Advice for an aspiring Psyd

[Psychstudent!721]

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Hi. Let me first off start by saying I know I have a lot of work to do. I graduated undergrad with a 3.1 Gpa, a lot of clinical experience but no research experience. I didn’t become interested in school until about 23. I have applied to a few MA programs around me. LIU BK, Adelphi and I’m going to take the GRE for CCNY and Montclair. I was accepted at LIU BK and Adelphi. I like LIU BK regardless of the poor reputation the undergraduate administration gets. I met with some faculty and the director and they explained to me what’s open to MA students. MA students write a thesis, can get involved in independent research with professors, and can do two semesters of practicum (student has to find their own placement though. I find that odd). The other schools do not offer practicum for MA students. Montclair only offers it for clinical MA students with a focus in adolescent psych. I don’t want to focus on school psych and their curriculum is heavy on that. LIU offers tests and measurements, clinical assessments, and a few other courses. MA students who prove to be exceptional are allowed to take one or two PhD courses from their doctoral program as well. I am unsure of which route to go. I like LIU because they seem to have a faculty who is dedicated to helping motivated students in anyway they can. I spoke to My mentor from undergraduate and he said if I want a psyd go with a program that allows practicum and offers tests and measurements and clinical assessment. I understand the financially risks I concede with MA programs and doctorate programs but I know what my goal is. Any advice on what would best help make my application at least competitive?

 

[Meteora]

What are your ultimate career goals?

 

[Seven_Costanza]

If you want to be competitive for a good PsyD program, like Rutgers or Baylor, you should definitely do an MA that would also allow you to do some research. Even if research is not your end goal, the better programs (which often offer some funding) appreciate applicants who have a strong understanding of the scientific process/literature.


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[Sanman]

As asked above, what are your career goals? Why a PsyD? Why those master's programs?

 

[PsyDuck90]

I second what @Seven_Costanza said. Also, out of that list, you'd probably be best off with CCNY. CUNY has a good reputation, and your wallet will thank you too.

 

[ExploringOptions]

Check out Towson University’s master’s programs.

 

[Meteora]

I second what @Seven_Costanza said. Also, out of that list, you'd probably be best off with CCNY. CUNY has a good reputation, and your wallet will thank you too.

Agreed. I got my MA from a CUNY institution, and am now in a funded PhD program. The cost of attendance was also substantially lower compared to other terminal MA programs (i.e. NYU, Columbia).