2014-2015 APPIC (internship) interview thread

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FuturePhD said:
I had something similar happen. I got an invitation to a party and the subject was "invitation." My heart started pounding immediately and I could hardly swallow I was so excited. Then I realized it was just a lame party invitation.
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Plus, they should obviously know we're far too busy refreshing our inboxes to be bothered with trivial things like "parties" or "interacting with other humans."
 
CApsych said:
Thanks so much for starting this conversation! And just to clarify in response to some of the other posters, I don't have any intention of trying to hide the fact that I have a child during internship (walking into work with yogurt massaged into my hair usually tips people off) but I'd rather people not have this information potentially affect their assessment of me during the interview process. Of course it shouldn't, but I also feel that the field can be old fashioned at times, like when I interviewed 9 months pregnant and some of the interviewers blushed when I mentioned my pregnancy.
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I don't have kids, so I really can't say how I would handle this situation, but what I WILL say is that I found internship interviews to be much more structured and businesslike than graduate school interviews. I often interviewed with faculty for 30 minutes, and if there was down time in between I was in a "holding room" with other applicants. With only 30 minutes, I found there was rarely time for any personal chit chat with faculty. In fact, in my estimation, I was probably asked personal questions by less than 10% of the people I interviewed with. Also, most internship sites do not have much informal time with faculty (e.g. a lunch or dinner) - if you have that, it is more likely with the current interns. So, from that perspective, I think it would be quite easy to go through interviews without disclosing that you are a parent. It wouldn't be hiding it whatsoever, the opportunity to disclose is just unlikely to present itself unless you look for it.

That being said, it is still important to get a sense of how family-friendly a place is. I recall several sites making it clear that they were quite family-friendly without ever asking an applicant a single question - for example, more than one training director told the applicants (in the morning welcome talk) about interns, post docs, or faculty members who had recently had children and emphasized that it was very welcomed at that site. I think things like that can really help you gauge the feel of the site while saving your precious 30 minutes of face time to share all of the things about your professional identity that make you an excellent match for that site.
 
I worry about looking professional in both snow boots and a winter coat. Is a peacoat good enough for the cold places, in order to still look professional?
 
PhDToBe said:
I worry about looking professional in both snow boots and a winter coat. Is a peacoat good enough for the cold places, in order to still look professional?
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My thinking on this is similar to a prior poster, in that we won't be wearing our coats while we're being interviewed! Likely we'll take them off right when we get inside. Though I've lived in Colorado and have never bought more than a pea coat, gloves, and a scarf.. I think most people from really cold areas tend to understand that warm outerwear isn't always the most stylish.
 
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rainedallnight said:
Also, just since I don't think anyone covered this yet - no, you don't use an umbrella in the snow. 🙂
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Fun fact: I grew up in Syracuse and have lived in the Northeast for almost all of my life and I proudly pull out an umbrella every time it snows. I tell myself that the crazy looks that people give me are actually their way of expressing jealousy at the fact that I'll be dry while they are all wet and cold. 😏 haters gonna hate...
 
PhDToBe said:
I worry about looking professional in both snow boots and a winter coat. Is a peacoat good enough for the cold places, in order to still look professional?
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Peacoats are good for that. Some are thicker than others, so it depends on the coat and how cold the weather is. 30 degrees and snowy feels much different than 8 degrees and windy. You can make it through snowy interviews without boots at all if you want. You just want something that's not too slippery on the bottoms, or won't be absolutely ruined if they pick up some salt from the sidewalks.
 
50% updated.

I have 40 PMs (most often repeats, so don't stress) left to read but I need to go to bed because I have an interview in the morning (yay!!). The site is over an hour away and I plan on leaving very early just in case, so I imagine I will be able to get to a lot of the PMs early tomorrow. xooxox
 
Alright, let me update the most recent responses I got as I have some time before my first interview (YAY!! and AAAAHH!!!).

Invites
Site name: Cpt James A Lovell Federal Healthcare Center (VA)
Date notified: 12/3/2014 at 4.00 pm EST.
-Invite or rejection: Invitation.
-Track (please specify even for general tracks): General track.
-How notified (mass email, personal email, phone): Personalized email
-Interview dates offered: On-site interviews: December 15h, January 7th, and January 9h.

Rejections

Marin County Health and Human services
Date notified: Dec 2
Track: None specified
How: Mass email with personalized greeting

Yale University school of medicine
Date notified: 12/1/14
Track: SMI
How: Mass email

I am starting to notice a trend of where I am getting rejected vs where Im getting invited. I was afraid of that when I wrote my application as though Military psychology is my first love, a close second is community mental health. I guess I focused a little too much on military training so the community mental health sites are kinda like eeeehhh nah thanks.

Anyone noticed any trends on their invites/rejections?
 
EEpsychstudent said:
50% updated.

I have 40 PMs (most often repeats, so don't stress) left to read but I need to go to bed because I have an interview in the morning (yay!!). The site is over an hour away and I plan on leaving very early just in case, so I imagine I will be able to get to a lot of the PMs early tomorrow. xooxox
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Best of luck on your interview tomorrow!! Sending positive vibes your way! :luck:
 
Welp, I got my first rejection.

University of Central Florida CAPS,
Personalized e-mail.

Sad panda
 
For the folks who got invites to university counseling centers, did you have experience in UCCs before applying?
 
Soon2BDr. said:
Question for all you Yankees from this Southern girl...I'm actually quite stoked about the probability of moving far North for internship, but having never lived there, I have an interview conundrum for which I would like to plan ahead...massive snow and interview footwear. Do I just bring a big bag, wear in sneakers or boots and change into my dress shoes inside? What's the protocol?!? :penguin: Also (stupid question) people don't use an umbrella in the snow right? Just a hooded coat?
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wear boots and bring flats or something. some interview sites take you on tours where you end up outside and might need to walk outside ( last year and interview in the bronx led me through snowy slushy in heels- epic fail). so keep that stuff in mind. I would bring an umbrella because ya never know. and hooded coats are basically your best bet for everything.
 
heartdignan said:
For the folks who got invites to university counseling centers, did you have experience in UCCs before applying?
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I've gotten 1 invite and 2 rejections from UCCs so far (and i know some SDN-ers have already received invites to 2 other UCCs I applied to). I've completed an externship at a college, worked for another a year in a college's counseling department (not an externship), and am currently doing an externship at a college.
 
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EEpsychstudent said:
Waitlist (updated 12/3; new listings in bold with updated information for a site in blue)

Emory University School of Medicine--received 11/25 via personalized email (Neuro).

New York Presbyterian Hospital (Cornell Campus)--received 12/2 via personalized stock e-mail; potential interview on 1/8, 1/9.

Oklahoma Health Sciences Center--received 11/19 via email stating under consideration (VA & Adult Neuropsych)

Rush University--received 11/24 via mass email (Child/Adolesccent and Pediatric Psychology)



Rejections (updated 12/3; new listings in bold with updated information for a site in blue)

Ashville VA--received 12/3 via mass email.

Atlanta VA--received 12/3 via mass email.

Bay Vines VA--received 11/26 via mass email (General, Neuro).

Boston VA--received 11/26 via personalized email (Inpatient Mental Health, Neuro, PSTD, Therapeutic Recovery/ General Mental Health).

Brigham Young University CAPS--received 11/25, 11/28 via email.

Brown University--received 12/2 via mass email.

Central Iowa VA--received 12/1 via personalized email.

Central Washington University SMaCC - University Counseling Center--received 12/1 via mass email.

Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota--received 11/14 via personalized form email.

Children's Hospital of Colorado--received 11/25 via mass email (Pediatric Health Psychology, Pediatric Neuro, Primary Integrated Care).

Cincinnati Children's Hospital--received 11/21 via personalized email (Behavioral Medicine)

Cincinnati VA--received 11/23 via mass email (all tracks).

Connecticut VA (West Haven)--received 11/19 via mass email (SMI). Received 12/1 (Clinical Health Psych). Received 12/1 via mass email (General Mental Health - PTSD and COMH, Neuro)

Dartmouth--received 11/28 via personalized email.

Denver VA--received 11/25 via email.

Devereux Institute--received 12/3 via mass email (Mapleton).

Eastern Virginia Medical School--received 12/2 via mass email.

FCC Butner--received 11/12 via mass email.

FCI-FDC Tallahassee--received 11/6 via mass email.

FCI Fort Worth--received 11/10 via mass email.

FMC Devens--received 11/12 via mass email.

FMC Lexington--received 11/12 via mass email.

Geisinger Medical Center--received 11/21, 12/3 via generic letter attached to email (Adult, Child).

Greater Hartford Consortium--received 12/1 via mass email.

Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital--received 11/26 via mass email (General).

Hennepin County Medical Center--received 11/26 via mass email (Adult).

Henry Ford Health Sciences--received 12/3 via mass email.

Indianapolis Roudebush VA Medical Center--received 11/18, 11/21 via mass email (General)

Johns Hopkins University Counseling Center--received 11/26 via mass email.

Kennedy Krieger Institute--received 11/25 via mass email (Behavior Management, Behavioral Medicine, Child Clinical, Child & Family Clinic/Pediatric Psychology Consultation, Outpatient Clinic Track).

Kings County Hospital--received 12/1 via mass email (Child & Adolescent).

LA Ambulatory Center--received 12/1 via mass email with attached personalized letter.

Lancaster General Hospital--received 11/19.

Lexington VA--received 11/28 via mass email.

May Institute--received 12/2 via mass email (Applied Behavioral Sciences, Autism Specialty).

Miami Dade Human Services Department--received 11/24 via mass email.

Milwaukee VA--received 11/25 via mass email.

Minneapolis VA--received 12/1 via personalized email (General, Neuro).

Montefiore Medical Center--received 12/3 via mass email (Adult).

Nationwide Children's Hospital--received 11/19 via mass email (IDD/DD). Received 11/20 via mass and personalized email (Pediatric Psychology). Received 11/20 via mass email (Neuro). Received 11/25 via mass email (Child Clinical).

New York Harbor VA Healthcare System, Manhattan Campus--received 11/23 via mass email (General).

New York Presbyterian Hospital (Cornell campus)-received 12/3 via mass email.

Northwestern/McGaw SOM--received 12/1 via snail mail.

Oregon CAPS--received 11/28 via mass email.

Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services--received 11/21 via mass email.

Pittsburgh VA--received 12/2 via mass email (General).

Primary Children's Hospital--received 12/3 via mass email.

Puget Sound Seattle VA--received 11/21 via mass email (PTSD).

Reading Hospital--received 12/2.

Rush University Medical Center--received 11/12 via personalized email (Neuro). Received 11/24 via mass e-mail (Child/Adolescent and Pediatric). Received 11/29 via mass email (Health).

St Elizabeth's Hospital--received 12/3 via mass email.

San Francisco VA--received 12/1, 12/2 via mass email.

Sarah A Reed Children's Center--received 12/2 via personalized email (General).

Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center and Nursing Home VA--received 12/1 via mass email (General).

Sierra Nevada VA Health Care System--received 12/2 via mass email (General).

South Texas VA--received 11/20 via mass email (Neuro & Primary Care/Health).

Southwest Consortium--received 12/1 via mass email.

Spring Grove Hospital Center--received 11/21 via personalized email.

Stanford University, CAPS--received 11/25 via mass email.

SUNY Albany UCC--received 12/3 via personalized email.

Tampa VA--received 11/26 via mass email (General).

Tulane University School of Medicine--received 12/3 via mass email (Child).

University of Alabama Birmingham--received 11/24 via mass email (Clinical Child/Pediatric).

University of California Davis---received 12/2 via mass email (Trauma-Adolescent).

University of California Los Angeles (Semel Institute)--received 12/1 via mass email (Major Mental Illness, Neuro, Peds Neuro).

University of California San Francisco--received 11/25 (Minority Cluster).

University of Chicago Medicine--received 11/17 via mass email (Adult/Heath & Child).

University of Colorado School of Medicine--received 11/30 via mass email (Primary Care Psychology A.F. Williams, JFK Developmental Disabilities).

University of Illinois at Chicago--received 11/25 via mass email (Adult, Child).

University of Memphis Counseling Center--received 12/3 via mass email.

University of Michigan/Mary A Rackham Institute--received 11/24 via mass email.

University of Minnesota Medical School--received 11/25 via mass email (Child).

University of Oregon Clinical Counseling--received 11/21 via email.

University of Pittsburgh Counseling Center--received 11/13 via mass email. received 12/4 via email

University of Texas Health Science Center/San Antonio--received 11/24 via mass email (Behavioral Medicine).

University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute--received 11/24 via mass email.

University of Washington--received 12/2 via mass email (Behavioral Medicine/Neuropsychology, General Child).

University of Washington Dept of Psychiatry--received 12/2 via mass email (Adult).

University of Wisconsin Psychology Internship Program--received 12/1 via personalized email (General).

University of Wisconsin-Madison--received 11/24, 11/28 via mass email.

Virginia Commonwealth UCC--received 12/3 via by mass email.

Washington DC VAMC--received 11/29 via personalized email (General).

West LA VA--received 12/2 via personalized email (Neuro).

West Virginia University Carruth Center--received 11/19 via mass email.

Westchester Jewish Community Services--received 12/3 via mass email.

Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC)--received 12/2 via mass email.

Western State Hospital--received 11/20 via mass email.

Western Youth Services--received 11/25 via mass email.

Yale School of Medicine--received 11/21 via personalized email (Consultation Center). Received 12/1 via mass email (Adult Community Mental Health). Received 12/2 via mass email (Young Adult).
Click to expand...
 
Rejection State Operated Forensic Services

Mass Email

General Track

Received 12/4

Thought I was very good fit there, but oh well.
 
4givr said:
I am starting to notice a trend of where I am getting rejected vs where Im getting invited. I was afraid of that when I wrote my application as though Military psychology is my first love, a close second is community mental health. I guess I focused a little too much on military training so the community mental health sites are kinda like eeeehhh nah thanks.

Anyone noticed any trends on their invites/rejections?
Click to expand...

So, my wife and I are both applying this year --- not doing the couples match, which is an entirely different stressor (may not even be in he same half of the country!).

Her training and experience is in health psychology, but she has developed a particular sub-specialty within that field. Consequently, she has gotten interviews at some very competitive placements that fit her training really well, sites that she thought were long shots/impossible/no-way-in-hell. However, her return has not been as favorable from sites that are also high quality (slightly less competitive), but offer more general health psyc training. Several of these are sites that she felt really good about and was really excited about, as she wants to gain broader experiences on internship. But on her CV, she looks really specialized. So even though you are generally interested in community health, reviewers may see all of the military work and think that the community interested is just mouth-speak?

So I suppose my initial conclusion is that while it has been thrown around several times, it really is about fit. She has gotten interviews that she never thought she had a chance at and has had less success with those that she did feel good about (and NOT safety sites by any means).

In looking at my own rejections (plenty I haven't posted because others beat me too it), other than just really tough competitive programs, my poorest return has been from sites that have strong research programs. I am very interested in conducting independent research (have had some success with school-funded grants) but I am still developing my line of work --- it is not as clearly as defined as other applicants I know. I have also had poor returns from pediatric programs that have a greater community emphasis.

Fit may very well be the key --- only problem with that, is that it is up to their judgement to determine fit. Most of use didnt apply to programs that we didn't feel good about fit.
 
LastSecondHailMary said:
So, my wife and I are both applying this year --- not doing the couples match, which is an entirely different stressor (may not even be in he same half of the country!).

Her training and experience is in health psychology, but she has developed a particular sub-specialty within that field. Consequently, she has gotten interviews at some very competitive placements that fit her training really well, sites that she thought were long shots/impossible/no-way-in-hell. However, her return has not been as favorable from sites that are also high quality (slightly less competitive), but offer more general health psyc training. Several of these are sites that she felt really good about and was really excited about, as she wants to gain broader experiences on internship. But on her CV, she looks really specialized. So even though you are generally interested in community health, reviewers may see all of the military work and think that the community interested is just mouth-speak?

So I suppose my initial conclusion is that while it has been thrown around several times, it really is about fit. She has gotten interviews that she never thought she had a chance at and has had less success with those that she did feel good about (and NOT safety sites by any means).

In looking at my own rejections (plenty I haven't posted because others beat me too it), other than just really tough competitive programs, my poorest return has been from sites that have strong research programs. I am very interested in conducting independent research (have had some success with school-funded grants) but I am still developing my line of work --- it is not as clearly as defined as other applicants I know. I have also had poor returns from pediatric programs that have a greater community emphasis.

Fit may very well be the key --- only problem with that, is that it is up to their judgement to determine fit. Most of use didnt apply to programs that we didn't feel good about fit.
Click to expand...

I think fit is a broad term with different meanings for different sites. Don't read too much into your rejections and invites at this point. It's still early. Every site is different. If you reach the end of the process and don't match, then you can look at the trends and make some educated guesses about areas of weakness in your application. Beware people who think they have it figured it out after the match and try to give you advice, because they matched. They were just as anxious and lost as you were. Anyway, I'm getting too far ahead. Focus on the here and now and do something fun to take your mind off of it.
 
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LastSecondHailMary said:
So, my wife and I are both applying this year --- not doing the couples match, which is an entirely different stressor (may not even be in he same half of the country!).

Her training and experience is in health psychology, but she has developed a particular sub-specialty within that field. Consequently, she has gotten interviews at some very competitive placements that fit her training really well, sites that she thought were long shots/impossible/no-way-in-hell. However, her return has not been as favorable from sites that are also high quality (slightly less competitive), but offer more general health psyc training. Several of these are sites that she felt really good about and was really excited about, as she wants to gain broader experiences on internship. But on her CV, she looks really specialized. So even though you are generally interested in community health, reviewers may see all of the military work and think that the community interested is just mouth-speak?

So I suppose my initial conclusion is that while it has been thrown around several times, it really is about fit. She has gotten interviews that she never thought she had a chance at and has had less success with those that she did feel good about (and NOT safety sites by any means).

In looking at my own rejections (plenty I haven't posted because others beat me too it), other than just really tough competitive programs, my poorest return has been from sites that have strong research programs. I am very interested in conducting independent research (have had some success with school-funded grants) but I am still developing my line of work --- it is not as clearly as defined as other applicants I know. I have also had poor returns from pediatric programs that have a greater community emphasis.

Fit may very well be the key --- only problem with that, is that it is up to their judgement to determine fit. Most of use didnt apply to programs that we didn't feel good about fit.
Click to expand...

I have been curious about trends in my rejections as well. So far I have 4 interviews, 3 rejections, and 7 to go. I actually have gotten interviews to my most competitive sites and have gotten rejections from competitive albeit what I thought were safety internships. One of my rejections was definitely a poor fit issue (projective testing that I don't have much experience with) so that makes sense. I did get two rejections from sites that I thought were very good fits (even one of my LOR was surprised one site didn't offer me an interview)....that may just come down to other logistical reasons outside of fit. I'm tempted to email one or two of these sites to get more information, but at this point I am very happy with my interviews and still have many more to go. Decided to just "let it go", be mindful and enjoy being where I'm at, and looking forward to hearing from the rest of my sites!
 
Advice on phone interviews:
I didn't match last year so I did a very broad application base spanning from some great APA sites to some safety non-APA sites (think 15 - 40 applicants).
I'm doing well on interviews (if you count tracks separately, I'm at 7 - with a LOT left to hear from), and would like to do some phone interviews with my safeties. However, every time I debate it, I worry I'll sabotage myself and not match again.
The main reasons are money - I am NOT loaded - and client based since I still have a practicum AND a psych-based job.
What are other people doing? I'm especially curious about other people who didn't match last year and how they're handling this the second go-around.
 
Good morning, everyone. I just stumbled upon this thread and I'm so happy I did. What a lovely (though a bit anxiety provoking) resource.

To keep the list updated, I would like to add the sites for which I've received interviews.

Heart of America Training Consortium - Central Region
Notified: Monday, 12/1/14
Invited
Track: Pathways
Personalized Email
Interview Date: Friday, 12/19/14

Heart of America Training Consortium - Great Lakes Region
Notified: Monday, 12/1/14
Invited
Track: Four County Counseling Center, Otis R. Bowen Center, and Wabash Valley Alliance
Personalized Email
Interview Date: Friday, 12/19/14

Wichita Collaborative Psychology Internship Program
Notified: Tuesday, 12/2/14
Invited
Track: South Central Mental Health Counseling Center
Mass Email
Interview Dates: 1/5, 1/8, 1/12, and 1/15

Western Kentucky Psychology Internship Consortium
Notified: Wednesday, 12/3/14
Mass Email
Interview: Friday, 1/9/15

Good luck to everyone!
 
Dunder Mifflin Inc. said:
Good morning, everyone. I just stumbled upon this thread and I'm so happy I did. What a lovely (though a bit anxiety provoking) resource.

To keep the list updated, I would like to add the sites for which I've received interviews.

Heart of America Training Consortium - Central Region
Notified: Monday, 12/1/14
Invited
Track: Pathways
Personalized Email
Interview Date: Friday, 12/19/14

Heart of America Training Consortium - Great Lakes Region
Notified: Monday, 12/1/14
Invited
Track: Four County Counseling Center, Otis R. Bowen Center, and Wabash Valley Alliance
Personalized Email
Interview Date: Friday, 12/19/14

Wichita Collaborative Psychology Internship Program
Notified: Tuesday, 12/2/14
Invited
Track: South Central Mental Health Counseling Center
Mass Email
Interview Dates: 1/5, 1/8, 1/12, and 1/15

Western Kentucky Psychology Internship Consortium
Notified: Wednesday, 12/3/14
Mass Email
Interview: Friday, 1/9/15

Good luck to everyone!
Click to expand...

Thanks for joining us and adding this information!
 
anxietyisfun said:
Advice on phone interviews:
I didn't match last year so I did a very broad application base spanning from some great APA sites to some safety non-APA sites (think 15 - 40 applicants).
I'm doing well on interviews (if you count tracks separately, I'm at 7 - with a LOT left to hear from), and would like to do some phone interviews with my safeties. However, every time I debate it, I worry I'll sabotage myself and not match again.
The main reasons are money - I am NOT loaded - and client based since I still have a practicum AND a psych-based job.
What are other people doing? I'm especially curious about other people who didn't match last year and how they're handling this the second go-around.
Click to expand...

It's a tough dilemma for sure. I have a practicum and a psych based job as well. My psych based job is not used to the internship process, because most of the people that work there are LPCs or LPC-Interns. So far they have been accommodating as far as letting me change my schedule at the last minute, but I don't think they have really grasped how much work I am going to be missing in January, once all of my invites (hopefully) come in. I also teach, but I don't anticipate missing more than one or two classes, since most of the potential interview dates are before the semester starts. My practicum is really understanding. They know the goal is for me to match on internship and will let me do whatever I need to do to make an interview. I'm just trying to give my clients a heads up that I made need to cancel appointments. In the end, I've decided that I will sacrifice a pay check, or even the job itself, and run-up as much credit card debt as I need to in the process. It's a gamble, but I couldn't live with myself if I didn't match again and didn't do everything possible to improve my chances.
 
Federal Medical Center, Lexington Kentucky
Notified: 12/4/2014
Invited
Track: N/A
Mass Email (follow-up with phone call and additional paperwork)
Interview Date: 1/12, 1/14, 1/16
 
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