Help Me Plan, Please

[TJuniper]

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I'm currently just starting a Bachelors in Psychology, in a third tier college.
~18 credits.

My goal is to get a PhD in psychology to do research on mental health and illness, as I've always been fascinated by the workings of the human mind. On the side, it would be nice to be able to do some counseling when necessary, as I will have to earn some money to support myself after my bachelors. I will have to get a scholarship to go through grad school.

The list of items necessary to get a PhD seems intimidatingly long. Basically, I need to have a 4.0 GPA, amazing GRE's, take good psychology courses and perhaps have a good minor, have my name on an article or have presented an article at a conference, have a devoted mentor, have practical experience, and look like a person they want to work with.
Additionally, I need to be in the NY area.

What can I do, now, to maximize my chances? Should I start studying for the GRE's? Get a minor in mathematics? Get a job involving practical experience (what kind of experiences are they looking for?) Where do you get a mentor, since my college doesn't do research? Can I get an internship without having a degree? Is it too early to start planning?

Thanks in advance.

 

[TJuniper]

Is the asterisk near my sn the reason no one is posting, or is it the post?
(I've PM'd a mod about it and got no reply.)

Forgive an innocent newbie.

 

[cara susanna]

If you're just starting, relax. My research interests changed completely my junior year and I had to start the whole thing over. Wait until you know what you want to do, for sure.

And, wait, how can your college not do research?

 

[psyed4clinPhD]

You won't get in anywhere without research. I would suggest that you look at universities or hospitals nearby. Look for someone who is working on what you want to study and contact them to ask if you can volunteer in order to get some research experience. Try to keep your grades high. No need to study for GREs, IMHO, until you get these research and basic coursework under your belt. Try to attend conferences in NY area to network with people.

 

[TJuniper]

If you're just starting, relax. My research interests changed completely my junior year and I had to start the whole thing over. Wait until you know what you want to do, for sure.

And, wait, how can your college not do research?

Thanks. I see what you're saying

Actually, a grand total of one professor is doing research, but not in an area that interests me in the least. They don't have the best psychology department. I'm here because of the scholarship.

You won't get in anywhere without research. I would suggest that you look at universities or hospitals nearby. Look for someone who is working on what you want to study and contact them to ask if you can volunteer in order to get some research experience. Try to keep your grades high. No need to study for GREs, IMHO, until you get these research and basic coursework under your belt. Try to attend conferences in NY area to network with people.

Thank you. What kind of work do you do for research experience? Why should a professor want to take me instead of an intern?

As for the conferences- I assume that these are APA conferences?

 

[Quynh2007]

Thanks. I see what you're saying

Actually, a grand total of one professor is doing research, but not in an area that interests me in the least. They don't have the best psychology department. I'm here because of the scholarship.

Thank you. What kind of work do you do for research experience? Why should a professor want to take me instead of an intern?

As for the conferences- I assume that these are APA conferences?

There are many psychology-related professional organizations that put together annual/bi-annual conferences. APA and APS are good starting points.

Unfortunately, I didn't see what specific area you are interested in the field of psychology, but there are a lot.

If you are reading a research article that is in your field of interest, email that author and ask if they or anyone in their lab will be presenting at an upcoming conference. That's a good way to find out about conferences as well.

 

[cara susanna]

If they're professors, they have to be doing some kind of research. Or so I was told, anyway.

They don't have to be APA conferences, there are a lot of organizations within psych that have their own conferences. Like APS, ABCT, etc.

 

[TJuniper]

There are many psychology-related professional organizations that put together annual/bi-annual conferences. APA and APS are good starting points.

Unfortunately, I didn't see what specific area you are interested in the field of psychology, but there are a lot.

If you are reading a research article that is in your field of interest, email that author and ask if they or anyone in their lab will be presenting at an upcoming conference. That's a good way to find out about conferences as well.

I'm interested in anything related to mental health and illness. So I wouldn't be interested in if cigarette smokers are more likely to have children who smoke, but I'd be interested in if people with depression are more likely to have kids who are depressed and why. /random example

Thanks, that's something I can do.

If they're professors, they have to be doing some kind of research. Or so I was told, anyway.

They don't have to be APA conferences, there are a lot of organizations within psych that have their own conferences. Like APS, ABCT, etc.

I wish.

Thank you both very much! I really appreciate every bit of help since I don't know anything or anyone who is serious about doing research yet. I know what I want to do but very little about how to do it.

 

[kh1264]

I'm currently just starting a Bachelors in Psychology, in a third tier college.
~18 credits.

My goal is to get a PhD in psychology to do research on mental health and illness, as I've always been fascinated by the workings of the human mind. On the side, it would be nice to be able to do some counseling when necessary, as I will have to earn some money to support myself after my bachelors. I will have to get a scholarship to go through grad school.

The list of items necessary to get a PhD seems intimidatingly long. Basically, I need to have a 4.0 GPA, amazing GRE's, take good psychology courses and perhaps have a good minor, have my name on an article or have presented an article at a conference, have a devoted mentor, have practical experience, and look like a person they want to work with.
Additionally, I need to be in the NY area.

What can I do, now, to maximize my chances? Should I start studying for the GRE's? Get a minor in mathematics? Get a job involving practical experience (what kind of experiences are they looking for?) Where do you get a mentor, since my college doesn't do research? Can I get an internship without having a degree? Is it too early to start planning?

Thanks in advance.

First, welcome to the boards! Am I correct in guessing you're a first year student? If so, I hope you're enjoying your time in undergrad (as it tends to fly by!). It's good that you have such a focus and drive and are looking ahead, but don't forget to explore different areas in undergrad and go where your interests lead you. I most certainly would not worry about the GRE's just yet 😉 and collecting any amount of practical experience is a plus to any major. I don't know if your school allows freshmen to participate in internships just yet, but go for it if they do and if you want to do so as well. You said you want to counsel, so ask your Career Center if you can intern at a clinic or psych ward, or at least shadow a psychologist.

Like you, I chose my undergrad because I liked it and was offered a scholarship. I had no inclination of what a research school was...and it surely wasn't my psych department (though I love them very much 🙂). It wasn't until my senior year that they began a research project that I was apart of (because a visiting prof jump started this project), so I feel your pain. However, there are ways around this. There are a ton of summer research opportunities available for undergrads which can be obtained in various ways (from filling out online applications to emailing professors of interest). Also, you can opt to do a Junior or Senior year thesis project where you can conduct your own research. If I were you, I would sit down with the professionals in your Career Center or with a professor you trust (maybe later on in the semester or year) and tell them what's on your mind. Let the Career Center or a Psych prof know (heck, let any prof that you trust know) about your interest in joining a research project. Hopefully they can help you find the experience you're looking for.

Also, just make sure you're keeping those grades up and worry about the rest in due time.

 

[Quynh2007]

ABCT is in NYC this year, so you might want to go to that (good for therapy related)

I'm going to SRA (society for research on adolescence) next year in philly I think

APS is going to be in Boston next year.

So, those are 3 that will be in your area that you can attend and start networking and getting to know the field better.

 

[TJuniper]

First, welcome to the boards! Am I correct in guessing you're a first year student? If so, I hope you're enjoying your time in undergrad (as it tends to fly by!). It's good that you have such a focus and drive and are looking ahead, but don't forget to explore different areas in undergrad and go where your interests lead you. I most certainly would not worry about the GRE's just yet 😉 and collecting any amount of practical experience is a plus to any major. I don't know if your school allows freshmen to participate in internships just yet, but go for it if they do and if you want to do so as well. You said you want to counsel, so ask your Career Center if you can intern at a clinic or psych ward, or at least shadow a psychologist.

Yes, you are correct.
Thank you!

Like you, I chose my undergrad because I liked it and was offered a scholarship. I had no inclination of what a research school was...and it surely wasn't my psych department (though I love them very much 🙂). It wasn't until my senior year that they began a research project that I was apart of (because a visiting prof jump started this project), so I feel your pain. However, there are ways around this. There are a ton of summer research opportunities available for undergrads which can be obtained in various ways (from filling out online applications to emailing professors of interest). Also, you can opt to do a Junior or Senior year thesis project where you can conduct your own research. If I were you, I would sit down with the professionals in your Career Center or with a professor you trust (maybe later on in the semester or year) and tell them what's on your mind. Let the Career Center or a Psych prof know (heck, let any prof that you trust know) about your interest in joining a research project. Hopefully they can help you find the experience you're looking for.

I will do so.

Also, just make sure you're keeping those grades up and worry about the rest in due time.

I like to know things in advance, but you're right... better focus on today. There just seems so much to do.

ABCT is in NYC this year, so you might want to go to that (good for therapy related)

I'm going to SRA (society for research on adolescence) next year in philly I think

APS is going to be in Boston next year.

So, those are 3 that will be in your area that you can attend and start networking and getting to know the field better.

Thanks.

What exactly is "networking"? I'm under the impression that you go over to people at a convention before and after speeches and say, "Hello, my name is blankety blank and I'm interested in blankety blanket. How are you doing" How do you know who is interested in what?

 

[Quynh2007]

Yes, you are correct.
What exactly is "networking"? I'm under the impression that you go over to people at a convention before and after speeches and say, "Hello, my name is blankety blank and I'm interested in blankety blanket. How are you doing" How do you know who is interested in what?

You attend the talks and presentations. Go to the poster sessions. They usually post the schedule online and will give you one after you register. If someone is doing something you are interested in, go up and introduce yourself and if you have any questions, ask them. You can ask about their study and future direction usually.

If they are someone nearby you, you could ask to see if they'll allow you to assist in their labs, or over the summer.