- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
I'm afraid I don't know the answer to this one. But I can say that the more recent example of your academic experience will probably be weighed more heavily than the more distant experience.
Advice from Prof for Applicants to PhD Programs
- Thread starter DrClinPsyAdvice
- Start date
- Status
I'm afraid I don't know the answer to this one. But I can say that the more recent example of your academic experience will probably be weighed more heavily than the more distant experience.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
If someone has suggested that they would not be a good letter writer for you, then you probably don't want one from them. It can be difficult to get this type of feedback, but it is important to have only glowing letters, and you don't want to be 'damned by faint praise.'
I have never heard of 'too much experience' when applying to grad school.
If you are uncomfortable asking the other professor because of a personal issue you had with them, then that is certainly understandable. If you are only uncomfortable because you fear that they may forget, then it may be worth a try. You are giving lots of advance notice and if she says Yes, then she is committing to do it.
All in all, these letters will be important, but not the end all-be all. So, don't over stress on this issue.
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2008
- Messages
- 8,222
- Reaction score
- 8,610
I already know who to ask as well, but I was told not to ask too early so they don't forget.
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2008
- Messages
- 20
- Reaction score
- 0
Hi Dr.ClinPsy!
Ok, you know how I told you about the guy who was making up data and the like? Ok, I'm wondering re: confidentiality.
-If the guy were seeing a clinical psychologist, and he told this psychologist that he had made up data, knowing the implications, would the psychologist nevertheless be bound by the rules of confidentiality?
-Would it be different if the clinical psychologist were at the school in which he was making up data?
-Would it be different if he told a psychiatrist?
-Would it be different if he were not the proper patient of the psychologist, just say he asked to talk to that psychologist in private?
I'm just curious, and I apologize if these are dumb questions. I know the rules of confidentiality as I've been taught in class, but this is different?
I had to read an ethics thing for class last sem, so I just wonder.
THANKS !
LL111
Ok, you know how I told you about the guy who was making up data and the like? Ok, I'm wondering re: confidentiality.
-If the guy were seeing a clinical psychologist, and he told this psychologist that he had made up data, knowing the implications, would the psychologist nevertheless be bound by the rules of confidentiality?
-Would it be different if the clinical psychologist were at the school in which he was making up data?
-Would it be different if he told a psychiatrist?
-Would it be different if he were not the proper patient of the psychologist, just say he asked to talk to that psychologist in private?
I'm just curious, and I apologize if these are dumb questions. I know the rules of confidentiality as I've been taught in class, but this is different?
I had to read an ethics thing for class last sem, so I just wonder.
THANKS !
LL111
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2008
- Messages
- 12
- Reaction score
- 0
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Thanks!
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
A psychologist can only break confidentiality with their client if the client is at risk of self-harm, harm towards others, or if someone is harming them (i.e., abuse). The data issue probably wouldn't fall into those categories, and the rules of confidentiality only apply if the person is or was a client.
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2008
- Messages
- 27
- Reaction score
- 0
o110
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
The most recent GPA will probably be the most important. But if it is a concern, then you may think about adding a note on the application to explain this situation.
D
deleted176373
Ask Now. Each professor will be different, some will ask you to come back later, others will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Early bird gets the worm.
Mark
D
deleted176373
I want to take a quick stab at this, since I CLEP'd (or tested out of) 56 credit hours of the 120 I needed to graduate. They will look primarily at the transcript of the school you graduated from and glace at the other transcripts. My other transcripts were either not graded (Community College of the USAF) or low GPA in a community college (GPA of 2.67 IIRC) and really it didn't take much away... I had an overall GPA above 3.9 including my transfer credits, so that 2.67 really didn't mean anything. Now what they will think of your college, I have no idea how to answer that!
So the short answer is, I don't think getting exemptions hurts or helps with a transcript. Same for the person with the 2.0 at the school she/he hated. Bad fit, lesson learned... probably won't hurt her/him at all in the end (although it could, but I think most faculty are not that short sighted.)
Mark
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2008
- Messages
- 8,222
- Reaction score
- 8,610
Thanks, I'm going to ask the first week of classes so I can do it in person.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
It is better to have letters from psychologists because they typically do research that is most similar to the research that you will be doing in grad school. But there may be a social worker who also could be a good mentor and letter writer. In general, letters from psychologists are regarded as most valuable within the process, and research that will lead to psychology conference presentations or journals is the most relevant.
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2008
- Messages
- 4
- Reaction score
- 0
Hi,
I just wanted your opinion on where you think I stand in comparison to some of the people you have met.
-I'm a 19 year old senior at UT-Dallas majoring in psychology with a 4.0 GPA. (I'll graduate in may 09)
-I took my GRE's today and my rough estimate score was only a 1160. (v: 460, math: 680)
-I got started working in a research lab in june (and will continue working in this lab until I graduate) and i have plans to start research with another faculty member in the fall.
-I volunteer in the psych ward of a near by hospital (since june and will stay there until I graduate)
-I'm working on an honors thesis.
I want to apply to UTSW's clinical psych PhD program, that would be my dream school. I plan on applying for the Fall of 2009, I'll be 20. That is my biggest concern, my age. Is it likely that I will be over looked because of my age?
After reading some of the posts made on this thread, I'm very worried about my GRE scores, are scores below 1200 really that bad?
Well, hopefully you can ease some of my nerves.
Thank you in advance!!!!
19clinicalgirl
I just wanted your opinion on where you think I stand in comparison to some of the people you have met.
-I'm a 19 year old senior at UT-Dallas majoring in psychology with a 4.0 GPA. (I'll graduate in may 09)
-I took my GRE's today and my rough estimate score was only a 1160. (v: 460, math: 680)
-I got started working in a research lab in june (and will continue working in this lab until I graduate) and i have plans to start research with another faculty member in the fall.
-I volunteer in the psych ward of a near by hospital (since june and will stay there until I graduate)
-I'm working on an honors thesis.
I want to apply to UTSW's clinical psych PhD program, that would be my dream school. I plan on applying for the Fall of 2009, I'll be 20. That is my biggest concern, my age. Is it likely that I will be over looked because of my age?
After reading some of the posts made on this thread, I'm very worried about my GRE scores, are scores below 1200 really that bad?
Well, hopefully you can ease some of my nerves.
Thank you in advance!!!!
19clinicalgirl
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2008
- Messages
- 8,222
- Reaction score
- 8,610
I can't answer for the rest, but I'll be applying this fall as well and I'm only be 21.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
I doubt that anyone will notice your age, and it certainly would not be held against you. Your recent research experience and work on a Honors thesis are good starts. Several will have more experience, so a RA position after college may be something to consider.
I have heard from several people today that they took the GRE and scored a bit lower than expected. I can't help but wonder whether this is a coincidence, or whether the GRE was recently re-normed? If no, then a score below 1200 indeed will be slightly on the low side.
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2008
- Messages
- 4
- Reaction score
- 0
THANK YOU!?!?!?! that makes me feel so much better about my GRE score (that it was not JUST me!) and WAY better about my age, thanks again!?!?
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2007
- Messages
- 56
- Reaction score
- 0
I have a question I'd be interested in some opinions on...
I have a meeting with one of the professors that has agreed to write me a recomendation this week. I was wondering what clinical psych professors are looking for when they read a recommendation for someone applying their lab/school? I'm sure they want to see that the candidate is hard-working, easy to work with, dedicated to the field, learning clinically applicable things... but most essays will say this. Is there anything else that would strike a professor as impressive or unique? Anything that a clinpsych professor is particularly looking for?
ALso -should each recommendation be tailored a little to the school if possible (e.g. "Cynthia has consistently spoken about how much she loves the program at the University that Cynthia loves" or "Cynthia would fit in beautifully to State U because she is invested in such and such", etc)
Just curious! 😕
THANKS!
I have a meeting with one of the professors that has agreed to write me a recomendation this week. I was wondering what clinical psych professors are looking for when they read a recommendation for someone applying their lab/school? I'm sure they want to see that the candidate is hard-working, easy to work with, dedicated to the field, learning clinically applicable things... but most essays will say this. Is there anything else that would strike a professor as impressive or unique? Anything that a clinpsych professor is particularly looking for?
ALso -should each recommendation be tailored a little to the school if possible (e.g. "Cynthia has consistently spoken about how much she loves the program at the University that Cynthia loves" or "Cynthia would fit in beautifully to State U because she is invested in such and such", etc)
Just curious! 😕
THANKS!
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2008
- Messages
- 8,222
- Reaction score
- 8,610
There are plenty of people who score low, but also plenty of people who score high. You really need to find some way of raising your score to 1200 or above if you're looking at competitive programs.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
Most all letters are very positive. Occasionally, a letter mentions specific examples of someone's skill (writing, conceptualizing studies, etc) that stands out. But there is no special 1 quality that we are looking for, or no one way to write a good letter. It also does not have to be tailored to the school. We know that you are applying to many schools and expect a generic letter.
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2008
- Messages
- 117
- Reaction score
- 0
Hello!
I am debating on who I should have write my 3 letters of recommendation. I have the following who could write letters for me:
1) Current supervisor at my job. Well-known Psychiatrist from a major University with many publications.
2) Collegue at my current workplace whom I worked on a publication with. Child Psychiatrist, not as well known, but has collaborated with some of the faculty in a program I will be applying to.
3) Neuropsychologist whom I have worked on numerous projects with, including 2 publications and a couple of posters. Primarily works with a pediatric population, and has quite a few publications.
4) Advisor/professor from undergrad. Very well-known in her line of research- Psychology and Law. Social Psychologist.
5) Former professor, now working full-time in a practice. Child Psychologist. Some publications.
Should I cater the letters to the type of program I am applying to? For instance, have the faculty members/supervisors who work with children write letters for child-focused programs, and those profs that specialize in psychology and law write letters for programs that include that type of research? Most of the programs I am applying to are more child-focused in research, and a couple of them have a psych and law emphasis (which is exactly what I want). In this case, is it more beneficial to have well-known professors write letters than one who is less well-known but specializes in, let's say Child Psychology, when applying to more child-focused programs?
I work right now as a Senior Research Assistant in the Department of Psychiatry at a major University, and most of my collegues and supervisors are actively getting publications out. Would letters from these individuals carry the same/more/less weight than my former professors in undergrad? I received my Bachelor's from a smaller, less well-known liberal arts college. However, my undergraduate advisor has become very well-known in psychology and law research, so I feel that her letter would carry some weight.
Thanks for any advice!
I am debating on who I should have write my 3 letters of recommendation. I have the following who could write letters for me:
1) Current supervisor at my job. Well-known Psychiatrist from a major University with many publications.
2) Collegue at my current workplace whom I worked on a publication with. Child Psychiatrist, not as well known, but has collaborated with some of the faculty in a program I will be applying to.
3) Neuropsychologist whom I have worked on numerous projects with, including 2 publications and a couple of posters. Primarily works with a pediatric population, and has quite a few publications.
4) Advisor/professor from undergrad. Very well-known in her line of research- Psychology and Law. Social Psychologist.
5) Former professor, now working full-time in a practice. Child Psychologist. Some publications.
Should I cater the letters to the type of program I am applying to? For instance, have the faculty members/supervisors who work with children write letters for child-focused programs, and those profs that specialize in psychology and law write letters for programs that include that type of research? Most of the programs I am applying to are more child-focused in research, and a couple of them have a psych and law emphasis (which is exactly what I want). In this case, is it more beneficial to have well-known professors write letters than one who is less well-known but specializes in, let's say Child Psychology, when applying to more child-focused programs?
I work right now as a Senior Research Assistant in the Department of Psychiatry at a major University, and most of my collegues and supervisors are actively getting publications out. Would letters from these individuals carry the same/more/less weight than my former professors in undergrad? I received my Bachelor's from a smaller, less well-known liberal arts college. However, my undergraduate advisor has become very well-known in psychology and law research, so I feel that her letter would carry some weight.
Thanks for any advice!
D
deleted176373
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=6664581&postcount=501
See the post linked above, and yes, tailoring letters is important. Your supervisors (but not colleagues in most cases, an exception being what you described above.) would be excellent letter writers in your current position for most research oriented Clinical Psychology programs.
I had the Associate Dean of the Honors College (and also a Clinical Psychologist) write letters that were specific to each program and I suspect that they were very effective. My professors (for the most part with one exception) tailored each letter to some extent to where I applied to. The more personalized and individually tailored the letter, the more weight it is likely to carry due to the amount of effort expended by the faculty member or supervisor writing it. Letters that speak of you on a personal level and with interest to where you have applied show an investment on the part of the professor writing it. Those that speak generically, well they impart a tone that is less warm and less involved in your personal success.
Admissions committees can see the difference pretty clearly.
Mark
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2008
- Messages
- 64
- Reaction score
- 0
Dear Dr.ClinPsy,
Hello, just thought I'd add a question to the long list of enquiries 😀 So, for 3 years in high school I did a research program where I researched conflict within the Deaf Community (their attitudes toward the Cochlear Implant). This was a college program (as in, credited) and done through SUNY Albany. After three years I wrote a paper and presented my poster at the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium in Albany (and did an oral presentation at my school's symposium on my research). Additionally, in undergrad I worked on research for a spring and summer with my prof/advisor (on African American students), did research for a semester with an fMRI lab on emotions (basically it was an internship) and am applying to do research with another professor to last through this upcoming school year. Basically, I'm interested in being a clinician and conducting social psych research (personality, emotions, ethnicity etc.).
My question is: Does the research I completed before undergrad not count as meaningful research experience? It was technically a college course and I worked with the help of a mentor (via email communication) from NYU and other professionals who advised me. Would this be seen as not enough experience? Thank you SO much for your input. I really value every bit of information you have contributed to this forum.
~kh1264
Hello, just thought I'd add a question to the long list of enquiries 😀 So, for 3 years in high school I did a research program where I researched conflict within the Deaf Community (their attitudes toward the Cochlear Implant). This was a college program (as in, credited) and done through SUNY Albany. After three years I wrote a paper and presented my poster at the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium in Albany (and did an oral presentation at my school's symposium on my research). Additionally, in undergrad I worked on research for a spring and summer with my prof/advisor (on African American students), did research for a semester with an fMRI lab on emotions (basically it was an internship) and am applying to do research with another professor to last through this upcoming school year. Basically, I'm interested in being a clinician and conducting social psych research (personality, emotions, ethnicity etc.).
My question is: Does the research I completed before undergrad not count as meaningful research experience? It was technically a college course and I worked with the help of a mentor (via email communication) from NYU and other professionals who advised me. Would this be seen as not enough experience? Thank you SO much for your input. I really value every bit of information you have contributed to this forum.
~kh1264
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
Generally speaking, it is better to have a psychologist writing a letter than an allied health professional, if only because psychologists are more familiar with the tone of these letters (psychiatrists don't realize how competitive this is) and because they are more likely to be doing good research. Some psychiatrists do excellent research and can speak thoroughly on the type of research you are conducting. More important than any of this, however, is 1) someone who can speak in detail about your research skills; and 2) someone who can speak to the area of research that you will work in during grad school. These will be the factors most important when evaluating letters.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
All research 'counts,' especially if you can speak thoroughly and intelligently about the experience (if you just did data entry, for instance, that doesn't 'count' as much). Think carefully about the type of research you want to conduct in clinical grad school (and be sure it sounds relevant to clinical psych, not just social psych), and try to discuss how your research experience fits with these overall goals and interests.
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2008
- Messages
- 8,222
- Reaction score
- 8,610
Hi,
For GRE cutoffs, do programs just worry about the overall cutoff, or do the individual scores really matter? I'm asking because I have a high verbal (660) but a low-ish quant (580), but overall I have a 1240.
Thanks in advance!
For GRE cutoffs, do programs just worry about the overall cutoff, or do the individual scores really matter? I'm asking because I have a high verbal (660) but a low-ish quant (580), but overall I have a 1240.
Thanks in advance!
Last edited:
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2007
- Messages
- 56
- Reaction score
- 0
Dr. ClinPsyAdvice,
One of my interests is very popular right now - and there are a lot of people studying it.
As a result, I could apply to 17-20 schools.
Is that an unreasonable request to a recommendation writer? Of course, I will try to streamline the process as much as possible - but I don't want to appear rude/unappreciative by requesting that they write so many letters (even though every letter is going to be mostly the same). I'm asking now to give them 2.5 months to write them!
Thanks in advance for your advice 🙂
One of my interests is very popular right now - and there are a lot of people studying it.
As a result, I could apply to 17-20 schools.
Is that an unreasonable request to a recommendation writer? Of course, I will try to streamline the process as much as possible - but I don't want to appear rude/unappreciative by requesting that they write so many letters (even though every letter is going to be mostly the same). I'm asking now to give them 2.5 months to write them!
Thanks in advance for your advice 🙂
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2007
- Messages
- 47
- Reaction score
- 0
Dr. ClinPsyAdvice,
I want to ask for your opinion on what I should do next:
- I just graduated last March with 3.6 cumulative GPA (cum laude) and completed an senior's thesis, which will be presenting in a psych conference this December
- Had 2 research assistantships, but both were really short stints (1-2 months each)
- Currently volunteering for a topnotch neuropsychologist here in the Philippines, helping in giving simpler tests and in scoring
- Took the GREs, V:550, Q:700
My biggest worry is that my verbal score is too low. I know that roughly, a score of 1200 is acceptable, but being from an international university (Ateneo de Manila University here in the Phils), I figured I should get at least a 1300 to be able to establish my capabilities. Or do I?
Will I be considered for clinical PhD programs with a score of V:550 and a bachelor's degree from a foreign uni, or should I just retake the GREs or get an MA degree here first before applying to doctoral programs? Am eyeing balanced programs that offer formal tracks in neuropsychology, such as U of Houston, U of Texas Southwestern, U of Florida and UCSD-SDSU. Thanks for your time! 🙂
I want to ask for your opinion on what I should do next:
- I just graduated last March with 3.6 cumulative GPA (cum laude) and completed an senior's thesis, which will be presenting in a psych conference this December
- Had 2 research assistantships, but both were really short stints (1-2 months each)
- Currently volunteering for a topnotch neuropsychologist here in the Philippines, helping in giving simpler tests and in scoring
- Took the GREs, V:550, Q:700
My biggest worry is that my verbal score is too low. I know that roughly, a score of 1200 is acceptable, but being from an international university (Ateneo de Manila University here in the Phils), I figured I should get at least a 1300 to be able to establish my capabilities. Or do I?
Will I be considered for clinical PhD programs with a score of V:550 and a bachelor's degree from a foreign uni, or should I just retake the GREs or get an MA degree here first before applying to doctoral programs? Am eyeing balanced programs that offer formal tracks in neuropsychology, such as U of Houston, U of Texas Southwestern, U of Florida and UCSD-SDSU. Thanks for your time! 🙂
D
deleted176373
15 schools the first time around and the second...
27 schools!!! That's how many letters some of my letter writers wrote, all wrote no less than 20 letters. Approach them and explain why, they will either accept the task or reject it. My writers were great about it.
Mark
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
Yup - individual scores matter.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
It's a bit of a high number, but not absurd. Should be fine.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
That's a really tough one to answer. I'd recommend contacting the DCT or potential faculty advisor you are interested in working with to get a better idea of what might be considered acceptable there. Ultimately, it is each committee's decision what to do, and they might vary considerably.
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2008
- Messages
- 20
- Reaction score
- 0
question 1: What are some "good/solid" reasons for wanting to do a CLINICAL PSYCH degree vs. experimental psych?
I know it's somewhat subjective, but in general I suppose.
question 2: What's it like to be a DCT, what's the day to day goingabouts of a DCT? How does one get to such a lofty 🙂)) position?
and
question 3: In an answer to a previous question, you mentioned that a Clinical Psychologist is only 'posed to disclose for a few reasons, you listed 3 - risk of self-harm being one of them.
Now since this is a public forum, I just want to clarify...isn't self-harm (cutting for e.g.) confidential, and only risk of suicide trumps confidentiality rules, or does it vary by state?
I'm just curious...because I really did think self-harming behaviour was confidential...
Thank you kindly Dr. ClinPsyAdvice 🙂
I know it's somewhat subjective, but in general I suppose.
question 2: What's it like to be a DCT, what's the day to day goingabouts of a DCT? How does one get to such a lofty 🙂)) position?
and
question 3: In an answer to a previous question, you mentioned that a Clinical Psychologist is only 'posed to disclose for a few reasons, you listed 3 - risk of self-harm being one of them.
Now since this is a public forum, I just want to clarify...isn't self-harm (cutting for e.g.) confidential, and only risk of suicide trumps confidentiality rules, or does it vary by state?
I'm just curious...because I really did think self-harming behaviour was confidential...
Thank you kindly Dr. ClinPsyAdvice 🙂
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2006
- Messages
- 22,663
- Reaction score
- 4,993
Confidentially should be broken if the person is a threat to themselves or others. Tarasoff implications vary by state, so it is important to understand the ethical and legal ramifications of confidentially.....as you may be liable if you do not probably inform the right people.
There are also implications if the patient is a minor v. an adult. If a minor is self-harming, that is something that needs to be disclosed to the parent, as they are responsible for the child's well being. Although the child is your patient, the parent's legal right trumps confidentiality between the clinician and the patient.
If your patient is an adult (not under the supervision of a 3rd party), it is a bit more complicated and is not an automatic report, but the patient's overall health needs to be considered as self-harm can lead to a suicide attempt. People who self-harm are at a greater risk to make an attempt compared to those that don't, so even if there is not a history of attempts, that does not preclude the person from following through during an instance of self-harm.
HERE is a thread to discuss this topic further.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2008
- Messages
- 1
- Reaction score
- 0
DrClinPsyAdvice,
I recently graduated with a BGS in Psych (3.0 major/2.8 overall) and am now living in MO. I want to attend a masters program ASAP to get a degree in Clinical Child. I took the GRE and got in the 1000s. Ideal I would like to go to a graduate school in Chicago -think DePaul. I have a total of two semesters research from two labs. The second lab was focused on children and adolescents.
The first place I applied in MO, a children's residential health care facility; offered me a position as a BehavHealthTech. However, since June (I know I should have started sooner) I have been extensively searching and applying for positions in Chicago such as RA/RTech/RCoord, BHT/BHW/MHW/MHT, Youth Specialist, Intake worker, etc... The only feedback I have received is one or two e-mail(s) from the literally over 50+ applications is the position was already filled. I plan on visiting Chicago and delivering my resume/cover letter in person to as many places that I have located in two weeks.
My question is this... Should I stay in MO work for a year study and re-take the GRE, or what I really want continue to look for a research position or a position where I can gain experience and then focus on the GRE and volunteer as an RA at a univ I want to attend- granted it could take a month(s) to find such a job in Chicago? I know I may not even get into the schools I want in Chicago but there are more psyc grad schools there than here and I figure it is better to start networking.
Secondly, would you be willing to critique my resume or at least state whether you think I would have a chance at getting a paid RA position from my experience?
I recently graduated with a BGS in Psych (3.0 major/2.8 overall) and am now living in MO. I want to attend a masters program ASAP to get a degree in Clinical Child. I took the GRE and got in the 1000s. Ideal I would like to go to a graduate school in Chicago -think DePaul. I have a total of two semesters research from two labs. The second lab was focused on children and adolescents.
The first place I applied in MO, a children's residential health care facility; offered me a position as a BehavHealthTech. However, since June (I know I should have started sooner) I have been extensively searching and applying for positions in Chicago such as RA/RTech/RCoord, BHT/BHW/MHW/MHT, Youth Specialist, Intake worker, etc... The only feedback I have received is one or two e-mail(s) from the literally over 50+ applications is the position was already filled. I plan on visiting Chicago and delivering my resume/cover letter in person to as many places that I have located in two weeks.
My question is this... Should I stay in MO work for a year study and re-take the GRE, or what I really want continue to look for a research position or a position where I can gain experience and then focus on the GRE and volunteer as an RA at a univ I want to attend- granted it could take a month(s) to find such a job in Chicago? I know I may not even get into the schools I want in Chicago but there are more psyc grad schools there than here and I figure it is better to start networking.
Secondly, would you be willing to critique my resume or at least state whether you think I would have a chance at getting a paid RA position from my experience?
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2008
- Messages
- 38
- Reaction score
- 0
Hello Dr.ClinicalPsyAdvice,
Firstly, thanks so much for all the advice you are giving to us Ph.D aspirants in these trying times. Crippling stress seems to take on a whole new meaning during the application process, and it's nice to hear from a friendly human from the "other side".
My question of you is this: What do you think of my chances? The programs I am applying to run the gamut from middle of the road to SUNY Buffalo. I'll give you the concise version of my resume. Bear in mind that I attend mid-level public university. I won't type my SoP but we'll call it average. My letters of recommendation will be very good, but only one will be from researcher who publishes frequently (the other two are more focused on teaching, although they are Ph.D's). My interest is in social aspects of AD/HD; my fit to universities I apply to will be good.
GPA-3.95
GRE-1410
APA student affiliate
Psi Chi member
Research experience:
*RA in a lab researching memory for 1 year, presented 2 sets of findings at a lower level conference. Duties included data collection, analysis, and poster preparation.
*RA in a lab researching child abuse for 6 months, continued to work with prof. as PI for another study. Duties included data collection and exploratory analysis on an incomplete data-set (I started my own project before her project was complete).
*PI on a project testing complementary methods of treatment for AD/HD. (small grant funded)
*PI on a project testing some social aspects of AD/HD (large grant funded). My advisor expects that I will present one part of the project at a regional conference, and another at a nation conference.
Work experience:
*Environmental educator for disadvantaged youth.
Other assorted experience:
*Undergraduate representative on my university's IRB.
*TA in a General Psych class for two semesters.
*I've taken the above and beyond research methods and statistics classes, as is required by my university's pre-graduate track.
Thank you for your response. I feel like my profs. may be coddling me to some extent, and I know it's easier be candid over the internet.
Firstly, thanks so much for all the advice you are giving to us Ph.D aspirants in these trying times. Crippling stress seems to take on a whole new meaning during the application process, and it's nice to hear from a friendly human from the "other side".
My question of you is this: What do you think of my chances? The programs I am applying to run the gamut from middle of the road to SUNY Buffalo. I'll give you the concise version of my resume. Bear in mind that I attend mid-level public university. I won't type my SoP but we'll call it average. My letters of recommendation will be very good, but only one will be from researcher who publishes frequently (the other two are more focused on teaching, although they are Ph.D's). My interest is in social aspects of AD/HD; my fit to universities I apply to will be good.
GPA-3.95
GRE-1410
APA student affiliate
Psi Chi member
Research experience:
*RA in a lab researching memory for 1 year, presented 2 sets of findings at a lower level conference. Duties included data collection, analysis, and poster preparation.
*RA in a lab researching child abuse for 6 months, continued to work with prof. as PI for another study. Duties included data collection and exploratory analysis on an incomplete data-set (I started my own project before her project was complete).
*PI on a project testing complementary methods of treatment for AD/HD. (small grant funded)
*PI on a project testing some social aspects of AD/HD (large grant funded). My advisor expects that I will present one part of the project at a regional conference, and another at a nation conference.
Work experience:
*Environmental educator for disadvantaged youth.
Other assorted experience:
*Undergraduate representative on my university's IRB.
*TA in a General Psych class for two semesters.
*I've taken the above and beyond research methods and statistics classes, as is required by my university's pre-graduate track.
Thank you for your response. I feel like my profs. may be coddling me to some extent, and I know it's easier be candid over the internet.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
Sorry, I'd like to be helpful, but this is the type of question that is really hard to answer. There is no specific formula for admission so it is hard to know exactly what the best next step will be for you.
A few thoughts.
1. I don't have as much knowledge on admission to masters programs, so I am not sure whether your grades/scores and current experience are sufficient already. They may be.
2. The length of time in research experience positions is less critical than the quality of experience you get and the level of focus you have achieved for pursuing a graduate degree.
3. Working in a lab as an RA is NOT a good way to gain admission to that school. In fact, it is often more likely to hurt your chances, since you will already have gained experience that is likely to be redundant with what you would get in graduate school. I am not sure why students try this 'back door' approach to admission, but it is rarely effective.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
Again, this kind of fortune telling is a bit hard to do. I can tell you that your GPA and GRE scores are high, and your research experience is quite good. So, you seem to be in a good position for the application experience, from what one can tell.
- Joined
- May 1, 2007
- Messages
- 458
- Reaction score
- 0
I just had my orientation for the neuropsych lab I'll be RA'ing in (in addition to continuing the qualitative stuff I did last semester), and due to scheduling issues (the availability of 2 hour time blocks), I might not get to run as many participants through the testing as I would otherwise, though I'll almost definitely run some... Other than running participants, what activities would look good? Scoring for inter-rater reliability? I've been told to avoid data entry because it'll look bad to grad schools, right?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2008
- Messages
- 10
- Reaction score
- 0
Hello,
Thank you so much for investing time into helping us become one step closer to our dream!
I have been a family advocate and counselor at a domestic violence shelter for almost a decade. I have always been very passionate about helping people and have decided that it is time to take my education and experience to a higher level. However, my educational background does not reflect my interest in psychology. I have an undergraduate degree in Advertising. I graduated five years ago.
I would like to get an honest evaluation of my chances of getting into a graduate program. My program of interest is the PGSP-Standford PsyD consortium, a private school located in Palo Alto.
Although I do not have an undergraduate degree in psychology, I have almost a decade of experience working with domestic violence victims/survivors with mental health issues. I also have personal reasons to why I want to become a psychologist. Due to the Cambodian civil war "The Killing Fields," many people in my community are suffering from PTSD, anxiety and depression. They are not getting the help that they need partly because there are not enough psychologists that speaks their language, etc. My family and I have experience the atrocity that happened only 30 years ago.
I am planning to take 5 Psychology classes (I would have a total of 27 units of psych courses), an intern, the GRE, Psych GRE, and prepare for the application process, all by the admissions deadline (01/15/2008). Am I being realistic with my time frame or am I better off waiting until the fall of 2010 to prepare and apply?
With my background, do I have a decent chance at getting into a program (even a good private institution)?
Thank you in advance! Your advice and feedback would play a significant role in my planning.
Thank you so much for investing time into helping us become one step closer to our dream!
I have been a family advocate and counselor at a domestic violence shelter for almost a decade. I have always been very passionate about helping people and have decided that it is time to take my education and experience to a higher level. However, my educational background does not reflect my interest in psychology. I have an undergraduate degree in Advertising. I graduated five years ago.
I would like to get an honest evaluation of my chances of getting into a graduate program. My program of interest is the PGSP-Standford PsyD consortium, a private school located in Palo Alto.
Although I do not have an undergraduate degree in psychology, I have almost a decade of experience working with domestic violence victims/survivors with mental health issues. I also have personal reasons to why I want to become a psychologist. Due to the Cambodian civil war "The Killing Fields," many people in my community are suffering from PTSD, anxiety and depression. They are not getting the help that they need partly because there are not enough psychologists that speaks their language, etc. My family and I have experience the atrocity that happened only 30 years ago.
I am planning to take 5 Psychology classes (I would have a total of 27 units of psych courses), an intern, the GRE, Psych GRE, and prepare for the application process, all by the admissions deadline (01/15/2008). Am I being realistic with my time frame or am I better off waiting until the fall of 2010 to prepare and apply?
With my background, do I have a decent chance at getting into a program (even a good private institution)?
Thank you in advance! Your advice and feedback would play a significant role in my planning.
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2007
- Messages
- 374
- Reaction score
- 0
Obviously, I'm not Dr. ClinPsy, but from previous postings...I'm pretty sure Dr.ClinPsy is not familiar with PsyD programs, how the admission process works there, what is needed/necessary, looked favourably upon etc....
If you read back, early early in this thread somewhere he mentioned he's a DCT at a fairly competitive research focused PhD program.
I guess it's hard to say too, I'm not at all familiar with PsyD programs myself....and then one PsyD program might have different reqs than another...
There are some PsyD's on this thread...it'd be worth asking them, a lot of them are really smart
😛
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2008
- Messages
- 8,222
- Reaction score
- 8,610
I wouldn't say that data entry looks "bad" to grad schools, probably just it isn't enough by itself. I doubt that as an undergrad RA you'll be able to completely avoid data entry, so you might want to get used to it.
Of course, I'm just an undergrad, myself, so maybe others will think differently.
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2008
- Messages
- 23
- Reaction score
- 0
Hi,
I wanted to thank you for all of the helpful advice that you have given to everyone on this thread already. I had a quick question about how taking classes pass/no pass affects the application process. I'm currently an undergrad and I have a 3.96 overall GPA. I'm also minoring in math and I'm afraid that taking more math classes could lower my GPA. I was thinking about taking some of those math classes pass/no pass so that it wouldn't affect my GPA, but I was wondering if that is frowned upon when my graduate school application is reviewed. I don't think that I will be doing terribly in these math classes but I think it would lower my GPA slightly. Would it be better to just take the classes for a letter grade and risk a lower GPA or take the classes pass/no pass so that my GPA remains high? I ultimately want to attend graduate school to get a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Thank you so much in advance.
I wanted to thank you for all of the helpful advice that you have given to everyone on this thread already. I had a quick question about how taking classes pass/no pass affects the application process. I'm currently an undergrad and I have a 3.96 overall GPA. I'm also minoring in math and I'm afraid that taking more math classes could lower my GPA. I was thinking about taking some of those math classes pass/no pass so that it wouldn't affect my GPA, but I was wondering if that is frowned upon when my graduate school application is reviewed. I don't think that I will be doing terribly in these math classes but I think it would lower my GPA slightly. Would it be better to just take the classes for a letter grade and risk a lower GPA or take the classes pass/no pass so that my GPA remains high? I ultimately want to attend graduate school to get a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Thank you so much in advance.
D
deleted176373
Here is my uninformed and personal thoughts. The GPA/GRE cut is used primarily only once and not done in a very sophisticated manner.
Take them Pass/Fail. I suspect that no one will look twice at it if it's only a few classes. I CLEP'd (13 classes) 56 credit hours (pass/fail) and never was that a factor or was my GPA questioned. It will be assumed that your performance would likely coincide with the rest of your GPA.
Mark
PS - Yes, I am in a competitive Clinical Ph.D. program and was selected to interview at many programs.
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2008
- Messages
- 47
- Reaction score
- 0
Hi Dr. DrClinPsyAdvice,
Thanks for your past help. I have decided to focus my application on researching my community - ultra-Orthodox Jews - and if you don`t mind, have 2 more questions.
1) Is it a good idea to include in my personal statement some scholarly support discussing the need to research the ultra-Orthodox community? or will it be considered "showing off" and inappropriate?
2) Can I include a reprint of my paper published in a peer-reviewed journal? It is a bit long (25pg including abstract and charts) and more relevant to social psychology than clinical.
Thanks for the advice.
Thanks for your past help. I have decided to focus my application on researching my community - ultra-Orthodox Jews - and if you don`t mind, have 2 more questions.
1) Is it a good idea to include in my personal statement some scholarly support discussing the need to research the ultra-Orthodox community? or will it be considered "showing off" and inappropriate?
2) Can I include a reprint of my paper published in a peer-reviewed journal? It is a bit long (25pg including abstract and charts) and more relevant to social psychology than clinical.
Thanks for the advice.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
It's probably best to think of research experience not just as a Vita-builder, but as an opportunity for you to learn about research and decide what you enjoy. Yes, data entry usually is a bit dry, but any of the activities your describe will be valuable if it helps you learn about the research process and if it helps you think about research from a scientific perspective. Professors are somewhat interested in admitting someone who can do the RA work involved with research, but more interested in people who will develop their own lines of thinking and contribute scientifically - someone with the potential to become an independent scientist in their own right. So, rather than focusing on the skills needed to get hired for RA duties, think of the experiences that will help you develop your scientific thinking and your interests.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
Sorry - I don't know much about PsyD programs, but you may want to write the DCT at the program you mention and ask for info on what the typical admitted student's prior experience looks like.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
Faculty rarely scrutinize the transcript to this level of detail. I bet you will be completely fine to take these classes P/F.
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2008
- Messages
- 510
- Reaction score
- 55
1 - Yes, demonstrating your knowledge of the literature and offering an evidence-based rationale for your chosen area of interest are good strategies for your personal statement.
2 - If a reprint is not requested, then probably not worth sending one. The citation for it is likely on your CV and that's enough
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2008
- Messages
- 47
- Reaction score
- 0
Should I include full references or just an in-text citation?
- Status
