Pleeeease read my Thread: MS Vs. PsyD...Which should I apply to?

[LicyLovesPsych]

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I apologize if this thread is repeative, I've searched for anwsers but just couldn't find one that I felt pertained particullary to me. I plan on attending Grad school in FA2010, yet I'm confused on where to apply and if I have any chance of getting accepted in PsyD programs.

Basics about me: BA in Psych Cum GPA: 3.4, Psych GPA: 3.6, Possible Junior/Senior GPA: 3.8
-Internship at Sheppard Pratt- Trauma Unit, with patients suffering from PTSD and DID
-Worked at camp with children who suffered from behavioral and developmental problems
- Presented research presentations (3 to be exact), 1 independent, 2 group
-Mentored at a youth group for young girls
-Member and on the board of Psi Chi & Community Service Organization etc...
-Well liked by professors at college (which means I could pull great recommendations)
-GRE: haven't taking them yet, but a little worried, didn't do very well on SAT's in highschool (not the best test taker)

Overall I'm Very passionate about psychology, so no matter how long it takes or hoops and hurdles i have to go over I will eventually fufill my goals. But its sooo nerve recking trying to make a decision on what path I should and can take. Do I have what it takes to apply to PsyD programs and if so which ones??? If not what should I do to boost my chances...Get a Masters??? IF so, where, and which one are accredited, have funding and is worth it if I'm still pursuing my of education to get a PsyD. I live in PA, I'm willing to travel for school, but would mainly like to stay on the East Coast.

-School reccomendations would be great both Psyd and MA...I find it very hard to find much information about programs on the internet and testimonials would be Great!
-School I've been looking at: Widener (PsyD), LaSalle (PsyD), Loyola (PsyD), PCOM (MA: Counseling & Clinical Health), Chestnut Hill C (PsyD), Columbia Teachers College(MA: Personality and Psychopathology), Rutgers Camden (MA: General Psych)

 

[deleted176373]

Sounds like you have a decent package, one that with GOOD GRE scores might get interviews at Rutgers or Baylor's Psy.D. programs (both of which are FUNDED.)

Make the effort, get a 1300+ GRE score, just knuckle down and get it done. You can do it, you just have to keep working it until you think you can. Then test. The math is the easier area to improve your score on. A 700+ math score is not out of the question, you can do it, just really stay focused.

I am not saying it's easy, but if you want a shot at not having to pay for your Psy.D., you need to do as well on that test as you can. You're obviously capable, you have the GPA to show that you are capable. This test is a hurdle, but should you overcome it, you'll have a shot at some incredible opportunities as far as Psy.D.'s go. Baylor and Rutgers are the two best programs in the country when it comes to funding.

Good luck, keep your GPA up, make sure your research experience is decent, and really prep hard for the GRE. It could be worth $100k to do well.

Mark

 

[KillerDiller]

Sure, you will likely be competitive for the programs you list. However, I would strongly suggest holding out for a school that provides funding, be it a masters or doctoral program. There are huge issues with carrying a lot of debt while pursuing a career in psychology. Namely, psychologists typically do not make the salaries that doctors and lawyers do (these other professions are more capable of handling the professional school debt load).

At least some, and possibly all, the schools you list do not provide funding outside of student loans. Why not try for funded PsyD programs and/or balanced PhD programs?

And, since there is no limit to the programs you can apply to, you can also apply to masters programs in the same year (yes, some of those are funded as well).

 

[LicyLovesPsych]

Could you possibly suggest some PsyD and Masters programs which you know are funded...or provide me with information on how to find out.

Thanks!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

What do you want to do as a career?

You need to know this before you can really figure out if a MA/MS or doctoral degree will meet your need.

*edit*

MA/MS v. Ph.D/Psy.D is an apples and oranges comparison, which is why the above question is really important.

 

[KillerDiller]

Could you possibly suggest some PsyD and Masters programs which you know are funded...or provide me with information on how to find out.

Thanks!

Try doing a search of this forum for lists of funded masters programs. I know there have been several threads and so there are likely several different lists. The top funded general psych programs tend to be Villanova, Wake Forrest, and William and Mary. Some of these programs may only offer funding on a competitive basis.

I know that Baylor is a well funded PsyD program. I've heard that Rutgers is as well.

In general, you will find that applying to grad school requires a lot of leg work, not only to find the funded programs but to find the programs that match your research interests and fit your training needs.

 

[aagman01]

I really do not understand how everyone says Rutgers is so well funded.

I went to school there in undergrad, and knew some students in the professional psych college there. Most students are NOT funded well in either clinical or school psych Psyd program. Most students are funded well year 1 (although not full tuition + a sustainable stipend). Most students, except for the rare few who get onto a grant, get minimal funding. Unless you are independently wealthy or have wealthy family that will support you, be prepared to go significantly into debt at Rutgers (I love Rutgers, but don't love paying for grad school). Go Knights!!!

Try doing a search of this forum for lists of funded masters programs. I know there have been several threads and so there are likely several different lists. The top funded general psych programs tend to be Villanova, Wake Forrest, and William and Mary. Some of these programs may only offer funding on a competitive basis.

I know that Baylor is a well funded PsyD program. I've heard that Rutgers is as well.

In general, you will find that applying to grad school requires a lot of leg work, not only to find the funded programs but to find the programs that match your research interests and fit your training needs.

 

[thewesternsky]

I really do not understand how everyone says Rutgers is so well funded.

I went to school there in undergrad, and knew some students in the professional psych college there. Most students are NOT funded well in either clinical or school psych Psyd program. Most students are funded well year 1 (although not full tuition + a sustainable stipend). Most students, except for the rare few who get onto a grant, get minimal funding. Unless you are independently wealthy or have wealthy family that will support you, be prepared to go significantly into debt at Rutgers (I love Rutgers, but don't love paying for grad school). Go Knights!!!

Strange. The Rutgers official website (http://psych.rutgers.edu/graduate/clinical/index.html) contradicts this. The webpage states: "All students receive full financial support (a Fellowship, Teaching Assistantship, or Research Assistantship) that covers all tuition and provides an annual stipend ($19,000 in 2006-2007). All students are guaranteed support for five years provided they are in good academic standing."

ETA: Oops! Just realized I was looking at the page for the Ph.D program. That explains that. 🙂

 

[cara susanna]

My undergrad school offers an MS that is funded for some students. PM if you want more info.

 

[psychmama]

It's true that most of the Rutgers Psyd students don't receive full funding. However, there are a few things in the school's favor:

1) It's a state school so the tuition is lower, especially once you establish NJ residency.

2) The school usually gives enough funding to get you by for the first year, and after that most students have no trouble getting jobs or assistantships to help pay their way. There are TA and GA positions, some funded practica, and also many part-time jobs. For instance, I worked on a big NIH study doing assessments. The hourly rate of pay was decent (about $30/hr plus mileage). I also was awarded a GA last year that gave full tuition remission plus 20k stipend and benefits.

So...coming to Rutgers GSAPP for a Psyd probably won't be as cheap as getting a Phd at a funded program, but it's not that bad. As a trade-off, we don't have to work in someone's lab doing research (unless we want to).
IT depends on what you want, but I'd say the program is a decent value in the world of psyds.