MA going back for a PhD...

[socialcog]

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Is there anyone out there that returned to school to go for a PhD who already had a MA in psychology? I am curious about the process and would love to hear your experience.

I am a MA psychotherapist in private practice and I want to return to study Social Cognition research. I have been out of academia for some time now (11 years since grad school and 15 since undergrad). I know I am an unconventional prospect and I want to know your opinions on how I might measure up against the younger competition.

If you were wondering about my profile...my stats are strong with the exception of my undergraduate GPA...which is sub-par (3.0). Since graduation I have accrued a strong graduate GPA (3.9), strong (enough) GRE(V:580, Q:700,A:5.5), research experience in a neuroscience lab the past year and tons of clinical practical experience, my statement is excellent and I have very supportive recommenders (non-academics although).

What have the rest of you MA to PhD bound prospects done? Give me an idea. Any feedback is very much appreciated.

 

[CheetahGirl]

I'm going back for my PhD after obtaining my MA. Earning my PhD has always been my goal. Like you, I have been out of undergrad for some time and I wanted the MA to reclaim myself in academia.

Your stats look promising. I encourage you to go for it. Being an unconventional applicant isn't necessarily a disadvantage. It may draw more attention to you by showing your dedication to the profession and your desire to continue growing in the field. You should investigate programs that have a strong match in interests. Depending on which programs you choose, you may want to reconsider taking the GREs to increase your verbal score slightly. Also, do you think you could contact at least one of your former professors? It may be beneficial to get support from at least one person who knew what kind of student you were.

The fact that you have clinical experience plus research experience adds to your unique strengths, which many other applicants may not have had the opportunity to foster. This is your advantage and use it as one (e.g. in your personal statement, discussions during interviews).

I have a question for you: after practicing as a psychotherapist, how do you think the PhD will enhance your specific career? Would you continue to practice or plan to do research?

Good luck with your decision!

 

[socialcog]

Thanks for the encouraging words. I am planning to close my private practice indefinetely, perhaps forever. It is my aim to pursue research in developmental social cognition. My interests lie primarily in 2 domains. First in the study of emotional regulation and psychopathology (mood disorders and anxiety disorders) and those with neurodevelopmental disorders. The other research focus is related to intersubjectivity such as joint attention, empathy, mimicry...etc. My clinical background as a therapist lends itself to this pursuit. I have always placed a high value on relationships, which is the common variable between these 2 career paths, as divergent as they are.

Can you tell me a little more about how you came to decide? What were you doing pre-phd? what do you hope to do after? What is your research focus and why? How old were you when you committed to going back?

 

[CheetahGirl]

Can you tell me a little more about how you came to decide? What were you doing pre-phd? what do you hope to do after? What is your research focus and why? How old were you when you committed to going back?

Hi Socialcog ~ I decided to go back because it was [finally] the right time in my life (I'm in my 30s). Pre-PhD, I worked in a large medical institution doing medical/psychological research. I have been presenting our research at numerous conferences nationally and internationally (love to travel for work!), and have been included in several publications (although I only first-authored presentations, no first-authored publications as of yet). My personal research focus incorporated the work of my previous research positions.

I would like to work with highly stressed populations (persons with either short term or long term stressors) in a large medical institution. My research interest is vague because I am starting my PhD program now. I do not want to pigeonhole myself into a particular area until I learn of all areas in depth and decide what is best for me and my abilities. When I interviewed for different programs, I did not want my interviewers to think that I was "set in my ways," and non-malleable.

Therefore, as it awesome (and time-saving) that you know your focus and direction, you may want to back down a bit in your personal statement to reveal more about how you arrived at your interests rather than the ways you will conquer the earth once you obtain your PhD. Your personal statement is a rare opportunity to talk about yourself and say "these are all the wonderful (or not-so-wonderful) things about me and my life." Just my opinion....hope this helps. 😉