Having a PsyD Write an LOR for a PhD Program

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[deleted427955]

Curious about this as well, one of my letters is from a PsyD.

 

[neuronic]

I am not sure if you are applying to a clinical program or not, but for my response I am assuming you are. A letter from a Psy.D. will not hurt your application unless it is a poor letter. Conversely, if a letter from a Ph.D. is a poor letter, it will do more harm than good. If you already have two letters attesting to your research abilities, what more can a third tell your program about you for a CLINICAL program? One of the most important factors in admissions to clinical programs is your personality, sociability, and ability to work with patients. Having individuals highlight that is important, and much more so than the Ph.D. vs. Psy.D. distinction. You could also send 4 letters if you want, if allowed.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

You could consider asking both folks to write you letters, and either (as mentioned above) submit both if 4 would be allowed, or send the lab coordinator's letter to more research-heavy sites, and the Psy.D.'s letter to more balanced or clinically-leaning sites.

That being said, I'd be a little surprised if many programs would hold your letter writer's degree (Psy.D. vs. Ph.D.) against you. I'm sure it's possible, but I would hope the vast majority of programs wouldn't do so. As neuronic said, what's going to be more important is how strong the letter is overall, and how personal/individualized the writer is able to be.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

You could consider asking both folks to write you letters, and either (as mentioned above) submit both if 4 would be allowed, or send the lab coordinator's letter to more research-heavy sites, and the Psy.D.'s letter to more balanced or clinically-leaning sites.

That being said, I'd be a little surprised if many programs would hold your letter writer's degree (Psy.D. vs. Ph.D.) against you. I'm sure it's possible, but I would hope the vast majority of programs wouldn't do so. As neuronic said, what's going to be more important is how strong the letter is overall, and how personal/individualized the writer is able to be.

Personally I think this is a little SDN neuroticism. I believe the Psy.D. would be just fine for Ph.D. programs.

 

[PHD12]

Personally I think this is a little SDN neuroticism. I believe the Psy.D. would be just fine for Ph.D. programs.

Agreed. i think this is a non-issue if the letter is strong. PsyD graduates from strong programs (like rutgers, baylor) are directing programs at reputable medical centers, hospitals, VA's all over the country and some have high-level research careers at medical schools. You will likely have a PsyD supervisor in the future and will need a letter from him/her for internship possibly.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Agreed. i think this is a non-issue if the letter is strong. PsyD graduates from strong programs (like rutgers, baylor) are directing programs at reputable medical centers, hospitals, VA's all over the country and some have high-level research careers at medical schools. You will likely have a PsyD supervisor in the future and will need a letter from him/her for internship possibly.

Agreed.

How well a LOR speaks to your abilities will matter more. This issue comes up again during internship/post-doc in regard to boarded LOR writers, and the same advice applies.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Agreed.

How well a LOR speaks to your abilities will matter more. This issue comes up again during internship/post-doc in regard to boarded LOR writers, and the same advice applies.

Sound good OP?