Penn State Attrition Data

[samusb]

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Hey gang,
Does anyone know what's up with Penn State's attriton data?

http://psych.la.psu.edu/graduate/programareas/ClinicalGradStats2009-2.pdf

Of course, with such small class sizes, losing just one or two people can make a big impact on the percentage, but losing 4 people in a class of 11? And there have been but 2 years in the past 7 that have so far been spared.

My understanding was that it was a well respected program and there are some good matches there for me, so I just wanted to know if anyone had heard what may be behind this. Everyone leaving to become an NP?

THANKS

 

[Chenelsea3]

I can imagine the location might have something to do with it...it's soo rural. It's a great program, so I can imagine a lot of people thinking "it's not that bad, it's not my ideal location but I can deal with it for a few years to work with so and so..." and then finding out later they really can't deal.
Just a thought though... and a lot of people really do love it out there. I guess that's why they call it Happy Valley?

 

[olychick65]

When I interviewed there, I asked the DCT about it, and she blamed it on specific issues with the students (ex, "so-and-so wanted to move to this place to be with their boyfriend"). I'm not sure I think this excuse is particularly legit- you're right, the attrition number is much higher (the average over the past ten years is 21% if I remember correctly) than most other schools, even given the location. The school just has too much prestige to quit because it's out in the middle of nowhere.

My guess is that they either "weed out" students or there is a particularly difficult to work with faculty member there.

 

[INDIA2010]

hey fellows , any idea about the counseling program ..good ..bad...😛

 

[VeggieDelight]

I just started in the clinical program here. Yes, the attrition data scared me at first, and I would venture a guess that there's a bit of truth to each explanation- location, advisor, significant others, etc.. I don't know about "weeding out", as the program is fully funded and faculty members and students alike seem nothing but supportive; they stress the "professionalization" of students and treat them like colleagues. However, neither make an effort to hide that not everyone gets through the program. It is very, very demanding: thoroughly a clinical science model (an academy program), but they don't skimp on the clinical training. In fact, I was told during my interview that students might find the program skewed 60/40 towards clinical work many times throughout their training. On the research end of things adult track students have to complete 3 research projects (master's, minor, diss.) and child track students must complete a developmental minor which includes substantial additional coursework.

Hope this helps.

 

[INDIA2010]

Now thats looks like one approach -avoidance thing . Funded but difficult to get in and then various other negative news... .I think counseling psychology can also be expected to be running on the same lines .. what you think

 

[erg923]

What "various other negatives" do you see in the above statement?