Advice for Psy.D. applicant

[Katia79]

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I am in the process of preparing myself to apply to Psy.D. programs this upcoming fall (for Fall 2010 entry). I'm 29 years old and making a significant career change. My undergraduate major was in Languages and Linguistics, and my master's degree is in Foreign Language Education.

After teaching immigrants for several years, I decided that I was more interested in working with people on a deeper level rather than just helping them linguistically. I did a lot of research and soul searching (for a number of years) and contemplated both law and psychology until ultimately I decided that I wanted to be a clinical psychologist.

I realized that I would need to take some foundational courses and get some practical experience, so I enrolled in a post-baccalaureate program. I am also still working part-time. By this fall, I'll have General Psychology, Statistics, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Personality, and Experimental Psychology under my belt, as well as a clinical intership and part-time job within a psychological organization. I plan to take my GRE's this summer.

My question -- do you think my preparation is adequate for a Psy.D. program? I'm hoping to get into a reputable program -- not Rutgers or Baylor, but rather Widener, LaSalle, Yeshiva, C.W. Post, GW, PCOM. My stats are pretty good thus far -- 3.78 undergrad GPA from a top university, 3.89 master's GPA, and I'm getting A's in all of my psych courses so far. I'm aiming for 1200+ on my GREs.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with the process -- letters of recommendation, GRE's, applications, etc. But I know that I'm heading in the right direction.....🙂

 

[CDub2008]

I believe you would be competitive for many PsyD (and probably many PhD as well) programs. Do some research between the PsyD and PhD and ensure that the PsyD is what you want. There are not as many funded PsyD programs as there are PhD programs, but the model of training is very different from one another. It would be great to get into a funded PhD program, but only if a PhD is what you want.

 

[FranklinR]

The process is overwhelming, to be sure. But don't rule out Rutgers or Baylor in favor of places like PCOM. You have time to prepare for the GRE and get some good letters - email the folks at Rutgers and ask what you could do to beef up your application. Sometimes they don't answer, but sometimes they do, and if they do they're often helpful. And now they know your name and know you're serious.

And yes, consider the PhD as well.

 

[ladysky61]

Consider PhD programs. You may be able to get what you want, perhaps even better, at funded PhD programs. Your background would likely be very appealing for these types of programs. The language piece is very interesting and applicable in clinical psychology.

In order to be competitive for PhD programs, you need research experience though. If you choose to go this route, you need to work in a lab or something like that. (plus you will want to know if you like research before you devote 7 years of your life to it).

I am at the same stage in the process as you, but this is what I've heard and read many times.

Research experience can't hurt for PsyD programs either.

 

[ladysky61]

Also, you may want to look at the requirements for specfic programs you are interested in. Some programs I looked at required (or strongly recommended) at least 8 courses in Psychology or courses in Behavior for example. You will have a strong foundation suitable for many programs, however.

 

[ladysky61]

Rutgers will tell you how to improve your application? Really? I totally will do that.

The process is overwhelming, to be sure. But don't rule out Rutgers or Baylor in favor of places like PCOM. You have time to prepare for the GRE and get some good letters - email the folks at Rutgers and ask what you could do to beef up your application. Sometimes they don't answer, but sometimes they do, and if they do they're often helpful. And now they know your name and know you're serious.

And yes, consider the PhD as well.

 

[FranklinR]

Rutgers will tell you how to improve your application? Really? I totally will do that.

I don't mean Rutgers in particular (PM me and I'll explain, if you'd like), but emailing a program (or a particular POI) and saying "I'm very interested in your program and plan on applying there in the fall, studying topic blah blah with you. Here (VERY BRIEFLY) is my background. Are there ways you would recommend I improve my application to make myself more competitive?" doesn't seem so terrible.

Like I said, the worst they can do is ignore you or just say no.

I just had a terrible fear that I've unleashed a rain of email on some poor professors.

Actually, I don't feel so bad for the professor, but if everybody does this they are likely to be less helpful. So every fourth person who reads this should do it, and NO MORE.

I'm just saying it worked for me. Kind of.

 

[zeldazelda]

It sounds like you are definitely on the right track. I'd add Indiana University of Pennsylvania to your list. Its a strong PsyD program with funding and is in a locale with a low cost of living. I'm a current student at IUP and would be happy to answer any questions you may have. I am a nontraditional student so can answer questions from that perspective as well. Feel free to respond here or send me a PM if you have any questions I may be able to help you with.

 

[futurepsydoc]

I believe you would be competitive for many PsyD (and probably many PhD as well) programs. Do some research between the PsyD and PhD and ensure that the PsyD is what you want. There are not as many funded PsyD programs as there are PhD programs, but the model of training is very different from one another. It would be great to get into a funded PhD program, but only if a PhD is what you want.

Here is my .02,

I agree with with Cdub. You definintely will be competitive in a variety of programs. Your background is strong and quite diverse. To note, however, some people view diversity as a pitfall while others see it as a strength.

For programs that demand and/or prefer a narrow focus of goals, it will be a problem. This more true of Ph.D. programs because of the nature of clinical research. Advisors typically seek out specific backgrounds that are congruent and compatible with furthering their research agenda. So, if they do research on a particular disorder and you have no experience with "it" and/or a " clearly relevant issue", you should probably look somewhere else. More than likely, they will want someone with "related research experience." Perferably pubs or experience in a reputable lab.

Conversely, other programs will cherish diversity in their applicants and welcome the breadth of experience and perspective that accompanies it. In regards to Ph.D. programs, it will probably depend on the mentor you apply to work with or the focus of the program (i.e., %scientist vs. %practioner). For Psy.D. program, I think the diversity of your experience will be seen mostly as a benefit. Dont sell yourself short with respect to wither. Spend the extra 100-200 and reach higher for both types of programs. I will echo a few important issues relevant to graduate programs in general. I encourage you to consider the following when making a choice:

1. Your personal goals
2. Your feel for the prorgram when you visit and/or apply
3. Reputation of the program
4. Funding
5. APPIC Match Rate
6. Culture and orientation of the program
7. Average years to completion
8. Location
9. What Current Graduate students say
10. What your POI is/was like.

These are not listed in order of importance. They are listed as food for thought. Best of luck!!!!!