Minority Student & Clinical PhD/PsyD Programs

[doktor yoyo]

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[thewesternsky]

Hi, and welcome to the board!

Regarding your first question, a prof who frequents one of the threads on this board to answer questions addressed it recently. His response was that "I think most programs recognize that the GRE may be biased, and that a broader range of GREs should be considered when looking at scores of under-represented ethnic minorities. In addition, many schools would like to increase their diversity, so extra efforts to recruit ethnic minorities may be evident in some programs."

So, your answer-- There might be some special considerations, but this will depend on the program. I don't know of any programs off-hand that have an explicit (or implicit, even) special consideration policy, but it can't hurt and might help.

I have no data at all on your second question, I'm sorry. I can tell you about the acceptance and completion rates in general, though I have no data on whether the minority data are different. The general acceptance and completion rates vary by program, but for funded Ph.D. programs tend toward the "5-10% accepted/80-90% completion" range.

Ph.D. programs tend to be fully-funded. The better Psy.D. programs are fully-funded. I know next to nothing about unfunded Psy.D. programs; sorry. (And with your stats, the odds of you getting into a funded program are pretty good, so I wouldn't worry too much about this aspect).

A grad level course or two wouldn't hurt, if you did well in it, but it's by no means necessary, and your effort might be better spent elsewhere (getting more breadth in undergrad psych classes, GRE-studying, more research experience, working on crafting excellent statements of purpose, etc.)

Good luck! Your stats are great-- Take some GRE practice tests and see how much you need to study. You'll want to score at least 1200 combined, and the higher the better. Also, be prepared to answer the "Why the switch from Public Health?" in your statement and/or during interviews.

 

[psybee]

Happy Sunday,

Mental Status:
I'm a tad nervous about applying for a PhD. I think I stand a chance of getting accepted, but I'm doubting myself after scanning some threads. I plan to take the PSY GRE in April and the General GRE in August. Currently, I'm taking 2 undergraduate PSY classes, and plan to take final PSY class this summer.


About Me:
female, mid 20s, african american, master degree (MPH) w/ 3.5 GPA, published, research experience at teaching hospital, clinical experience, 3.8 GPA for PSY classes, PI for NSF funded-research study.

Questions:
Are there any benefits or special considerations for minority students?
What are the national acceptance/completion rates for minorities?
Any special treatment for low-income students? Fee waivers?
Do I need to take any graduate level PSY classes?

I know at a few of the schools I applied to there are minority fellowships which provide an extra source of funding to already accepted applicants, and I also know some schools offer waivers for the application fees, although many don't. From what I can tell the desire for diversity, at good schools, does not allow for any sacrifice in quality or admissions standards. Rather, from what I have seen there are extra enticements and supports (like special fellowships and grants) for already accepted students.

 

[JockNerd]

Are there any benefits or special considerations for minority students?

Any benefits you might see from ethnic/racial minority status are going to be dwarfed by the benefits from the publications and solid research experience you have.

You can get fees waived in some places if you ask nicely and explain that you're not in a good financial situation. At some places you have app fees for the graduate school and the program separately; you might be able to get the program fee waived.

 

[doktor yoyo]

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