University of Memphis, Clinical PhD

[Gescheit]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I am an undergrad planning on a Fall 2009 admission into the PhD program and the University of Memphis--Memphis, TN. Can anyone rate this school program, say on a scale of 1-10, and give me a description???? Any feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[paramour]

You have already been accepted into a clinical psych program for an academic year two years from now? 😱 Or are you simply contemplating applying to that program when the time comes?

 

[Gescheit]

I will be applying there, and basically putting all my eggs in that basket. I should graduate with a strong overall GPA and a very strong Psychology core GPA. The reason I am banking on the one school is that my fiance is applying into the Egyptology program, and so her choices are limited around here. But, how good is the program? The average admitted GPA in the Clinical program is a 3.7, so it's very competitive.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

The good news is that some people can go to their 'local' university for their grad program. The bad news is that clinical is one of the most competitive degrees to attain, so you may be at a serious disadvantage by only applying to one school, considering most people apply to 10-12+ programs and still have a very hard time getting into a program.

-t

 

[Gescheit]

If I don't get in I don't get in, but the closer i get I will see how my GPA is. I am hopng I will

 

[paramour]

You can have an excellent GPA and still not get in. My GPA (& other stats) were considerably higher than the average for a handful of programs and they still rejected me, without even an interview. There have been others with 4.0's, high GRE's, and other great profile stats who weren't accepted to ANY program. Applying to one program and banking to get in it seems slightly silly . . . to me at any rate.

As far as UMemphis is concerned, I have *heard* that they are a decent program from others. I know a few profs who graduated from other psych areas (i.e., not clinical) with glowing recommendations of UMemphis. My master's program stats prof, although not a clinical psych prof, was familiar with the clinical program and he did not have any negative things to say about them either. BUT, if you're only applying there b/c your significant other is there, I suppose that it doesn't really matter how great vs. crappy they are then.

G'luck though~

 

[Gescheit]

yeah, I agree i want to pursue other schools, but I will be married and probably with child by then. bit of a pickle. I have met with the Director of the program a couple of times and discussed things, so maybe that can help me. haha I feel good about the program, but a lot of things can happen between now and Fall of 2009. But , sincerely, thanks for your feedback!!!

 

[paramour]

I completely understand. I am married and I have a 7-y/o child. I am also commuting between two different states for my doctoral program. You have to determine what is best for you. For me, I did not wish to allow the possibility that at some point 'x' years from now, I would start resenting my family because of "what if's" or "they were holding me back." My husband agreed and is very supportive. Yeah, it's hard as hades at times but we manage.

G'luck~

 

[paramour]

Y'know, I later thought about this more and completely forgot one other option you might have if you are set on sticking in the same area. You might want to check out Fielding Institute. They have an online-APA accredited clinical psych program, which allows you a heck of a lot more flexibility (and might give you another program which to apply to) than a traditional program.

 

[Gescheit]

I had not heard of that program. That is exciting. At least I have another option. Thanks.

 

[paramour]

No problem! There are some "in-person" requirements but they are considerably less than a traditional program and most people can typically meet them since they are fairly flexible. There are a few other online programs, but Fielding is currently the only accredited by the APA (or at least they were last time I checked).

G'luck~

 

[Gescheit]

I believe they are the only APA accredited online school. Again, thank you for all of your feedback.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Fielding is an option, though just be aware their APPIC internship placement rate is around 60%, which is quite low. Just an FYI.

-t

 

[Ollie123]

Funny you mention this because I just saw a fantastic speaker from UTHSC. So there is definitely at least one person there doing awesome research🙂

I understand the situation, but I just want to caution you since you keep mentioning your GPA, and that is not going to get you in anywhere. If all you do is get a 4.0, you have near-zero chance of getting admitted even if you apply broadly.

Hope you're researching your butt off, doing some conferences/presentations/etc. if your going to put all your eggs in one basket🙂

Not trying to sound harsh, just want you to make sure you understand the reality of the situation.

 

[Gescheit]

I do plan to have a least two first author publications by the time I apply, so I am going to be trying to ensure admission with anyway i can! Thank you for your concern and great insights, seriously! I wish i did not have to be so limited in my options, but since my fiance's field is only offered at a handful of institutions I am in a bit of a corner.

 

[Thor2211]

Dr. Neimeyer is a pretty big baddass there. He does work in grief, death, and suicide. He is also the editor of Death Studies. It is a good program. They do not conduct interviews, just look at the applications. Kind of weird if you ask me...

 

[paramour]

Dr. Neimeyer is a pretty big baddass there. He does work in grief, death, and suicide. He is also the editor of Death Studies. It is a good program. They do not conduct interviews, just look at the applications. Kind of weird if you ask me...

Is that something new?? I could have sworn that a person or two posted about interviews there during the last application season. But, I've also slept since then!

 

[Gescheit]

The department's web page tells applicants to expect interviews during the admission process--especially for clinical.