Are these MA/MS in Mental Health Counseling programs in my reach?

[hellosunnydays]

I was originally considering a PsyD in Clinical Psychology, but with my stats and the price tag it isn't that viable of an option for me. Also, I'm more interested in practicing psychotherapy and eventually doing private practice, which I can do with a MA/MS in Mental Health Counseling and licensure (in most states). I did some research on MSW vs MHC and I don't think social work is for me.

I am applying this coming summer/fall for the 2012-2013 school year.

Here are my stats:
- double major in Psychology and Asian Studies, May 2011 graduate
- 2.9 GPA from Vanderbilt University (due to life circumstances that impacted some psychology classes and not because the classes were too difficult)
- General GRE: 650Q/600V, Psychology GRE: 700
- undergraduate research assistant, 1 year
- phone counselor at a crisis line, since May 2010
- 1.5 years working at the career center helping students (not sure if this is relevant to my application)
- case management job starting May/summer 2011 (currently applying)

I checked the admission criteria of programs I'm interested in, and some admit students with < 3.0 GPA on a provisional basis if they submit GRE scores. These are the schools I am looking at (will be revised further):

- Antioch University
- Adelphi University
- Yeshiva University
- University of Massachusetts
- Boston University (MHCBM)
- Brooklyn College@CUNY
- Syracuse University
- Mercy College
- MSPP (Counseling Psychology)
- Suffolk University
- NYU
- The College of New Jersey
- Marist College
- Boston College
- University of District Columbia
- New England College
- Hofstra University

What are your thoughts? I'm thinking about retaking the General GRE this summer to raise my scores, but are my current scores high enough? How competitive are these programs? I researched the forum but could find little on this topic. I greatly appreciate any insights or comments that people can offer.

Edit: In addition to general life issues, I'm interested in working with adolescents and adults with anxiety and mood orders. I also have an interest in ethnic minorities especially Asian American. Originally I had considered Rutgers University's PsyD program because of a strong match.

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[hellosunnydays]

I did some more research into programs, and while I can't raise my GPA at this point, one program suggested that GRE scores should be at least 75th percentile to be competitive.

My scores were in the mid to high 60-ish percentiles, so I will work on raising my scores with more studying and practicing 🙂

Each student is required to submit the results of a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with a score of 75 percentile, or the MCATS (Medical College Admissions Test) which are also acceptable.

- From Boston University's Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine Program

 

[mperkel]

🙂