Getting a Psy D after a Masters

[PsychBoxe]

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My plan: Earn a MA in Counseling Psychology and then transfer to the Psy D program (at the same school)

Problem: I have always had trouble on standardized tests, but have always had great grades in my undergraduate studies (3.7 GPA). I have been told that if you graduate with a MA and then transfer into the doctorate program, most admission boards will look past a low GRE score due to a strong GPA in the MA courses. Although I will soon be getting a tutor for the GRE, I don't think I will ever achieve anything past a 1100 or so. Is this a sound plan that I have?

Basically, I plan to continue my level of achievement in graduate courses and have that take precedent over a less than commendable GRE score. Any advice on what I should do? I am willing to do whatever it takes to become a clinical psychologist. Thanks for any and all help.

 

[psych00]

I am not sure what program this refers to, but I have heard that it depends on the program as to whether they accept their own MA students. Just keep in mind that GPA and GRE scores are not the only decision-makers. Possibly the most useful pre-admissions factors for a PsyD program could be clinical experience in any form (including volunteering if clinically relevant...they know that it is difficult/impossible to get a "real" job without a graduate degree), clinically-relevant research, at least some kind of research experience, or any combination of these. Once you are in a program, it seems to be very helpful to have had some exposure to clinical settings because you have already had some exposure to clients and they are not only the pages in the DSM, or vignettes that you have read. If you are currently in a master's program, it might help to keep track of the extent of your experience, such as hours, diversity of clientele, skills or techniques, etc, when marketing yourself to doctoral programs.

Oh, one thing I forgot about...what made you decide to try for a master's in counseling psych prior to applying to a clinical doctoral program?

 

[Cmvramirez]

It never hurts to have a MA to demonstrate your academic abilities. The plus is that if you get an MA in psychology, you will do an internship which will give you the clinical experience that admissions boards love. I, like you, didn't do well on my GREs, but rock my GPA so you just have to play up your strengths.

Good luck! 🙂

 

[PsychBoxe]

Cmvramirez, that is exactly my thought process. I was thinking that if worse came to worse and my GRE scores were still not satisfactory, I could rely on a strong GPA. I applied to both a Psy D and an MA in Counseling Psychology because I need more time to study for the GRE and also need more clinical experience under my belt. Thanks for the input. I wonder if this is a normal path to take, or problem to have?

 

[LISage]

It sounds like you are going about this in the right way. A lot of people advised me to have a back-up degree program just incase.
Just FYI, what Psych00 says rings true. Make sure you do your research before assuming that getting an MA will make you more attractive to their Psy.D. program. I enrolled into an MA program with the hope that doing well would make me a shoe into their doctorate program, only to find out during my first semester that they do not accept their MA students into their doctorate program.

 

[greensky]

If it helps, my professor showed me an artciles, that showed that those who get an MA before a PsyD perform better on the licensing exam. Also, many programs will allow you to transfer up to 30 credits. Best of luck!

 

[cspkbehave]

I am in a similar situation( 3.9 GPA, clinical experience, bombed the GRE); I did not get into the PsyD program of my choice but they strongly told me to consider their MA program. I have an interview March first for the MA; is it appropriate to ask at the interview about transferring to the PsyD program or does this make it seem like they are just a back up?

 

[psychgirl77]

I am in a similar situation( 3.9 GPA, clinical experience, bombed the GRE); I did not get into the PsyD program of my choice but they strongly told me to consider their MA program. I have an interview March first for the MA; is it appropriate to ask at the interview about transferring to the PsyD program or does this make it seem like they are just a back up?

I would ask at the interview. They already know that you applied for the PsyD so that was your first choice. Plus, you should really find out what your chances are for being able to transfer to the PsyD otherwise it may not be worth it for you.