Chances of Acceptance to DU?

[eka2009]

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So I've fallen in love with DU's GSPP Program as it seems many have on here. I wanted to throw out my general stats and see what others felt my chances were, on paper, of getting in. I also wanted to know if people applied to Masters and Psy.D's at the same University and if that was taboo or not?

Attended USC:
GPA: 3. 44
GPA Psych: 3. 46
Last two years: 3.72
GRE V: 530
GRE Q: 690

Also attended a CC for a semester and received a 3.9 (not factored into previous GPA)

I really am convinced the GRE is not an accurate predictor of one's abilities considering I do much better in my social science/writing classes than I do in math classes as evidenced in my transcripts. I'm pretty set on not retaking the GREs just due to the stress level, lack of confidence I have on it, and my ACT/SAT score was around the same as my combined for my GRE.

I have been working as a Community Mental Health Counselor with severely mentally ill adults and carry a case load of 17-20 (will have been working for a year when I apply). I tutored throughout college as well as part-time now. I participated as a RA on 3 research studies in undergrad all lasting a semester each (no name on the published product). I also participated in two research studies at universities in high school (both quite interesting studies) but not sure if that's relevant. I also spent time abroad in Peru in undergrad for a summer working with adolescent homeless teen mothers. I am pretty confident I have decent recs lined up..

Any guidance/opinions to see if I have a shot at DU would be grea feedback, especially from those already there or familiar with the program! I have checked their baseline stats etc but would care for more insight. Thank you to all and good luck with all that you pursue!

 

[Wildcat06]

Hey, just wanna confirm, is the DU you're talking about University of Denver?

 

[MNIkid87]

Hm, if you mean the PsyD program of the University of Denver then, according to their minimum requirements on their website, this might be a tough one.
They say on their website they only want people with a gpa >3.5 and GREs >550 on each, so you are slightly below on two measures. Bt they also say they look at you if you have other significant strengths, so if your CV is strong (and since your quantitative GRE is way above their minimum) you might still have a shot.

That's just my $.02, but I am not an expert so anybody else here feel free to correct me 🙂

 

[eka2009]

yes University of Denver is the program I was referring to 🙂

 

[Ollie123]

I would consider it worth applying to, even though your GPA/GRE are a bit below what they state. You sound like you will have had great clinical experiences though, so that will work in your favor. Its probably a bit of a reach school so don't put all your eggs in one basket, but I wouldn't rule it out as a possibility.

 

[Eruca]

I'd definitely say give it a shot. I got into CU-Boulder's clinical program with stats quite a bit lower than the minimums on their website (e.g., GRE, GPA, etc)... but like you, I had some solid experience to back me up.

As a local, I know quite a few DU grads and have heard mostly good things about the program. The most negative info I've gotten is the cost and fewer opportunities for tuition remission.

 

[Wildcat06]

I'm a local too but don't have much to add, other than that they have a few captive internship placements and thus their students have a lot of success with matching. Seems to be a well respected program, at least locally, and the students I know there are happy.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

The only caution I've heard is the market out in CO is saturated with psychologists, so you will earn learn and have to fight more for positions. The Quality of Life is a big draw, so keep that in mind if you are looking to stay.

 

[justacigar]

So I've fallen in love with DU's GSPP Program as it seems many have on here. I wanted to throw out my general stats and see what others felt my chances were, on paper, of getting in. I also wanted to know if people applied to Masters and Psy.D's at the same University and if that was taboo or not?

I have the same question as you - I'm interested in the MAIDP but then I learned that I can do a Psy.D with a concentration in international disaster psych...would it be taboo to apply to both and see what I get accepted to? Or do I just need to make up my mind? lol

 

[socialcog]

So I've fallen in love with DU's GSPP Program as it seems many have on here. I wanted to throw out my general stats and see what others felt my chances were, on paper, of getting in.

Attended USC:
GPA: 3. 44
GPA Psych: 3. 46
Last two years: 3.72
GRE V: 530
GRE Q: 690

I fell in love with it too! What a wonderful university and surrounding area. I applied to the social program and was offered one of two spots in a lab there. I did not end up matriculating. Not sure how useful my stats will be as a comparative gauge, but here they are nonetheless.

Attended a science heavy university as an undergrad
GPA: 3.85
GRE V: 580
GRE Q: 700

Spent a year in a neuroscience cog development lab prior to applications. I have tons of clinical experience: private practice, spectrum of services at a hospital, licensed as a MFT.

I have some regrets not going. I hope you can experience what I have missed out on! Good luck.

 

[deleted176373]

I really am convinced the GRE is not an accurate predictor of one's abilities considering ...

They aren't trying to convince you, but I guess that's better than a Gattica equivalent where you are DNA tested and given either a green or red light based on your DNA sequence. I don't think you'll find many fans of the GRE on this forum. It's what we as graduate students (or potential graduate students) must deal with. It's a hoop we all get to jump through.

I think from a quick look at your stats that you have a good shot at Denver's program. If I were in your shoes and wanted to go there, I wouldn't hesitate to apply. That said, most apply to more than one program and I would encourage you to do the same.

Mark

 

[Eruca]

The only caution I've heard is the market out in CO is saturated with psychologists, so you will earn learn and have to fight more for positions. The Quality of Life is a big draw, so keep that in mind if you are looking to stay.

I think this has some truth to it, but depends on what you'd like to do post-graduation. I know several recent grads who have attained positions (one at Metro, and another at a community mental health center). In addition, I have several former classmates who did their internships in other states and came back to CO and are currently building up private practices, in addition to work in local outpatient centers.

As an aside, I worked for a year as an EAP Counselor for the U.S. DOC, and found this would have been a fabulous outlet for triage to private practice (as clients only get 6 free sessions per fiscal year) - if I had been licensed, I'd have easily racked up a full private practice load!

 

[psychmama]

I want to move to Denver!😎 How come I'm stuck here in the rainy northeast!🙁

 

[coloradocutter]

Have you looked at the numbers for DU? I am painfully preparing to move across the country from Colorado to a clinically-oriented fully funded PhD program due to the cost of DU. I was accepted into DU and a few clinically oriented PhD programs. Without books and fees, it's $45k a year! The opportunities for tuition remission are limited. There are a few paid internships also. I wanted to go so badly, but I just don't know how you can rationalize that money. I would be better off going away and trying to come back. I have savings to pay for the tuition but not the living expenses and it still doesn't make sense because I need money to start a practice, for internship, everything. It's pricey to live in Denver - not Manhattan pricey but not Chapel Hill, NC or rural WV prices. I am in my early 30's (career changer from law) and have a family, so I need more money than a 22 year old, but still.... Unless you can pay most of your tuition and living expenses, it's alot of money. It's a phenomenal place to live. No doubt. I know I am going to cry for 6 months straight. Because of the saturated market, I think that I will need more funds to start a business. With $150k in debt, how will you be able to do anything?

The math just doesn't work....