Leaving one PsyD program for another?

[nolegal10]

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Hey all, I recently posted a thread here http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=1002819 saying how I left my PsyD program at Argosy after a year (for details about why see thread). I would like to get into a PsyD program somewhere else (and finish it!), however, I am concerned about how this would look to an admissions committee? Do I pretend like I never went to the school and just have a gap or do I submit my transcript from Argosy and hope that I am able to explain why I left? I wouldn't want them to worry that I would leave their program if I were accepted. Help? Suggestions?

 

[bcliff]

Hey all, I recently posted a thread here http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=1002819 saying how I left my PsyD program at Argosy after a year (for details about why see thread). I would like to get into a PsyD program somewhere else (and finish it!), however, I am concerned about how this would look to an admissions committee? Do I pretend like I never went to the school and just have a gap or do I submit my transcript from Argosy and hope that I am able to explain why I left? I wouldn't want them to worry that I leave their program if I were accepted. Help? Suggestions?

Legally/ethically/etc. I'm pretty sure you're obligated to share all of your experiences with a graduate institution. I imagine that it will hurt your chances, because they'll be weary of accepting a student who has a history of starting programs and quitting midway thru. I would emphasize the circumstances at Argosy that lead to your decision and make it as obvious as possible that whatever those circumstances were are not at play at XYZ program.

 

[nolegal10]

Thanks, that's kind of what I was thinking too.

 

[PHD12]

Thanks, that's kind of what I was thinking too.

Yeah, you will definitely have to provide transcripts from all institutions. I don't know if it will hurt you too much if you are able to provide a valid reason for why you left the program (e.g., large class size, apa match rates etc), and convince the new faculty that you are very committed to completing your degree. I think most people in the field know about argosy's reputation so they will be more likely to understand these issues.

If you want to be challenged, I would limit your PsyD search to university-based reputable programs with good outcomes (e.g. small class size, high APA match rates, high EPPP pass rates etc.). The problem you are going to have is that there aren't many PsyD programs that fit this description (baylor, rutgers come to mind).

 

[nolegal10]

Yeah, you will definitely have to provide transcripts from all institutions. I don't know if it will hurt you too much if you are able to provide a valid reason for why you left the program (e.g., large class size, apa match rates etc), and convince the new faculty that you are very committed to completing your degree. I think most people in the field know about argosy's reputation so they will be more likely to understand these issues.

If you want to be challenged, I would limit your PsyD search to university-based reputable programs with good outcomes (e.g. small class size, high APA match rates, high EPPP pass rates etc.). The problem you are going to have is that there aren't many PsyD programs that fit this description (baylor, rutgers come to mind).

Thanks!

 

[DynamicDidactic]

just a reminder: if you do not include all your transcripts you are being academically dishonest. Thus, after being accepted if you are found out you can be dismissed from the program. Furthermore, you need to provide all of your educational information for internship match. Again, if you are found out then you can be dismissed. The same works its way up throughout life. For me the risk is too great and I would definitely not "pretend like I never went to the school."

 

[nolegal10]

just a reminder: if you do not include all your transcripts you are being academically dishonest. Thus, after being accepted if you are found out you can be dismissed from the program. Furthermore, you need to provide all of your educational information for internship match. Again, if you are found out then you can be dismissed. The same works its way up throughout life. For me the risk is too great and I would definitely not "pretend like I never went to the school."

I didn't say that I wouldn't include them, I was just throwing options out there. But I will include them.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I would agree with PHD12: definitely be forthcoming from day 1 about both having left the program and your reasons why. I would think many/most faculty would understand why you decided to leave, and would hopefully not hold that against you (or perhaps even view it as a positive that you valued your training and the integrity of the field enough to leave the program despite having incurred a year's worth of tuition charges while also risking raising the former program's ire).

 

[JeyRo]

Programs that didn't look positively on your decision to leave Argosy might not be ones you'd want to attend anyways, perhaps. Just sayin'.

 

[Phipps]

Programs that didn't look positively on your decision to leave Argosy might not be ones you'd want to attend anyways, perhaps. Just sayin'.

I agree. However, prospective programs may also wonder about the probability that the OR might find reasons yet again to leave the program. I am not at all affiliated with Argosy and don't think highly of them. So, don't get me wrong. Just thinking in terms of dynamics and the complexity involved. There are most likely layers of making such a decision and I know that most grad students at one point or another entertain the thought of throwing the towel - without acting on it though.

 

[nolegal10]

I would agree with PHD12: definitely be forthcoming from day 1 about both having left the program and your reasons why. I would think many/most faculty would understand why you decided to leave, and would hopefully not hold that against you (or perhaps even view it as a positive that you valued your training and the integrity of the field enough to leave the program despite having incurred a year's worth of tuition charges while also risking raising the former program's ire).

I hope that others would understand my decision, and hope they view it as a positive too. That would definitely be a plus, but I'm not holding my breath. Thank you for your feedback.

Programs that didn't look positively on your decision to leave Argosy might not be ones you'd want to attend anyways, perhaps. Just sayin'.

Haha good point, thanks.

I agree. However, prospective programs may also wonder about the probability that the OR might find reasons yet again to leave the program. I am not at all affiliated with Argosy and don't think highly of them. So, don't get me wrong. Just thinking in terms of dynamics and the complexity involved. There are most likely layers of making such a decision and I know that most grad students at one point or another entertain the thought of throwing the towel - without acting on it though.

Yeah, unfortunately I thought about that too, but I guess it's just a risk they would be taking with me and a risk I definitely made for myself. It is definitely complex but I will just have to be honest. Thanks