Hi everyone,
I'm new to the forum and I have a couple of questions to ask.
I am a recent Human Development grad from UC Davis. I was a transfer student. I was in high honors in community college and had a 4.0 gpa the first year and then a 3.4 the second year and third year. I went into UC Davis not knowing what I wanted to do afterwards. I knew I wanted something related to therapy/ counseling. I did not do well my first quarter; my advisor said it was because I was getting used to the system difference (quarter vs. semester). I did better the next quarter, but then my husband's immigration (deportation) court date was getting closer. I'm always afraid of mentioning this because people think I use it as an excuse, but it really affected me. -I was depressed and on meds and even had to drop a course because I could no longer concentrate and sleep. I had trouble for a couple quarters, but this last two quarters helped me a lot. I ended with a 2.5 gpa. I am even embarrassed to say it because it's extremely low. I know that I am capable of doing much better, but I was focused on finding solutions to stop my husband's deportation. I do not know where to apply now that I graduated. I want to go to graduate school, but I do not know if a program would even consider me because I do not have any research to back me up. I did a "practicum type" class in UCD in the Center for Child and Family Studies. It was a program designed to work with children in a group setting. We learned about their development and applied theory and research to enhance children's development, but it was only for a quarter. I have mainly focused on "giving English classes" to people that didn't speak English from my home and being a translator for immigration cases and court cases (criminal/family law). I did not give legal advice (just translated documents or through the process). I don't think this helps, but I will just throw it out incase it does.
I am currently preparing myself for the GRE. I think I might have 1 or 2 good LOR, but perhaps not that strong.? Because I knew them for a couple of months and a couple of classes.
I have decided to find a job (if I can find any) or volunteer as a counselor at a mental health institute (because mental health is my main interest) or as a substance abuse counselor. If I do not get a job, I might volunteer at several places at the same time. I'm not sure where I can find a research opportunity because I have graduated.
Wow. long story. I'm sorry about all the details. I'm just desperate for help. I have read into MFT, LCSW, and LPC, but I do not know what to do. My first option was MFT, but most programs need a 3.0 gpa. Those that don't are mainly professional schools like (Phoenix, Alliant, etc.) I've read so many bad reviews about them that I feel it would be a complete waste of money to go that route. I saw Sac State has it and it's close to Davis, but how can I be a stronger candidate? During my "low point- depression" I went to see an MFT and I loved what she did, but my dream was/is to get a PhD. in Clinical Psychology (I rather focus on counseling and not research). After this long story and feeling hopeless, does someone think I have a chance to fix my future? How can I spend this year becoming a stronger candidate? Thank you all very much!
I'm new to the forum and I have a couple of questions to ask.
I am a recent Human Development grad from UC Davis. I was a transfer student. I was in high honors in community college and had a 4.0 gpa the first year and then a 3.4 the second year and third year. I went into UC Davis not knowing what I wanted to do afterwards. I knew I wanted something related to therapy/ counseling. I did not do well my first quarter; my advisor said it was because I was getting used to the system difference (quarter vs. semester). I did better the next quarter, but then my husband's immigration (deportation) court date was getting closer. I'm always afraid of mentioning this because people think I use it as an excuse, but it really affected me. -I was depressed and on meds and even had to drop a course because I could no longer concentrate and sleep. I had trouble for a couple quarters, but this last two quarters helped me a lot. I ended with a 2.5 gpa. I am even embarrassed to say it because it's extremely low. I know that I am capable of doing much better, but I was focused on finding solutions to stop my husband's deportation. I do not know where to apply now that I graduated. I want to go to graduate school, but I do not know if a program would even consider me because I do not have any research to back me up. I did a "practicum type" class in UCD in the Center for Child and Family Studies. It was a program designed to work with children in a group setting. We learned about their development and applied theory and research to enhance children's development, but it was only for a quarter. I have mainly focused on "giving English classes" to people that didn't speak English from my home and being a translator for immigration cases and court cases (criminal/family law). I did not give legal advice (just translated documents or through the process). I don't think this helps, but I will just throw it out incase it does.
I am currently preparing myself for the GRE. I think I might have 1 or 2 good LOR, but perhaps not that strong.? Because I knew them for a couple of months and a couple of classes.I have decided to find a job (if I can find any) or volunteer as a counselor at a mental health institute (because mental health is my main interest) or as a substance abuse counselor. If I do not get a job, I might volunteer at several places at the same time. I'm not sure where I can find a research opportunity because I have graduated.
Wow. long story. I'm sorry about all the details. I'm just desperate for help. I have read into MFT, LCSW, and LPC, but I do not know what to do. My first option was MFT, but most programs need a 3.0 gpa. Those that don't are mainly professional schools like (Phoenix, Alliant, etc.) I've read so many bad reviews about them that I feel it would be a complete waste of money to go that route. I saw Sac State has it and it's close to Davis, but how can I be a stronger candidate? During my "low point- depression" I went to see an MFT and I loved what she did, but my dream was/is to get a PhD. in Clinical Psychology (I rather focus on counseling and not research). After this long story and feeling hopeless, does someone think I have a chance to fix my future? How can I spend this year becoming a stronger candidate? Thank you all very much!
