ClinicalPsychApplicantAtl
New Member
I interviewed with UT Health San Antonio, G.V. Sonny VA in Jackson, Alexandria VA, and Charleston Consortium. Loved and ranked them all and am happy to answer questions.
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ClinicalPsychApplicantAtl
New Member
Absolutely!
cranberrysavage
Full Member
Any advice from people who’ve been through this coping with all the emotions that are coming up? Honestly I just feel so terrible about myself for not matching. How is it the majority of people get their top 3 sites, and I didn’t even match when I ranked 10? I applied to competitive sites...but still. Idk. It’s hard to even motivate to get all these round 2 apps done in 5 days.
psychlife19
Full Member
My motivation- apps are due in a week, I can cry after that.
it’s hard not to feel like total S H I T. I had strong interviews, I felt like. All the people posting “I matched at my top site!” Feels like a stab in the eye :/
but I’m really sorry :/ it’s hard to be motivated to go to practicum...i just wanna stay home and work on apps and eat
psychlife19
Full Member
Just saw this in a VA for application requirements...anyone care to explain it? What is this TQCVL? Do I ask my clinical training director to write me one?
6. To qualify for VA training, each health professions trainee (HPT) must first be listed on a Trainee Qualifications and Credentials Verification Letter (TQCVL). A TQCVL from the director of the sponsoring (VA or non-VA) program must be submitted to the VA Facility Director through the VA Designated Education Officer (DEO) prior to onboarding.
6. To qualify for VA training, each health professions trainee (HPT) must first be listed on a Trainee Qualifications and Credentials Verification Letter (TQCVL). A TQCVL from the director of the sponsoring (VA or non-VA) program must be submitted to the VA Facility Director through the VA Designated Education Officer (DEO) prior to onboarding.
PsychPhDStudent101
Full Member
Hi all I have another question! I know it says no supplementals so does that also mean we only submit 2 letters of rec for all of the sites? Thanks 🙂
If you match at a VA, they'll send you a bunch of forms to complete for background checks, etc., and the TQCVL is one of them. I just send the TQCVL to the training director at my school, and they complete the form and submit to the VA. (I have to submit proof of vaccinations, TB test results, etc. to my school before they'll submit the form to the VA). You can google to find a template of the form. But the TQCVL doesn't have to be completed until after you match.
Supplementals are things like written reports or extra essay questions. If the site asks for more than 2 LOR you need to submit more than 2 because those aren’t supplemental.
PsychPhDStudent101
Full Member
Oh okay thank you for clarifying!
cranberrysavage
Full Member
Lol, thanks for at least giving me a laugh. V accurate description. I deleted fb and insta for the month but still saw a lot of the posts and it’s hard bc I don’t want to be bitter but...☹️
cranberrysavage
Full Member
There’s a site I’m thinking of applying to, that I didn’t apply to in round 1 because they have a very high assessment hours requirement—400 child assessment hours, I have around 250. I suspect this hours requirement kept people from applying and may be why they have unfilled spots. Should I apply and address it somehow in the cover letter? I do have a high amount of child assessment hours, but almost no one has the amount they require.
In round II it can be worth applying to if it's a good fit otherwise. As to the bassessment hours, many people have more than 400 assessment hours, so that was unlikely the limiting factor.
I saw that University of Arkansas for Medical Science has their adult track open. Happy to answer questions as I interviewed and ranked them.
Anticipation2020
New Member
FCC Victorville is having an APA site visit early March. They should be accredited on contingency before the end of the year. I understand that its a risk for you but I would encourage you to apply. The training models all other federal BOP sites, the stipiend is great (especially for the area). If I hadnt matched to my number one I would be matched with FCC Victorville now. The interns all loved the site as well.
psychlife19
Full Member
Thank you for the recommendation! I don't mind applying, especially as there's no travel costs involved this time 🙂
psychlife19
Full Member
I am having a little trouble thinking of how to email the TD of a site I had interviewed at and ranked, but that now has spots open. It seems a little awkward although I realize this is normal. Do I write something like "Hello, I wanted to reapply in round 2 and wanted to get your thoughts on it, I am open to any feedback you may have had from the interview or about mutual fit."
Does basically something like this sound okay?
Does basically something like this sound okay?
psychlife19
Full Member
Looking at Sonny VA and I noticed they have 6 out of 6 spots available this round...are they really picky and perhaps only ranked a few people in the first round?
I realize questions like this are pointless too, because it doesn't hurt to apply. If I get an interview, I can go from there. It does look good on paper though.
Okay good to hear this happened to someone else lol really that site is my one sticking point that has messed with me because it's like I wasn't even good enough to be ranked last after what (I thought) was a pleasant interview...but maybe it's an algorithm thing or they just rank less people in general.
But to your question, a page back some forum members mentioned it would be appropriate to call the TD and ask...Not sure if that would be more awkward, but I think in general what you wrote sounds good. I wonder how open they would be about why we were not ranked and whether they still think a match is possible. They obviously liked us at least a little the first time around..
psychlife19
Full Member
Yes I’m also glad I’m not the only one! Doesn’t it hurt though? After what I thought was a nice interview, it’s like “we would rather not fill the spot than rank you and have you end up here”
My feelings are hurt but good thing they regenerate twice as fast as a normal humans (I hope someone gets this reference).
I was in Phase II last year and my coping was angrily bitching while writing cover letter after cover letter. I sat on the couch and watched garbage tv and just pumped out apps. Matching in Phase II or doing the Post-Match Vacancy is a totally valid way of getting an internship. I wish there wasn't so much emphasis on Phase I because it makes it sting that much more. People deserve to celebrate, but it felt like too much. I congratulated my friends, but I definitely shut them out and ignored all of their posts. It helped me survive the absolute whirlwind of applying a second time. The good part is that Phase II goes by insanely fast. I also had a buddy in my program who didn't match and we spent the entire month together. If you don't have an in-person buddy, definitely lean on the people here. It's okay to feel mad and complain and hate everything, but let it fuel you into action.
Hey! Not sure if anyone has answered this. Disclaimer: I am not at Casa Pacifica, but I know someone who did go there for internship and needed to take out loans to supplement the stipend given the super high cost of living.
Hahah exactly! Like if we do end up re-applying that second phone interview will be pretty awkward 🤣
I'm currently on internship, but last year I interviewed with VA Sepulveda, VA Maine, and Sheridan VA. I ranked and liked them all and would be happy to talk with anyone about my impressions if it's helpful.
Separately, of the people I personally know who are in Phase II? I would refer clients to all of them.
Separately, of the people I personally know who are in Phase II? I would refer clients to all of them.
Would you mind sharing where this was?
I think sites sometimes just don’t realize how many people they need to rank to fill spots and don’t rank enough people. If they typically match within their top 5, they may only rank 10 or so, thinking that’s plenty. It doesn’t necessarily mean they would rather not fill the spot than have you.
psychlife19
Full Member
Can you tell them "Listen, just use my interview answers from last time, I know you wrote stuff down" haha
ClinicalPsychApplicantAtl
New Member
They had a ton of applicants interview this year so they may not have ranked enough. Also, the people they ranked may have ranked them lower because they didn't want to move to Jackson? I absolutely loved them and ranked them very highly, but not my number 1 because I wanted to live closer to my husband and was fortunate to match to my number 1. The staff there were so friendly, collaborative, and supportive and their rotation options are awesome. They have a scientist practitioner approach and really live that. They are truly dedicated to the training of their interns. They love being in Jackson because the need is so high and the impact they have there is huge. There's potential for an intern to be chief resident. Dr. Hinson is doing amazing things with her outpatient groups, including a women's group that is designed around the interests of the group members. I feel strongly I would have been lucky to match there.
psychlife19
Full Member
Thank you for such a detailed reply! I'm not sure if talking to interns is an option in round 2 so these types of details are good to know.
psychlife19
Full Member
Yeaaaaah that's what it seemed like. Even if I have to take out some loans, this seemed extremely expensive.
psychlife19
Full Member
Thank you so much for posting this <3 This is gonna be me all weekend (I am also angrily bitching while writing CL). It's hard not to feel like there is something very lacking in you or who you are as a person. I have a few friends from a cohort above who didn't match and talking to them was very helpful as well!
I interviewed at Sonny VA and absolutely LOVED the site. It was probably one of the best sites I visited, but I ranked it lower because of the long travel time from Jackson to visit my long-distance spouse and family. The training staff were all very warm and friendly and seemed amazing, and they had all the typical VA rotations as well as some unique training options that I haven't found at any other VA. They also have a convenient, easy to access facility with really nice offices (compared to most VAs). I was shocked they have so many positions open. You really can't go wrong with this site. I have a friend who interned there a few years ago and loved it. (I can see if she'd be willing to tell you more...message me if you're interested).
Another bonus is that the stipend easily covers cost of living in Jackson, so you wouldn't have to take out additional loans.
Looking at the site, I noticed that my internship site has two spots open, which I find surprising as I loved my experience there and felt the training and the staff were great! If anyone is looking for a phenomenal VA site in the Midwest, shoot me a message and I’ll share more info about it. Trying to stay somewhat anonymous 🙂
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Sent from my iPhone using SDN
DrDPsyDHangingOnByAThread
Full Member
I am having a REALLY hard time finding peds sites that I could possibly work around a neuro aspect. Anyone else running into this?? A ton of VAs
I was in Phase II last year, landed a great APA accredited internship, and now a postdoc. Like another user said, I wish there wasn’t so much hype about matching in phase I since there are so many sites that are great in phase II. Being in phase II does not define your worth or talent by any means. Period.
Also, I enjoyed interviewing in phase II a lot better and felt more on my game because I didn’t have to fly all across the country! Being stuck in airports and jet lag was the worst and I know impacted my interviews. Also, the sites I interviewed at in phase II were way better personal and professional matches than some in phase I—so reflecting back a part of me wishes I just applied to phase II sites!
All in all, there is hope and you will land a great site. Lean on friends and family for support and bust out those cover letters. You all got this. Best of luck!
Also, I enjoyed interviewing in phase II a lot better and felt more on my game because I didn’t have to fly all across the country! Being stuck in airports and jet lag was the worst and I know impacted my interviews. Also, the sites I interviewed at in phase II were way better personal and professional matches than some in phase I—so reflecting back a part of me wishes I just applied to phase II sites!
All in all, there is hope and you will land a great site. Lean on friends and family for support and bust out those cover letters. You all got this. Best of luck!
It looked like there were several forensic sites with slots open in Phase II! The ones that stood out to me that are accredited were Donovan (its on contingency, but has 5 slots available), St. Elizabeth's (2 slots), Rutgers correctional track, Nevada Consortium, Allenwood, Larned State Hospital, Nova Consortium, Spring Grove & Springfield Hospital Centers, Utah State Hospital.
Hang in there, I know that it seems like everyone matched to their top choice, but it was mixed in my cohort with people matching from 1-6, including myself! Definitely hard to see because not everyone who matched is going to post! But I had a friend who did round 2 match at a forensic site and ended up at a BOP and was VERY happy with her experience! Good luck!
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psychlife19
Full Member
I looked at Nova Consortium and it said "Fully affiliated with NSU doctoral programs-matches only NSU COP students during all phases of the match process."
Laaaame.
cranberrysavage
Full Member
thank you so much (and others like you) for the encouragement from someone whose been here. it means a lot and is really helpful.
cranberrysavage
Full Member
should we update our CV since november?
cranberrysavage
Full Member
Also, can anyone give any insight on Wellspan Phillhaven? They are accredited and a member of APPIC, but they're offering 15 spots which seems odd, maybe a red flag. Anyone interview with them, know of them, or have some information?
Dodging a bullet. Captured internships tend to be ... not so great and are a way to game the system.
psychlife19
Full Member
I know someone from my school a while back internshipped with them (if thats a word) and loved it!
But that is all the details I know.
psychlife19
Full Member
I wonder what it means if a captive internship doesn't get all the spots filled. Also seems odd they wouldn't open up to other students in Phase II.
They likely add more practica spots or post docs to fill the gaps.
I interviewed at Samaritan Health (neuro track) and would be happy to discuss with anyone with questions!
This is a tough time but you'll get through it! I just want to clarify that that statistic - the majority of people match to one of their top 3 sites - is only including people who match. In other words, of people who match, X% match to one of their top 3 ranked sites. Hang in there!
Hi folks!
I can’t imagine the grieving you all must be doing, but I can’t help but echo the thoughts of other posters. Matching in Phase II, or even not matching and taking another year, in no way defines your worth or skill. This process involves so much we can never know, and I have so much respect for so many colleagues that matched in Phase II, or even on their second or third tries.
I interviewed at two sites in Phase I that are on the Phase II list, and am happy to provide any insight!
UC Davis CAARE Center- I ranked this site, but a different track, as #1, and did not match with them. I loved the track I applied to, which was closely related to the available track, and can not recommend it highly enough!!
Hazelden's Mental Health Centers Youth and Family- ranked this site as #3 and had matched to my #2. I honestly would’ve been thrilled here. I absolutely loved them. If you like inpatient/residential teen SUDs stuff with what seems to be a very warm and supportive staff- definitely apply. Only turnoff (which was pretty big for me) was that they do not accept Medicaid and I am passionate about low income access to high quality services.
Didn’t interview, but as an undergrad I volunteered at Metropolitan State Hospital (they have three slots open), and am happy to share what I can.
Also @psychlife19 , re: Casa, I currently live in that area and my stipend is ~22,000. It’s not great, but with extremely tight budgeting, doable. Los Angeles actually has an even higher cost of living, and SF more than that. Even better if you can find roommates! I had a friend match to Casa this year, and I have also had some clients at past pracs who have interfaces with Casa Pacifica in some way- I don’t know a ton about the organization, but i LOVE LOVE LOVED those clients. So at least I can say if you are interested in adolescent forensics, the population will be very rewarding (moreso TAY than PCIT).
Also, I’m super jealous to see openings at Alaska Psych Intern Consortium/Norton Sound Health. I wanted to apply there and didn’t at the last minute. I am very happy with my match, but if you’re looking for a geographic adventure, could be cool!
Good luck everyone. Big hugs.
I can’t imagine the grieving you all must be doing, but I can’t help but echo the thoughts of other posters. Matching in Phase II, or even not matching and taking another year, in no way defines your worth or skill. This process involves so much we can never know, and I have so much respect for so many colleagues that matched in Phase II, or even on their second or third tries.
I interviewed at two sites in Phase I that are on the Phase II list, and am happy to provide any insight!
UC Davis CAARE Center- I ranked this site, but a different track, as #1, and did not match with them. I loved the track I applied to, which was closely related to the available track, and can not recommend it highly enough!!
Hazelden's Mental Health Centers Youth and Family- ranked this site as #3 and had matched to my #2. I honestly would’ve been thrilled here. I absolutely loved them. If you like inpatient/residential teen SUDs stuff with what seems to be a very warm and supportive staff- definitely apply. Only turnoff (which was pretty big for me) was that they do not accept Medicaid and I am passionate about low income access to high quality services.
Didn’t interview, but as an undergrad I volunteered at Metropolitan State Hospital (they have three slots open), and am happy to share what I can.
Also @psychlife19 , re: Casa, I currently live in that area and my stipend is ~22,000. It’s not great, but with extremely tight budgeting, doable. Los Angeles actually has an even higher cost of living, and SF more than that. Even better if you can find roommates! I had a friend match to Casa this year, and I have also had some clients at past pracs who have interfaces with Casa Pacifica in some way- I don’t know a ton about the organization, but i LOVE LOVE LOVED those clients. So at least I can say if you are interested in adolescent forensics, the population will be very rewarding (moreso TAY than PCIT).
Also, I’m super jealous to see openings at Alaska Psych Intern Consortium/Norton Sound Health. I wanted to apply there and didn’t at the last minute. I am very happy with my match, but if you’re looking for a geographic adventure, could be cool!
Good luck everyone. Big hugs.
oh man i relate! i ranked 7.. spent sooo much time and energy and money...i'm still processing the fact that I didn't end up anywhere I honestly wasn't expecting this..90% of my cohort matched..really struggling with motivation for sites I'm not very excited about.. I want to work with kids in behavioral hospital or juvenile justice settings..most of these options for Match II are college counseling, VA's, or peds..I'm in the same space so I don't have advice but just to say you're not alone!
psychlife19
Full Member
I don’t get this at all, how one can rank so many sites and not match, while some people match to their top 3 :/ I refuse to believe all of us were able to get this many interviews and then acted like total weirdos at the interviews.
