Question about research/admission

[psych844]

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So my intention was to apply by Dec 1st 2016 to begin a Phd in Sept 2017. Unfortunately, I'll only be starting some research this January (so close a year worth of research before application deadline). Would a year be insufficient/not competitive to get into a fully-funded Phd program? Does it matter what role I played in that year? Could other factors (strong GRE off-set) the fact I won't have 2yr (I guess what you guys say is the average).

I guess I want to know if i should go through the pain of applying, or if I should just wait an additional year. Obv I don't want to waste money, time, and all the frustration of getting all the paper work into the Uni's if there is little chance. At the same time, I thought that maybe if i really targeted certain schools..that i could send in at least 2-3 applications and give it a shot anyway?

 

[Justanothergrad]

1. Everything depends on the program you apply to. So yes, GRE could offset, 1 year could be fine, etc. In this line, it also depends if you are looking for a practitioner-scholar, clinical-scientist, or boulder model program.

2. A year of research with products (posters, etc) would be more appealing than 3 years of research without any. While you are working in the lab, try to find a way to get your name on posters and become involved with as many different parts of the research process as possible. Those that can speak about the gestalt process of research are more appealing because they understand the 'thing' they are going to be doing for their dissertation and thesis. If you just run a participant and don't understand the methodological decision making process, you are not getting the critical element from the experience. What role will you have? What are you hoping to be in the process of doing by submission time in terms of products? Is there a part of the study that you can carve off and make your own? etc. etc.

3. Everything depends on what you want out of the programs you are applying to.

 

[psych844]

3. Everything depends on what you want out of the programs you are applying to.

As mentioned, I'd want a fully funded Phd program (a program with a good mix of research/clinical, or slanted towards more clinical would not be bad as well).

 

[psych844]

A year of research with products (posters, etc)

Could you explain how one makes it likely to get a poster? (without having to go to the $1 store and actually buying one)

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Could you explain how one makes it likely to get a poster? (without having to go to the $1 store and actually buying one)

A few ways: 1) demonstrating to the PI and her/his grad students that you're a responsible and diligent RA; 2) after getting your feet wet, volunteering for any new opportunities/roles that are offered; 3) actively seeking out additional responsibilities; 4) (perhaps the most basic) letting the PI and her/his grad students know that being on a poster is something in which you'd be very interested.

It'll depend on the lab as well. Some will attempt to actively engage undergrad RAs as much as possible, while others may take more campaigning on your behalf.

 

[psych844]

A few ways: 1) demonstrating to the PI and her/his grad students that you're a responsible and diligent RA; 2) after getting your feet wet, volunteering for any new opportunities/roles that are offered; 3) actively seeking out additional responsibilities; 4) (perhaps the most basic) letting the PI and her/his grad students know that being on a poster is something in which you'd be very interested.

It'll depend on the lab as well. Some will attempt to actively engage undergrad RAs as much as possible, while others may take more campaigning on your behalf.

thank you. And do you agree with the 1yr being ok depending on how involved I am in research/what sort of programs I target?

 

[smalltownpsych]

One strategy could be to apply to a select few sites the first year and see how it goes. Th application process can be challenging so if you don't make it in then you are more prepared the next year. Throughout my own process, I almost always had to take two tries for each step.

 

[bmedclinic]

One strategy could be to apply to a select few sites the first year and see how it goes. Th application process can be challenging so if you don't make it in then you are more prepared the next year. Throughout my own process, I almost always had to take two tries for each step.

That was my plan. Applied to 4 the first year (coming out of my masters -was sure I wouldn't get accepted, had a list of 14 for the next year). Got accepted in the first year, so it didnt matter.

 

[psych844]

That was my plan. Applied to 4 the first year (coming out of my masters -was sure I wouldn't get accepted, had a list of 14 for the next year). Got accepted in the first year, so it didnt matter.

Yeah..I think I'll end up doing that 🙂

 

[Justanothergrad]

As mentioned, I'd want a fully funded Phd program (a program with a good mix of research/clinical, or slanted towards more clinical would not be bad as well).

Sure, but that doesn't define what program atmospheres are like. Clinically focused programs may differ in what the want to 'fit' in the program. There isn't a one size fits all model, unfortunately, and that makes it difficult to offer guarantees. Most programs will have a mix of research and practice because much of the research is what funds. The best thing you can do is look at the programs you are tentatively interested in NOW and see what folks who go there look like in terms of competitiveness (products, GRE, research training, etc). Attend a conference (national) and go meet grad students- chat with them, ask them what the environment is like, what the school values and looks for in its students, etc. That will answer your question the best, specific to your needs.