OFFICIAL 2009 Interview Invite Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Status
Not open for further replies.
Members don't see this ad.
anxiousleigh said:
I emailed a few of my POI's and they were all VERY nice and gave me a speedy response. In fact, I just got MY FIRST INTERVIEW INVITE (YAYYY!) tonight from my POI at University of Houston and I emailed him last week regarding my status. I think that it is acceptable.
Click to expand...

I'd be interested in hearing how you worded the emails as well. Thanks!
 
How do you guys answer "why do you want to be a psychologist" question? Pretty standard and not too difficult, but just wondered.
 
Has anyone heard from the the Counseling Psych program at the University at Albany?
 
I said the following. I should note though that I only sent this to the POI's that emailed me back from my initial "I am applying this year and interested in your research" email. I felt that they were positive in their response back to me the first time.

"I apologize for emailing you at this very hectic application time. I
am applying for clinical programs this year and University of ____________ is my top choice! As I mentioned in my November email, I am very
interested in your research given our shared interest in the _________
population. I was curious if any or all of the interview invites had
been handed out yet? I am trying to coordinate my interviews to ensure
that there is not a scheduling conflict. I also understand if this is
not something you can comment about. I will continue my quest to get a
response from the department.

Thank you,"

Hope that helps. Like I said, I received responses from all the POI's that I emailed and they were all friendly and understanding, even the ones that were emailing back to tell me I did not make the cut.
 
This whole grad school process is so frustrating. Out of the 12 schools I have applied to I have only heard from 4 of them (3 being a no), and I know the rest have already offered invitations. I know that rejection notification letters are not their top priority but it would be somewhat nice to know where you stand in their applicant pool.

Ok, end of rant.
 
If it helps, one of my programs has even sent out acceptances and my status still says "Routed."
 
contacted by POI via email today. interview march 6-8th!!!😀
 
hermionephd said:
With whatever the truth is!
Click to expand...

I plan on saying, "To become rich, famous, and universally admired." Isn't that why most people become graduate students?

Um, seriously though, if the truth is that you want to want to do clinical practice - don't say that. At least at most clinical P.h.D. progarms. Research is king!
 
I'm really tempted to say "So I can become a minion of Lord Xenu."

But I won't!
 
Just received a phone call this morning from my POI to interview at Wichita State University for their Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program (community emphasis). The primary interview date is Feb 20 but my POI also offered Feb 13 as an option.
 
kestrelcry said:
I plan on saying, "To become rich, famous, and universally admired." Isn't that why most people become graduate students?

Um, seriously though, if the truth is that you want to want to do clinical practice - don't say that. At least at most clinical P.h.D. progarms. Research is king!
Click to expand...

If all they want to do is practice, then they shouldn't be applying to a program where the training is geared toward future professors/researchers. It's one thing to stretch your specific research interests to fit more perfectly with a particular professor, it's another thing to totally stretch your career goals such that you're getting into a program that is a terrible fit.

BUT you have a point. Luckily, for many of us, the truth is usually a match for that program.

🙂
 
I said outright in my SOP that I wanted to both do research and practice, so they should already know that those are my goals. 😀
 
Email for interview from Grad program director 2/5

Interview March 6th
 
SourPatchKid said:
the experimental track is a part of the clinical track. take a look on their website to see where your professors of interest are - and you'll see if their part of the experimental track (there are two others - i don't remember what they are though)
Click to expand...




oops my bad! sorry.
so ppl have heard from the exp psy track but not neuro or health?
 
cara susanna said:
I said outright in my SOP that I wanted to both do research and practice, so they should already know that those are my goals. 😀
Click to expand...

i said that too... i feel like the whole research/practice things is a big debate. i applied only to programs that combined research and practice (and were not solely research based), but even at those programs, i'm getting the sense that practice as a goal may still be looked down upon. why is this?? maybe this is a lesson to me that i applied to the wrong field! 😡
 
I feel like when applying to a scientist/practitioner modeled school they expect you to be somewhat interested in practice (even if it's just part time). From what my POI's said in emails, they too do some clinical work (you can even do clinical work in your research but using new types of CBT). If you said you ONLY wanted to be a clinician they would probably outright reject you because PsyDs are more geared towards that career path. IMO.

saribou13 said:
i said that too... i feel like the whole research/practice things is a big debate. i applied only to programs that combined research and practice (and were not solely research based), but even at those programs, i'm getting the sense that practice as a goal may still be looked down upon. why is this?? maybe this is a lesson to me that i applied to the wrong field! 😡
Click to expand...
 
saribou13 said:
i said that too... i feel like the whole research/practice things is a big debate. i applied only to programs that combined research and practice (and were not solely research based), but even at those programs, i'm getting the sense that practice as a goal may still be looked down upon. why is this?? maybe this is a lesson to me that i applied to the wrong field! 😡
Click to expand...

I agree, and I said I wanted to do both in my SOP as well. I was speaking about people who only want to do clinical practice and have a tangential interest in research.
 
My research adviser seems to think that people who want to just do practice, but want a free ride (funding-wise) in grad student are trying to sneak into clinical phd programs left, right, and center, and that therefore professors are wary. I don't know why in particular why he thinks that - or how true it is. I said I wanted to do both in my SOP, too, and I was also very careful to talk about the practice in the context of research. (inspiring ideas for more research, etc.) I also made it very clear it is my secondary interest. Mind you, I'm not saying that I have any more insight into this than anyone else - I'm just going off the advice my adviser gave me.

Oh, this on the other hand, I've heard a lot of places: just cause the insider's guide says a school is evenly balanced clinically and research-wise doesn't make it so. It often seems to underestimate the research bent.
 
I was just emailed by my POI at University of North Texas who told me that the two interview dates for the Clinical PhD would be Friday, 2/27 and Monday, 3/2. Not sure about the 2/13 date posted on the first page.
 
kestrelcry said:
My research adviser seems to think that people who want to just do practice, but want a free ride (funding-wise) in grad student are trying to sneak into clinical phd programs left, right, and center, and that therefore professors are wary. I don't know why in particular why he thinks that - or how true it is. I said I wanted to do both in my SOP, too, and I was also very careful to talk about the practice in the context of research. (inspiring ideas for more research, etc.) I also made it very clear it is my secondary interest. Mind you, I'm not saying that I have any more insight into this than anyone else - I'm just going off the advice my adviser gave me.

Oh, this on the other hand, I've heard a lot of places: just cause the insider's guide says a school is evenly balanced clinically and research-wise doesn't make it so. It often seems to underestimate the research bent.
Click to expand...

Free ride? Sneak in? I'm genuinely appalled at that kind of language or thinking. I mean, what does he think is going to happen: you get in, then refuse to do your dissertation, while laughing maniacally and rolling around naked in all of your free clinical training?
 
FranklinR said:
Free ride? Sneak in? I'm genuinely appalled at that kind of language or thinking. I mean, what does he think is going to happen: you get in, then refuse to do your dissertation, while laughing maniacally and rolling around naked in all of your free clinical training?
Click to expand...

Is that NOT what you are supposed to do when you are in a clinical psych PhD program...man, I better start rethinking plan B. I was really looking forward to some naked rolling too...
 
Yeah, God forbid that you think research informs practice and vice-versa, you know?
 
kestrelcry said:
My research adviser seems to think that people who want to just do practice, but want a free ride (funding-wise) in grad student are trying to sneak into clinical phd programs left, right, and center, and that therefore professors are wary. I don't know why in particular why he thinks that - or how true it is.
Click to expand...

This brings up a good point, although might be a bit cynical. I'm in a scientist-practitioner clinical PhD program. When I went in, I thought I would want to continue to do research. But as I got more experience in both sides, I've decided to go more clinical heavy. (not necessarily private practice, but med center staff psychologist.) The point I want to make is -- you don't ever really know for sure until you get the experience writing grants, developing research ideas, learning to do therapy, and seeing your own clients. Even in my research-oriented program, at least 50-60% of students go on to clinical careers. [Having that said, people are right, play up the research bit in your interviews] But also, know your audience. Some clinical researchers are NOT licensed and don't practice, but some are researchers who are also very good clinicians, and truly value your commitment to learning good clinical practice. Know who you're talking to when you're interviewing.

I wasn't 'looking for a free ride' nor trying to sneak in -- I'm doing the work, writing the dissertation, and yet decided that primary research is not the career for me. I VALUE research tremendously and really appreciate the training I've received. I'm also grateful I didn't pay $100k for my phd. Do what you need to do. Play the game, but be true to yourself. And give yourself permission to change your mind at any time. :luck:
 
For the people that heard from Seattle Pacific U....
Was this the only date that you were offered? I ask because I know that interviews are going to be held the 2nd and 3rd, and I'm trying to figure out if I'm out of the running. Also, was this a mass email?
 
FranklinR said:
Free ride? Sneak in? I'm genuinely appalled at that kind of language or thinking. I mean, what does he think is going to happen: you get in, then refuse to do your dissertation, while laughing maniacally and rolling around naked in all of your free clinical training?
Click to expand...

I don't know if you were just joking or not with not understanding what he meant... but I think what was meant is that students go into programs that expect their gradutes to do some research/teaching AFTER graduate school.. At school those people go through the motions of research knowing full well that when they get out, they won't be contributing research to the field at all. I know people who applied to these programs because they were "free" and are basically trying to do what was said because "you have to pay for a Psy D." So as appalled as you might be.. it actually happens haha.
 
Very well said. you brought up some great points. I don't know if you've answered this or if you're not comfortable answering this (which is fine) but what program are you attending?

Eruca said:
This brings up a good point, although might be a bit cynical. I'm in a scientist-practitioner clinical PhD program. When I went in, I thought I would want to continue to do research. But as I got more experience in both sides, I've decided to go more clinical heavy. (not necessarily private practice, but med center staff psychologist.) The point I want to make is -- you don't ever really know for sure until you get the experience writing grants, developing research ideas, learning to do therapy, and seeing your own clients. Even in my research-oriented program, at least 50-60% of students go on to clinical careers. [Having that said, people are right, play up the research bit in your interviews] But also, know your audience. Some clinical researchers are NOT licensed and don't practice, but some are researchers who are also very good clinicians, and truly value your commitment to learning good clinical practice. Know who you're talking to when you're interviewing.

I wasn't 'looking for a free ride' nor trying to sneak in -- I'm doing the work, writing the dissertation, and yet decided that primary research is not the career for me. I VALUE research tremendously and really appreciate the training I've received. I'm also grateful I didn't pay $100k for my phd. Do what you need to do. Play the game, but be true to yourself. And give yourself permission to change your mind at any time. :luck:
Click to expand...
 
FranklinR said:
Free ride? Sneak in? I'm genuinely appalled at that kind of language or thinking. I mean, what does he think is going to happen: you get in, then refuse to do your dissertation, while laughing maniacally and rolling around naked in all of your free clinical training?
Click to expand...

i know right, that is really amusing. i find that a lot of professors have VERY strong opinions about certain things, and i guess they feel that after a zillion years of schooling, they've earned the right to impart it directly to their students :laugh: i think personally, it's silly to think that we've got it all figured out right now. i'm sure our minds are bound to be swayed somewhere along the way... isn't that all a part of continuing to learn & grow as people? i think in the long run it's all about what you take out of the degree, and what you do with it.. not necessarily the path along the way!
 
p.s. whether you decide to go into research after graduation or not, i believe is your own personal decision. if you were able to get into the phd, and cut it long enough to do all the work, finish your dissertation, and all that, i think you earned the degree.

not only that, but there are advantages to having a phd that having a psyd doesn't give you, regardless of whether you research or practice. and if you have to go to school for 5+ years either way, you may as well try to get the phd. IMHO!

MorganLilith said:
I don't know if you were just joking or not with not understanding what he meant... but I think what was meant is that students go into programs that expect their gradutes to do some research/teaching AFTER graduate school.. At school those people go through the motions of research knowing full well that when they get out, they won't be contributing research to the field at all. I know people who applied to these programs because they were "free" and are basically trying to do what was said because "you have to pay for a Psy D." So as appalled as you might be.. it actually happens haha.
Click to expand...
 
Eruca said:
But also, know your audience. Some clinical researchers are NOT licensed and don't practice, but some are researchers who are also very good clinicians, and truly value your commitment to learning good clinical practice. Know who you're talking to when you're interviewing.
Click to expand...

I think the point about knowing your audience is a great point. If you think about it, who are the people on the admission committee? Also, would you identify a POI based on their practice or their research? As faculty members who are required (most likely than not) to research and teach but probably not to be licensed or practicing, it kind of makes sense when they probably consider the strengths of the program to be research and teaching oriented, not private practice.
 
Oh I totally agree with you. It IS your decision--- when you're already into the program. I actually plan on doing some research/teaching and then after, go work in an outpatient clinic. I'm just saying that in regards to GETTING into the programs, you have to at least show interest in research or you won't get be accepted (IE the many books/websites that say you won't get in with 1600 GRE and 4.0 without research experience) What I was trying to say is that there really are people who are applying to the programs knowing full well that they aren't going to do ANY research afterwards yet tell the profs what they want to hear just to get into the phd programs. After you're in, you can do whatever you want- they aren't going to revoke your acceptance. I'm just saying that there really ARE people who lie right off the bat just to get in. But i mean, if they get in- all the power to them.. its just going to be an awkward situtation when they come clean.
... imo.

saribou13 said:
p.s. whether you decide to go into research after graduation or not, i believe is your own personal decision. if you were able to get into the phd, and cut it long enough to do all the work, finish your dissertation, and all that, i think you earned the degree.

not only that, but there are advantages to having a phd that having a psyd doesn't give you, regardless of whether you research or practice. and if you have to go to school for 5+ years either way, you may as well try to get the phd. IMHO!
Click to expand...
 
HEM0305 said:
I think the point about knowing your audience is a great point. If you think about it, who are the people on the admission committee? Also, would you identify a POI based on their practice or their research? As faculty members who are required (most likely than not) to research and teach but probably not to be licensed or practicing, it kind of makes sense when they probably consider the strengths of the program to be research and teaching oriented, not private practice.
Click to expand...

i agree with that definitely... i just think in the end, what you decide to do w/ the degree is your own beeswax! 😀
 
nervecraze said:
For the people that heard from Seattle Pacific U....
Was this the only date that you were offered? I ask because I know that interviews are going to be held the 2nd and 3rd, and I'm trying to figure out if I'm out of the running. Also, was this a mass email?
Click to expand...

So I just emailed the Department over at Seattle Pacific about the status of their interview invites. This is what I received in return- uhhh?

"I wanted to get back to you to let you know that we will be sending out letters this week on the status of your application. Thank you."
 
Contacted by phone on 2/5 (by an administrator in the Psych department) for an interview on 2/20. I'm so excited! 😀
 
Anyone know what's going on with their interview process? all invites extended yet? Only school I've heard almost nothing about recently....
 
rinna36 said:
So I just emailed the Department over at Seattle Pacific about the status of their interview invites. This is what I received in return- uhhh?

"I wanted to get back to you to let you know that we will be sending out letters this week on the status of your application. Thank you."
Click to expand...

Thanks for calling! so hopefully that means they are still inviting people (we still have tomorrow!) and it doesn't mean you will be getting a rejection if you have not received an an invite yet.
 
saribou13 said:
i agree with that definitely... i just think in the end, what you decide to do w/ the degree is your own beeswax! 😀
Click to expand...

I agree - once you get a degree, who's to control your decision - but if you aren't into research that much, a PhD program is an awful long time to be forced to do it - not to mention masters thesis/equivalence and dissertation.
 
Carlene86 said:
Anyone know what's going on with their interview process? all invites extended yet? Only school I've heard almost nothing about recently....
Click to expand...


I've been waiting on them too!

Along with UT-Austin (anyone have any news??) and UNC-Greensboro (which I know are in the beginning phase of sending invites).
 
Sassafrass said:
Along with UT-Austin (anyone have any news??) quote]

Okay, so Austin is kinda complicated. There is no central interview date, so each poi is just scheduling things on their own time. People have been receiving invites, but according to the grad coordinator, this could keep going for awhile, since they are all doing it at their own pace. It is further complicated by the fact that some of the profs are using the coor. to contact the applicants (so she has a list of those), but other profs are contacting the applicants themselves (so the coor. does not know these). However, the profs ARE sending their rejections to the coor., so if you call her, she can tell you if you have been rejected already. So, basically, you can call her to see whether you have already been cut, but if you haven't heard anything, don't completely freak, 'cuz there is still a chance. It kinda all depends on whether your particular prof has sent all his/her invites out by now, or if they are being staggered, or, a number of other possibilities. Apparently, call in a week or two to check your name against the newly updated rejection list.
And before people ask, the coor. did not clarify whether this was a first pass through the applications, or not being on the reject list means that you have gotten through a first cut or something. In other words, she did not make it fully clear if they were offering invites on a first come, first serve kinda thing, or whether applications only get passed to the specific profs if they have met some sorta cut-off (meaning that those already rejected did not meet certain cutoffs). If someone else decides to call, PLEASE clarify this!
Hope this helps! And please let us know if you have heard back from someone at UT-austin about either an invite or a rejection! Thank!!!
Click to expand...
 
I'm going to be a board hog for the moment and ask everyone... er... not ask... BEG everyone that has had an interview (or perhaps one coming up) to PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE update the "Interview Feedback" section. It's a great tool but seems to have very few entries (and even fewer up-to-date entries).

For those that are really new here... the link is on the top right of the screen and provides information from your interview with everything from impressions of the program to what questions you were asked!

I know a lot of people are apprehensive about posting their questions from their recent interview... because they don't want to give their "competition" a one-up... but I think it has less to do with preparation of specific questions (plus you would sound like you were reading from a script) and more about calming nerves and knowing generally what to expect! So help out your fellow Psych-Wannabes... and spread some love! 😍
 
mmm...>I'm so happy I love research! Can't wait to do it for 5 years- or the rest of my life for that matter! 😍 I am a terrible liar too, so I'm glad I don't have to lie about my love for research in my interviews. HAHA
 
Sassafrass said:
I'm going to be a board hog for the moment and ask everyone... er... not ask... BEG everyone that has had an interview (or perhaps one coming up) to PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE update the "Interview Feedback" section. It's a great tool but seems to have very few entries (and even fewer up-to-date entries).

For those that are really new here... the link is on the top right of the screen and provides information from your interview with everything from impressions of the program to what questions you were asked!

I know a lot of people are apprehensive about posting their questions from their recent interview... because they don't want to give their "competition" a one-up... but I think it has less to do with preparation of specific questions (plus you would sound like you were reading from a script) and more about calming nerves and knowing generally what to expect! So help out your fellow Psych-Wannabes... and spread some love! 😍
Click to expand...


I agree here. There are a ton of schools that have no feedback at all..and the ones that do mostly only have one or two reviews. As a hopeful grad student, I would be thrilled to see more 🙂
 
I was just wondering if anyone has heard from their POI at the University of Houston today... any takers?
 
Someone posted earlier that all invites have been sent out for the clinical psych program at NIU. I called the graduate school to confirm if a decision had been made on my file and they told me that they never received my personal statement. This was obviously upsetting as they had confirmed that all my materials had been received back in December when I called. They said I could still fax over my personal statement for review. About 3 hours after I did I received a call from my POI inviting me for an interview. She also let me know that NIU experienced some problems with their computer system.

Moral of the story- check, double check, and triple check that all materials have been received, especially if you applied to NIU.
 
Has ANYONE on here heard anything from GWU's Clinical Ph.D. program? We've got a few invites for the psy.d., but I havent heard anything about the ph.d. Have they extended any invites for that yet?
 
edpsych said:
Someone posted earlier that all invites have been sent out for the clinical psych program at NIU. I called the graduate school to confirm if a decision had been made on my file and they told me that they never received my personal statement. This was obviously upsetting as they had confirmed that all my materials had been received back in December when I called. They said I could still fax over my personal statement for review. About 3 hours after I did I received a call from my POI inviting me for an interview. She also let me know that NIU experienced some problems with their computer system.

Moral of the story- check, double check, and triple check that all materials have been received, especially if you applied to NIU.
Click to expand...

Argh. I mean, I'm happy that it worked out for you, but how many people just didn't get an offer because the school messed up?

Answer: more than none.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

N
Postdoc Interview Invitation Thread 2025-2026/2027
Replies
8
Views
5K
BendDontBreak
B
A
APPIC 2025-2026 Interview Thread and Sheet
Replies
25
Views
15K
PsychPsychBaby
PsychPsychBaby
theSteppenwolf
Neuropsychology Postdoc Interview Invitation Thread Summer/Fall 2024-2026
Replies
10
Views
5K
theSteppenwolf
theSteppenwolf
abouttobeadoctor
  • Locked
Deleting this thread. Thank you.
Replies
29
Views
2K
MCParent
MCParent
abouttobeadoctor
APPIC Internship Phase II Interview & Support Thread (2024)
Replies
7
Views
4K
theSteppenwolf
theSteppenwolf
Top