

FWIW, I applied with about the number of hours you have now. More years, less reports. Are you looking for an assessment-heavy internship?

 

[cara susanna]

I also was on the lower end hours-wise (500 F2F, 150 assessment and 350 intervention) and I got interviews at VAs and AMCs. Matched at a VA.

 

[Phipps]

In press, yes. Submitted, nope.

How about accepted posters that do never get presented??

 

[CheetahGirl]

Technically, No. Accepted posters that did not get presented should not be in the CV... if you need to cut things (b/c you cannot discuss feedback from the conference where others may (or may not) have come by to discuss your poster).

If you don't need to edit your CV down, and you have an accepted poster, you should include it in your CV b/c it demonstrates that you produced accepted (vs. rejected) peer-reviewed materials/or literature. If it is discussed, you could briefly talk about why it didn't make it to presentation, but focus on the content of the poster & the ideas, and the fact it was accepted (by whom?).

 

[ddsooner]

Thanks researchgirl & cheetahgirl -- very helpful! I appreciate it 🙂

 

[SublimeNature]

I can tell you that I ended up getting interviews at several VAs and matching at one, with 150 assessment hours and about 30 integrated reports.

I won't be applying for internship till next year, but I'm trying to make sure I'm as competitive as possible. How many assessment batteries are considered an adequate # and how many assessment hours? I'm not interested in a VA or a neuropsych placement. I have 12 integrated batteries under my belt thus far and I'm not sure of my assessment hours off the top of my head, but I think it's like 700-800 total for the year.

Thanks!

 

[Phipps]

Technically, No. Accepted posters that did not get presented should not be in the CV... if you need to cut things (b/c you cannot discuss feedback from the conference where others may (or may not) have come by to discuss your poster).

If you don't need to edit your CV down, and you have an accepted poster, you should include it in your CV b/c it demonstrates that you produced accepted (vs. rejected) peer-reviewed materials/or literature. If it is discussed, you could briefly talk about why it didn't make it to presentation, but focus on the content of the poster & the ideas, and the fact it was accepted (by whom?).

Thanks, CheetahGirl! I guess it remains a little bit of a dilemma and seems awkward to put it on my CV. I have about ten poster/paper presentations, and while that is not super much, it is more than nothing 🙂 -- so, I might or might not put it on. Glad it's still early in the process!!!!!!!

 

[cara susanna]

I won't be applying for internship till next year, but I'm trying to make sure I'm as competitive as possible. How many assessment batteries are considered an adequate # and how many assessment hours? I'm not interested in a VA or a neuropsych placement. I have 12 integrated batteries under my belt thus far and I'm not sure of my assessment hours off the top of my head, but I think it's like 700-800 total for the year.

Thanks!

Depends on where you're applying.

 

[sardonic]

Where is everyone on applications? I'm having some serious writers block on these. I keep distracting myself from the essays to work on the cover letters, which of course also need to get done but not at the detriment of the bulk of the application. I've taken care of transcripts and have lined up recommendations... which reminds me that I think APPIC is releasing some recommendation information today...

 

[Hopen]

I'm finished drafts of the essays, although they will likely require some more editing (beyond my very supportive thesis supervisor), and I have written about 4/10 cover letters, although I may apply to more sites.

Speaking of references, I have a few questions. I have my references lined up, and was planning on having each of them do two general reference letters (as some Canadian sites require the Standardized Reference Form), and addressing the letters generally "To whom it may concern". I was hoping to save my references some time by not having them re-do the process (added confusion due to the two formats) for every site I'm applying for.

Is that a terrible idea to have a general reference letter? Almost all of the sites I'm applying for are public research hospitals, adult mental health track (with focused interests within that track).

Thanks!

p.s. First time here since applying to clinical programs in 2010 😉

 

[studythemind99]

I also have a question about references. Does anyone know if you just submit one request and you can attach that general letter to each application?

Hopen: I gave my letter writers the option to make the LORs specific or general (based on their desire to write multiple versions) and they all said they could sum it up in one "grand" letter instead of making them site specific. Hope that helps. *Though I've never matched before so let's see if that bites me in the butt! 🙂

 

[sardonic]

Wow, Hopen, you are really far along!

I also have the same question about references. I think for graduate school writers just gave me a "To Whom it May Concern" letter that I sent to all the schools, but now I'm not sure.

 

[Hopen]

Okay, great. Thanks for your responses! I'm going to go ahead and ask for general letters to save the headache. After all, the cover letters will be catered to individual sites.

@sardonic, I think it was motivated by a panic when I decided I was going to apply for APPIC, only two weeks ago (well, last week of August). So, I spent a mad first week of September researching sites and writing the essays, to see if it was possible for me to apply this year before telling references (whom I had previously told I was waiting a year) I was committed to applying.

Now I'm slowing down. I don't recommend fear for getting over writer's block, though. Maybe a nice cafe, and calm environment? That's where I got the lion's share of mine done.

 

[Lindsay86]

I'm working on cover letters as we speak and I am also wondering about disclosing sexual orientation. Sites profess to keep an eye out for applicant diversity and I'm wondering about the pros and cons of disclosure. There has been great advice on this thread thus far, especially when it comes to only disclosing if relevant to professional goals; however, I can't help but wonder if disclosing homosexuality (or other points of sexual diversity) might be beneficial in some way. For the sake of context: I'm applying primarily to VAs, some of which are extremely competitive neuropsych tracks.

Thoughts? Thank you.

 

[mindfulnessiszen]

I won't be applying for internship till next year, but I'm trying to make sure I'm as competitive as possible. How many assessment batteries are considered an adequate # and how many assessment hours? I'm not interested in a VA or a neuropsych placement. I have 12 integrated batteries under my belt thus far and I'm not sure of my assessment hours off the top of my head, but I think it's like 700-800 total for the year.

Thanks!

Something that helped me was looking at places I thought I might potentially be interested in. While this was forever changing (for me anyway), I knew places I could be a good fit and places I couldn't. For example, I do not come from a neuropsych heavy program so applying to that track for internship would have probably been a waste of time. However, I had some experience working with prolonged exposure, so I looked for programs with that training and other treatments that were similar. Thus, I ended up applying to several AMCs and VAs.

So once I narrowed down my choices I looked at the number of assessment hours on APPIC and type of assessments that were administered at that site (usually you can find this on their website or internship materials) and focused on getting those experiences. Hope that helps

 

[MCParent]

Anyway, does anyone have any advice regarding disclosure in the essays, particularly the autobiographical one? I understand there's the notion that counseling centers enjoy more personal disclosure when compared to hospital-type settings. I am applying primarily to hospital/VAs and am unsure whether sexual orientation disclosure would be harmful. Obviously it wouldn't be a "I'm here and I'm queer" kind of thing, but more integrative with the flow of the essay.
Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks
-D

I heard about this CC vs. hospital thing when I applied. I thought it was weird, and submitted the same essays to both CCs and hospitals I applied to, and I did well for getting interviews at both. My personal essay was personal but far from explosively self-disclosive. My former VA supervisor who read it said he liked it, and that hospital sites often get "personal" essays that are basically CV-rundowns. I think a well-balanced essay will work well at both types of sites.

You have the cover letter in which to come out, too. E.g., you might mention involvement/interest in LGBT stuff (which should be the real variable of interest, IMO, and not your specific identity as if that was any selection committee's business) and then come out to places where you think it would be a specific benefit in the cover letter.

BTW I seriously doubt coming out would be a problem at most VAs, given that there are now a huge number of LGB fellowships following the repeal of DADT.

 

[mindfulnessiszen]

I'm working on cover letters as we speak and I am also wondering about disclosing sexual orientation. Sites profess to keep an eye out for applicant diversity and I'm wondering about the pros and cons of disclosure. There has been great advice on this thread thus far, especially when it comes to only disclosing if relevant to professional goals; however, I can't help but wonder if disclosing homosexuality (or other points of sexual diversity) might be beneficial in some way. For the sake of context: I'm applying primarily to VAs, some of which are extremely competitive neuropsych tracks.

Thoughts? Thank you.

Like @CheetahGirl mentioned, how is this relevant to what you will be doing on internship? Really ask yourself that, and then ask how could this disclosure help or hurt. I personally think that could be helpful if you're applying to an LGBT track at a site, but I'm wondering how that disclosure will help the people reviewing your application decide whether your a good "fit" or not. Every training director will tell you "fit" is what they are looking for. I chose to not disclose very much in my essays or on my application. The most I disclosed was my race because it very much ties into the way that I approach therapy and I think it helped the reviewers understand my theoretical orientation and my diversity essay. The best advice I can give is to have a professor or training supervisor look at your materials because they are really good at telling you what is appropriate and what may be too much self disclosure.

 

[WisNeuro]

Like @CheetahGirl mentioned, how is this relevant to what you will be doing on internship? Really ask yourself that, and then ask how could this disclosure help or hurt. I personally think that could be helpful if you're applying to an LGBT track at a site, but I'm wondering how that disclosure will help the people reviewing your application decide whether your a good "fit" or not. Every training director will tell you "fit" is what they are looking for. I chose to not disclose very much in my essays or on my application. The most I disclosed was my race because it very much ties into the way that I approach therapy and I think it helped the reviewers understand my theoretical orientation and my diversity essay. The best advice I can give is to have a professor or training supervisor look at your materials because they are really good at telling you what is appropriate and what may be too much self disclosure.

It matters. Fit is paramount, but I assure you, all other things being equal, a program will pick an applicant with some measure of diversity. Helps out when the accreditation visit comes back around.

 

[cara susanna]

I also have a question about references. Does anyone know if you just submit one request and you can attach that general letter to each application?

Hopen: I gave my letter writers the option to make the LORs specific or general (based on their desire to write multiple versions) and they all said they could sum it up in one "grand" letter instead of making them site specific. Hope that helps. *Though I've never matched before so let's see if that bites me in the butt! 🙂

Correct. They submit one letter to the site and you attach it to each application.

 

[futureapppsy2]

Technically, No. Accepted posters that did not get presented should not be in the CV... if you need to cut things (b/c you cannot discuss feedback from the conference where others may (or may not) have come by to discuss your poster).

If you don't need to edit your CV down, and you have an accepted poster, you should include it in your CV b/c it demonstrates that you produced accepted (vs. rejected) peer-reviewed materials/or literature. If it is discussed, you could briefly talk about why it didn't make it to presentation, but focus on the content of the poster & the ideas, and the fact it was accepted (by whom?).

I'm going to disagree with this--I wouldn't ever put posters/presentations that were accepted but not presented on the CV--it's weird and would come across more as desperate padding to me than anything that would get you props. Posters/presentations that have been accepted, but the conference is still upcoming? Sure, put them on. Posters/presentations that never made it fruition because of x, y, z? Nope. And honestly, posters tend to be of such minimal value by the time you apply for internship that needing to prop up your CV with ones that didn't actually happen (and won't happen in the future) probably means that you wouldn't be competitive for sites that care about these things anyway.

 

[CheetahGirl]

Well...let me tell you about this one time...

I had two different posters accepted at conferences that I first-authored and was quite proud of b/c of the original research. Due to AMC funding, I could not attend the conferences where they were accepted. My program director (2nd author) took the posters, but I did not get the chance to discuss the work myself. Did I include on my graduate school apps!? Hell, yeah! Did I include on my internship apps? Nope.


I did not need to shorten my first CV, but my subsequent CVs needed my best work (and b/c they were not discussed at conference time. I just left them off).

Therefore, this was my justification for my response (not that you asked Futureapppsy2).

I'm going to disagree with this--I wouldn't ever put posters/presentations that were accepted but not presented on the CV--it's weird and would come across more as desperate padding to me than anything that would get you props. Posters/presentations that have been accepted, but the conference is still upcoming? Sure, put them on. Posters/presentations that never made it fruition because of x, y, z? Nope. And honestly, posters tend to be of such minimal value by the time you apply for internship that needing to prop up your CV with ones that didn't actually happen (and won't happen in the future) probably means that you wouldn't be competitive for sites that care about these things anyway.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I also have a question about references. Does anyone know if you just submit one request and you can attach that general letter to each application?

Hopen: I gave my letter writers the option to make the LORs specific or general (based on their desire to write multiple versions) and they all said they could sum it up in one "grand" letter instead of making them site specific. Hope that helps. *Though I've never matched before so let's see if that bites me in the butt! 🙂

Addressing this and the previous post about "To Whom it may Concern:" letters--I believe all my rec letters were of the general sort, and it didn't seem to hurt me.

And to address the other question--yes, the letter writer just submits one letter, and you can then attach it to as many or as few applications as you'd like. I honestly don't know how you would get the same writer to upload more than one letter. It's probably possible, but I never looked into it.

 

[cara susanna]

Well...let me tell you about this one time...

I had two different posters accepted at conferences that I first-authored and was quite proud of b/c of the original research. Due to AMC funding, I could not attend the conferences where they were accepted. My program director (2nd author) took the posters, but I did not get the chance to discuss the work myself. Did I include on my graduate school apps!? Hell, yeah! Did I include on my internship apps? Nope.


I did not need to shorten my first CV, but my subsequent CVs needed my best work (and b/c they were not discussed at conference time. I just left them off).

Therefore, this was my justification for my response (not that you asked Futureapppsy2).

I would count that as a presented paper or poster, though. As long as someone presented it.

 

[CheetahGirl]

I would count that as a presented paper or poster, though. As long as someone presented it.

Well, good to know I have some extra padding if needed. 😉

 

[futureapppsy2]

Well...let me tell you about this one time...

I had two different posters accepted at conferences that I first-authored and was quite proud of b/c of the original research. Due to AMC funding, I could not attend the conferences where they were accepted. My program director (2nd author) took the posters, but I did not get the chance to discuss the work myself. Did I include on my graduate school apps!? Hell, yeah! Did I include on my internship apps? Nope.


I did not need to shorten my first CV, but my subsequent CVs needed my best work (and b/c they were not discussed at conference time. I just left them off).

Therefore, this was my justification for my response (not that you asked Futureapppsy2).

If you were an author on the posters and they were actually presented, why wouldn't you list them, minus length limits? (I purposefully stick all my posters and conference presentation at the end of my CV, as I know people are less likely to care about those/read them carefully I put the more important things--publications, grants, etc--up front),

 

[Ollie123]

I would count that as a presented paper or poster, though. As long as someone presented it.

I agree, though you might want to put an * by the second author and signify "presenter" (which I've seen before). That seems very different from having an abstract accepted and then withdrawing it.

I feel weird deleting anything academically relevant off my CV at this stage of my career so keep everything on there (save for junk like undergrad clubs, etc.) unless there is a page limit or something like that. At some point I assume I'll shift to "Select from last 5 years" for conference presentations (or something similar) but I don't really see it done by junior investigators so have been holding off.

 

[studythemind99]

I'm curious about this talk of length of C.V. I have not seen any sites that ask, for example, for a 2-page C.V. or gives a C.V. page limit. Is this something that is site specific?

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I'm curious about this talk of length of C.V. I have not seen any sites that ask, for example, for a 2-page C.V. or gives a C.V. page limit. Is this something that is site specific?

I've certainly seen suggested/required page limits on resumes, but never for CVs (that I can remember). That being said, you still don't want your CV to be unnecessarily lengthy/wordy.

 

[researchgirl]

I'm curious about this talk of length of C.V. I have not seen any sites that ask, for example, for a 2-page C.V. or gives a C.V. page limit. Is this something that is site specific?

I don't think that was re: internship CVs, but I've seen page limits on CVs in other contexts, e.g. when you submit your CV with a grant application.

 

[psychbug]

I have a question about references, specifically my recommendation from my dissertation chair, who is a social psychologist. I've received conflicting advice from my clinical faculty as to whether or not I should use her for a reference. One faculty member tells me that I'm essentially wasting a letter because she can't speak at all about my clinical skills (for context, I'm applying for peds internships). Another faculty member says that it will look bad if I don't use my dissertation chair because people will assume that I have a bad relationship with her. This faculty person also said that although my chair can't discuss my clinical skills, she can talk about my work ethic/response to feedback/etc. What do you all think? I have three clinical supervisors lined up so I'm not worried about finding an additional letter writer...just feeling confused as to how internships will view a letter (or lack thereof) from a social psychologist.

 

[erg923]

Why wound anyone assume an applicant has a strained relationship with...anyone? Lol

Dumb.

 

[thewesternsky]

By "dissertation chair", do you mean your primary research supervisor? If so, I would include one from him/her and two from people who can speak to your clinical skills. And yes, she can definitely talk about your work ethic, response to feedback, interpersonal skills, research skills, problem-solving ability... Basically, if you have a decent relationship, she should have lots to say. 🙂

 

[ddsooner]

I have a question about references, specifically my recommendation from my dissertation chair, who is a social psychologist. I've received conflicting advice from my clinical faculty as to whether or not I should use her for a reference. One faculty member tells me that I'm essentially wasting a letter because she can't speak at all about my clinical skills (for context, I'm applying for peds internships). Another faculty member says that it will look bad if I don't use my dissertation chair because people will assume that I have a bad relationship with her. This faculty person also said that although my chair can't discuss my clinical skills, she can talk about my work ethic/response to feedback/etc. What do you all think? I have three clinical supervisors lined up so I'm not worried about finding an additional letter writer...just feeling confused as to how internships will view a letter (or lack thereof) from a social psychologist.

You can always e-mail training directors for advisement. Some have been very helpful to me thus far. I know some sites require a letter from your advisor (dissertation chair?), and in that case, you have no choice but to use his/her letter. Some sites indicate in their brochures what they are looking for in letters of rec-- in that case, I'd choose people who can fulfill those expectations. I'd collect letters from as many people who could write strong letters of support and choose which letters would likely fit best with particular sites.

 

[starsinnight]

Do you have any neuropsych experience? Any research studies need assessments administered?

FWIW, I applied with about the number of hours you have now. More years, less reports. Are you looking for an assessment-heavy internship?

I have a bit of neuropsych experience and training, but not much. And I would like assessment experience in my internship but it isn't by any means "heavy" or neuropsych focused.

 

[starsinnight]

You can always e-mail training directors for advisement. Some have been very helpful to me thus far. I know some sites require a letter from your advisor (dissertation chair?), and in that case, you have no choice but to use his/her letter. Some sites indicate in their brochures what they are looking for in letters of rec-- in that case, I'd choose people who can fulfill those expectations. I'd collect letters from as many people who could write strong letters of support and choose which letters would likely fit best with particular sites.

I have the same issue. I've asked 5 people for letters already and none of them are my dissertation chair. Only because when I've asked her in the past for grant letter of recommendations, she's deferred to faculty that know me better (because she is newer, from another country, and has never taught me or clinically supervised me). I think if the internship site is so detail-oriented to notice this in the end, they might just ask me in an interview why I didn't ask her. Atleast that's how I'm rationalizing it.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Why wound anyone assume an applicant has a strained relationship with...anyone? Lol

Dumb.

I think part of the potential questioning/assumption/misunderstanding could occur based on extrapolations of the reviewers' training experiences to those of the applicants. In my program, for example, in all but the most extreme circumstances, our dissertation chair was our mentor/advisor. Thus, not having a rec letter from a dissertation chair would be akin to not having your advisor write you a latter, which would indeed be unusual (with another assumption that the student's program adheres to a mentor model). However, this of course isn't the case in all programs.

 

[cara susanna]

Some sites specifically request a letter from your chair, too.

 

[mindfulnessiszen]

I have a question about references, specifically my recommendation from my dissertation chair, who is a social psychologist. I've received conflicting advice from my clinical faculty as to whether or not I should use her for a reference. One faculty member tells me that I'm essentially wasting a letter because she can't speak at all about my clinical skills (for context, I'm applying for peds internships). Another faculty member says that it will look bad if I don't use my dissertation chair because people will assume that I have a bad relationship with her. This faculty person also said that although my chair can't discuss my clinical skills, she can talk about my work ethic/response to feedback/etc. What do you all think? I have three clinical supervisors lined up so I'm not worried about finding an additional letter writer...just feeling confused as to how internships will view a letter (or lack thereof) from a social psychologist.

Is it possible to use your dissertation as a 4th letter? Only one of my writers could speak about both my clinical and research skills, so I used the 4th letter to "fill in the gaps." In fact, one of my writers had me write a sample letter first so he had an idea of what he should include. Then he sent me his version so that I could approve it. This may be a route you could take. I personally wanted strong letters, not the standard filler crap.

I will say that one of my colleagues read a letter of recommendation after she submitted applications and realized that her professor wrote 5 or 6 sentences about her. She recieved 8 interviews and got her first choice. That's probably the exception, but I think it shows how important it is to read your letters before you send them in.

 

[Phipps]

So, I just discovered that there is an essay number 5, the goodness of fit one! Does anybody know whether we have to write it. I am not opposed to it but was wondering about doing a fifth essay as supposed to addressing the goodness of fit in my cover-letters. I am weighing pros and cons for theses two options and am interested in what others think or have done in the past. Thanks!

 

[aly cat]

So, I just discovered that there is an essay number 5, the goodness of fit one! Does anybody know whether we have to write it. I am not opposed to it but was wondering about doing a fifth essay as supposed to addressing the goodness of fit in my cover-letters. I am weighing pros and cons for theses two options and am interested in what others think or have done in the past. Thanks!

Where did you see this? From the applicant portal essay section: "Every application submitted through the AAPI Online service must include an essay responses to four specific questions." Traditionally, goodness of fit is addressed in your cover letter as you stated..

 

[thewesternsky]

So, I just discovered that there is an essay number 5, the goodness of fit one! Does anybody know whether we have to write it. I am not opposed to it but was wondering about doing a fifth essay as supposed to addressing the goodness of fit in my cover-letters. I am weighing pros and cons for theses two options and am interested in what others think or have done in the past. Thanks!

You're reading old materials. There is no longer an Essay 5. Address this in your cover letters.

 

[futureapppsy2]

I agree, though you might want to put an * by the second author and signify "presenter" (which I've seen before). That seems very different from having an abstract accepted and then withdrawing it.

I feel weird deleting anything academically relevant off my CV at this stage of my career so keep everything on there (save for junk like undergrad clubs, etc.) unless there is a page limit or something like that. At some point I assume I'll shift to "Select from last 5 years" for conference presentations (or something similar) but I don't really see it done by junior investigators so have been holding off.

I agree on all accounts, though I don't know that I would agree noting what author presented it was necessary, especially for a poster (I've been on both sides of this--having an RA present a poster for me and presenting a talk for the first author when they became ill).

 

[Ollie123]

Think it depends how much you have. I think I'm now well past the point that anyone cares even a little about my presentations beyond flipping through the pages to say "Oh good, looks like he is active at conferences too". I suspect you are in the same boat. However, if an undergrad or junior grad student only has a couple presentations, I think it is probably more important to note if you weren't the one actually "presenting" per se. That said, I don't feel strongly about it since really it all boils down to...who cares, its a poster.