APPIC Internship Application Talk

[Therapist4Chnge]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm not sure if anyone else is going through the internship process, but I thought a specific thread could be helpful, and give a peek at what ya'll are up for in a few years. 😀

--------------

Okay....here is my latest dilemma....I have LOR from my three clinical supervisors and two academic/research ones. I got the academic/research ones with the intention to only use at a handful of sites that specifically requested an academic reference who can speak to my research capabilities. (Yeah, I'm retentive and asked for two since each could speak specifically to things important at certain sites)

95% of my sites require 3 LOR. Now I'm thinking maybe I should include one of the academic/research letters with two of my clinical ones, since they provide a nice balance to all of the clinical stuff, and show off my ability to research, collaborate, write, and present. Most of the sites req. at least 2 clinical references, so I have that option, I'm just not sure if I'd be better served with 3 clinical or if I should include one of the academic/research ones.

Thoughts?

-t

 

[RayneeDeigh]

Do you have a lot of publications, presentations, or awards that your writing has won? If you do, that should balance out the 3 clinical letters nicely. But if you think the majority of your CV looks clinical-ish, I'd say include one of the academic letters for balance.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Do you have a lot of publications, presentations, or awards that your writing has won? If you do, that should balance out the 3 clinical letters nicely. But if you think the majority of your CV looks clinical-ish, I'd say include one of the academic letters for balance.

Hmm...good point.

It looks quite clinical-ish. I have decent research, pub, and presentations, but nothing ground-breaking (though pretty good for a PsyD). My pharma program has been owning me over the past year and a half, so I haven't had as much time to pad my research stats (doh!).

I'm looking mostly at consortiums with academic hospital rotations, so I need a bit of everything to be competitive; I'm hoping my pharma training will help me in that regard. My other sites are college counseling sites, and one of the academic letters is targeting this group....so I'm good to go with them. I have a few backup mental health centers, which I think will just get 3 clinical letters since I won't have research opportunities at them.

-t

 

[psychanon]

Hmmm.... I don't know. Have you asked your DCT? It can be dangerous to go above the limit, because they may only read 3. Maybe you could send the 3 clinical + 1 academic, but I don't know if sending an extra is going to help you more than it could hurt you. Do you have anyone who could speak to both your clinical training and your academic work?

I finally decided to wait until next year (i'm a 4th year now) to apply for internship...so I really hope you're still around in a year to give me advice! 😳

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Hmmm.... I don't know. Have you asked your DCT? It can be dangerous to go above the limit, because they may only read 3. Maybe you could send the 3 clinical + 1 academic, but I don't know if sending an extra is going to help you more than it could hurt you. Do you have anyone who could speak to both your clinical training and your academic work?

I finally decided to wait until next year (i'm a 4th year now) to apply for internship...so I really hope you're still around in a year to give me advice! 😳

I'll only go with the recommended number at each site, so the academic/research letter won't be in addition to the 3 clinical letters, it would just replace the 3rd clinical letter. I have more letters than average because of site req. stuff, so I get to create more choices for myself.....ack!

1. Intensive Supervisor #1 (kids)
2. Intensive Supervisor #2 (adolescents / adults)
3. On-Site Supervisor #2 (adolescents / adults)
4. Academic / Research #1 (kids)
5. Academic / Research #2 (kids)

My preference is to work with adolescents and adults, but if I land at a hospital, I'd like at least a minor rotation in peds. I'm applying to sites that have all 3, but none are strictly kids, since that isn't my preferred population.

btw...i'll be around here next year, no worries. I'll hopefully be posting about how great internship is, and how I'm looking for a great post-doc, etc.

-t

 

[zeldazelda]

How's it going? When is everything due -- do the deadlines vary by placement or are they all do at the same time?

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

How's it going? When is everything due -- do the deadlines vary by placement or are they all do at the same time?

A lot of sites are Nov 1st...so it is coming down to the wire!! Other sites are later in the month. I think the vast majority of mine are due by Nov 15th, with a few due in the last couple of weeks of November.

I'm working on my cover letter at the moment, and finishing up my general application. I have a rough estimate of my hour break down, I just need to finalize it. The process TAKES FOREVER.


-t

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I very much dislike this process right now. I think at this rate I'm going to watch the sun come up, though come hell or high water, I'm getting my first batch of applications done!!

-t

 

[zeldazelda]

I very much dislike this process right now. I think at this rate I'm going to watch the sun come up, though come hell or high water, I'm getting my first batch of applications done!!

-t

Ouch! Hope you are sleeping now!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I missed the sun rise, I was in bed by 5:15am.... I was suppose to mail my first batch today, but my last LOR needs a sig., and my supervisor just called because she had a personal emergency and has to do it tomorrow....doh! It has been a rollercoaster, I started the LOR stuff a couple months ago, but I guess I REALLY believe when someone says they are busy....they mean it!

-t

 

[dekared82]

I thought I would continue this thread for those applying to APPIC this year....

What sites are you interested in applying to at this point?

 

[elite1]

I took the MsPharm courses, too. However, I would NOT put these courses on my vita or mention them anywhere. The RxP movement is very politically charged and may keep you from getting interviews.

 

[cmuhooligan]

I thought I would continue this thread for those applying to APPIC this year....

What sites are you interested in applying to at this point?

Although it's not my finalized list, these are some of the sites I'm interested in:

Mass Gen
Mclean
Brown
Cornell
Columbia
UIC
Albert Einstein
University of Florida
University of South Florida
University of Wisconsin
University of Washington
UCLA Semel Institute
Emory
Medical College of Georgia
Boston Consortium
Maryland VA

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I took the MsPharm courses, too. However, I would NOT put these courses on my vita or mention them anywhere. The RxP movement is very politically charged and may keep you from getting interviews.

Unfortunately I think you are correct. The frustrating part of this is the coursework and training can really enhance clinical skills, though it is a polarizing issue.

 

[edieb]

Although it's not my finalized list, these are some of the sites I'm interested in:

Mass Gen
Mclean
Brown
Cornell
Columbia
UIC
Albert Einstein
University of Florida
University of South Florida
University of Wisconsin
University of Washington
UCLA Semel Institute
Emory
Medical College of Georgia
Boston Consortium
Maryland VA

It is smart of yourself to not limit yourself geographically. As many people on this site who go to good schools did not match because they only applied to higly and moderately competititve sites, I would also recommend that you apply to sites that span the gamut of competitiveness. Usually, medical schools are the most competitive/prestigious while state hospitals and CMHCs are least competitive, while V.A.s are in the middle of the spectrum.

Good luck!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I was one of those people, I got a bunch of interviews at all moderate and highly competitive sites, but since those sites usually don't get far down their ranking....it can be very hit and miss. I'm definitely looking at a wider range of sites this year, particularly VAs.

 

[PsyDr]

google the DOT, then pubmed for publications. then search NAN and federal sites for recent grants

if none, then go clinical.

if some in recent years, then one academic

if tons, then 2 academic.

 

[edieb]

Oh, man, T4C, I forgot that you had to go through the internship matching process once again. I am so sorry for that. Your coming from a highly-ranked school, I remember being so surprised that you didn't match.

Are you re-writing your essays this year? What are the major things which you plan to do differently?

 

[psychanon]

Although it's not my finalized list, these are some of the sites I'm interested in:

Mass Gen
Mclean
Brown
Cornell
Columbia
UIC
Albert Einstein
University of Florida
University of South Florida
University of Wisconsin
University of Washington
UCLA Semel Institute
Emory
Medical College of Georgia
Boston Consortium
Maryland VA

My list is very similar to yours, minus a few, plus a few.

Ugh, I don't want to start thinking about all the work that needs to be done.

 

[cmuhooligan]

Ugh, I don't want to start thinking about all the work that needs to be done.

I know! But, we still have 3 months! We can get a lot done in that time. 🙂

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Are you re-writing your essays this year? What are the major things which you plan to do differently?

I think my biggest issue is that I didn't pick the right kind of sites. I aimed pretty high, and although I come from a decent program and I have some really good experiences.....I don't think I was a great "fit" at some of the places. I looked at competitive hospitals and university counseling centers (w/ educational outreach programs and/or other cool bells/whistles)....so there wasn't much room for error. The vast majority of people I saw at the counseling sites were counseling Ph.D's, and many of the staff were from that background....so I felt like I already started at a disadvantage.

The tough thing about this process is that there are the posted site requirements, and then there are what the sites are looking for....sometimes those two vary. I had one competitive counseling site ask me why I didn't have a specific course about XYZ....although I *did* have experience with it, they said that people they interviewed tended to have a class or classes in the area. It sounds ticky-tacky, but sites can be like that because they have so many people to choose from.

As for my essays, I've gotten feedback about them (again), and there were a few things I tweaked. My orientation explanation was pretty psychodynamically focused, though I've received equal training in CBT and use both pretty evenly....so I tweaked it to reflect a more balanced approach. A couple of the counseling sites that interviewed me were VERY psychodynamically oriented, and they commented on how they liked my essay about my approach....which was great, but I'm not sure if more balanced sites saw it the same way.

I am currently on the fence about talking about my RxP training. It is a pretty hot topic (particularly in medical settings), and I've been told by some people that it could do more harm than good in regard to interviews. We actually had a talk about it in one of our latest RxP classes, since the majority of people in our class were current psychologists working in the medical setting. They received a range of feedback about the training, and it seemed to mirror what I saw on my interviews. Some places were really positive about the training (and said I got an interview because of it), others were curious about it, and then a couple that made it pretty clear that I should have done something else with my time. So uhm.....that part of my app is a work in progress.

 

[dekared82]

Although it's not my finalized list, these are some of the sites I'm interested in:

Mass Gen
Mclean
Brown
Cornell
Columbia
UIC
Albert Einstein
University of Florida
University of South Florida
University of Wisconsin
University of Washington
UCLA Semel Institute
Emory
Medical College of Georgia
Boston Consortium
Maryland VA

Are you at Central Mich, cmuhooligan?

I do have a question regarding getting obtaining recommendations. I am likely to ask a couple of practitioners/professors to write a joint recommendation. Do you think this is advisable?

My list is totally different lol since I'm in school psych...but since I'm likely to work in APPIC school districts, I do have a few "reach" sites that are hospital based. So far I'm looking at:

Franciscan Hospital for Children
Mass General Hospital/Harvard Medical School
May Institute
Children’s Hospital Boston
Childen's of Minnesota
Kennedy Krieger

School Sites
Dallas
Chicago (Illinois School Psych Consortium)
Lousiana School Psych Consortium
Nebraska Psych Consortium
Houston
Ft Worth
Virginia Beach
Lewisville, TX

 

[cmuhooligan]

Are you at Central Mich, cmuhooligan?

Not currently, although that was my undergrad institution...many a cold night spent in good ole Mt. P. 🙂

 

[elite1]

Are you at Central Mich, cmuhooligan?

I do have a question regarding getting obtaining recommendations. I am likely to ask a couple of practitioners/professors to write a joint recommendation. Do you think this is advisable?

My list is totally different lol since I'm in school psych...but since I'm likely to work in APPIC school districts, I do have a few "reach" sites that are hospital based. So far I'm looking at:

Franciscan Hospital for Children
Mass General Hospital/Harvard Medical School
May Institute
Children’s Hospital Boston
Childen's of Minnesota
Kennedy Krieger

School Sites
Dallas
Chicago (Illinois School Psych Consortium)
Lousiana School Psych Consortium
Nebraska Psych Consortium
Houston
Ft Worth
Virginia Beach
Lewisville, TX

I would definitely reconsider the Louisiana School Psych Consortium (LSPC)or, because it is not competitive, use that site as a safety. I did an externshipat Tulane School of Medicine and knew several school psych interns in the LSPC. All of them HATED, HATED it -- they were used as slave labor, all complained about the lack of supervision, lack of learning opportunities, etc.. Just a head up!

 

[parto123]

I was one of those people, I got a bunch of interviews at all moderate and highly competitive sites, but since those sites usually don't get far down their ranking....it can be very hit and miss. I'm definitely looking at a wider range of sites this year, particularly VAs.

Hi-

I remember you from last cycle. If I remember correctly you did decently in terms of getting good interviews, but ultimately didn’t match. If my recollection is correct, to me this sounds like your app is in pretty good shape and it may simply be a case of you have to just improve you interview skills a little- practice selling yourself a bit better.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Hi-

I remember you from last cycle. If I remember correctly you did decently in terms of getting good interviews, but ultimately didn't match. If my recollection is correct, to me this sounds like your app is in pretty good shape and it may simply be a case of you have to just improve you interview skills a little- practice selling yourself a bit better.

Ironically I feel the most comfortable about the interviewing side....as a large part of my previous career was to sell myself as a consultant. Though there are a couple things I can do better...particularly in regard to knowing the sites better (they seemed to run together by the end!) and better balancing what I bring to the site and what the site can offer me. The variety of interview styles made it a bit harder to adjust on the fly. I will never forget one of the interviews (second to last of the day), which was held in an old playroom at the hospital. All of the offices were in use, so that left us with some kiddie chairs, a table, and a scene that would make Sigmund smile.

 

[dekared82]

I would definitely reconsider the Louisiana School Psych Consortium (LSPC)or, because it is not competitive, use that site as a safety. I did an externshipat Tulane School of Medicine and knew several school psych interns in the LSPC. All of them HATED, HATED it -- they were used as slave labor, all complained about the lack of supervision, lack of learning opportunities, etc.. Just a head up!

Wow I had no idea. I have already considered LSPC as my backup choice mainly because it doesn't really fit with what I'd like to do. Thanks for letting me know. 🙂

 

[parto123]

Ironically I feel the most comfortable about the interviewing side....as a large part of my previous career was to sell myself as a consultant. Though there are a couple things I can do better...particularly in regard to knowing the sites better (they seemed to run together by the end!) and better balancing what I bring to the site and what the site can offer me. The variety of interview styles made it a bit harder to adjust on the fly. I will never forget one of the interviews (second to last of the day), which was held in an old playroom at the hospital. All of the offices were in use, so that left us with some kiddie chairs, a table, and a scene that would make Sigmund smile.

This possibly could have been a problem for you. Its not about being a good interview, its about being the “right” interview. A banker going to a medical school interview, or a lawyer going to a psychology interview would probably do awfully. Different professions attract different personality and one aspect of interviewing well is appearing relatively similar to other professionals and interviewees (ironically enough). I can see how a consultants personality could potentially not mesh, or impress psychologists. Not a bad thing, just something to take into consideration this time around. Anyway, this is all total bullsh*t speculation on my part, but I figured id throw it out there.

 

[Cosmo75]

First, for all going into the internship process...best of luck to you!

My strategery for interviews was to schedule them somewhat in order of site preference if I could. While this is not always feasible, I did everything I could to have my top ranked site (at least in my mind at the time) last on my interview list. That way I had been through enough interviews that I felt pretty confident at what anyone could throw at me. Thankfully this was the case and I had what I thought was an excellent interview. I subsequently matched at that site.

T4C - I'm sorry you have to go through the process again. But at least now you have experience under your belt, and it sounds like you have a good plan in place.

cmuhooligan - I interviewed at the MCG/Augusta VA consortium. I ended up not ranking them. It was a good site I think, but 2 factors played into it for me. First, it was one of those 55 hours on paper, but really 65-70 hour internships and the interns just looked exhausted. You're on call and have to carry a pager for crisis intervention. I interviewed at several VA's, which had better "work-life balance" hours. It was hard to picture myself at MCG after that. I worked 80 hour weeks when I was in corporate america, and have developed an aversion 😀 I think the long hours were with the medical college vs. the VA, but you had to do rotations at both. My 2nd reason was Augusta itself. I didn't really like the city too much. But I'm a very urban girl, so that's probably more of an individual preference.

 

[sicologia]

Also Dekared82, it's probably not the best idea to put two supervisors on one LOR. Unless, of course, you see an advantage to this type of recommendation.

 

[BellaPsyD]

hmmm- i am really using my rxp interest in my apps. I did my thesis on it and am now planning on continuing that to my dissertation. I never thought it could be a bad thing? However- I am applying strictly to hospitals/health psychology/medical psychology settings.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I can see how a consultants personality could potentially not mesh, or impress psychologists. Not a bad thing, just something to take into consideration this time around.

Good pt. I have a few contacts who are TD's that know me, so I may ask them about this. Obviously it can vary, but there's no hurt in hearing a few opinions about it.

T4C - I'm sorry you have to go through the process again. But at least now you have experience under your belt, and it sounds like you have a good plan in place.

Yeah, I feel WAY better prepared, compared to this time last year. With a bit more variety in my sites, a better understanding of what is needed for "fit", and some additional research/assessment experience, I feel like I should be okay.

hmmm- i am really using my rxp interest in my apps. I did my thesis on it and am now planning on continuing that to my dissertation. I never thought it could be a bad thing? However- I am applying strictly to hospitals/health psychology/medical psychology settings.

You'll probably find a range of opinions....which isn't bad, just something to be aware of when you are applying.

 

[BellaPsyD]

was wondering if we could form a 2009-2010 internship app thread?

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

was wondering if we could form a 2009-2010 internship app thread?

Good idea.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=7009784

 

[psychmama]

Hi everyone,

I just posted this on the other internship thread, but I'm new to these boards and wasn't sure if I should post again here. Anyway - I was curious for those applying in the NYC area, how many sites are people applying to? My DCT suggests 16-20. Seems sort of high to me, but given the low match rates recently and the competition for NYC APA approved sites, she may have a point. What do others think about the number?🙄
Thanks.

 

[cmuhooligan]

Does it matter if you are enrolled in a Psy.D or Ph.D program when applying to APPIC internships? Do sites favor one degree over the other?

It depends on the type of site you apply to. Academic medical centers are going to favor a Ph.D. applicant. However, more clinically-related sites may not favor one degree over the other.

 

[PsyDr]

psychmama:

16-20 sounds lowish is you are truly dedicated to nyc. rememebr that this is a nationwide internship hunt and there are hundreds of people who look through appic and think, "living in new york for a year would be neat!". cue individuals who went to rural phd programs and sex and the city fans.

the nyc sites traditionally also heavily favor nyc locals. you cannot live in nyc on the stipend.


not trying to discourage you, but wanted you to know what you are up against.

 

[psychmama]

thanks PSYDR. Actually, I wish I could go elsewhere for internship, but I live in Northern New Jersey and have family (kids in school, etc) that make it impossible to consider other places. I realize it's very competitive, and I think you're right that many flock to NYC for internship. Right now I've identified 18 sites in NY/NJ within commuting distance that I'd like to apply to. This includes hospitals, as well as VAs and a counseling center. I guess I might add 1-2 more and bring my total up to 20. At least my program i well-known in the area, which may help. Of course, there are many great clinical programs in the NY area!😳 Thanks again for the input.

psychmama

 

[psychanon]

The problem with matching in New York is not only that there are so many people who want to go to or stay in NYC (which of course is a huge factor), but that the internships in NYC, like most clinical psych programs in the area, tend to be very psychodynamic. If you're coming from Adelphi or another local psychodynamic program (as many people do-- these programs have huge classes), this is a helpful bonus. However, if you're coming from one of the many very strong programs all over the country that does not emphasize psychodynamic training or maybe leans a bit toward the CBT end of the spectrum, you're going to already have a strike against you when you send in your application. From what I hear, there are a couple things you can do to counter this: get Rorschach training & experience, and get lots of hospital experience (particularly if you can swing getting a practicum at one of the big NYC hospitals). Other than that, it is definitely possible to match, but you will run the risk of not matching. I don't know if adding a bunch of programs that you are not a good match for will help that much. I don't know how far north in Jersey you are, but what about traveling down to Philly? It might be a long commute, but it would add a lot of programs and might be good as a back-up. There are also some less competitive ones in NJ.

 

[PsyDr]

how about starting an internship site that utilizes motivational interviewing and CBT to teach the entire state of NJ that they can pump their own gas?

short hills may expereicne some resistance.

 

[psychmama]

LOL PSYDR! Yes, NJ is ridiculous with the gas pumping thing! Anyway, on the topic of internships, my program is balanced psychodynamic/CBT, but I lean psychodynamic which is a good fit for NYC. As far as competition generally, I'm pretty far north in NJ, so I'm stuck with NYC and NJ sites. I considered Philly, but a 2.5 hr commute every day is just ridiculous for me (I have three kids, a husband and a dog). As you may guess, I'm an "older student" so I guess I'll need to see if that cuts for or against me. I think my training has been pretty good so far, and I've got some hospital experience.

We'll see, I guess...the process is sort of a crapshoot.

Thanks for the input.

psychmama

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

NYC is a bit of an anomaly, because although there are a bunch of solid sites, the location makes even the "average" (quite subjective) sites incredibly competitive.

 

[Cosmo75]

Does it matter if you are enrolled in a Psy.D or Ph.D program when applying to APPIC internships? Do sites favor one degree over the other?

Yes it does for some sites. In the APPIC database, read the acceptance stats from the past 3 years. If you are in a PsyD program and there are 0's for all 3 years, then the likelihood of you being matched is lower. Also look for if they say "preferred" for both, "acceptable" for both, or if they have a preference for one over the other. These are just guidelines to help make decisions mind you. I matched at a PhD preferred/PsyD acceptable site (I'm a PsyD student).

Also, talk to your DOT at your school about sites and their acceptance rates for particular degrees. Some training directors at internship sites have told my DOT that they will not interview PsyD's. Their loss 🙂 But these sites are out there and you don't want to waste your time or efforts applying.