Advice from Prof for Applicants to PhD Programs

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

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Hi!

I first want to thank you for spending your valuable time doing this. This thread has helped me tremendously!

I have never posted before because I am more into counseling than clinical research, and am definitely a PsyD candidate, not Clinical PhD. That being said, I made the mistake of applying to both PhD (counseling) and PsyD programs for Fall 09. I have a bunch of PsyD interviews, but have not been accepted into any doctoral programs yet, nor have I been invited to interview for PhD programs. I have also been accepted into two master's programs: one Ed.M. and one MSE from reputable schools (upon being rejected from the schools' PhD programs I was "invited" to their masters programs). If I do not get into a PsyD program, I think I want to go the masters route first and then go on to pursue a PsyD later. (I am young..) Is this a good idea or should I continue doing clinical work as a case manager and research on adolescent behavior? Ultimately, I would like to have a private practice, specializing in adolescence but not necessarily in a school setting.


Thanks!!

A counseling PhD surely will cost you less in the long run.
Be careful - some PsyD programs admit very large classes while others are within non-for-profit universities that have close mentorship and better integrated resources.

 

[Jbird]

A counseling PhD surely will cost you less in the long run.
Be careful - some PsyD programs admit very large classes while others are within non-for-profit universities that have close mentorship and better integrated resources.

Thanks for your prompt reply. Maybe my question wasn't that clear- I am wondering if doing a master's in education (counseling focus) before going for the doctorate if I don't get into any doctorate programs would make sense.

 

[Prsstnt]

I defintely am not aware of how universities look at this. From a candidate's experience, I have an EdM in Counseling Psych, clinical experience for about 3 years working with SPMI population and less than a year's experience in research. My GRE scores and GPA are pretty good (above average scores of most universities). I did not get a single interview from the Counseling Psych PhD programs I applied to. I am sure other factors went against me in the matching process. My point being, having a Masters is not necessarily a guarantee of an interview.

Once again, this is my personal experience and not necessarily a reflection of a trend.

Thanks for your prompt reply. Maybe my question wasn't that clear- I am wondering if doing a master's in education (counseling focus) before going for the doctorate if I don't get into any doctorate programs would make sense.

 

[shiva1008]

Hello DrClinPsyAdvice,

Thanks so much for offering your assistance.

I am about to make a major decision in my life and I wanted to ask your advice. My entire focus in life is to get accepted into a PhD program in clinical psychology. I am currently an undergraduate student at UW Tacoma and I am two quarters away from graduating with a concentration in psychology (under the major of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences). However it is not very important to me to graduate, as such. I would rather transfer to UW Seattle and complete my BS there, which would take at least another year. I think that it would be a more prestigious school to graduate from, plus I could participate in research, and I would end up with a psychology major instead of just a concentration in psychology. Also, my current school does not have a lot of the core psychology courses such as Biopsychology, Cognitive Psychology and Developmental Psychology.

I already applied to UW Seattle for spring but they said they are not accepting students for spring, due to the economy. So I am planning to move up there and take courses as a non-degree student until I can get accepted in the fall. I am reasonably sure that I would get in, as I have a GPA of 3.8, but I cannot know for sure. Does it seem like it would be worth the trouble? Or should I just finish at UW Tacoma in two quarters and then go on to do a master's degree, or perhaps just do more research after graduating? I understand this question may be too specific but I thought I would give it a try because I am really facing a dilemma.

 

[compassionate1]

Hi,

I posted regarding this question in a different thread but am really pressed for answers, so would greatly appreciate your input:

I have approximately nine months in which to get some clinical experience before it's time to apply to programs.

I am not keen on staffing a suicide hotline position; I would like to do some clinical work in person, if at all possible.

My questions are:

1. Is it legal to do clinical work ( as in therapy), without a license -- provided that my work is supervised? ( clinical students in many programs engage in the "real thing" almost from the first semester. Does having a student status change the picture?)

I understant that the law may vary by state. I live in NY.

2. If I co-run a group therapy, and the other person is a qualified clinician -- is this OK?

3. Is running a support group alone ( after having received appropriate, certified training) legal? and would it count as significant clinical experience that I can put on my CV when applying?

4.If the answer to all the above is "NO", would you kindly suggest other avenues for obtaining clinical experience that are both legal as well as practical?

Many thanks!!!

Compassionate1

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Thanks for your prompt reply. Maybe my question wasn't that clear- I am wondering if doing a master's in education (counseling focus) before going for the doctorate if I don't get into any doctorate programs would make sense.

Sorry, I am not sure whether a Masters would help in this situation.

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Hello DrClinPsyAdvice,

Thanks so much for offering your assistance.

I am about to make a major decision in my life and I wanted to ask your advice. My entire focus in life is to get accepted into a PhD program in clinical psychology. I am currently an undergraduate student at UW Tacoma and I am two quarters away from graduating with a concentration in psychology (under the major of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences). However it is not very important to me to graduate, as such. I would rather transfer to UW Seattle and complete my BS there, which would take at least another year. I think that it would be a more prestigious school to graduate from, plus I could participate in research, and I would end up with a psychology major instead of just a concentration in psychology. Also, my current school does not have a lot of the core psychology courses such as Biopsychology, Cognitive Psychology and Developmental Psychology.

I already applied to UW Seattle for spring but they said they are not accepting students for spring, due to the economy. So I am planning to move up there and take courses as a non-degree student until I can get accepted in the fall. I am reasonably sure that I would get in, as I have a GPA of 3.8, but I cannot know for sure. Does it seem like it would be worth the trouble? Or should I just finish at UW Tacoma in two quarters and then go on to do a master's degree, or perhaps just do more research after graduating? I understand this question may be too specific but I thought I would give it a try because I am really facing a dilemma.

I think that getting research experience after graduation may ultimately be just as good.

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Hi,

I posted regarding this question in a different thread but am really pressed for answers, so would greatly appreciate your input:

I have approximately nine months in which to get some clinical experience before it's time to apply to programs.

I am not keen on staffing a suicide hotline position; I would like to do some clinical work in person, if at all possible.

My questions are:

1. Is it legal to do clinical work ( as in therapy), without a license -- provided that my work is supervised? ( clinical students in many programs engage in the "real thing" almost from the first semester. Does having a student status change the picture?)

I understant that the law may vary by state. I live in NY.

2. If I co-run a group therapy, and the other person is a qualified clinician -- is this OK?

3. Is running a support group alone ( after having received appropriate, certified training) legal? and would it count as significant clinical experience that I can put on my CV when applying?

4.If the answer to all the above is "NO", would you kindly suggest other avenues for obtaining clinical experience that are both legal as well as practical?

Many thanks!!!

Compassionate1

Clinical experience rarely helps someone get into clinical doctorate programs because you are not able to do much before attending graduate school that will resemble actual clinical activities (as you note above).

 

[compassionate1]

Clinical experience rarely helps someone get into clinical doctorate programs because you are not able to do much before attending graduate school that will resemble actual clinical activities (as you note above).

Thanks but from my understanding ( please correct me if I am wrong), clinical experience is important when applying to PsyD programs and possibly counseling PhD.

Any idea for a link, perhaps, where I can get answer to my questions in the recent above post?

Thanks,

Compassionate1

 

[paramour]

I've known plenty of applicants accepted into PsyD programs with minimal to no clinical experience.

 

[compassionate1]

I've known plenty of applicants accepted into PsyD programs with minimal to no clinical experience.

That sounds encouraging. But perhaps they had research experience instead?? I don't, and applying with neither one feels like ( and probably is) a professional suicide...

And Rutgers, that's its own league. That's where I would REALLY like to go. I've spent one miserable semester at a program I did not like, and learned a lesson: It's is not just the program that is choosing me; I must choose a program where I believe I can be happy.

I don't mean to sound like an elitist. There are probably a number of programs where i would be reasonably happy ( NSSR just wasn't one of them). But on some days, despite my 4.00 GPA, I feel discouraged and wonder what are my odds, without research OR clinical experience to get accepted into any solid program altogether...

Compassionate1

 

[prettypandee]

DrClinPsyAdvice,
Thank you so much for answering our questions. I just finished a few interviews, the first one being almost two weeks ago, and I was wondering how long in general do schools let you know your acceptance, waitlist, or rejection? Would contacting the schools be seen as annoying if we haven't heard anything? If not, at what point would it be seen as reasonable to ask the department secretary? If it is a question of grant funding, would professors tell you upfront?
Thanks!
pp

 

[suggs55]

It's true that you can't get a lot of clinical experience before having a degree. It's not ethical or legal to do a lot of work if you are not licensed.

Here's a story about myself that may give you some insight:
When I was still an undergraduate I had to the opportunity to receive clinical experience through an alternative day program at a hospital in NYC for adolescents with dual diagnosis (mental illness and substance abuse). As an intern there, I participated in on staff meetings, tutored students, helped co-lead group therapy (dialectical behavior therapy, to be exact), and did some job coaching for students about to get their GEDs. I was working underneath a medical social worker at the program, and she was friends with my college advisor. He helped me secure this position.

Hence, there are ways to get limited clinical experience if 1) you network, 2) find practitioners willing and able to have you work under them in specific circumstances, 3) get proper amount and kind of supervision so that you are following legal and ethical guidelines. I do not suggest doing any kind of work alone and would suggest trying to contact a hospital, clinic, or school that is looking for interns or has some kind of volunteer program (rather than trying to work for a practitioner with a private practice of any kind).
I don't know the relationship you have with former or current professors, but they were certainly great resources for me when I was in undergrad.

Also remember that even though you are applying to PsyD programs, many places understand the limited roles you can play without a degree.

 

[cardamom]

Also, you can get pseudo clinical experience, or clinical exposure if you will, by getting a research position in a clinical setting where you interact with patients. I am an RA currently, and I do clinical interviews with patients, and the combo of getting research experience and clinical exposure has really helped me, even though I don't do any therapy.

 

[compassionate1]

Suggs55: Thanks for the good advice!

My mentor gave me today the number of a clinic where a colleague of hers is a supervisor. So I am going to call tomorrow and find out more.

cardamom: That's a brilliant idea to combine both. It would work very well for me, as I am limited in time. How did you manage to get this opportunity and any thoughts regarding the best way to go about it?

Thanks!

Compassionate1

 

[MorganLilith]

compassionate1: I also am doing something similar. I am working on a longitudinal study at Boston University (which I count as research experience because I am doing data collection) but I am running neuropsychological tests on people with Alzheimer's Disease. That is DIRECT clinical experience and research experience at the same time. You should try to find something like that. Although its not the most stimulating thing, every participant takes at LEAST an hour and a half. And best of all, I'm still an undergrad! So as long as you get trained (which is basically just performing the neuropsych exam on someone like 10 times) you can do that and it's seriously simple.

 

[GoodyGood]

Suggs55: Thanks for the good advice!

My mentor gave me today the number of a clinic where a colleague of hers is a supervisor. So I am going to call tomorrow and find out more.

cardamom: That's a brilliant idea to combine both. It would work very well for me, as I am limited in time. How did you manage to get this opportunity and any thoughts regarding the best way to go about it?

Thanks!

Compassionate1

One way to secure this type of position is to ask around at your undergrad if any faculty are currently doing research in a clinical setting. I did this at my university and was lucky enough to volunteer as an RA in a community clinic at which one of my professors was conducting research. Although the focus of the research was not exactly in line with what I am interested in, the experience itself is more important in my opinion (not one of my interviewers commented or questioned how the experience fit with my research interests).

 

[cbyoung]

Dear DrClinPsyAdvice,
I am currently in the process of looking for a paid RA position so I can gain more research experience before I apply to grad school, but I have a few questions.

1. I ultimately want to study depression but I am wondering how important it is for me to find a research position focusing on depression versus some other topic such as substance abuse or PTSD. Will it hurt me in the application process if I am an conducting research on a topic that isn't related to what I ultimately want to study?

2. Also, do grad schools considered where you worked? For example, will working at a more prestigious university benefit you and will working within the School of Medicine as opposed to the Psychology Department of a university hurt you? Is it better to work at a university as opposed to a nonprofit organization that is affiliated with the VA such as NCIRE?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[numbereight]

Dear DrClinPsyAdvice,
I am currently in the process of looking for a paid RA position so I can gain more research experience before I apply to grad school, but I have a few questions.

1. I ultimately want to study depression but I am wondering how important it is for me to find a research position focusing on depression versus some other topic such as substance abuse or PTSD. Will it hurt me in the application process if I am an conducting research on a topic that isn't related to what I ultimately want to study?

2. Also, do grad schools considered where you worked? For example, will working at a more prestigious university benefit you and will working within the School of Medicine as opposed to the Psychology Department of a university hurt you? Is it better to work at a university as opposed to a nonprofit organization that is affiliated with the VA such as NCIRE?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

my 0.02: if you want to study depression in grad school, do your best to get previous experience studying depression. put yourself in a professor's shoes. you see two applicants CV's on your desk. Say that both of them are essentially equal in terms of qualifications, but one applicant has studied something you understand well, perhaps even used a few measures/techniques you're familiar with. Which one would stand out in your mind?

And I hate to say it but, on average, prestige matters to academics. Probably, more important than prestige of an organization is working with a prestigious researcher. If some guy/lady you're applying to work with knows the person/person's work you worked with, it's probably a big +

Dr. Clin, i would be grateful for your thoughts on these statements.

 

[cardamom]

cardamom: That's a brilliant idea to combine both. It would work very well for me, as I am limited in time. How did you manage to get this opportunity and any thoughts regarding the best way to go about it?

Thanks!

Compassionate1

I applied to lots and lots of jobs when I graduated. I am in an area with a good number of hospitals, so that helped (or if you are willing to relocate, that would open up your options), but I had to apply to plenty of positions before getting an interview and then my position. Hospitals and VAs will usually advertise positions somewhere on their websites. I would encourage someone to apply pretty broadly, not just to projects right in their area of interest, though I lucked out in that respect.

I do know my previous research experience as a student was part of why I got the job, given the heavy competition, so it may be more challenging if you don't have some already, but I would give it a shot either way, since it doesn't hurt to apply. Also, if you have any connections, now would be the time to use them for all they are worth, and ask if they know anyone who is doing research and hiring, etc. Most of these sorts of positions will start opening up in the next few months and into the summer as current RAs leave for grad school. Good luck!

 

[lilies05]

similarly - if we've been waitlisted, should we write our POI re-emphasizing our continued interest in the program? will this help in any way? is it considered poor etiquette to do so?


thanks!

Lily

 

[compassionate1]

Thank you all very much for your input. I do appreciate it!

Your posts made me realize two very important points:

1. That I would be better utilizing my time looking for research experience than purely clinical experience.

2. That I do indeed have connections that I have not been putting to good use! There isn't too much research going on in the small community college where I teach, but I have taught a class at my graduate school as well, and have contact people there.

I wonder, though, if getting research experience at this point would be that helpful, as the eight months countdown to the race of applying has began. I can imagine that a little bit of experience is better than none but wonder if it would be perceived by programs as a desperate attempt to just put 'something' on my CV, rather than a thoughtful and genuine act.

Also, I understand that the answer may vary, but typically -- how much of a time investment does an RA position require? If unpaid, is it possible to dedicate fewer hours a week? I am not trying to cut corners, just realistically thinking how do I balance this with studying for GREs ( plus: teaching, mothering etc...)

If getting research experience involves a significant time investment, I may have to wait yet another year and just take care of GREs for now. If not for the fact that I have not been in my twenties for several years now ( althogh, I look much younger and blended right in when attending a program last semester), waiting the additional year would not be so terrible. But I would prefer to apply this fall, if at all possible.

Your thoughts are most welcome,

Compassionate1

 

[MorganLilith]

To be honest, you need research experience unless you're applying to only PsyDs. I'm not too familiar with that process. If you don't have any, you really aren't going to get into a PhD grad school. If you don't think 8 months is enough then you might want to reconsider applying for the next cycle. If you spend all that time preparing for the GREs and all that money applying without research experience, it really won't even matter. I'm just trying to save you some hassle. Also, I'm working/have been working on 3 research projects while taking classes, applying to graduate schools, running a club, and TAing. Being on one research study is very doable. You can put in about 10 hours a week at some places (usually if it is unpaid.) However, I have seen some positions listed on monster and such (where I live) that are part time and are paid. You migh also want to check on summer internships. My foot in the door was an internship last summer and since then, research has poured in. But honestly, if you have NO research experience, it's going to be hard for the schools to accept you when they have so many other great candidates who WILL have that experience.

Thank you all very much for your input. I do appreciate it!

Your posts made me realize two very important points:

1. That I would be better utilizing my time looking for research experience than purely clinical experience.

2. That I do indeed have connections that I have not been putting to good use! There isn't too much research going on in the small community college where I teach, but I have taught a class at my graduate school as well, and have contact people there.

I wonder, though, if getting research experience at this point would be that helpful, as the eight months countdown to the race of applying has began. I can imagine that a little bit of experience is better than none but wonder if it would be perceived by programs as a desperate attempt to just put 'something' on my CV, rather than a thoughtful and genuine act.

Also, I understand that the answer may vary, but typically -- how much of a time investment does an RA position require? If unpaid, is it possible to dedicate fewer hours a week? I am not trying to cut corners, just realistically thinking how do I balance this with studying for GREs ( plus: teaching, mothering etc...)

If getting research experience involves a significant time investment, I may have to wait yet another year and just take care of GREs for now. If not for the fact that I have not been in my twenties for several years now ( althogh, I look much younger and blended right in when attending a program last semester), waiting the additional year would not be so terrible. But I would prefer to apply this fall, if at all possible.

Your thoughts are most welcome,

Compassionate1

 

[cardamom]

Agreed with MorganLilith. I've seen a few halftime paid RA positions, though more fulltime ones. Many of the fulltime ones want a 2 year commitment though anyway. One thing to keep in mind, is that with only a year long position, your supervisors won't know you particularly well when it comes time to write recommendations (assuming you start in the summer, when most do). That's part of why I went the two year route, which my position wanted anyway.

Doing it for free can make things a lot more flexible. I have some RAs (usually undergrads) working under me to do data entry and such, and they do it for about 4 hours a week, but they do not get any time with patients and their responsibilities are pretty limited. If you do not have experience with SPSS and databases though, something like that could be a good start, since you will likely need at least those skills to get a paid RA position.

 

[cara susanna]

Edit: Ah, nevermind, I think I answered my own question. 😉

 

[helga]

Dr ClinPsyAdvice

I just got my first acceptance and I have an ettiquette question. I was accepted into my #2 choice and my #1 choice has asked me to stay in touch and let them know if I get any other offers.

How should I word the email telling #1 that I have an offer somewhere else? Should I tell them specifically where I was accepted? What is the ettiquette around all of this?

Thank you for all your advice!

 

[GiantSteps]

Dr ClinPsyAdvice

I just got my first acceptance and I have an ettiquette question. I was accepted into my #2 choice and my #1 choice has asked me to stay in touch and let them know if I get any other offers.

How should I word the email telling #1 that I have an offer somewhere else? Should I tell them specifically where I was accepted? What is the ettiquette around all of this?

Thank you for all your advice!

Helga,

Wouldn't it be ironic if Dr ClinPsyAdvice is your POI at your number 1 school? Then after he tells you the etiquette of the letter, he receives that very same letter from you! Or, what if he is your POI at your number 2 choice and he tells your what to write to leave his school or miss out on the number 1 choice and stay at the number 2 choice? Sure, the odds of this happening are slim, but the world is a wacky place! In any case, your number 2 choice, based on the Acceptance Thread is also very good. I wonder if professors are following SDN. Good luck!

 

[cbyoung]

.

 

[cbyoung]

my 0.02: if you want to study depression in grad school, do your best to get previous experience studying depression. put yourself in a professor's shoes. you see two applicants CV's on your desk. Say that both of them are essentially equal in terms of qualifications, but one applicant has studied something you understand well, perhaps even used a few measures/techniques you're familiar with. Which one would stand out in your mind?

And I hate to say it but, on average, prestige matters to academics. Probably, more important than prestige of an organization is working with a prestigious researcher. If some guy/lady you're applying to work with knows the person/person's work you worked with, it's probably a big +

Dr. Clin, i would be grateful for your thoughts on these statements.

Thanks, that was pretty much what I was thinking too.

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

DrClinPsyAdvice,
Thank you so much for answering our questions. I just finished a few interviews, the first one being almost two weeks ago, and I was wondering how long in general do schools let you know your acceptance, waitlist, or rejection? Would contacting the schools be seen as annoying if we haven't heard anything? If not, at what point would it be seen as reasonable to ask the department secretary? If it is a question of grant funding, would professors tell you upfront?
Thanks!
pp

Sadly, this can take a while. Often within a week or two, first offers go out. But sometimes funding is not secured for a while (a month) and the first offers can be delayed. Since applicants can wait until April 15, many wait list folks may not hear until the first week of April.

After about 2 weeks of the interview, it is perfectly reasonable to ask a secretary or professor about your status

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Dear DrClinPsyAdvice,
I am currently in the process of looking for a paid RA position so I can gain more research experience before I apply to grad school, but I have a few questions.

1. I ultimately want to study depression but I am wondering how important it is for me to find a research position focusing on depression versus some other topic such as substance abuse or PTSD. Will it hurt me in the application process if I am an conducting research on a topic that isn't related to what I ultimately want to study?

2. Also, do grad schools considered where you worked? For example, will working at a more prestigious university benefit you and will working within the School of Medicine as opposed to the Psychology Department of a university hurt you? Is it better to work at a university as opposed to a nonprofit organization that is affiliated with the VA such as NCIRE?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Good questions! It won't hurt at all to get RA experience in another area, but it will help a lot if it is in the same area. Your RA supervisor may have more pull with mentors in your area of research if there is consistency in your area of focus. You also will learn more about the literature and be able to write a better personal statement if you work in the area of your main interest.

I don't think the type of site of your RA is very important. The quality of the research done is important, and the reputation of your RA supervisor will matter.

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

similarly - if we've been waitlisted, should we write our POI re-emphasizing our continued interest in the program? will this help in any way? is it considered poor etiquette to do so?


thanks!

Lily

Perfectly fine to do so. As long as this doesn't become too frequent and pestering, it is absolutely OK. We all know how difficult it is for you to make decisions and how more info on your chances would be helpful to you

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Thank you all very much for your input. I do appreciate it!

Your posts made me realize two very important points:

1. That I would be better utilizing my time looking for research experience than purely clinical experience.

2. That I do indeed have connections that I have not been putting to good use! There isn't too much research going on in the small community college where I teach, but I have taught a class at my graduate school as well, and have contact people there.

I wonder, though, if getting research experience at this point would be that helpful, as the eight months countdown to the race of applying has began. I can imagine that a little bit of experience is better than none but wonder if it would be perceived by programs as a desperate attempt to just put 'something' on my CV, rather than a thoughtful and genuine act.

Also, I understand that the answer may vary, but typically -- how much of a time investment does an RA position require? If unpaid, is it possible to dedicate fewer hours a week? I am not trying to cut corners, just realistically thinking how do I balance this with studying for GREs ( plus: teaching, mothering etc...)

If getting research experience involves a significant time investment, I may have to wait yet another year and just take care of GREs for now. If not for the fact that I have not been in my twenties for several years now ( althogh, I look much younger and blended right in when attending a program last semester), waiting the additional year would not be so terrible. But I would prefer to apply this fall, if at all possible.

Your thoughts are most welcome,

Compassionate1

Yes, 8 months of research experience will 'count'

Part-time is fine - you can only do what you can do.

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Dr ClinPsyAdvice

I just got my first acceptance and I have an ettiquette question. I was accepted into my #2 choice and my #1 choice has asked me to stay in touch and let them know if I get any other offers.

How should I word the email telling #1 that I have an offer somewhere else? Should I tell them specifically where I was accepted? What is the ettiquette around all of this?

Thank you for all your advice!

Hard to go wrong here. Just let them know that you have an offer (they may ask where, and it is fine to tell them before or after they ask). Let them know that you remain very interested in them and wanted to let them know your status, as they requested.

It will be good for them to know that you are 'in play,' and may help them move a little faster to make some decisions quickly.

 

[psychanxiety]

Hi,

My POI at my first choice school told me that I'm the first alternate. He also said to keep him posted about changes in my status, so I sent him a reply saying of course, I was very interested, etc etc etc. This all happened three weeks ago. Should I send another email confirming my interest or should I not bug him? I've got no more interviews lined up and probably no other offers so I'm very anxious about this.

 

[shiva1008]

DrClinPsy - thanks for listening to my story and giving some feedback. I guess ultimately it is my decision to make. At least now I know that both options are viable--and if I do transfer to UW Seattle then I should look at it as a way to get involved in research and make connections, more than anything else. 🙂

 

[futureapppsy2]

I have a severe, very noticable physical disability (can't walk), and I'll be applying to some graduate programs with an interest in researching physical and primarily physical disabilities with relatively early onset (30 and under). I want to apply a multicultural lense/view to my work and treat this as a multicultural population, as it shares many of the same issues as the other multicultural population with which I've done work--lack of research, negatively slanted research, assumption of failure/deficiets, history of oppression, visual discrimination, etc.

I've done research in this area with a PI who views this in a similar scope and will also hopefully have an independent thesis in progress, if not completed, in this area at the time of application, so it's not like I'm applying to do "mesearch" with no theoretical or empirical background in this area. I don't want it to seem this way, however, and wonder if I should mention my physical disability briefly when contacting POIs (none of whom, to my knowledge, have a disability) or in my PS. If I get an interview, my disability will become very obvious (as there as nothing I can do to hide it), and there's a good chance at least some of my recommenders will mention it.

I'm caught between two things here--on one hand, I know it's generally a Gd awful idea to mention any sort of health problem or disability at all; on the other hand, when doing multicultural research, I know it's huge boone to be from THAT cultural group (one of the huge issues I've come across when doing multicultural research on a group of which I am not a member is having my work summarily dismissed or doubted on the basis of my out group-ness. There's some validity to this, so I'm not necessarily complaining).

Should I avoid mentioning my physical disability and ask my recommenders not to mention it? It does aid some in explaining my research interests buy explaining how I transfered my skill set from research one culturally group to research another and learning to function as both an objective researcher and a more subjective in-group cultural consultant, but I'm worried if could be a "red flag" of sorts, even though it wouldn'rt be of I were apply to do multicultural research with an ethnic group of which I were a member.

Thanks!

 

[cara susanna]

Er, n/m again. Sorry!

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Hi,

My POI at my first choice school told me that I'm the first alternate. He also said to keep him posted about changes in my status, so I sent him a reply saying of course, I was very interested, etc etc etc. This all happened three weeks ago. Should I send another email confirming my interest or should I not bug him? I've got no more interviews lined up and probably no other offers so I'm very anxious about this.

After three weeks, a brief note asking for an update is fine.

 

[glasscandie]

Suggs55: Thanks for the good advice!

My mentor gave me today the number of a clinic where a colleague of hers is a supervisor. So I am going to call tomorrow and find out more.

cardamom: That's a brilliant idea to combine both. It would work very well for me, as I am limited in time. How did you manage to get this opportunity and any thoughts regarding the best way to go about it?

Thanks!

Compassionate1

Compassionate -

Back early in my major when I thought I wanted to go into clinical psych. (my interests are in behavioral neuroscience now), I did an internship at a local psychiatric rehabilitation facility. The consumers there were mainly diagnosed with schizophrenia, though there were some with bipolar and major depression. All I did to find the internship was google "psych rehab centers" around my area, and then I went on an e-mailing campaign to the directors of the program, to see if they could fit me in anywhere. Luckily, I found a program that routinely had masters students in to do internships, so they were able to tailor the program to my undergraduate status. At the internship, I was able to co-lead psycho-educational classes; I coordinated their newly implemented evidence-based practice programs (and am in the process of writing up the results to attempt to publish); was able to lead recreational groups myself (I led an employment class and an art class); I got valuable experience participating in weekly team meetings aimed to keep the consumers on their treatment plans; and I implemented and ran a Consumer Advisory Board, which gave the consumers an outlet for concerns or improvements in the psych. rehab. community. I also was trained in medication monitoring. My supervisor also gave me the go-ahead to write a research proposal, funded by the clinic, which I'm currently in the process of trying to get IRB approval.

I'm not sure how much this experience would have been weighted should I have decided to apply to clinical programs, but it was very eye-opening and educational and as an undergraduate, I feel fortunate to have had that experience. Just thought I'd offer my .02, because there are definitely ways you can get your feet wet in clinical psych. without actually crossing ethical or legal boundaries.

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

I have a severe, very noticable physical disability (can't walk), and I'll be applying to some graduate programs with an interest in researching physical and primarily physical disabilities with relatively early onset (30 and under). I want to apply a multicultural lense/view to my work and treat this as a multicultural population, as it shares many of the same issues as the other multicultural population with which I've done work--lack of research, negatively slanted research, assumption of failure/deficiets, history of oppression, visual discrimination, etc.

I've done research in this area with a PI who views this in a similar scope and will also hopefully have an independent thesis in progress, if not completed, in this area at the time of application, so it's not like I'm applying to do "mesearch" with no theoretical or empirical background in this area. I don't want it to seem this way, however, and wonder if I should mention my physical disability briefly when contacting POIs (none of whom, to my knowledge, have a disability) or in my PS. If I get an interview, my disability will become very obvious (as there as nothing I can do to hide it), and there's a good chance at least some of my recommenders will mention it.

I'm caught between two things here--on one hand, I know it's generally a Gd awful idea to mention any sort of health problem or disability at all; on the other hand, when doing multicultural research, I know it's huge boone to be from THAT cultural group (one of the huge issues I've come across when doing multicultural research on a group of which I am not a member is having my work summarily dismissed or doubted on the basis of my out group-ness. There's some validity to this, so I'm not necessarily complaining).

Should I avoid mentioning my physical disability and ask my recommenders not to mention it? It does aid some in explaining my research interests buy explaining how I transfered my skill set from research one culturally group to research another and learning to function as both an objective researcher and a more subjective in-group cultural consultant, but I'm worried if could be a "red flag" of sorts, even though it wouldn'rt be of I were apply to do multicultural research with an ethnic group of which I were a member.

Thanks!

Very tough question!
Bottom line: You should disclose only what you feel comfortable disclosing.

I think that this would not be seen as a red flag at all, and as you say, it can help your credibility a bit - although this is certainly not necessary to demonstrate an interest in this area of research, or necessary to say for any other reason. As you know, it would be illegal for anyone to use this information to judge your application one way or the other.

If you feel comfortable disclosing this info (or your letter writers do so), then I see little drawback in doing so.

 

[thewesternsky]

Thanks so much for your help with my other questions; you've been great!

I'm hoping you have some experience with academic hiring committees; it seems like you probably would. 😀 So, I was accepted today to the clinical psych Ph.D. program at my undergraduate institution. There are a lot of good things about this program, and I'm strongly considering the offer. I've heard that it's frowned upon to complete all three of your degrees at one institution. Would this hurt my chances of getting a job? Can a strong research program and publication record make up for this?

 

[shamrock14]

Thanks so much for your help with my other questions; you've been great!

I'm hoping you have some experience with academic hiring committees; it seems like you probably would. 😀 So, I was accepted today to the clinical psych Ph.D. program at my undergraduate institution. There are a lot of good things about this program, and I'm strongly considering the offer. I've heard that it's frowned upon to complete all three of your degrees at one institution. Would this hurt my chances of getting a job? Can a strong research program and publication record make up for this?

That's a great question - I am in the exact same position, as I just recently was accepted to the clinical PhD program at my undergraduate institution. I am also worried about the potential implications it may have for being hired in a tenure track position, so I am also interested to hear your thoughts on that. In this case, would doing a post-doc at another institution be absolutely necessary to get an academic job?

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

Thanks so much for your help with my other questions; you've been great!

I'm hoping you have some experience with academic hiring committees; it seems like you probably would. 😀 So, I was accepted today to the clinical psych Ph.D. program at my undergraduate institution. There are a lot of good things about this program, and I'm strongly considering the offer. I've heard that it's frowned upon to complete all three of your degrees at one institution. Would this hurt my chances of getting a job? Can a strong research program and publication record make up for this?

Nope - it should not hurt your chances. If you are on the academic track, someone one day will wonder whether you can do work successfully without your advisor, and you'll need to demonstrate some work that is your own, or at least on a tangent for your advisor's work. But it is a long time before you need to start doing something like this. For now, just publish, publish, publish!

If you are on more of a clinical track, then I see no downside whatsoever.

So, either way, you should be fine!

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

That's a great question - I am in the exact same position, as I just recently was accepted to the clinical PhD program at my undergraduate institution. I am also worried about the potential implications it may have for being hired in a tenure track position, so I am also interested to hear your thoughts on that. In this case, would doing a post-doc at another institution be absolutely necessary to get an academic job?

It would not be absolutely necessary, but it could be a great way to develop your own independent line of work one day that isn't a complete overlap with your advisor's.

 

[Tennisplyer]

DrClinPsyAdvice
I am having a tough time weighing a decision between two wonderful schools (it is a great problem to have) and I was hoping get some of your input. One school the POI is very well known and prestigious in my field of interest and the other school is just an overall well rounded program in terms of training with a generally well known POI. Do you go with the more well rounded program, or the prestige and opportunities that working with a legend in the field provides?

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

DrClinPsyAdvice
I am having a tough time weighing a decision between two wonderful schools (it is a great problem to have) and I was hoping get some of your input. One school the POI is very well known and prestigious in my field of interest and the other school is just an overall well rounded program in terms of training with a generally well known POI. Do you go with the more well rounded program, or the prestige and opportunities that working with a legend in the field provides?

Sounds like you can't go wrong! I might suggest basing this decision as much on:
Who is the best personality match for you as a mentor?
Who will be attentive to your needs as a student?
Who will be generous with presentation/publication opportunities?
Where will you get the most work done?
Which place is most likely to maintain or enhance your interest in research/clinical work?

These (somewhat) intangible factors can be very important, especially when all else is almost equal!

 

[lilies05]

I have a similar question to Tennisplayer - does prestige of the POI/school matter if you want to be a clinician? Will working under a "legend" in the field matter at all when applying to be a clinician at hospitals, etc?

Thanks!!

 

[futureapppsy2]

Very tough question!
Bottom line: You should disclose only what you feel comfortable disclosing.

I think that this would not be seen as a red flag at all, and as you say, it can help your credibility a bit - although this is certainly not necessary to demonstrate an interest in this area of research, or necessary to say for any other reason. As you know, it would be illegal for anyone to use this information to judge your application one way or the other.

If you feel comfortable disclosing this info (or your letter writers do so), then I see little drawback in doing so.

Thank you!

 

[DrClinPsyAdvice]

I have a similar question to Tennisplayer - does prestige of the POI/school matter if you want to be a clinician? Will working under a "legend" in the field matter at all when applying to be a clinician at hospitals, etc?

Thanks!!

Perhaps not as much, unless they are a 'legend' based on their work in a certain type of treatment, I suppose.