CUNY, American, Adelphi, Long Island

[McClinas]

I currently have 4 "safety schools." I may apply to all, some, or none of these clinical PhD programs:

City University of New York
American University
Adelphi University
Long Island University

I am interested in psychotherapy research (psychodynamic or CBT). I have a fairly good "fit" with POIs at these programs, but I, like the rest of you, want to get the best education/opportunities possible. What do you know about these programs? What are your impressions? Anyone interview/attend these schools? How would you rank these programs in terms of prestige/competitiveness/strength?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[psybee]

I currently have 4 "safety schools." I may apply to all, some, or none of these clinical PhD programs:

City University of New York
American University
Adelphi University
Long Island University

I am interested in psychotherapy research (psychodynamic or CBT). I have a fairly good "fit" with POIs at these programs, but I, like the rest of you, want to get the best education/opportunities possible. What do you know about these programs? What are your impressions? Anyone interview/attend these schools? How would you rank these programs in terms of prestige/competitiveness/strength?

I interviewed at City and LIU. Both great schools, neither "safties". Especially City--very hard to get in , and fit is paramount. LIU was a great program, still tough to get in, and would have more opps for CBT work.

 

[psychmama]

I'm impressed with Adelphi, but I gather it's almost completely psychodynamic. This could be good or bad, depending on your interests.

 

[psybee]

I'm impressed with Adelphi, but I gather it's almost completely psychodynamic. This could be good or bad, depending on your interests.

Same with City.

 

[cara susanna]

American is super competitive. There were 350 applicants the year I applied and 50 of us got interviews.

 

[erg923]

McClinas:

What exactly makes these schools "safety schools" in your mind?

 

[McClinas]

I apologize for using the term "safety schools." These schools tended to accept a higher % of the applicants as compared to most other schools I am applying to.

 

[krisrox]

I was interested in LIU, but their funding is almost nonexistant.

 

[krisrox]

CUNY's funding is a little sketchy, too, now that I think about it.

 

[psybee]

CUNY's funding is a little sketchy, too, now that I think about it.

most places in NYC are rough funding wise compared to most of the US. People want to live in the big apple and are willing to pay for it!

 

[cardamom]

And to overlook that the cost of living is much higher than in most places, so the bad funding is even worse when that's taken into account. I have what I would consider good funding, but it would suck to have to live off the same amount in NYC.

 

[erg923]

Why is funding so bad or not offered at Columbia, CUNY, and the other NYC schools? You dont see this in Los Angles, Boston, or Chicago programs. Too my knowledge, all the university programs in those cities offer compettive stipends and tuition remissions. And it not like columbia has a shortage of grant money floating around, no?

 

[CheetahGirl]

I was interested in LIU, but their funding is almost nonexistant.

CUNY's funding is a little sketchy, too, now that I think about it.

Why is funding so bad or not offered at Columbia, CUNY, and the other NYC schools?

I would recommend seeing if these programs fit your interests and applying based on these decisions. In the interview, it's fair to ask what type of funding they can offer you and make your decisions based on specific information. I happen to know people at all of these schools who got substantial funding and, some of which, got full tuition remission. In terms of total loans incurred, their cost may be less than $75,000 (tuition and extra money for living, but not covering total living expenses) for 5+ years...which is hefty, but not so bad.

And yes...these programs are predominantly psychodynamic, but you can get CBT training in your externships. It may be more difficult to go to program with a behavioral emphasis and garner a dynamic perspective (if that's your thing). The latter would require postdoctoral training.

 

[nononora]

St. John's offers a minimum of full tuition remission + (small) stipend for the first two years, renewable at half-time for the 3rd year. Some get full funding for all 5 years depending on what lab you're in or through TA-ing opportunities. As far as I know, funding is at St. John's is one of the best in the tri-state area. That being said, students here often still take out loans for their living expenses.

 

[QClinician]

City is a "safety school"? It's extremely competitive. There has been an increase in funding so thats good. Also, tuition is very low. a few thousand a semester since its a public institution.

 

[katiecl]

I'm a current student at LIU, and I love it. It was actually my last-place choice before I went there for my interview (the admissions dept. lost most of my application, and I almost withdrew my application right then, but I'm so glad I didn't), but after talking to the students and faculty there I really fell in love with it, and I'm really happy about my decision. They have great externship placements, definite CBT training if you want it, lots of positive vibes and support. I am really pleased and hear nothing but great things from students in the upper years.

I also applied and interviewed at CUNY and Adelphi, both of which are great programs, but they are both really, REALLY clinically oriented. Adelphi has some good research going on (I'm involved in one of their faculty member's research groups separate from what I'm doing at LIU), but it's still heavily clinical. I got a bad vibe from CUNY when I interviewed, they really did not seem to like that I had an interest in research, and I heard that from other people who interviewed there as well. I have a friend who is in the program and really loved it, but he admitted it's not a 'warm and fuzzy' place, and that it definitely values clinical work over research. That might be a good thing or bad thing, of course, it depends on you.

Money-wise...Adelphi sounds like it's pretty tough. LIU offers 1/2 remission right away, and I was able to negotiate another 15% by doing a 5-hour placement in another department. They are really happy to work with you on this. There is a small stipend as well that I personally use towards books and supplies, which helps. I don't know as much about CUNY, but the tuition is more affordable than the other places. NYC is just pricey period, but luckily you won't have time to spend money, because you'll be working on assignments and reading the whole time. Hope this helps!

 

[Annakei]

I was interested in LIU, but their funding is almost nonexistant.

You're right, hardly any funding for the PhD program there...

 

[AlaskanJustin]

Depends which CUNY too right? I guess they have quite a few sub programs, and I am pretty adamant about not going into much more debt than I already am... I know the John Jay programs at CUNY have full tuition remission for 5 years plus stipends etc... but I guess the CUNY pure clinical program (located elsewhere) is a lot a bit different? I did not apply to the latter.

 

[FadedC]

Well as people have mentioned CUNY is a lot cheaper then most programs so even if you don't get any funding you might still be paying less then a program where you do. This is one of the big reasons why it's so extremely competitive to get in (and not remotely a safety school).

For LIU it's worth noting that there are two seperate campuses, Brooklyn campus which has a PhD program and CW Post which has a PsyD. The PsyD program is still competitive but it's one of the closest things your likely to find to a safety in a reasonable school.

 

[vtadlce]

and columbia doesnt have funding because it is really teachers college, an affiliate of columbia u.

 

[michellefc]

Has anyone heard from City yet???

 

[deleted315242]

Funding also largely depends on how much research is happening at your school of choice. A more research-intensive school would be in a better position to offer their students financial aid from what I've heard.

CUNY and Adelphi are much more clinically-oriented so that's not really an avenue for them. I do know that both universities do have some research going on, but CUNY especially, is one of the few remaining programs in NY that focus more on practice-based training.

 

[QClinician]

Pretty sure City hasn't made any decisions yet.

 

[deleted315242]

I received a phone call from CUNY letting me know they've accepted me last week.

 

[Psyched2525]

I received a phone call from CUNY letting me know they've accepted me last week.

Which subprogram?

 

[deleted315242]

The clinical psych