- Joined
- May 30, 2011
- Messages
- 8
- Reaction score
- 24
[NOTE - this is a very old post that was bumped because I came back to say thank you]
The crossroads:
My career goals:
Why might I want a PhD in clinical psych?:
Why might I not want to?:
My stats:
GPA: 3.94 from a major state school (top 20 public university), philosophy degree.
GRE: 1430 -- 730 verbal, 700 math, 5.5 writing
Psych Experience: None.
Research Experience: None.
Psych Courses: 'Intro to Psych' only
Next steps toward a PhD...:
To go for it, I would have to take undergraduate courses in psych this fall and maybe in the spring as well. I'd also need to gain research experience. Even then, I'm not confident I could get into a program for this coming cycle -- it may well be fall of 2013 before I could start.
Conclusion:
I know I would be an asset to a graduate program and more than competent as a practitioner. I know that I would love doing both.
At this point, I'm just not sure if it's prudent of me to try given the obstacles and uncertainties that I'm reading about here. Of course, I'm not sure it would be imprudent either.
Either way, I've got to decide something soon and get on with it.
I could really use some advice and thoughts. :/
The crossroads:
- Pursue a PhD in clinical psych or not.
My career goals:
- Something that offers a measure of structure, a measure of flexibility, good pay, and plays to my interests and skills.
Why might I want a PhD in clinical psych?:
- I want to do something that is both intellectually challenging and practically useful, especially useful to those in need.
- Counseling is a natural skill and passion.
- I'm a very good communicator and am skilled in creative and analytical problem-solving.
- Psychology itself is of great interest to me, and its careers fit my career requirements.
- I'd want to do testing, consulting, and private practice, and the PhD allows for testing and adds credibility to aid in developing a consulting and private practice business.
- Aside from Counseling Psych, other alternatives all seem to fall somewhat short of what I want. Honestly, I'm also attracted to the academic rigor and relative prestige of psychology.
Why might I not want to?:
- I'm already 27 and lacking research experience and required coursework.
- I'm married, and we're trying to have a kid.
- My wife is a school teacher who does not earn much.
- We own a home in a town we both enjoy.
- It may be too hard, too lengthy, and too costly (not just financial costs) a process for me to begin at this stage in life.
- Some alternatives provide similar opportunities with less difficulty and time to get there.
- These forums suggest that pursuit of this career is a bit more bleak than people in my position realize.
- If I knew I could get into a program in the southeast and complete it with reasonable debt in a reasonable time, I would almost certainly pursue this path.
My stats:
GPA: 3.94 from a major state school (top 20 public university), philosophy degree.
GRE: 1430 -- 730 verbal, 700 math, 5.5 writing
Psych Experience: None.
Research Experience: None.
Psych Courses: 'Intro to Psych' only
Next steps toward a PhD...:
To go for it, I would have to take undergraduate courses in psych this fall and maybe in the spring as well. I'd also need to gain research experience. Even then, I'm not confident I could get into a program for this coming cycle -- it may well be fall of 2013 before I could start.
Conclusion:
I know I would be an asset to a graduate program and more than competent as a practitioner. I know that I would love doing both.
At this point, I'm just not sure if it's prudent of me to try given the obstacles and uncertainties that I'm reading about here. Of course, I'm not sure it would be imprudent either.
Either way, I've got to decide something soon and get on with it.
I could really use some advice and thoughts. :/
Last edited: