Rejection after interviews

[affectiveH3art]

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After two interviews...rejected. I am so angry with this process. What to do now? I feel I have tarnished the reputation of my research lab. Each year everyone gets at least one offer. I have none. I have interviews for masters programs (3) and had 2 interviews for PhD. But after the rejection, how do I face everyone?

My father is a renown Stanford and Columbia grad, 5 + books, hundreds of articles published and one of three in his field.

Me? Just rejected from Counseling PhD programs. I have no backup and no moral support to do this again. Do I beg to be waitlisted from the PhD program, or beg to get into the program I was waitlisted in?

What do I do with myself? I kind of want to give up. Maybe this is not for me. Maybe I should go back to school and get prereqs for a PA. PA make enough to heal my ego. Go back to surgery where I love to work....


Or should I try to make an impression with waitlisted program? The offered in person interview for MA program but I decided to take telephone interview. Should I just fly out, make an impression and hope I get off waitlist?

I'm so upset, so torn and no one to turn to....🙁

 

[modestmousktr]

I understand your disillusionment, but you cannot feel alone in this process. When you see that a school you apply to has 400 applications for 10 spots, and your particular mentor is taking one student, you would have to be one in four hundred to get in. There are 390 people who feel just like you right now, some who maybe are even on their second and third round of apps.

It just takes time. You mention you love surgery... if that's the case, pursue it. You'll certainly make more money! And if it's your passion, maybe that is reflected in your interviews and this could explain the post-interview rejection.

Three students from my lab are accepted to PhD programs every year. This year, not a peep. It's tougher every year, so look at the credentials of those who were accepted and try to emulate them. That's what I'm doing 🙂. Also, I do feel personally embarrassed about my perceived lack of success this interview season- my dad does not have a high school education and my mom did not go to college. When I had an interview at a fully funded program they told EVERYONE they had ever met, and these family and friends started calling me "future doctor", ugh 🙁. Now I am 99% sure I've been rejected post-interview and have to face that, which is difficult. But when I see the applicants who are also trying to get in... they honestly have been at it much longer than I have. I put on y big girl pants, and hatch a contingency plan, because that's all there is!

You will get in. Just keep trying your best, every day. Unless you really want to be a PA- then go for it! I read they were ranked the 3rd best job in America. It's tempting, but I just can't stay away from clinical research!

 

[affectiveH3art]

Well I love research and want a respectable job too...I wish my surgical experience is what made me less than of a candidate...but that was never mentioned. I'm so depressed

 

[snater]

I got really down on myself last year after rejections. It felt like the end of the world. A year later, I've reapplied with stronger credentials. A year goes by fast and is what you make of it. Try not to be too hard on yourself.

 

[Doctor Eliza]

After two interviews...rejected. I am so angry with this process. What to do now? I feel I have tarnished the reputation of my research lab. Each year everyone gets at least one offer. I have none. I have interviews for masters programs (3) and had 2 interviews for PhD. But after the rejection, how do I face everyone?

My father is a renown Stanford and Columbia grad, 5 + books, hundreds of articles published and one of three in his field.

Me? Just rejected from Counseling PhD programs. I have no backup and no moral support to do this again. Do I beg to be waitlisted from the PhD program, or beg to get into the program I was waitlisted in?

What do I do with myself? I kind of want to give up. Maybe this is not for me. Maybe I should go back to school and get prereqs for a PA. PA make enough to heal my ego. Go back to surgery where I love to work....


Or should I try to make an impression with waitlisted program? The offered in person interview for MA program but I decided to take telephone interview. Should I just fly out, make an impression and hope I get off waitlist?

I'm so upset, so torn and no one to turn to....🙁

Wait, were you rejected or wait listed? There is a world of difference between those two. Wait lists are an important part of the admissions process and depending where you are on the list, you may still have a great shot of being accepted. It's not like being wait listed when seeking admission to UG.

Hang in there,
Dr. E

 

[Psychadelic2012]

I put on y big girl pants, and hatch a contingency plan, because that's all there is!

This. Build a life. It's not just about "getting in," it's about doing what makes you want to get up in the morning. It's just like falling in love, you have to feed yourself first before you can fully engage with another. Admissions committees will see that and, I believe, they want people who are so caught up in their interests that giving up isn't an option.

 

[affectiveH3art]

Wait, were you rejected or wait listed? There is a world of difference between those two. Wait lists are an important part of the admissions process and depending where you are on the list, you may still have a great shot of being accepted. It's not like being wait listed when seeking admission to UG.

Hang in there,
Dr. E

I was rejected post interview to 2 Phd programs, wait listed for a another PhD programs. So now I am focusing on interviewing for masters programs. I am aware that being waitlisted is significant (in some regards) but confused on where I stand (which is not unusual).

 

[affectiveH3art]

This. Build a life. It's not just about "getting in," it's about doing what makes you want to get up in the morning. It's just like falling in love, you have to feed yourself first before you can fully engage with another. Admissions committees will see that and, I believe, they want people who are so caught up in their interests that giving up isn't an option.

So true. I'm honestly over the strife (only took some much needed sleep) and now am determined to get into a masters program. LOL...I'm not on the same page as you in regards to falling in love. Rejection is similar to a break up though. Fortunately, I have moved on. I was in love, but they did not want me. So life goes on... 'tis ok. There are bigger things in life other than PhD programs...like a funded Masters program (so much better than min. funding in a PhD).

😍

 

[PHD12]

Personally, I would go to a PA program in a heartbeat over an MA program in psychology. Salary, demand, status is much higher for a PA than an MA level therapist. I think the median salaries for MA degree holders is something like 40K and many have a tough time with the job market.

 

[affectiveH3art]

Personally, I would go to a PA program in a heartbeat over an MA program in psychology. Salary, demand, status is much higher for a PA than an MA level therapist. I think the median salaries for MA degree holders is something like 40K and many have a tough time with the job market.

This is something I am thinking about...I have enough surgical experience as a nurse to know that the demand is obviously there.

Either way, I am awaiting until after April to decide on yet another career shift (back to my 2nd career). If there are no acceptances in my future I will be happy to take on another challenge in healthcare. And to think I used to complain about 60 hour work weeks filled with surgery ("I have no time to spend my money!"). LOL I remember a time where I went to Brazil for a week just to "spend time away from surgery."

 

[Doctor Eliza]

This is something I am thinking about...I have enough surgical experience as a nurse to know that the demand is obviously there.

Either way, I am awaiting until after April to decide on yet another career shift (back to my 2nd career). If there are no acceptances in my future I will be happy to take on another challenge in healthcare. And to think I used to complain about 60 hour work weeks filled with surgery ("I have no time to spend my money!"). LOL I remember a time where I went to Brazil for a week just to "spend time away from surgery."

Wait, you are already a nurse? Go to a NP program and specialize in psych! That would be awesome!!!!

 

[PHD12]

heheh....you will never feel like you "have too much money" and can't spend it as a psychologist or MA level therapist. What are the salaries like for nurses that perform surgery these days? I bet they are higher than early career psychologist salaries.

In terms of the NP option, i've met a few that split their time between psychotherapy and medication management, and some are engaged in research. You will not generally be trained in psychotherapy in graduate school but there are a plethora of postgraduate psychotherapy training programs (some only meet once/week) that you can do while you are working full-time. Instead of spending 8 years in training (with my fellowship), I would have opted to go this route if I knew about it.

 

[affectiveH3art]

Ahh yes, I wish I had applied this season for some of the weekend Masters programs (Darn!) because then I could fulfill both passions at once! What type of post-graduate programs for medication management come to mind? I was interested in some post PhD psychopharm programs but was unaware you could do it post MA ( i am assuming that is what you were talking about).

I would love to know of some programs that I am unaware of

 

[PHD12]

Ahh yes, I wish I had applied this season for some of the weekend Masters programs (Darn!) because then I could fulfill both passions at once! What type of post-graduate programs for medication management come to mind? I was interested in some post PhD psychopharm programs but was unaware you could do it post MA ( i am assuming that is what you were talking about).

I would love to know of some programs that I am unaware of

I was not talking about medication management. I was saying that if you go the NP route you can already prescribe and then you can add psychotherapy training once you graduate. This is not an MA program, but rather psychotherapy training institutes. They are more efficient, cheaper, and don't require another degree. I think they require 1 or 2 year commitments but you only have to attend once/week. There are also intensive trainings everywhere and you can also pay for supervision from an expert once you graduate. This is not to replace training in a PhD program, but to supplement your NP training if you want to do some limited psychotherapy.

 

[affectiveH3art]

Oh I see! It's something worth looking into. Especially considering I might be more competitive via that route versus the current one. I was not aware research was an opportunity in that field...hmmm the thoughts are brewing. Something to think about while I wait for my interview this morning. Thanx for the info! It helps to ease this process...

 

[affectiveH3art]

Wait, you are already a nurse? Go to a NP program and specialize in psych! That would be awesome!!!!

Unfortunately, I am not licensed (eh!). I went to nursing school and ended up getting a job as a surgical technician and never sat for the NCLEX ( I was too excited by my pretty job ). Odd but true. With my nursing experience I did work in psychiatric units, anesthesia ( I loved this job!), gastroenterology, etc...but with healthcare experience I know I will look good to Physician Assistant programs.

Sad that a lot of programs say I have a great background in healthcare yet still not chosen for PhD program. Eh...

 

[socialchick01]

Sad that a lot of programs say I have a great background in healthcare yet still not chosen for PhD program. Eh...

I know you mentioned Counseling Psych PhD programs... Curious if you've considered or looked into Behavioral Medicine/Health Psychology PhD? Hang in there. *Hugs*

 

[affectiveH3art]

I know you mentioned Counseling Psych PhD programs... Curious if you've considered or looked into Behavioral Medicine/Health Psychology PhD? Hang in there. *Hugs*

Thanx! You know I should have applied to those originally...I had a few in mind but thought it would look a little out there applying for Counseling & Behavioral Med....I should have trusted myself. Snap! Well maybe next year I will take a good long look at those programs

 

[Doctor Eliza]

Unfortunately, I am not licensed (eh!). I went to nursing school and ended up getting a job as a surgical technician and never sat for the NCLEX ( I was too excited by my pretty job ). Odd but true. With my nursing experience I did work in psychiatric units, anesthesia ( I loved this job!), gastroenterology, etc...but with healthcare experience I know I will look good to Physician Assistant programs.

Sad that a lot of programs say I have a great background in healthcare yet still not chosen for PhD program. Eh...

Not to derail too much, but I'm just interested. Any reason you are more interested in PA than NP? Couldn't you take the NCLEX at this point and apply to NP programs? I have never looked into either of these options, but my daydream is to some day look into direct entry NP programs so I can rx (psychologists don't have the opportunity for rx training in my state). It does seem that you hear a lot more about NP's than PA's nowadays and I wonder why that is...

Dr. E

 

[affectiveH3art]

Not to derail too much, but I'm just interested. Any reason you are more interested in PA than NP? Couldn't you take the NCLEX at this point and apply to NP programs? I have never looked into either of these options, but my daydream is to some day look into direct entry NP programs so I can rx (psychologists don't have the opportunity for rx training in my state). It does seem that you hear a lot more about NP's than PA's nowadays and I wonder why that is...

Dr. E

I did look into this route, however I was short some clinical hours so when I wanted to sit for the exam they stated I needed the program director to write a letter that I completed the program. Once I contacted the school I realized it had been closed and lost accreditation. ;( I could not even get credit to get a CNA license because school shut down. Once I realized I loved nursing I looked into nursing programs but they required more pre-reqs. At that point when I was already in anesthesia with more responsibility (propofol, narcotics, etc) than most nurses I decided to just work....Sad that the school closed- for low NCLEX scores. NP's are probably more popular because they are reimbursed programs ($$) if you are already a working nurse.

 

[derekream]

I used to be a nurse recruiter, and I would say that if it is possible, (I once considered doing this), get your BSN (if you don't already have it), do the 2 years of post BSN hospital work as a licensed RN and apply for the NP. Your average salary for Psychiatric NP's are the low $90K+, at least in Texas, but they tend to range around this. PA's typically make the same, again, at least in Texas. I used to work for a private practice that had 2 NP's and often probed them about this. One NP originally got her BA in psychology at UT Austin, had children, then went back to get her BSN, worked a couple of years then went to UTA for the MSN program in psychiatric NP.

I have been constantly going back and forth between the idea of going back to the community college I started out my undergrad. in to complete the pre-req's for medical school, which will at least take me 2 years. My current path has been researching (which I have been doing for the past 2 years) graduate programs in psychology and apply to them after I become proficient enough on the GRE.

 

[affectiveH3art]

I looked into PA programs today but it seems to be extremely competitive. Plus I would have to go back to get a handful of classes. So I wonder if PA programs are as competitive as they appear or possibly a better option over Phd programs in psych (?). They are two very different fields. It does have me very interested though...I need to lose my research job and go back to healthcare if I am going back to the PA idea.

 

[mrfox1]

I looked into PA programs today but it seems to be extremely competitive. Plus I would have to go back to get a handful of classes. So I wonder if PA programs are as competitive as they appear or possibly a better option over Phd programs in psych (?). They are two very different fields. It does have me very interested though...I need to lose my research job and go back to healthcare if I am going back to the PA idea.

is anything quite as competitive as PhD programs? I know PA programs are definitely hard to get into, but it seems like Psych PhD's are on a whole other level.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

is anything quite as competitive as PhD programs? I know PA programs are definitely hard to get into, but it seems like Psych PhD's are on a whole other level.

It's really going to depend on the particular psych Ph.D. program. Some have very sobering acceptance rates (e.g., 1-5%), while others may be upwards of 30-50%. In general, "traditional" and fully-funded clinical programs seem to hover in that 5 to 8-ish % range, at least based on the limited snooping around I did back when I applied. This would place them in the range of vet schools, and of course competitive med schools as well. Not sure how it stacks up to dental or pharm programs, though.

I also have no idea where counseling, school, or other (e.g., I/O, cognitive, developmental) psych programs fall, as all of the programs I looked into way back when happened to be clinical.

 

[JeyRo]

Personally, I would go to a PA program in a heartbeat over an MA program in psychology. Salary, demand, status is much higher for a PA than an MA level therapist. I think the median salaries for MA degree holders is something like 40K and many have a tough time with the job market.

If I had to do it over again, I might have actually done that - and specialize in geriatrics. A PA with gerontology specialization will be utterly overloaded with work and offers in the years to come, especially with all of the geriatrician and doctor shortages now baked into the cake (thanks Obamacare!).

 

[cara susanna]

This is a field full of rejection. Even if you get into a program, you will be rejected a lot throughout (rejected for practica, rejected for publications, rejected for internship, etc etc). So honestly, the application part is only the beginning.

 

[ResearchGirlie]

This is a field full of rejection. Even if you get into a program, you will be rejected a lot throughout (rejected for practica, rejected for publications, rejected for internship, etc etc). So honestly, the application part is only the beginning.

This is so true. It never feels good but it's the way of life in this field.

 

[PHD12]

This is a field full of rejection. Even if you get into a program, you will be rejected a lot throughout (rejected for practica, rejected for publications, rejected for internship, etc etc). So honestly, the application part is only the beginning.

Completely agree. For me getting into a good program was the easiest part. You have to be very resilient and persistent in this field. There are so many hoops and uncertainties. Even after landing an APA internship and putting in 6+ years, I still do not know if i will be able to get licensed in the state that I would like to practice in. Some states are really stringent and if you don't do a formal postdoc things can get tricky. I've met several people whose postdoctoral hours were rejected for various reasons (e.g., if the supervision agreement was not dated before they started). My lawyer friends who took the bar exam were licensed in multiple states right away (there is also reciprocity).

 

[affectiveH3art]

Completely agree. For me getting into a good program was the easiest part. You have to be very resilient and persistent in this field. There are so many hoops and uncertainties. Even after landing an APA internship and putting in 6+ years, I still do not know if i will be able to get licensed in the state that I would like to practice in. Some states are really stringent and if you don't do a formal postdoc things can get tricky. I've met several people whose postdoctoral hours were rejected for various reasons (e.g., if the supervision agreement was not dated before they started). My lawyer friends who took the bar exam were licensed in multiple states right away (there is also reciprocity).

I can accept rejection, but when I have a family things get tougher. It's one hurdle after another..

 

[dramaqueen616]

I was in your position last year and this is what I did. I asked the program I was wait-listed at if they would seriously consider an application from me in the future. When they said yes I asked the DCT and the mentor what I needed to do to improve my chances next year. They told me... and I did it. Plain and simple. I showed the initiative and gave them a reason to believe that I was cut out for this and this year I received six interviews and was accepted at the program that previously wait-listed me with other potential acceptances pending. Publish something if you can, and don't give up, most people go through multiple application cycles.

 

[PHD12]

I am a firm believer in persistence, but I also believe that life is short and that sometimes the "sunk-cost effect" clouds people's judgements. Spending 3 years of your life re-applying to graduate school and then another 6 years of school seems like way too much time and sacrifice to me. I would expect that only a small percentage of people in this field are so passionate that they can't imagine being happy doing anything else. I think most? people may feel like they invested too much or are too afraid of changing course and starting over. Sometimes I wonder If i stayed in clinical psychology because I didn't want to start from scratch in a new field.

 

[AnnoyedByFreud]

If people are interested in psych, it makes far more sense to become a psych NP than a PA, in my experience. Psych NPs get a lot more training in the field, are licensed to conduct therapy, etc. PAs receive no formal therapy training and only get the basic psych rotation (as they rotate through every medical field) while psych NPs devote all their NP training to psych (we take multiple classes in assessment, psychopharm, individual, family, and group therapy, etc).... it's very different. Plus, in many states you can always open your own practice with minimal overhead as a psych NP. Of course, that means you'll have to put up with becoming a RN first, but from my experience, basic RN work and being a psych NP are two extremely different jobs.

 

[deleted176373]

After two interviews...rejected. I am so angry with this process. What to do now? I feel I have tarnished the reputation of my research lab. Each year everyone gets at least one offer. I have none. I have interviews for masters programs (3) and had 2 interviews for PhD. But after the rejection, how do I face everyone?

My father is a renown Stanford and Columbia grad, 5 + books, hundreds of articles published and one of three in his field.

Me? Just rejected from Counseling PhD programs. I have no backup and no moral support to do this again. Do I beg to be waitlisted from the PhD program, or beg to get into the program I was waitlisted in?

What do I do with myself? I kind of want to give up. Maybe this is not for me. Maybe I should go back to school and get prereqs for a PA. PA make enough to heal my ego. Go back to surgery where I love to work....


Or should I try to make an impression with waitlisted program? The offered in person interview for MA program but I decided to take telephone interview. Should I just fly out, make an impression and hope I get off waitlist?

I'm so upset, so torn and no one to turn to....🙁

Wow, Sounds like a professor I know (Standford, Columbia, etc, etc). PM, me I'm curious.

Now back to your situation, because you are going to need a thick skin to get through all of this! This ain't easy, if it were, you wouldn't/won't be among the VERY few to be earning a Doctorate degree. Getting into quality placements is tough, but totally worth the struggle. You can't let anyone get in the way of that. If you want it bad enough, you'll find a way to make it happen.

Seriously, if I can do it, chances are you can too. I am not the smartest guy in the room by a long stretch and I am not particularly gifted in psychology. I am however as tenacious as a pit bull grabbing a child's arm. This is the real thing that sets me apart from just about everyone else. You need to figure out what sets you apart and exploit it.

If you want someone to vent to, feel free to PM, I've been through quite a bit of suffering at this point. It's a frustrating process.

M

 

[syzergy]

Seriously, if I can do it, chances are you can too. I am not the smartest guy in the room by a long stretch and I am not particularly gifted in psychology. I am however as tenacious as a pit bull grabbing a child's arm. This is the real thing that sets me apart from just about everyone else. You need to figure out what sets you apart and exploit it.

If you want someone to vent to, feel free to PM, I've been through quite a bit of suffering at this point. It's a frustrating process.

M

Hey. C'mon now, no need to fuel the pit bull stereotype. I rescued a pitty a few years ago and I've never had a more loving, friendly dog. I've volunteered at shelters since I was little and I want to take all the pups home. It breaks my heart that pit bulls get such a bad rap and people aren't willing to adopt such an amazing breed.

Plenty of other similes out there... e.g. tenacious as syzergy when she's on a quest for chocolate cake. 🙂 mmm chocolate noms.


affectiveH3art, I'm really sorry this app cycle isn't turning out like you hoped. I know it's not what you want to hear but a lot of people apply multiple times. Once you're in, you're in. No one cares that you didn't get in on your first try. My adviser didn't get in to grad school on her first shot but she tried again, got into a great program, landed a super prestigious internship and postdoc, and now she's a tenured professor. I hope you stick with it if you decide it's worth waiting another year!

 

[affectiveH3art]

Hey. C'mon now, no need to fuel the pit bull stereotype. I rescued a pitty a few years ago and I've never had a more loving, friendly dog. I've volunteered at shelters since I was little and I want to take all the pups home. It breaks my heart that pit bulls get such a bad rap and people aren't willing to adopt such an amazing breed.

Plenty of other similes out there... e.g. tenacious as syzergy when she's on a quest for chocolate cake. 🙂 mmm chocolate noms.


affectiveH3art, I'm really sorry this app cycle isn't turning out like you hoped. I know it's not what you want to hear but a lot of people apply multiple times. Once you're in, you're in. No one cares that you didn't get in on your first try. My adviser didn't get in to grad school on her first shot but she tried again, got into a great program, landed a super prestigious internship and postdoc, and now she's a tenured professor. I hope you stick with it if you decide it's worth waiting another year!

Unfortunately, that is how it is....oh well. I'm tired of talking about it. Waiting until April and waiting for masters acceptance. Until then I have no hope. So at least I am realistic

 

[deleted176373]

I love pit bulls Fwiw. Didn't intend anything bad by it, was just a poor attempt to find some humor in a bad situation.

 

[futureapppsy2]

I am a firm believer in persistence, but I also believe that life is short and that sometimes the "sunk-cost effect" clouds people's judgements. Spending 3 years of your life re-applying to graduate school and then another 6 years of school seems like way too much time and sacrifice to me. I would expect that only a small percentage of people in this field are so passionate that they can't imagine being happy doing anything else. I think most? people may feel like they invested too much or are too afraid of changing course and starting over. Sometimes I wonder If i stayed in clinical psychology because I didn't want to start from scratch in a new field.

I think this is a really valid point. On that note, assess if what you want to do really requires a PhD or could be done with a Counseling Masters or MSW. I've known PhD students who had very little interest in assessment and research, and it kind of made me wonder why they were going the PhD route, tbh, especially when some of them really struggled through the dissertation phase due largely to their dislike of research.

 

[ClinPsychEnthus]

Unfortunately, that is how it is....oh well. I'm tired of talking about it. Waiting until April and waiting for masters acceptance. Until then I have no hope. So at least I am realistic

Getting a Masters could be a helpful way to go... I know it adds more time, but that is the route I took and it made me more competitive to get into a Clinical Psych program, to get competitive and well-known/respected practica... now I'm on the part of fighting for internship, and I'm finding myself once again drawing from the resources I needed during applications.

Hang in there, and reach deep to find that inner strength- it is within you! Through the painful parts of this whole process, I've seen a lot of personal growth that I wouldn't trade... despite what it took to get there.

 

[Justanothergrad]

Getting a Masters could be a helpful way to go... I know it adds more time, but that is the route I took and it made me more competitive to get into a Clinical Psych program, to get competitive and well-known/respected practica... now I'm on the part of fighting for internship, and I'm finding myself once again drawing from the resources I needed during applications.

Hang in there, and reach deep to find that inner strength- it is within you! Through the painful parts of this whole process, I've seen a lot of personal growth that I wouldn't trade... despite what it took to get there.

I mostly agree. My MA ended up getting courses waived at a level that put me where I would normally be without- especially after not having to do another thesis lol. I think that more than anything else it helped me refine myself as a practitioner and took my personal statement to a place that had much more meaning. I have nothing but the greatest things to say about good masters programs. Unfortunately, not everyone in all admissions programs looks favorably on MA/MS degrees. I think thats foolish but that's their right. You just have to keep that in mind when you apply. Some people end up preferring the experience/maturity that comes with already showing you can accomplish graduate programs.