how good does TAing for intro psyc class look for clinical psyc phd programs?

[DeterminedGirl4]

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I am currently in my senior yr in my undergrad studies at a top 20 school and have gotten the opportunity to TA for an intro psych class.

Good things about this is I will have the chance to get to know another professor (good for future recs, references, etc) and put it on my resume when I apply for clinical psych phd programs. I also think it would actually be kind of fun to TA and share my passion for psyc w/ younger students. However, it does seem like it will require a substantial amount of work as I will have to hold office hours and actually read the assigned readings, etc. I don't have to grade papers/tests tho.

My question is, all things aside, how good does it look/relevant is it to have undergrad TA experience on applications to clinical psych phd programs??

Honest feedback is appreciated 🙂

 

[Syzygy117]

BAMP

I'm in a similar situation.

😕

 

[Ollie123]

Its not bad to do - any psychology-relevant experience is only going to help you. However, I cannot fathom this ever being a major factor in admissions. Admissions is so competitive, I'd encourage people to do everything they can, but I can't see being an undergrad TA ever making or breaking an application. If you'd like to and think it would be fun, go for it. If this would cut into your TV watching, I'd probably recommend doing it. If this would cut into time you spent in a lab doing research that you might publish and/or present at a conference, then the research will help 100x more than TAing will.

 

[deleted343839]

My question is, all things aside, how good does it look/relevant is it to have undergrad TA experience on applications to clinical psych phd programs??

It's a nice thing to have done in that it suggests you are mature, responsible, and sufficiently well versed in the subject matter to take on this role. But it does not carry the same weight as having research experience, and certainly not the weight that a research presentation or publication would carry. I would put it on par with having done some sort of mental-health related volunteer work or something like that. It will not give you a real edge over other applicants, but it will be a bit of polish on your overall image. If you possibly can get some research experience, do that in addition (or instead, if you need to choose between the two).