Go to JFK or take a "year off"

[Bianco32]

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Hi all,

I've recently interviewed at JFKU's Psy D program and feel comfortable with my prospects of getting accepted. I'm not going to kid myself as I know the reputation. It is by no means a good program and will be a huge encumbrance when I go to apply for an internship. My issue is I have a weak GPA of 3.2 (This is mostly due to my difficult minor in applied statistics, as my psych GPA is much higher, but still...). Due to some family issues and a focus on my grades I did not take the GRE my seniior year (hence me being limited at only applying to JFK). I have solid research experience and was given good letters of rec. I feel that even though I have a rough GPA I have the potential to be competitive for much better Psy D programs and possibly some mid tier PhD programs. If I take the year off from school I know I can do excellent on the GRE and gain more research experience, either paid or volunteer. I guess my question to the board is, do you agree with my line of thinking and believe I should not "settle" for a poor program? Thanks all!

 

[PHD12]

Hi all,

I've recently interviewed at JFKU's Psy D program and feel comfortable with my prospects of getting accepted. I'm not going to kid myself as I know the reputation. It is by no means a good program and will be a huge encumbrance when I go to apply for an internship. My issue is I have a weak GPA of 3.2 (This is mostly due to my difficult minor in applied statistics, as my psych GPA is much higher, but still...). Due to some family issues and a focus on my grades I did not take the GRE my seniior year (hence me being limited at only applying to JFK). I have solid research experience and was given good letters of rec. I feel that even though I have a rough GPA I have the potential to be competitive for much better Psy D programs and possibly some mid tier PhD programs. If I take the year off from school I know I can do excellent on the GRE and gain more research experience, either paid or volunteer. I guess my question to the board is, do you agree with my line of thinking and believe I should not "settle" for a poor program? Thanks all!

Absolutely. The logic you outlined is the only path that makes sense to me. In addition to the concerns you raise about the reputation and not getting an internship, JFK has a really high attrition rate so you may end up taking out 150K in loans and then not even graduating at the end. For those entering in 2005, only 40% graduated, 30% dropped out, and another 30% do not have their degree yet despite being in the 8th year of the program (this was updated in September 2012). This is beyond horrible.

Put effort into studying for the GRE, gaining research experience, and then aiming for a legitimate program.

Also, I just noticed that the program is "Accredited On Probation" by the APA. Because they are on probation, I don't know how this will affect your ability to get licensed even if you do graduate from the program.

 

[Bianco32]

Thank PHD. My parents seem to think that I will go nowhere with psychology if I don't immediately continue school. I know this to not be the case at all but it will be nice to point to some professional opinions to calm their nerves a little bit

 

[Rivi]

Thank PHD. My parents seem to think that I will go nowhere with psychology if I don't immediately continue school. I know this to not be the case at all but it will be nice to point to some professional opinions to calm their nerves a little bit

That school sounds terrible. I wouldn't pay the tuition at that school given the salary that psychologists make. Take a year off, explore med school, PA, NP school, master's degree in social work and counseling, etc. Many of those are cheaper and pay better than a Psy.D. at a professional school.

 

[docma]

JFKU has some strengths, their grads do get post-docs and licensed and I expect they will resolve their probation status. BUT you should never make a grad school commitment because you parents want you to...AND you will have a much better experience and be a stronger student if you take time off after the B.A. Experience after undergrad is a good idea and can be a strength when you get to the internship stage. Don't rush into grad school; take your time and get clear about your path.

 

[PHD12]

JFKU has some strengths, their grads do get post-docs and licensed and I expect they will resolve their probation status. BUT you should never make a grad school commitment because you parents want you to...AND you will have a much better experience and be a stronger student if you take time off after the B.A. Experience after undergrad is a good idea and can be a strength when you get to the internship stage. Don't rush into grad school; take your time and get clear about your path.

You mean if they graduate (see date on program's statistics) and even then only 64% get licensed (very low for a PsyD when the whole point is to educate practitioners). Compare this to the 100% licensure rate for PGSP's PsyD program, baylor or rutgers. They perform really poorly by every metric compared to any reputable PsyD program.

 

[cara susanna]

If you didn't even take the GRE this year, I would definitely take it and reapply next year.

 

[mcbpsychdoc]

Hi all,

I've recently interviewed at JFKU's Psy D program and feel comfortable with my prospects of getting accepted. I'm not going to kid myself as I know the reputation. It is by no means a good program and will be a huge encumbrance when I go to apply for an internship. My issue is I have a weak GPA of 3.2 (This is mostly due to my difficult minor in applied statistics, as my psych GPA is much higher, but still...). Due to some family issues and a focus on my grades I did not take the GRE my seniior year (hence me being limited at only applying to JFK). I have solid research experience and was given good letters of rec. I feel that even though I have a rough GPA I have the potential to be competitive for much better Psy D programs and possibly some mid tier PhD programs. If I take the year off from school I know I can do excellent on the GRE and gain more research experience, either paid or volunteer. I guess my question to the board is, do you agree with my line of thinking and believe I should not "settle" for a poor program? Thanks all!

Definitely do NOT settle if that's how you're viewing it. I really do believe it's more of your research experience, personal statement, and letters of rec that get you into a program. Your GPA/GRE scores just get your foot in the door and can be outweighed by good performance in other areas. My GPA is not stellar either but I still got into a great PhD program. My parents also weren't as supportive originally, but now they're very happy for me; and I wasn't sure if I should take time off and reapply, but I am so glad I did now. So definitely go with your gut feeling and shoot for your goals!

 

[JeyRo]

Hi all,

I've recently interviewed at JFKU's Psy D program and feel comfortable with my prospects of getting accepted. I'm not going to kid myself as I know the reputation. It is by no means a good program and will be a huge encumbrance when I go to apply for an internship. My issue is I have a weak GPA of 3.2 (This is mostly due to my difficult minor in applied statistics, as my psych GPA is much higher, but still...). Due to some family issues and a focus on my grades I did not take the GRE my seniior year (hence me being limited at only applying to JFK). I have solid research experience and was given good letters of rec. I feel that even though I have a rough GPA I have the potential to be competitive for much better Psy D programs and possibly some mid tier PhD programs. If I take the year off from school I know I can do excellent on the GRE and gain more research experience, either paid or volunteer. I guess my question to the board is, do you agree with my line of thinking and believe I should not "settle" for a poor program? Thanks all!

I think you've already answered your own question. JFK sounds pretty bad - maybe even Alliant / Argosy bad. It sounds like you could benefit hugely from a year off.