Undergrad Preparation?

[Algophiliac]

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For those of you aiming at clinical psychology careers, what did you do in undergrad to get there? Is a BS/BA in psychology required? All I do know is that the GRE is required for most, if not all, graduate schools that offer clinical psychology degrees. Please help me find more information! Thanks.

 

[erg923]

utilize the search function on here.

But briefly, yes, you have to get your BA/BS first. To be competitive for a doctorate in psychology one must have GPA of 3.5 or above, GRE v+q=>1200, a couple years of good quality research experience in undergrad or post undergrad, 3 glowing letters of rec (preferably 2 of those are from psychology professors you know you fairly well and discuss your research skills and general academic readiness for grad school), and optimally, some type of clinical exposure/experience (working on psych floor or hospital as a nurse's aid, working a crisis line, etc)

 

[Algophiliac]

Could you provide links? I searched extensively, actually, but could not find any sort of FAQ for the most basic information. (What are all the different career options from BS/BA to PsyD/PhD? Top schools? Salary ranges? Undergrad requirements for various degrees? Post-PsyD or Post-PhD requirements?) I don't need all of these questions answered specifically, but was looking for something that could provide a general overview of the field. Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask, but I just don't know where to turn--my college advisors know absolutely nothing of the various options and requirements out there!

I don't even know what a PsyD really involves, and was merely considering becoming a clinical psychologist as opposed to a psychiatrist.

 

[erg923]

http://mindcampus.learnpsychology.com/

I would suggest reading every section of this, but you might want to start with the different degree types, then go back to the introduction and move forward.

 

[Algophiliac]

Thank you very much! 🙂 That's absolutely perfect.