HELP!! Take the year off? Or just go for it!

[Sun Lips]

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Hi everybody. I would love a little advice from the wise and experienced. Thanks in advance!

So basically here's the issue (and this is not a WAMC, I just feel a little background information is necessary...)

Currently an undergraduate in my junior year.

GPA: 3.89 (4.0 in Psychology)
Research Experience: work in 2 labs (1 cognitive, 1 clinical)
Publications: Co-author (3rd) on a poster that will be presented at the annual APS convention
Letters of Recommendation: Anticipate 2 solid letters from two well respected professors at the moment Plus...
Honors: I plan on doing the honors program in psychology my senior year which requires the completion of an honor's thesis (Also, should get me my 3rd letter)

QUESTION: So... it seems that it is the absolute norm in Clinical Psychology to take a year or two off and attain an RA position. It looks like I would have a fantastic post-bach opportunity at the clinical lab where I might even be able to head my own research project.

Alternative: Should I just put my head down, bite the bullet and study all summer for the new GRE and try and get the ball rolling? This would mean condensing a 2-year honors program into one year plus engaging in the application process at the same time.

Virtually All the professors/graduate students I've talked to have recommended a year off which is interesting. I sit somewhere in the middle, switching back and forth constantly between what the best route would be right now...

Any advice would be GREATLY Appreciated! What would YOU Do!?

 

[Psychology 76]

Hi everybody. I would love a little advice from the wise and experienced. Thanks in advance!

So basically here's the issue (and this is not a WAMC, I just feel a little background information is necessary...)

Currently an undergraduate in my junior year.

GPA: 3.89 (4.0 in Psychology)
Research Experience: work in 2 labs (1 cognitive, 1 clinical)
Publications: Co-author (3rd) on a poster that will be presented at the annual APS convention
Letters of Recommendation: Anticipate 2 solid letters from two well respected professors at the moment Plus...
Honors: I plan on doing the honors program in psychology my senior year which requires the completion of an honor's thesis (Also, should get me my 3rd letter)

QUESTION: So... it seems that it is the absolute norm in Clinical Psychology to take a year or two off and attain an RA position. It looks like I would have a fantastic post-bach opportunity at the clinical lab where I might even be able to head my own research project.

Alternative: Should I just put my head down, bite the bullet and study all summer for the new GRE and try and get the ball rolling? This would mean condensing a 2-year honors program into one year plus engaging in the application process at the same time.

Virtually All the professors/graduate students I've talked to have recommended a year off which is interesting. I sit somewhere in the middle, switching back and forth constantly between what the best route would be right now...

Any advice would be GREATLY Appreciated! What would YOU Do!?

I would take a year off. To be blunt, your stats are pretty average for clinical psych applicants being as insanely competitive as it is. Extra research experience is always a great thing and you can refine your interests a bit and have more time to take the GRE/ prepare your applications.


I applied strait out of undergrad (to experimental psych phd programs) and got in one of my top choices. But the whole process sucked because I had to take the GRE twice, do my grad apps, honors thesis, full course load, extracurriculars ect ect. so i know my applications were not as good as they could have been. i was lucky that the one place i've been accepted at so far was a perfect research match and fit. if this place didn't exist i'd prob have to work fast food : /

since you already have a good plan post undergrad and could use some resume buffing before clinical psych grad school applications i think it might be a good idea to take a year off. espeically, if you need to refine your interests.

 

[cara susanna]

You can get in straight out of undergrad. It's rare, but possible. I did it, and so did most people in my program. Also, it depends on the program: are you applying to more research-intense programs? If so, I'd recommend a year off.

 

[Jeina]

I just wanted to contribute a perspective from a recent applicant. 🙂 I applied to research-heavy programs this year (my senior year in undergrad) and received several offers. Thus, I'd encourage you that it IS possible to get in straight out of undergrad, even to more research-focused programs. However, it's also really stressful. You mentioned having to condense an honors program to get everything done in time. That on top of your other classes, GRE (if you don't take it before the fall), and the applications themselves might be too much to take on. You know yourself best, but definitely keep this in mind. Also, feel free to PM me if you want to chat more about this. Whatever you decide, good luck!

 

[syzergy]

I'm going to take the other side and recommend taking a year off. I originally planned to apply straight out of undergrad but slowly became more and more overwhelmed with the amount of work I had. I had multiple research projects, my honors thesis, GRE studying, grad school app prep as well as a heavy class load. I also was on a club sports team that traveled most weekends (hey, I had to do something to get out of the psych building basement).

With so many responsibilities, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to do my best in all of them. I mean, I can rock everything else but what if my grades slipped? What's the point then? At the same time I know that many people (especially those applying to clinical programs) are productive rock stars and can take on all these tasks with ease. By the way, I hate you. 🙂

I decided to take two years off and I am so happy about my decision. During my time off I landed a paid research position and was able to publish my honors thesis. I also was able to present at a few conferences and get my name on a couple publications. I wouldn't have had time to do any of this if I have gone to grad school right away.

I absolutely loved my time off. I could actually have a glass of wine and watch crappy reality television without feeling guilty. Time off isn't for everyone but man, I love crappy reality television.

 

[Sun Lips]

I would take a year off. To be blunt, your stats are pretty average for clinical psych applicants being as insanely competitive as it is. Extra research experience is always a great thing and you can refine your interests a bit and have more time to take the GRE/ prepare your applications.

I would like nothing but bluntness at this point, and I appreciate it. After posting my stats (for the first time) they do seem weak-to-average comparatively. I really do think my CV needs to be strengthened, it looks par for the course at this point.

Jeina and Cara, I appreciate the input, (unfortunately) I am looking to go to more research oriented programs. Jeina, were your stats in the same basic range? I'm going to have to take you up on the PM offer, thanks for the help! I guess you've been here and know how stressful it can be 😱.

 

[Rivi]

Taking a year off was the best thing I did. I was able to save a little bit of money as well as confirm my decision that this was something I wanted to pursue.

 

[Sun Lips]

I decided to take two years off and I am so happy about my decision. During my time off I landed a paid research position and was able to publish my honors thesis. I also was able to present at a few conferences and get my name on a couple publications. I wouldn't have had time to do any of this if I have gone to grad school right away.

This is exactly what I would hope to have happen if I take the time off. Landing a paid research gig would be the ideal, so are you applying to/in a doctoral program now?

I must say, the prospect of focusing 100% on my undergraduate classes and honors thesis while not worrying about the rigorous application process until after I graduate looks infinitely appealing in many ways.

 

[Jeina]

I would like nothing but bluntness at this point, and I appreciate it. After posting my stats (for the first time) they do seem weak-to-average comparatively. I really do think my CV needs to be strengthened, it looks par for the course at this point.

Jeina and Cara, I appreciate the input, (unfortunately) I am looking to go to more research oriented programs. Jeina, were your stats in the same basic range? I'm going to have to take you up on the PM offer, thanks for the help! I guess you've been here and know how stressful it can be 😱.

Sure, feel free to PM me to talk further about stats, etc. 🙂

 

[syzergy]

This is exactly what I would hope to have happen if I take the time off. Landing a paid research gig would be the ideal, so are you applying to/in a doctoral program now?

I must say, the prospect of focusing 100% on my undergraduate classes and honors thesis while not worrying about the rigorous application process until after I graduate looks infinitely appealing in many ways.

I'm actually applying this fall. I graduated last May fully intending to apply in the fall but found that after 4 years of working my butt off, I needed a few months of relaxation. Of course, my relaxing coincided with a knee surgery and a few months of rehab but I was happy to spend the time doing what I love best, research.

I still have a decent amount of time before I apply so I'm hoping to stick a few more things on my CV. Honestly, taking the time off was the best decision I could have made. I have not actually applied to any programs so I can't say if it really worked, but I do feel a little less stressed knowing that I was able to get such valuable experience.

I think your stats are decent coming straight from undergrad but taking that time off with a research position can make you a stellar applicant while reducing some of the stress.

 

[syzergy]

I think your stats are decent coming straight from undergrad but taking that time off with a research position can make you a stellar applicant while reducing some of the stress.

As an extra note, I'm not trying to say I'm an stellar applicant, even with the extra experience. While I'm glad I did take the time off, I'm still nervous as hell for the whole process. It's very self-defeating. These forums both reassure me and make me feel like I've been punched in the gut. Good luck to you!

 

[cheeze]

I would suggest to apply this year and see what happens. There really is no harm. Apply to only your top choices, and if you don't get admitted then re-apply.

In this economy (with the budget cuts at many universities and the lack of funding) both RA positions and admissions are appallingly difficult. It was already difficult to begin with, its only gotten more difficult. Both are basically crap shots.

As for your stats, I disagree with people who say they are low/average. They are slightly above average. if you look at the outcome data at universities - they'll tell you the average GPAs of their applications. Looking at the outcome data will give you an idea where you stand. However be cognizant of the university you are graduating from. I hear from professors doing admissions and my college that they adjust your GPA depending on whether your institution has a reputation of grade inflation.

regardless your stats will not get you admitted, they will merely get you an interview. whether you get in will be based on a bunch of factors that may or may not have much to do with you. which is why people always says graduate school is a crap shot.

publications don't play a large role unless you are first author. what really matters most is if you know what you want to do and if you are a good match to the university.

taking time off as an RA will only do you good. you'll learn things that you would've never done as an undergrad RA but is still important for graduate school... in my case it would be assessments, IRB submission, grant submission, and all the nitty gritty work that undergrad RAs don't need to do because the paid RA/coordinator does it all.

so overall i would simply suggest apply to only ur top choices, if u get in great. if not move on and get an RA position then re-apply. i wouldn't recommend applying to back-ups straight out of college because that could make you settle/give up on your top choices that you might get into had you worked a couple years.

 

[LM02]

One thing I'd suggest is to not think of it as "time off," but rather to think of it as time to develop your career. Time off is to do something like travel the world, explore another interest (e.g., be a ski bum), or to otherwise do something completely unrelated to your academic interests.

By finding a meaningful research job in between undergrad and grad school, you will most certainly be ramping down the stress (which is a good thing!), but you will also be developing your research skills, forming important professional relationships that may carry you through important steps in your career, and narrowing down your own interests for graduate school. You will also be earning money, which will be nice before commiting to how ever many years of living on a small wage (even funded programs are not going to pay a whole lot in the grand scheme of things!).

For me, working as an RA for 2 years was by far one of the best career decisions I've made. I probably would have gotten in *somewhere* straight out of undergrad. But after 2 years working, I had formed some great connections, had publication opportunities, and most importantly, had really confirmed that I wanted a research career in XYZ. I had saved some money which came in really handy during grad school, and I also felt incredibly re-energized. Not only were those 2 years great professionally, but they were FUN. There was no homework, papers, exams, etc. I spent time with my friends on the weekends, traveled, and lived in a great city I wouldn't have otherwise had a chance to live in. As a result, I was really rested before starting grad school, and that helped immensely going in.

I should also caution that, unless you continue in the lab where you are currently working, it might be quire difficult to find a 1 year RA position. Most PIs will want a 2 year commitment. So that is something to consider, as well.

 

[Sun Lips]

Cheese: Thanks for the advice. Like LM02 felt, I feel like I could get in "somewhere" but not necessarily a top choice, but I guess it doesn't hurt to try. I'm only worried about having my GRE scores suffer by trying to cram them in with summer classes/labs and honors.

As for the term "time-off" it's certainly misleading. I used it with my parents when I suggested the possibility and they assumed I was going to spend a year smoking pot or something while casually glancing at a GRE-prep book.

Also, the info about the 2-year commitment for paid RA positions is very helpful, I didn't know that. It seems like (paid) RA positions are becoming increasingly scarce (even though they always have been). If you're limited to a particular region they seem virtually impossible.

I'll be honest, the "year out of school to further my academic career" is looking more and more appealing. I haven't heard from anyone, at all, who felt like it was a bad move. I've heard nothing but positive reports.

 

[CharmedDiamond]

DEFINITELY take a year off. It's possible to do everything at once, but it's damn near impossible to do your best on it all if you're trying to balance it. Also, I had talked to many grad students about it when I was an undergrad. The ones who DIDN'T take a year off truly regretted it, and said they had to deal with a lot of burn out issues by the middle of graduate school. One person I know burned out so badly that she actually dropped out 🙁 Sanity is important. In the grand scheme of things, what's one year?

Ahh, guiltless reality TV. Gotta love it. 😀

 

[Sun Lips]

DEFINITELY take a year off. It's possible to do everything at once, but it's damn near impossible to do your best on it all if you're trying to balance it. Also, I had talked to many grad students about it when I was an undergrad. The ones who DIDN'T take a year off truly regretted it, and said they had to deal with a lot of burn out issues by the middle of graduate school. One person I know burned out so badly that she actually dropped out 🙁 Sanity is important. In the grand scheme of things, what's one year?

Ahh, guiltless reality TV. Gotta love it. 😀

Solid reasoning. I've heard nothing but similar things from current graduate students. By the 3rd year or so a lot of people who never took the time off tend to lose it, or so they say. Very interesting.

The case for "time off" is looking stronger every second. Thanks to everybody, the input has really helped me begin to figure this out.

 

[love2bfit]

By finding a meaningful research job in between undergrad and grad school, you will most certainly be ramping down the stress (which is a good thing!), but you will also be developing your research skills, forming important professional relationships that may carry you through important steps in your career, and narrowing down your own interests for graduate school. You will also be earning money, which will be nice before commiting to how ever many years of living on a small wage (even funded programs are not going to pay a whole lot in the grand scheme of things!).

I completely agree. I'll start with this disclaimer: if you feel like you are truly ready, by all means apply! As someone who felt intense pressure to go to grad school straight out of undergrad (partly due to the poor economy, partly due to my own neuroses!), I understand how you feel. I jumped into a masters program (in another field) and immediately felt burned out from having no break from school, and ended up leaving the program (for lots of reasons I won't go into here). Since then, I have been working as a RA and it has really been an amazing experience. Not to mention I'm rebuilding my emotional/mental health and love making a salary (and having free time!). I plan to take the next year or two to find out exactly what it is I'd like to go back to graduate school for. While it was a really tough decision for me to leave grad school, I think it was the best decision I could have made for myself. Good luck!

 

[Sun Lips]

I completely agree. I'll start with this disclaimer: if you feel like you are truly ready, by all means apply! As someone who felt intense pressure to go to grad school straight out of undergrad (partly due to the poor economy, partly due to my own neuroses!), I understand how you feel. I jumped into a masters program (in another field) and immediately felt burned out from having no break from school, and ended up leaving the program (for lots of reasons I won't go into here). Since then, I have been working as a RA and it has really been an amazing experience. Not to mention I'm rebuilding my emotional/mental health and love making a salary (and having free time!). I plan to take the next year or two to find out exactly what it is I'd like to go back to graduate school for. While it was a really tough decision for me to leave grad school, I think it was the best decision I could have made for myself. Good luck!

Thanks for sharing! Being honest with myself, I don't feel that I'm ready. And I completely empathize with feeling pressure to go straight there.

Something besides all the purely practical aspects (e.g., polishing my CV with a post-bach RA position, taking some more advanced statistics courses, more time to study for the GRE) is that I want to be sure that what I choose to specialize in is a passion. I don't want to spend 5-7 years researching a subject that doesn't get me out of bed in the morning.

 

[GottaGetDone]

Another alternative, and one I did- what about a masters program in psychology? It's a great way to start towards your goal while getting research experience and course credits that may transfer and then make your load easier in a Ph.D. program. It can also show graduate programs that you're capable of handling graduate work. Also, if there's a program at a school you might be interested in, it's also a great way to get your foot in the door in some cases.