Do I have any chance of getting into a Doctoral Program?

[NeuroPhDhopeful]

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Okay so I feel like I shouldn't even apply to any programs cause I don't think I have a chance of getting in! Okay, so I have a 3.54 overall and a 3.6 in Psychology. I have research experience, but it is from when I was a Biology major. I have also completed a field experience, but it was in school psych and I am going to be apply to clinical programs. My GRE is scheduled for next Friday, but I took a practice one without studying and made an 1140 and then one after studying and made around a 1300. I feel like I can't get into any programs with these stats. The schools I want to apply to are, in order of most desirable:
1. Georgia State University
2.University of Texas at Austin
3. George Washington University
4. Argosy-Atlanta
5. University of Florida
Would I have any chance of getting into any of these programs?

 

[Wildcat06]

Okay so I feel like I shouldn't even apply to any programs cause I don't think I have a chance of getting in! Okay, so I have a 3.54 overall and a 3.6 in Psychology. I have research experience, but it is from when I was a Biology major. I have also completed a field experience, but it was in school psych and I am going to be apply to clinical programs. My GRE is scheduled for next Friday, but I took a practice one without studying and made an 1140 and then one after studying and made around a 1300. I feel like I can't get into any programs with these stats. The schools I want to apply to are, in order of most desirable:
1. Georgia State University
2.University of Texas at Austin
3. George Washington University
4. Argosy-Atlanta
5. University of Florida
Would I have any chance of getting into any of these programs?

Um, if I were on an admissions committee I would have SERIOUS questions about your focus, especially looking at your (likely too short) list of schools. For instance, UT Austin & Florida are both very research heavy schools so I would wonder how exactly a school like Argosy would fit in with that.

Also, are you applying this year and have you taken the Psych subject GRE? Do any of these schools require it?

 

[thewesternsky]

Your numbers aren't bad, though the lack of psych research experience will probably hurt. You'll need to do a seriously impressive job tying your biology research experience in with your current focus, and explaining your research goals.

So, yes, you have a chance, but you'll need a good GRE score (1300+ would be okay), a *stellar* statement of purpose and good letters of rec. (And even this might not be enough... remember, trying again next year is not the end of the world).

I'll echo Wildcat's concerns about school choice... Why those schools?

 

[Wildcat06]

Sorry that my previous reply was so negative. I'm just concerned about the logistics of you applying this year, if that's your plan. Most of the applications are due in the next month.

 

[erg923]

In general yes..... at those schools (except argosy), no.

Why in the world someone would apply to Argosy AND the University of Florida is beyond me!? They couldn't be more different. A person who is happy at one would be miserable at the other.

 

[Wildcat06]

Ah! Then ignore me (except about the list of schools thing, I stand by that) 🙂

 

[deadmau5]

your gpa is fine.

remember that means are used for incoming applicants.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

UF is arguably one of the top neuro programs in the nation (guessing by your name this is an area of interest). I don't know much about UT-A, but I've heard the UT system is very good, and I'd guess UT-A would be a competitive place...they at least have a stellar internship match rate.

GW has a reputation of being very psychodynamic...but supposedly they have incorporated more CBT in the last 5-6 years. It is VERY expensive because of the cost of living in DC.

I don't know anything about Georgia St, so I'll defer to others.

Argosy Atlanta....while one of the better Argosy programs, it is very different than your other choices.

 

[HVACPSM]

GW has a reputation of being very psychodynamic...but supposedly they have incorporated more CBT in the last 5-6 years. It is VERY expensive because of the cost of living in DC.

The PsyD program at GW is dynamic, but the PhD program is a CBT heavy research program, focusing primarily on community psychology.

 

[krisrox]

GSU is a solid school. Not sure about the neuro program, though. Your numbers would fit well there, at least.

 

[notfullyfathomd]

The schools I want to apply to are, in order of most desirable:
1. Georgia State University
2.University of Texas at Austin
3. George Washington University
4. Argosy-Atlanta
5. University of Florida
Would I have any chance of getting into any of these programs?

I'm applying to the neuro programs at schools 1, 2, and 5 on your list. My stats are similar to yours, but I have higher GREs and I've been working as an RA with a neuropsychologist for the past 2 years. I'm hoping (fingers crossed!) that these two things will outweigh a not super high GPA.

GSU is a school that I have been on the fence about, and added at the last minute. Their neuropsych program is a combined neuropsych/behavioral neuroscience track, and it's pretty developmentally focused. I think that many of the faculty went to UF, which is a check in the "pro" column. If you check the website, they list admissions stats for the NBN program separately from general clinical psych and community -- their acceptance rate is higher than a regular clinical program, but I don't remember what the stats are. But I'd be interested to hear if anyone has interviewed there and what their impressions of the program are.

 

[NeuroPhDhopeful]

Well thanks for the feedback. Argosy is mainly cause it is close to home and because I don't have that great of a GPA. GSU is the school I want to go to, has advisors that I want to work with, etc. I have a short list because I don't exactly have the $$$ to spend on tons of applications, therefore I can't apply to too many schools. I also included in my statement of intent why I thought the bio research experienced helped and that I have almost 70 hours in psychology not just 12-18. Also, taking the advice of my advisor in Undergrad, I am applying to a person, not a program. I mean I am picking schools based on Professors/Advisors I am interested in working with

 

[erg923]

I am applying to a person, not a program. I mean I am picking schools based on Professors/Advisors I am interested in working with

Well... no....in reality, your applying to a program.....you will be working within the confines of that program, and will subjegated to what comes along with that program (ie., its goals, it opportunities, its reputation, etc). These are the facts, so I would recommend reconsidering your thoughts on this. Picking a POI is very important, but does not trump everything else. Id love to work with Kazdin at Yale, but would i be happy in that program and that environment?..,...does that program share my philosophy of training and fit my career goals?...... no not at all!

 

[NeuroPhDhopeful]

You make a very valid point. Another program I was interested in, but am indecisive about is Texas Tech. They have a research lab and professor I am very interested in working with, but I don't know much about this program

 

[NeuroPhDhopeful]

Does the fact that the research I performed in the biology dept. was published (there were 20 student researchers involved) help at all?

 

[erg923]

It wont hurt, but unless you were one of the first 3 authors, they will know you didnt have much to with writing any of it....which is really the what publications are supposed to demostrate.....that you can not only particpate in it, but that you know how to write it up as well.

 

[McClinas]

Related question: I coauthored an IRB as an undergrad. Is this something I should highlight in my SOP, CV, etc.? Or no big deal?

 

[Ollie123]

Its good to be absolutely sure you have a strong fit with the faculty you apply to, but there are limits and I suspect you may have gone a little too far. Many schools ask where you are applying and it can be a red flag if they see you are applying to a bunch of radically different types of schools.

I'm a bit confused about the research. Were you just involved with it, or were you actually an author on the publication? I guess it doesn't matter much either way. I would say that yes, it helps a bit only because its more research experience. Depending on what kind of work you do, bio and psych can potentially have a lot of overlap, or they can have none at all. The publication doesn't really matter if there are that many authors.

As for the IRB, I assume you mean you helped prepare a submission for IRB review? I think its fine to list it in your description of duties on your CV. Its by no stretch of the imagination a big deal though, and I'd wager nearly every serious applicant will have had some involvement in preparing an IRB application.