Help for a bewildered undergrad?

[psychology78]

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Hey everyone! This forum is really great... especially for undergrads like me who are trying to get a leg up on the application process.. I thought I would go directly to you all with some questions and concerns that I have..

A bit about me.. I am 30 years old.. I just entered junior year status this (spring) semester.. I am a forensic psychology major at John Jay College in Manhattan. I have no research experience as of yet.. But I have a great GPA... It fluctuates between 3.8 and 4.0. I will most likely be applying to grad schools next fall (09). I am interested in PsyD programs in clinical or counseling psychology or a PhD program that is evenly practice-research oriented or that leans toward the practice side. My ultimate goal is private practice.

Here are my questions and concerns as to what I should be doing now...

1.) Research Experience... Exactly how do I get involved with research? Does it need to be at the school I'm at now? or can I approach a professor from any psych program here in the city? What is an appropriate way to present myself to a professor I don't know and ask about research opportunities? How important is it that the research I do be in line with my professional interests? Lastly, is there any paid research experience to be had?

2.) What would you do if you were in my position? Things that you would've done differently perhaps if you had to do it over again? Or what should I be doing now to make myself as competitive as possible?


A few questions I have about grad school itself...

Financial Aid... I will be going into this financially alone... That means absolutely no financial help from my family or anyone. I am hoping to present myself as a great investment to the school that accepts me so that hopefully I can recieve a full tuition waiver PLUS a stipend.
So, I'd like to know what I can do to improve my chances of having the school itself fund my education.. Do they look mainly at your academic record? or is it need based? For example.. if a school gives only 20% of incoming students a full tuition waiver and stipend and/or assistantship.. what does this mean? Is that the most they are able to give? Or was it that the majority of incoming students just didn't meet the qualifications for the full tuition waiver?
Also, what are the differences between a tuition waiver and tuition remission? Between a stipend, a fellowship and an assitantship?

And lastly.. I'll be 30 this fall.. I got started late! So I will be 31 when I begin my first year of grad school. Is this a plus or a negative from the school's point of view?

If you've read this far.. THANKS!!! As you can see I have a TON of questions.. mainly because I don't know anyone personally who goes to grad school.. or who's ever been to grad school for that matter.. not to mention a psych program. IF you have any advice for any of the concerns above I would really appreciate it! You can also feel free to IM me if you'd like...

Thanks Again!!! J

 

[SingleGirl]

Check your pm's for a long one!

 

[psychology78]

ooo oo a reply already! I'm quivering with anticipation...

 

[erg923]

Just curious about the doctoral program up there at John Jay. I'm not into forensics anymore, but when I used to be, that program seemed very cool.

I always tell people to ask themselves why they want to become a clinical psychologist before they go through this process. If your ONLY answer is "to do therapy with people,".... look into another field such as a MSW or MHC masters. Ph.D and even Psy.D is likely over-kill if therapy is your sole interest. If your ultimate goal is private practice, I would also stay way from Ph.D. programs, or at least keep your moth shut about that to them. They want researchers mostly. Ph.d programs are alot of research, alot writing, alot of statistics, alot of psychometrics, in addition to the clinical training. If you are not interested in research at all, you will not be happy in one. You also need significant research experience (more than just data entry) to be competitive for Ph.D program, this is ranked just as highly as grades and GRE score usually. If professors at John Jay dont need anyone, or do not fit your research needs, seek them elsewhere (hospitals, academic medical centers, etc.). Most will likely not be paid at the undergraduate level however.

Psy.D might be more of what you are looking for, but the down side to those is that there are few that are fully funded, and the ones that are, are almost as competitive as the Ph.D programs. Others will put you in significant debt. There is no funding in these programs because it is not a research environment and their is not alot of grant funding from the big projects that support Ph.D students. Hope this helps with helps somewhat.

 

[myelin]

A good way to get research experience is to look on your school's psychology website. Go to the faculty members and see if their research interests are listed. If they are, see if any of them interest you. You don't have to have a 100% fit in research interests right now, but try to find something that interests you. Then, email that professor, introduce yourself, tell them what you're looking for, and finally ask if they are currently conducting research. Let them know that you're interested in joining their team if they are conducting reserach. Try to keep the email concise and to the point as these professors are busy.

You likely won't be paid while on the team. However, you might be able to take course credit for an independent study which is usually an easy A. Essentially, you'll be paying the school to do work. It sounds backwards but the experiences you will gain will set you apart from the other applicants with 0 research experience. Best of luck.

 

[cara susanna]

Basically, just ask professors about their research and express an interest. I was told it's best to ask in person, but the prof I asked in person said no just as the others I'd emailed had. Really, just find out what you can about their interests, come up with some questions/ideas, and talk to them. Ask them if they're looking for any research assistants.

Perserverance (sp?) is key. I had a very difficult time finding professors who would let me assist them with research; I was accumulating rejections left and right. But it finally paid off when I finally was able to get involved with the research of one of our department's social psychologists. Not only did I get to help with a study that was very interesting and improved my research skills, it also helped me find further research opportunities because, knowing my real interest in clinical, he later got me in touch with his wife, a clinical psychologist who was joining our faculty. Now I'm in her research lab, which has actually greatly influenced my own research interests. So my biggest piece of advice would be: keep at it!