1)How long have you been mod here and do any forum-related events stand out for you?
I've been a mod here for maybe a year? It is a bit hazy. I started as an assistant mod and then became the perm. mod here. Subsequently I was promoted to sMod and to lead moderator for the "additional doctoral forums". So to quote Anchorman....I'm kind of a big deal.
As for forum related events....just the growth of the clinical forum! We started off as a humble forum and have gained a great deal in membership. I hope everyone sticks around after the admissions push and doesn't forget about us!
2)How far along are you in school?
I'm currently waiting to hear back about internship placement...so I guess I'm on the tail end of the schooling and hopefully a step closer to graduation.
3)Do you have any advice for the entering class of 2008 forum members?
1. Expect to be overwhelmed, as a doctoral program is a whole new ball game in regard to academic rigor, time commitment, etc. I had been out of school for a bit, so it was an adjustment on that front, though it helped when I realized that everyone I was in class with was as dorky and interested in psychology as I was (albeit in a range of different areas). I remember a gathering a few weeks into school, where we ended up at a local watering hole, and we were arguing about various psych theory. It was surreal to be able to talk about these things with others at length. My friend got tired of me talking to them about random things that I thought were cool....but outside of the psyh/stats world, I guess they may not be viewed as "cool".
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2. In the beginning, there were a number of times when I went, "What the heck am I doing?! I'm stressing myself out, I have a ton of reading, I have to learn these assessments, I need to....XYZ", but then I realized that although it was tough, there really wasn't much else that I'd rather be doing.
3. So I guess, just know that it will be an emotional rollercoaster, and it is *definitely* more of a marathon than a sprint....even though it sometimes feels like you are constantly rushing to meet endless deadlines. Also remember that B = Psy.D. / Ph.D. It seems that most of us in grad school are use to getting A's, but sometimes it is more prudent (in the overall scheme of things) to accept a B because the amount of effort it takes to go from a B--> A may be better spent doing something else.
4. I got involved quickly with things when I got here, and even before I got here. It *really* helped me to get to know people and other faculty that I may not have class with (ever) or not for quite awhile. Don't overwhelm yourself, but at the same time you will have more time than you realize...once you figure out how to study, what to read, etc. I became friends with 3rd and 4th+ years and that was such a huge advantage, as they passed down outlines, tips, and books that made my transition much easier than it would have been.
5. Everyone loves BBQ's....aka socializing can help everyone. I knew I'd feel more comfortable if I knew people in my classes before classes started, so I decided to host a BBQ and send an e-mail out to everyone on the class e-mail list. There was a great turnout (with the help of a bunch of upper-classmen who crashed), and it was much easier going into my first class knowing most of the people....so we could study together, etc.
6. Use SDN. Seriously....the clinical forum wasn't around when I started, and it would have been REALLY helpful to get outside opinions and exposure to things outside of my areas of interest. I try and keep it interesting in here, but it really helps when everyone else contributes.
I'd *love* if we could get a Journal Club discussion going on here. It is an idea I've been kicking around for a bit, and I think a great way to gain exposure into other areas. Maybe a topic a month for people to kick around....whether it is a specific journal article, or just a general topic with a bunch of different articles to discuss.
Other questions?
