Help finding schools with good research fit

[anxietypsych]

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Hi everybody,

So this year, I'll be applying to Clinical Psychology PhD programs for the second time. I'm interested in more research oriented schools (I usually try to find schools with a 6 or 7 rating of focus on research in the Insiders Guide, although I have included some 4-5 as well).

Now, I really don't want to do this a third time, and therefore, I am applying to A LOT of programs this year. My problem is just to find professors who match my research interest well enough to do this. I have found around 10-15 so far, but I want to apply to at least 20 schools.

Hence, I thought that I could ask you guys if you have any suggestions of good schools/researchers with similar interests as me:

I am interested in developmental psychopathology. More specifically, I would like to focus on internalizing problems (anxiety and depression) in children and adolescents, and environmental factors that may contribute to these problems (parenting, issues within the family etc).

I guess this leads to a second question, I know the importance of fit, but I'm still not sure exactly how much ones research interest must match onto what the POI does. For example: I've come across a researcher whose main interest is childhood conduct disorders, but she also researches the comorbidity of conduct disorders and childhood depression. Is it worth for me to apply to a POI like this, since my main interest is internalizing problems? Personally, I would definetely not mind doing research on conduct disorders, since I find that interesting too, as long as I could also focus on internalizing disorders. I guess I'm just confused, because sometimes I read a professor's research interest and I'm thinking "that's not really what I want to do" but then I read about the grad students in the lab and their interests and I can think "that's exactly what I want to do".

Any insight or help would be so so so appreciated!😍

 

[okayroots06]

Hi everybody,

So this year, I'll be applying to Clinical Psychology PhD programs for the second time. I'm interested in more research oriented schools (I usually try to find schools with a 6 or 7 rating of focus on research in the Insiders Guide, although I have included some 4-5 as well).

Now, I really don't want to do this a third time, and therefore, I am applying to A LOT of programs this year. My problem is just to find professors who match my research interest well enough to do this. I have found around 10-15 so far, but I want to apply to at least 20 schools.

Hence, I thought that I could ask you guys if you have any suggestions of good schools/researchers with similar interests as me:

I am interested in developmental psychopathology. More specifically, I would like to focus on internalizing problems (anxiety and depression) in children and adolescents, and environmental factors that may contribute to these problems (parenting, issues within the family etc).

I guess this leads to a second question, I know the importance of fit, but I'm still not sure exactly how much ones research interest must match onto what the POI does. For example: I've come across a researcher whose main interest is childhood conduct disorders, but she also researches the comorbidity of conduct disorders and childhood depression. Is it worth for me to apply to a POI like this, since my main interest is internalizing problems? Personally, I would definetely not mind doing research on conduct disorders, since I find that interesting too, as long as I could also focus on internalizing disorders. I guess I'm just confused, because sometimes I read a professor's research interest and I'm thinking "that's not really what I want to do" but then I read about the grad students in the lab and their interests and I can think "that's exactly what I want to do".

Any insight or help would be so so so appreciated!😍

Hi,

You may have answered your own question with the last sentence you wrote. A PI would want you to overlap with his or her research interests but will allow you to explore into different areas of x, y and z.

Just because you apply to A LOT of schools does not automatically increase your chances of receiving an offer. 10-15 schools is plenty and anything more than that you are looking at steep application costs. You should read a lot and become familiar with the researchers in your area. This will allow you to make an informed decision where to apply to schools. Also, consult with an advisor or graduate students.

 

[PsychPhDone]

I applied to a crap ton of schools and don't regret it. I'll send you a PM, anxietypsych.