Advice from Prof for Applicants to PhD Programs

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

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Dear Dr,

Ah, this process is almost over for all of us! My last question to you was about interviewing -- well that interview led to an acceptance, which led to the offer of a great fellowship! I am so excited to now be able to go to this school -- it's the first place I interviewed at, and the first one to get back to applicants. I just found out about the fellowship via phone, and while I responded that I was thrilled, honored, etc., I still needed a week or two since i haven't heard back from any of the other schools yet. I went on a bunch of interviews, and I was left with 4 schools, including this one, that I would be over the moon to attend. So my question is, was it rude to ask for a few more weeks? I'm a nice midwestern person, and it's painful to not give others what they want, but I also want to honor the hard work I've put in by giving due to the 3 other programs i can see myself at. This whole experience is so intense, now I worry that not accepting the offer right away may somehow put the offer of funding at risk. Really, all I need is one more week or so -- by march 22 it should be all sorted out (everyone back to me re acceptance, rejection, waitlist). It's just hard to make a decision without hearing from the other schools yet.

I'm doing my best to try to knock one of the ones I haven't heard from yet out of the running, they are all different -- one has a better clinic, the other is closer and I got a better vibe in terms of match, one has a broader, more intellectual training, one is more focused and may do the best for my career. so I guess I have a second question, too: Any tips for making these difficult choices?

Thank you so much. I hope all is going well for you as well!

You have until April 15 to decide, and you should not let anyone or anything pressure you to do so before hand. This is an important decision, and you really want to have all of the info in hand before you make it. Try not to hold onto more than a couple of offers at once. But in the meantime, wait until you feel your mind is made. And I do not believe it is OK for them to rescind a fellowship before April 15. I think that would be inconsistent with CUDCP guidelines.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Btw....congrats on the "Advisor" tag. 😀

 

[jen4clinical]

Hello!

How do you feel about a person attending graduate school at the same place they got their B.S.? I've heard it's some sort of taboo (I've heard the term 'academic incest' been jokingly used). I know program fit and faculty relationship (as well as what you actually achieve in graduate school) are the most important, but I'm concerned about internships and the general thoughts professionals in the field have about the topic.

Thank you so much for all your help!

 

[Ilovecows]

🙂

 

[HeyJude]

I'd greatly appreciate anyone's advice on my particular dilemma. I have one graduate school acceptance to a newer phd program with a weak reputation and very poor funding. I'm currently waitlisted at two funded programs that impressed me much more. If I don't get called off the waitlist, is it worth it to take the one acceptance? This will require a big, expensive move for me as well!

My background: Graduated from state school May '07 with 3.8 GPA, 4.0 Psychology. I've worked in two labs, been trained on the SCID, and have recently submitted a paper for publication (second author) for which I wrote most of the manuscript. My GRE is my biggest weakness (540 V, 710 Q) and I did not take the subject test due to lack of time. I only applied to 6 schools and got 4 interviews this round.

So is it worth it to try again next year or should I just be thankful to have the one option so far? Thanks so much in advance!

 

[deleted176373]

I’d greatly appreciate anyone’s advice on my particular dilemma. I have one graduate school acceptance to a newer phd program with a weak reputation and very poor funding. I’m currently waitlisted at two funded programs that impressed me much more. If I don’t get called off the waitlist, is it worth it to take the one acceptance? This will require a big, expensive move for me as well!

My background: Graduated from state school May ’07 with 3.8 GPA, 4.0 Psychology. I’ve worked in two labs, been trained on the SCID, and have recently submitted a paper for publication (second author) for which I wrote most of the manuscript. My GRE is my biggest weakness (540 V, 710 Q) and I did not take the subject test due to lack of time. I only applied to 6 schools and got 4 interviews this round.

So is it worth it to try again next year or should I just be thankful to have the one option so far? Thanks so much in advance!

Personal opinion. I say wait for something better. You had 4 interviews out of 6 because you did a good job. Your interviews resulted in waitlisting and not rejections. You are in good shape from where I see it to get into a good program. You only get one opportunity to get into a good program, so don't accept a lesser program when you are doing that well.

I would call the programs that you are on the wait list at and ask if they would welcome your re-applying should you not get in this year. If they say yes, absolutely we would welcome you re-applying, then you know that you stand a strong chance to land a better program.

Mark

 

[HeyJude]

thanks for your advice Mark. I keep going back and forth and I'm just frightened that if I reapply, I'll have zero options next year. I'd like to actually have a career someday!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

If you still have a chance for this cycle with the waitlisted places, I'd hold on to see if one of those turns into an acceptance.

 

[deleted176373]

thanks for your advice Mark. I keep going back and forth and I'm just frightened that if I reapply, I'll have zero options next year. I'd like to actually have a career someday!

I know it's tough to turn down an acceptance! However think about what YOU are worth, be realistic but firm. You have to clearly evaluate the opportunity cost as well. The cost of getting out there a year earlier vs the cost of attending a program that will put you into relatively high debt, offers little prestige, and will leave you with a feeling that you compromised for something you did not want is just not worth it.

Sad to say, had Oklahoma State University offered me a slot in the first year I applied, I would have taken the slot. I would have felt that I didn't get into the program that I wanted and I would have really not been a very good fit. It would have been MISERABLE for me, and I am glad that they turned me down. (Let me go on the record to say that OSU really impressed me none the less and has a very good program, it's just not a good match for me.) They did me a HUGE favor, this is completely unlike undergraduate training and I believe that a year off to get the program you want vs the opportunity to begin your career a year sooner is just not worth it. Those are my values though, you may be in a situation which offers you more limited options.

I had a clock I was fighting against, and thank god that process is over. I had to be in the military before the expiration date on me passed so to speak. That meant that if I went to a non-military program I had to be on active duty before 47 years of age. It would have been tremendously difficult considering I was going to be 40 my first year in graduate school had I gotten in a year earlier and then had to secure a military internship. So I fully understand how the time crunch can affect someone, I felt pretty desperate!

You have a full month to go before you have to render a final decision, so take advantage of that time to think, plan, and evaluate!

Mark

 

[JockNerd]

Hello!

How do you feel about a person attending graduate school at the same place they got their B.S.? I've heard it's some sort of taboo (I've heard the term 'academic incest' been jokingly used). I know program fit and faculty relationship (as well as what you actually achieve in graduate school) are the most important, but I'm concerned about internships and the general thoughts professionals in the field have about the topic.

Thank you so much for all your help!

When I worked for a federal Canadian funding agency, any grant applicant who did their grad work and undergrad at the same institution went to the bottom of the pile.

Most of the profs I knew who were against it were older, but they also tended to hold the higher-up positions in the department and faculty. I know many profs who also actively discourage their own students from applying within their program (or at least tell them to pick a new adviser), for the student's best interest.

If you're after a career in practice, not research or academia, I'm sure it's much less of a concern. You could use existing connections to build your network and be in good shape when you hit the market.

 

[thewesternsky]

Dear Professor,
This was my second round of applications to clinical psychology graduate programs. I applied to 7 highly competitive research-focused programs, to work with professors whose interests matched mine quite well. I was shortlisted at 4 schools. One professor decided in January that he was not taking a student at all this year, but called me anyway to say he had been impressed with my application. I had two phone interviews and one in-person interview, which were all fine. However, I was not accepted to any program this year. I emailed the professors I'd interviewed with at two schools, where I thought the match had been particularly good. I asked them if there was anything I could do to improve any part of my application, and I received replies stating that they hoped I would apply again next year, that my application was very strong and there was nothing I could do to improve it, and that this year was a particularly competitive year for applications.

While that's nice to hear, it's also a bit confusing. I do plan to apply to programs again next year, but I have no idea what to do to prevent this from happening again. Any suggestions?

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Hello!

How do you feel about a person attending graduate school at the same place they got their B.S.? I've heard it's some sort of taboo (I've heard the term 'academic incest' been jokingly used). I know program fit and faculty relationship (as well as what you actually achieve in graduate school) are the most important, but I'm concerned about internships and the general thoughts professionals in the field have about the topic.

Thank you so much for all your help!

It's totally fine

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

I’d greatly appreciate anyone’s advice on my particular dilemma. I have one graduate school acceptance to a newer phd program with a weak reputation and very poor funding. I’m currently waitlisted at two funded programs that impressed me much more. If I don’t get called off the waitlist, is it worth it to take the one acceptance? This will require a big, expensive move for me as well!

My background: Graduated from state school May ’07 with 3.8 GPA, 4.0 Psychology. I’ve worked in two labs, been trained on the SCID, and have recently submitted a paper for publication (second author) for which I wrote most of the manuscript. My GRE is my biggest weakness (540 V, 710 Q) and I did not take the subject test due to lack of time. I only applied to 6 schools and got 4 interviews this round.

So is it worth it to try again next year or should I just be thankful to have the one option so far? Thanks so much in advance!

If you don't feel it is a good match, then try again. With a slightly higher V score, you will be a competitive applicant! The interviews you got this round are a good sign! But if you like this program you were accepted to - go for it!

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Dear Professor,
This was my second round of applications to clinical psychology graduate programs. I applied to 7 highly competitive research-focused programs, to work with professors whose interests matched mine quite well. I was shortlisted at 4 schools. One professor decided in January that he was not taking a student at all this year, but called me anyway to say he had been impressed with my application. I had two phone interviews and one in-person interview, which were all fine. However, I was not accepted to any program this year. I emailed the professors I'd interviewed with at two schools, where I thought the match had been particularly good. I asked them if there was anything I could do to improve any part of my application, and I received replies stating that they hoped I would apply again next year, that my application was very strong and there was nothing I could do to improve it, and that this year was a particularly competitive year for applications.

While that's nice to hear, it's also a bit confusing. I do plan to apply to programs again next year, but I have no idea what to do to prevent this from happening again. Any suggestions?

Sorry - hard to say without more info. If you are getting good feedback, then it is probably true! This WAS a tough year, and you might be in great shape next year.

 

[stresedout1]

Hi Dr.ClinPsyAdvice,

I'm not sure if you've addressed this already, but I have a question about funding. I was accepted into my top choice school, but was told they couldn't offer me funding yet. At interviews they said all incoming PhD students get a tuition waiver and a grad assistantship that would provide a stipend. On the disclosure info. online everyone has been funded for the last 5 years. So, I'm not sure as to what's going on. I'm holding another offer until I find out what they can offer me. I was just wondering if you could give me some insight/advice if this is typical and how to figure out what's going on?

 

[rollomayfan]

Hi Dr. ClinPsyAdvice,

First, thanks in advance for all of your patience and generosity in assisting us through this difficult process!

I recently e-mailed my POI at a school and found out I was waitlisted there. I responded politely to let her know I was still interested, and happened to mention I had an offer, but was still waiting on some other schools. She then directly asked which school gave me the offer.

I don't want to reveal this information to her -- but I also don't want to seem rude and ignore her question, which might then suggest I am not interested in her program (which is not the case).

What would be the most tactful way to respond? Should I tell her I'll let her know the school if I should accept it?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Sincerely,

Rollomayfan

 

[psypsypsy]

Hi Dr. ClinPsyAdvice,

First, thanks in advance for all of your patience and generosity in assisting us through this difficult process!

I recently e-mailed my POI at a school and found out I was waitlisted there. I responded politely to let her know I was still interested, and happened to mention I had an offer, but was still waiting on some other schools. She then directly asked which school gave me the offer.

I don't want to reveal this information to her -- but I also don't want to seem rude and ignore her question, which might then suggest I am not interested in her program (which is not the case).

What would be the most tactful way to respond? Should I tell her I'll let her know the school if I should accept it?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Sincerely,

Rollomayfan

May I ask why you don't want to reveal that information? For the most part, profs want to know cause they're curious, and it makes you more competitive. If may give them more information to go back to an admissions committee to root for you. The only reason I could see not letting them know is if it was a vastly different program (ie. you're asking University of Wisconsin to let you know, and you've been accepted at Argosy.)

 

[deleted176373]

Hi Dr. ClinPsyAdvice,

I don't want to reveal this information to her -- but I also don't want to seem rude and ignore her question, which might then suggest I am not interested in her program (which is not the case).

What would be the most tactful way to respond? Should I tell her I'll let her know the school if I should accept it?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Sincerely,

Rollomayfan

Probably no harm in revealing it, especially if it's a strong program. Remember, down the road, this person will be your colleague. If it's a weak school or a safety school, say so. Even if you state that you are waiting to hear from some other programs it will likely make little difference.

I suspect you don't want to say because you are not particularly thrilled about this other program. Professors realize that we ALL apply to safety schools. Remember, even at the least regarded of APA programs competition is still there and people DO get rejected from these schools. Some professional schools are rejecting 2/3's of their applicants!

Mark

 

[rollomayfan]

Markp, thanks so much for your reply!

Yes, it is a "safety school", but different in that it is not yet accredited. The school has a well-renowned master's program which is accredited, but not the PhD program (just started recently). I suspect the program would get accreditation down the road, given that their master's program has it, but may not for several years. So, I expect the competition wasn't as fierce as you might expect.

Do you still think if I mention it, it wouldn't make much difference?

 

[SpoiledKiwi]

This WAS a tough year, and you might be in great shape next year.

Sorry if this has a really obvious answer, but what makes a certain year tougher than others? Is it the number of applicants they receive, or something else? And, is it possible to predict if next year will be easier?

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Hi Dr.ClinPsyAdvice,

I'm not sure if you've addressed this already, but I have a question about funding. I was accepted into my top choice school, but was told they couldn't offer me funding yet. At interviews they said all incoming PhD students get a tuition waiver and a grad assistantship that would provide a stipend. On the disclosure info. online everyone has been funded for the last 5 years. So, I'm not sure as to what's going on. I'm holding another offer until I find out what they can offer me. I was just wondering if you could give me some insight/advice if this is typical and how to figure out what's going on?

Hmmm...it can be any number of things. But if they have a successful record of funding, I doubt they will start accepting students without funding now! They probably just have not worked out the details yet. You may want to ask them for clarification and specifics. I bet they would want the chance to tell you how much they want you to accept, and would be happy to offer more details.

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Hi Dr. ClinPsyAdvice,

First, thanks in advance for all of your patience and generosity in assisting us through this difficult process!

I recently e-mailed my POI at a school and found out I was waitlisted there. I responded politely to let her know I was still interested, and happened to mention I had an offer, but was still waiting on some other schools. She then directly asked which school gave me the offer.

I don't want to reveal this information to her -- but I also don't want to seem rude and ignore her question, which might then suggest I am not interested in her program (which is not the case).

What would be the most tactful way to respond? Should I tell her I'll let her know the school if I should accept it?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Sincerely,

Rollomayfan

I can think of lots of reasons wht this person may want to know where your other offer is from, and only a few of these reasons are nefarious. On the one hand, it may be worth disclosing the info - it can't hurt much. On the other hand, you should not disclose anything you feel uncomfortable about, and you can just let them know that you remain very interested in their school. It will be hard for this not to seem evasive, but if they can't respect your privacy on this, then maybe this wasn't the right match for you in the first place?

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Sorry if this has a really obvious answer, but what makes a certain year tougher than others? Is it the number of applicants they receive, or something else? And, is it possible to predict if next year will be easier?

More applicants, and more qualified applicants makes it a tough year. No way to tell what will happen next year, but the general trend is for things to get increasingly competitive. Also, the lack of grant funding nationally and a recession in many state budgets both mean less RAs and TAs (respectively) available for admissions!

 

[deleted176373]

More applicants, and more qualified applicants makes it a tough year. No way to tell what will happen next year, but the general trend is for things to get increasingly competitive. Also, the lack of grant funding nationally and a recession in many state budgets both mean less RAs and TAs (respectively) available for admissions!

So do you believe that the competition to get into a Clinical Psychology program today is significantly greater today than it was 10 years ago?

Mark

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

So do you believe that the competition to get into a Clinical Psychology program today is significantly greater today than it was 10 years ago?

Mark

From talking to people who have been out 5-10 years, definitely. Both in regard to getting in and getting internships.

 

[SpoiledKiwi]

Thanks Dr. ClinPsy! Another question I have is, I've noticed that a lot of programs say that they look at your overall transcript, and your last two years. If I apply to grad school in Dec. of my senior year none of my senior grades would be available. So would my last two years be my sophomore and junior years? Or would they just look at my junior year?

 

[psybee]

Dear Dr.,

How I hope this is the last question I need to ask you re: admission to Clinical PhD programs! Here we go -- I have offer in hand from one of my 2 top choices, and I STILL haven't heard from my other. They are getting antsy, and so am I -- April 1 is fast approaching, and I so want/need this to be settled. Can I in good concience call them and leave my name, politely asking when they will be making offers?

Until I know, I am in limbo --the grant that I am on ends soon, so the sooner I know where I'm going, the sooner I can see if I can start RAing early or get another relevant part time job, or if I should just wait tables for these next few months and brush up on my stats till school starts, since working a bit would be possible at one school but due to the courseload, not at the other. I also have a part time research opp (not in my main area, but something social justice oriented that I am passionate about) and once I know this job stuff, which is dependent on making my acceptance decision, which depends on them getting back to us, I can get back to them as to how much time I can commit, if I can even commit, etc...

Many thanks, again,

psybee

 

[deleted176373]

I have offer in hand from one of my 2 top choices, and I STILL haven't heard from my other.

psybee

I just wanted to throw my 2 cents in, but stop making yourself crazy, call them.

It's not pushy to ask the one school what the status of your application is and to inform them that you have a pending offer. Let them know that you got an offer from your #2 choice and that this school is your #1 choice. Asking if you are still being considered is a reasonable question.

Mark

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

So do you believe that the competition to get into a Clinical Psychology program today is significantly greater today than it was 10 years ago?

Mark

Definitely!

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Thanks Dr. ClinPsy! Another question I have is, I've noticed that a lot of programs say that they look at your overall transcript, and your last two years. If I apply to grad school in Dec. of my senior year none of my senior grades would be available. So would my last two years be my sophomore and junior years? Or would they just look at my junior year?

Most focus is just on the overall GPA. Sometimes people look at recent years just because there are so many pre-med students who switch to psychology, that you want to see what their non-pre-med classes grades look like

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Dear Dr.,

How I hope this is the last question I need to ask you re: admission to Clinical PhD programs! Here we go -- I have offer in hand from one of my 2 top choices, and I STILL haven't heard from my other. They are getting antsy, and so am I -- April 1 is fast approaching, and I so want/need this to be settled. Can I in good concience call them and leave my name, politely asking when they will be making offers?

Until I know, I am in limbo --the grant that I am on ends soon, so the sooner I know where I'm going, the sooner I can see if I can start RAing early or get another relevant part time job, or if I should just wait tables for these next few months and brush up on my stats till school starts, since working a bit would be possible at one school but due to the courseload, not at the other. I also have a part time research opp (not in my main area, but something social justice oriented that I am passionate about) and once I know this job stuff, which is dependent on making my acceptance decision, which depends on them getting back to us, I can get back to them as to how much time I can commit, if I can even commit, etc...

Many thanks, again,

psybee

Sure, call and ask for your status. It's time.

 

[psybee]

Sure, call and ask for your status. It's time.

You both are of course very right. Thanks for the feedback! Hearing it from sucessful people in the field was what I needed to stop the over thinking.

Thanks again!

 

[Ilovecows]

Well for the past couple years, all my eggs (dreams) have been in one basket: to get into a fully funded research focused PhD clinical psych program.

But as application date is drawing nearer, I'm feeling terrified. And I'm under some pressure to get a job after graduating because some family members don't understand a desire to do research for 10.00 an hour to strengthen my application. SO: I've been looking at some alternatives.
A little part of me dies inside everytime I think of doing something else...but
a) PhD in social work - this school has a strong research component and offers a pretty good opportunity for becoming a prof
b) MSW in social work - this school offers really good clinical experience
c) application to a research (non-clin) psych PhD program - since my main focus is research anyway...
d) teachers college for a masters degree - just because

Now if I were to do this, apply to all or some of those alternates, and if schools asked me: where else did you apply...would it look really strange to say I applied to those programs as well? Also, if I were to ask my profs for letters for those other places, do you think they'd think I was unfocused and hence when writing me letters think; well she'd be happy at TC so bah?
I just have my heart so set on getting into a Clin PhD program that I don't know ..I'd be too devestated if I had no where to go .....

Advice would be so appreciated!
Thanks a ton 🙂

 

[dlpfc]

Dear Dr. ClinPsyAdvice:

I'm wondering if you might be able to provide your perspective to help me choose a doctoral program. It seems I might end up having my choice of 3 really wonderful programs. To give you an idea of my future goals, I would like to end up in a clinical faculty position at a prestigious institution doing both research and clinical work in the field of pediatric neuropsychology.


School A: Best reputation out of the three, both in terms of research and clinical training, however, it is not guaranteed that I will get to do research in the exact area I want to conduct research in in the future. More specifically, I will definitely be doing neuropsych research but I might not be able to do pediatric neuropsych research. A big bonus, I LOVED the vibe of this program-- the profs and grad students were all very warm and welcoming. There seemed to be a good community among the grad students, which is important to me.

School B: 2nd out of the 3 in terms of research reputation, 3rd in terms of clinical training but still very good. The prof I would work with is doing exactly the kind of research I would like to do in the future. In addition, the prof produces exceptionally successful grad students who get out of the program quickly, publish a lot, get their top choice of internship, etc. Downfall: the grad students in the lab I would work in were rather cold and I didn't feel much of a community feeling as the program is in a big city and the students all live pretty far apart.

School C: 2nd out of the 3 in terms of clinical training but the program is not very well-known in terms of quality of research done by students. Most students come out of the program with their only research having been their thesis and dissertation but the professors explained to me that students can do more research if they are very motivated (I am). In addition, there are some VERY famous pediatric neuropsychologists there who I would likely be able to do research with. Community feeling was only slightly better than School B.

It may seem clear that I favour School A but I am worried about not doing research in the exact field I'd like to get into in the future. Is this enough of an issue to choose School B or C instead?

Sorry for the very long post. Thanks for your help!

dlpfc

 

[Student3107]

I am a senior who was supposed to graduate this may. I really enjoyed my neuropsychology class and decided that maybe since I liked the science aspect of psychology, i would do pre-med and do psychiatry. However, at the last minute I changed my mind and now want to do clinical neuropsychology. Anyways, it is too late to get into graduate school for next year. I have a 4.0, and did an honors program where I did an independent research program where I will be presenting my research at different undergraduate scholors conferences, and most likely my research will be published. Since I have a year off now, will it be helpful for me to do an internship in my time off or do more research with another faculty member? Which will be more helpful in terms of getting me into graduate school for a clinical program?

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Well for the past couple years, all my eggs (dreams) have been in one basket: to get into a fully funded research focused PhD clinical psych program.

But as application date is drawing nearer, I'm feeling terrified. And I'm under some pressure to get a job after graduating because some family members don't understand a desire to do research for 10.00 an hour to strengthen my application. SO: I've been looking at some alternatives.
A little part of me dies inside everytime I think of doing something else...but
a) PhD in social work - this school has a strong research component and offers a pretty good opportunity for becoming a prof
b) MSW in social work - this school offers really good clinical experience
c) application to a research (non-clin) psych PhD program - since my main focus is research anyway...
d) teachers college for a masters degree - just because

Now if I were to do this, apply to all or some of those alternates, and if schools asked me: where else did you apply...would it look really strange to say I applied to those programs as well? Also, if I were to ask my profs for letters for those other places, do you think they'd think I was unfocused and hence when writing me letters think; well she'd be happy at TC so bah?
I just have my heart so set on getting into a Clin PhD program that I don't know ..I'd be too devestated if I had no where to go .....

Advice would be so appreciated!
Thanks a ton 🙂

It is very hard to say, but it does seem like it could be disorienting to all involved if you applied to such different types of programs. Remember, the point of getting into a program is to pursue a specific type of career. If you do not feel excited by those other career paths, then gaining admission into those programs may be the beginning of several years of disappointment.

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Dear Dr. ClinPsyAdvice:

I'm wondering if you might be able to provide your perspective to help me choose a doctoral program. It seems I might end up having my choice of 3 really wonderful programs. To give you an idea of my future goals, I would like to end up in a clinical faculty position at a prestigious institution doing both research and clinical work in the field of pediatric neuropsychology.


School A: Best reputation out of the three, both in terms of research and clinical training, however, it is not guaranteed that I will get to do research in the exact area I want to conduct research in in the future. More specifically, I will definitely be doing neuropsych research but I might not be able to do pediatric neuropsych research. A big bonus, I LOVED the vibe of this program-- the profs and grad students were all very warm and welcoming. There seemed to be a good community among the grad students, which is important to me.

School B: 2nd out of the 3 in terms of research reputation, 3rd in terms of clinical training but still very good. The prof I would work with is doing exactly the kind of research I would like to do in the future. In addition, the prof produces exceptionally successful grad students who get out of the program quickly, publish a lot, get their top choice of internship, etc. Downfall: the grad students in the lab I would work in were rather cold and I didn't feel much of a community feeling as the program is in a big city and the students all live pretty far apart.

School C: 2nd out of the 3 in terms of clinical training but the program is not very well-known in terms of quality of research done by students. Most students come out of the program with their only research having been their thesis and dissertation but the professors explained to me that students can do more research if they are very motivated (I am). In addition, there are some VERY famous pediatric neuropsychologists there who I would likely be able to do research with. Community feeling was only slightly better than School B.

It may seem clear that I favour School A but I am worried about not doing research in the exact field I'd like to get into in the future. Is this enough of an issue to choose School B or C instead?

Sorry for the very long post. Thanks for your help!

dlpfc

I'm quite taken by the successful track record of the mentor's mentoring skills at School B - I think this is a very important factor!
I think a few dozen posts ago, I listed some thoughts about how to make these decisions. I hope this is helpful too.

Good luck, and congrats on 3 great choices!

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

I am a senior who was supposed to graduate this may. I really enjoyed my neuropsychology class and decided that maybe since I liked the science aspect of psychology, i would do pre-med and do psychiatry. However, at the last minute I changed my mind and now want to do clinical neuropsychology. Anyways, it is too late to get into graduate school for next year. I have a 4.0, and did an honors program where I did an independent research program where I will be presenting my research at different undergraduate scholors conferences, and most likely my research will be published. Since I have a year off now, will it be helpful for me to do an internship in my time off or do more research with another faculty member? Which will be more helpful in terms of getting me into graduate school for a clinical program?

definitely do some more research. applicants are due in december, so you have about 9 months left to get more experience!

 

[moonflwr]

a stupid question but I'm going to ask anyway 🙂

I know about the April 15th deadline, but what's the deal with April 1st?

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

a stupid question but I'm going to ask anyway 🙂

I know about the April 15th deadline, but what's the deal with April 1st?

April 1st is when programs are suppose to notify their people of offers. April 15th is when people should accept by, but sometimes spots become available after that date, but the APA tried to give it some form since a cascade effect tends to happen, and they don't want people waiting until May/June/July to decide.

 

[cara susanna]

Is it okay to apply to grad programs and then, if they reject you, ask the professor in question if they have any paid RA positions open? Or should one assume that because they don't want you as a student, they won't want you as a paid RA, either?

Thanks!

 

[mas810]

Hi,
I'm not sure if this is the correct way to post a question but I hope I'm doing it right.

I'm confused as to what my next step should be for applying to a PsyD program. I graduated from NYU in 2007 with a 3.53 GPA in communications and a minor in psychology. I spent the last year getting my MA in school psychology (3.9 GPA). However, I have recently decided I want to get my PsyD or PHD in clinical psychology (health psychology track). I have little to no research experience or clinical experience. My GRE"s are also well below average (1100).

Is the best way to get experience simply to secure a research assistant position. If so, how do I go about doing this? I did get into La Salle's MA and certificate program for family counseling. Should I pursue this track since it will give me exposure to clinical training and research experience? I also want to pursue my PsyD at La Salle. Is this the best way to go or is there something else I should be doing? In the mean time I'll be working on getting my GRE"s up and taking my Psychology GRE's.

 

[moonflwr]

April 1st is when programs are suppose to notify their people of offers. April 15th is when people should accept by, but sometimes spots become available after that date, but the APA tried to give it some form since a cascade effect tends to happen, and they don't want people waiting until May/June/July to decide.

Thanks T4C! After you said that I remembered that I did know that, my brain stopped working for a tick.

 

[psybee]

Hi,
I'm not sure if this is the correct way to post a question but I hope I'm doing it right.

I'm confused as to what my next step should be for applying to a PsyD program. I graduated from NYU in 2007 with a 3.53 GPA in communications and a minor in psychology. I spent the last year getting my MA in school psychology (3.9 GPA). However, I have recently decided I want to get my PsyD or PHD in clinical psychology (health psychology track). I have little to no research experience or clinical experience. My GRE"s are also well below average (1100).

Is the best way to get experience simply to secure a research assistant position. If so, how do I go about doing this? I did get into La Salle's MA and certificate program for family counseling. Should I pursue this track since it will give me exposure to clinical training and research experience? I also want to pursue my PsyD at La Salle. Is this the best way to go or is there something else I should be doing? In the mean time I'll be working on getting my GRE"s up and taking my Psychology GRE's.

if you want to mostly do clinical work with people with physical health issues, research expereince will help but clinical experience will be equally important. If you would consider a Phd, some clinical would be great, but lots of research expereince will be crucial.

It sound like you're still exploring, so in my personal opinion, i'd wait on the 2nd masters and explore your interest in psychology through clinical and research work. its way less expensive (you usually can get paid) and i think more real than going into an educational degree without a really focused goal.

if you are still in NYC, there are lots of RA positions at NYU med, as well as at New York State Psychiatric. is there a kind of clinical or research experience you are looking for, an area of health psych you are interested in? If so, look up the centers who deliver services in those areas and see what opps are there. i know Sloan Kettering has several ongoing research projects in psychoncology and pain management, off the top of my head, and there are other centers for headache, autisim, heart disease, on and on.

clinically, you could vol or maybe even get some work in a hospital, do hospice volunteer work, etc. Did you get clinical training as part of your School Psych degree? I'm sure you could also parlay that into being able to work with kids with health issues or disabilities, either in a research or clinical setting. It doesn't sound like you need another MA, as you did really well in the one you just finished. If you are willing to make little $$$ for the next year or two, you can use that time to get real research expereince, not just for your apps, but so that you know what you like about research and what kind of work you want to do.

 

[Ilovecows]

The reason I'm not doing an honours thesis: the supervisor I was working with ...we got into a disagreement and there were mutually bad feelings between us.
I could very well have finished the thesis, buuut a couple of my other professors said that it's best to not complete the thesis because if I didn't get a letter from my supervisor ( I wouldn't have wanted one or even to ask for one) it would look worse than not doing a thesis at all.

Basically if you do a thesis, and don't provide a letter from your supervisor, it's a huge red flag.

So my first question is: How true is that?

My second question is: How bad is it that I don't have an honours thesis? I have 1 *potential* publication (first-authored, but we submitted at it was rejected with revision recommedations [but it was the first time we submitted]) and may have another 1-authored pub (if you remember I asked you about how to ask about author order - so with that guy [and I asked just the way you told me to]).
The pubs may outweigh the thesis (right?), but let's say both are rejected (let's hope not!) so then is not having an honours thesis frowned upon? (and also because you said pubs are not the be all thing, so even if they were both accepted)

Third question : can I use the above as an example of conflict and how it was resolved if someone would ask me that in a future interview? (the story is kinda eloquent with the full details) I just don't want to make it seem like I'm making the professor look bad (even though he is). If they said: why didn't you do an honours thesis...or what's an example of a conflict that you've faced...etc

Thanks Dr. ClinPsyAdvice, you are very kind - and apologies about the length(!),
Ilovecows

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Is it okay to apply to grad programs and then, if they reject you, ask the professor in question if they have any paid RA positions open? Or should one assume that because they don't want you as a student, they won't want you as a paid RA, either?

Thanks!

I think it would be fine to pursue a RA position with someone who passed on your application for grad school!

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Hi,
I'm not sure if this is the correct way to post a question but I hope I'm doing it right.

I'm confused as to what my next step should be for applying to a PsyD program. I graduated from NYU in 2007 with a 3.53 GPA in communications and a minor in psychology. I spent the last year getting my MA in school psychology (3.9 GPA). However, I have recently decided I want to get my PsyD or PHD in clinical psychology (health psychology track). I have little to no research experience or clinical experience. My GRE"s are also well below average (1100).

Is the best way to get experience simply to secure a research assistant position. If so, how do I go about doing this? I did get into La Salle's MA and certificate program for family counseling. Should I pursue this track since it will give me exposure to clinical training and research experience? I also want to pursue my PsyD at La Salle. Is this the best way to go or is there something else I should be doing? In the mean time I'll be working on getting my GRE"s up and taking my Psychology GRE's.

Sorry - I do not know too much about admission to PsyD programs. If a PhD is your ultimate goal, it may not be worth accumulating too many masters degrees first. You can get research or clinical experience elsewhere, and probably get paid for doing so...

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

The reason I'm not doing an honours thesis: the supervisor I was working with ...we got into a disagreement and there were mutually bad feelings between us.
I could very well have finished the thesis, buuut a couple of my other professors said that it's best to not complete the thesis because if I didn't get a letter from my supervisor ( I wouldn't have wanted one or even to ask for one) it would look worse than not doing a thesis at all.

Basically if you do a thesis, and don't provide a letter from your supervisor, it's a huge red flag.

So my first question is: How true is that?

My second question is: How bad is it that I don't have an honours thesis? I have 1 *potential* publication (first-authored, but we submitted at it was rejected with revision recommedations [but it was the first time we submitted]) and may have another 1-authored pub (if you remember I asked you about how to ask about author order - so with that guy [and I asked just the way you told me to]).
The pubs may outweigh the thesis (right?), but let's say both are rejected (let's hope not!) so then is not having an honours thesis frowned upon? (and also because you said pubs are not the be all thing, so even if they were both accepted)

Third question : can I use the above as an example of conflict and how it was resolved if someone would ask me that in a future interview? (the story is kinda eloquent with the full details) I just don't want to make it seem like I'm making the professor look bad (even though he is). If they said: why didn't you do an honours thesis...or what's an example of a conflict that you've faced...etc

Thanks Dr. ClinPsyAdvice, you are very kind - and apologies about the length(!),
Ilovecows

Yes, it may seem a bit unusual to have a thesis, but no letter from the thesis advisor. A thesis is a great way to demonstrate independent research experience, but it is also possible to demonstrate this in other ways (pubs are good for instance). And last - you may not wish to discuss this particular conflict in an interview (should you get that rare question) because frankly it sounds like it may be still a bit raw for you, and may ultimately not allow you to demonstrate maximal professionalism.

 

[Ilovecows]

I asked a somewhat related question prior, but here I want to know specifically if it's okay to apply to 2 research (non-clinical) psych programs and all the rest Clinical.

I was thinking of applying to 2 non-clinical schools as one prof that I'm currently working with (who I might have a pub with) he told me that he'd put in lots of nice words with the faculty (as he's from 1 of those schools) He said that he thinks I'm excellent and he said that the school there would be lucky to have me. (ya ya)
Anyhow, he said that he's close with a faculty member there whose research I simply adore, and said that with everything else, his rec would just put me pretty much in (so he says anyway). These 2 schools are absolutely top-ranked research schools, with top level researchers, in the US.

In any case, would it look bad to Clinical Psych programs if they were to know that I also applied to 2 research focused schools? Would it look bad to the research programs for me to have applied to only 2 research schools and all the rest Clinical? (In any case the 2 research programs don't have a Clinical track, so there'd be no worry of me 'trying to get in through the back door'). Finally, would it be too disruptive to letter writers (other than the professor who told me to apply) to have to write me letters for both clinical and research?

(Btw: I completely dropped the idea of PsyD, MSW, PhD in SW, and teacher's college as I'd be miserable but PhD in non-clin Psych is still in the running I guess)

Thanks greatly!
Ilovecows

 

[dlpfc]

Dear Dr. ClinPsyAdvice,

I'm just wondering what the norm is in terms of how having outside funding affects the amount of stipend a student receives. At every program I interviewed at, it was explained to me (maybe I misperceived) that students are guaranteed a certain amount of funding, say $12, 000/yr to work as a TA or RA in the department and then students are encouraged to apply for outside funding from granting/scholarship agencies, etc. to supplement their income. Does this sound correct or was I dreaming?

I am curious because I have been awarded a large scholarship from a national research council in canada. However, now knowing that I have this outside funding, the school (in the U.S.) is only offering me a $3000 stipend for the year. In addition, I will still be obligated to work the minimum number of RA hours per week as all other students. Is it normal for the school to offer a student so little funding when the outside funding the student is coming into the program with is in no way related to the university? I am not trying to be greedy, I just want to make sure I am not getting taken advantage of.

Thanks,
dlpfc