Could I get into a PhD program?

[KateCons]

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Hey guys, I am about to graduate with a psychology major (UVA) and I was thinking of applying to PhD programs in clinical/counseling and masters programs too. Here's my profile:

3.9 overall GPA
1.5 years experience as an RA for 2 different professors (both social psychology)
Completed social psychology independent research project
Might get a job as an RA for a clinical psychologist next year

My big question is will having an independent research project in social rather than clinical/counseling psychology hold me back? Should I try to do one in clinical/counseling psych next year to help my chances of getting in? Do grad schools look at RA experience or independent research experience when judging your application?

Thanks!
Kate

 

[FreudianSlip7]

Hey guys, I am about to graduate with a psychology major (UVA) and I was thinking of applying to PhD programs in clinical/counseling and masters programs too. Here's my profile:

3.9 overall GPA
1.5 years experience as an RA for 2 different professors (both social psychology)
Completed social psychology independent research project
Might get a job as an RA for a clinical psychologist next year

My big question is will having an independent research project in social rather than clinical/counseling psychology hold me back? Should I try to do one in clinical/counseling psych next year to help my chances of getting in? Do grad schools look at RA experience or independent research experience when judging your application?

Thanks!
Kate

Hi Kate,

In general, you background sounds great! However, the best way to determine the likelihood of your getting into a clinical/counseling PhD program is to look at the statistics/profile of the students accepted into each individual program. You GRE, GPA, Letters of Recommendation, and experience, will get you an interview, but ultimately your interview skills and fit with the program in terms of research interest/personal statement will be the deciding factor. There are plenty of people with a similar profile that do get in and plenty that don't--in other words, after the interview process, it is pretty much anybody's guess. There will be alot of people with your experience and GPA etc., so alot of depends on other factors, and I see fit as being the most imporant one. No matter how good your background is, if you do not pick the right schools to apply to, you probably will not get in-especially at funded PhD research-heavy programs.

As for you research question, independent research and being an RA are not viewed different in my experience. Those leading to publication and presentations are even more impressive. Ideally you would want to research in your area of interest, so that it seems you have a clear connection and experience to what you would like to focus on in a grad school, so if you can do that, then definitely do it. Best of luck to you, check out some grad school books, research schools now, and get an understanding of the application process and that will definitely work in your favor-you are certainly on the right track. Best of luck!

 

[cara susanna]

It's really hard to tell because you can't really predict anything in this process, but I would say go for it.

As for doing social research, I would just try to find a way to connect it to your interests.