WAMC: What Are My Chances

[PsychPhDone]

Is it really a number's game, though? Merely applying to 20 programs doesn't necessarily increase my chances. I'd have to significantly change the kinds of programs.
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Thanks for all the great input, everyone! The book of course was not peer-reviewed and my presentations were all more internal things- grand rounds at a hospital, for example. So while a book and a grand rounds pres ought to be well received, I will have to attempt to add what I can to the portfolio. The paper in the pipeline will be in a very good journal if we get our way.

I still just wish I had had more than 1/9 interviews for the sake of a morale booster. Definitely most of my programs were top tier, but I also felt that my matches with POIs were clear and good, and it would have been nice to at least have seen a nod towards an interview. My goal was never to apply to US News schools. I would never trust their rankings on anything. The list came from schools that were well regarded and known for good research and turning out good students and profs that would have been excellent matches for what I hope to study.

We'll see how things go this round.

I applied 20+ top tier, but that was because I was only willing to go to top tier. If you're more flexible then you can get away with less. But if you're applying that competitively I'd say at least 15.

It does sound like you have some ways in which you could improve, which is great!

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[caitlinelise10]

What are the chances that I would get into a PhD program without research experience?

I have recently decided to apply to A&M, Rice, and the University of Houston for I/O Psychology. I am considering programs out of the state of Texas but have not made a decision regarding those yet.

Here are my stats:

GPA: Overall 3.29 (graduated a year early from high school, went to a big university very immature and underprepared, had some health issues)

Junior/Senior GPA: 4.0 (changed schools for junior/senior years)

Psych GPA: 3.9

Extras: Graduated Summa Cum Laude, Dean's list every semester in my last 60 hrs, received an academic award for excellence.

GRE: Haven't taken yet. Currently taking a Princeton Review class. I would guess I will score around 1300 hopefully (of course the new scoring system kind of screws that up since we don't know what that is going to equate to).

Research experience: Virtually none, although I did an independent research project in my experimental design class. No studies have ever been done on the subject of my research. I formulated a survey using six different instruments, surveyed 117 undergraduate students, analyzed the data using SPSS, and wrote up the results in a twenty-two page paper.

Work experience: 1 year as a psychiatric assistant at a residential teatment center and 1 year as an intake specialist for child protective services/adult protective services... Basically, I take and process the reports.

After spending some times on this forum, I am wondering if I am wasting my money attempting to get into these programs... Please help!

 

[roubs]

What are the chances that I would get into a PhD program without research experience?

I have recently decided to apply to A&M, Rice, and the University of Houston for I/O Psychology. I am considering programs out of the state of Texas but have not made a decision regarding those yet.

Here are my stats:

GPA: Overall 3.29 (graduated a year early from high school, went to a big university very immature and underprepared, had some health issues)

Junior/Senior GPA: 4.0 (changed schools for junior/senior years)

Psych GPA: 3.9

Extras: Graduated Summa Cum Laude, Dean's list every semester in my last 60 hrs, received an academic award for excellence.

GRE: Haven't taken yet. Currently taking a Princeton Review class. I would guess I will score around 1300 hopefully (of course the new scoring system kind of screws that up since we don't know what that is going to equate to).

Research experience: Virtually none, although I did an independent research project in my experimental design class. No studies have ever been done on the subject of my research. I formulated a survey using six different instruments, surveyed 117 undergraduate students, analyzed the data using SPSS, and wrote up the results in a twenty-two page paper.

Work experience: 1 year as a psychiatric assistant at a residential teatment center and 1 year as an intake specialist for child protective services/adult protective services... Basically, I take and process the reports.

After spending some times on this forum, I am wondering if I am wasting my money attempting to get into these programs... Please help!

I'd note this is a forum for clinical psych students, though maybe we have had some I/O people around here? I would look at and talk to students at the I/O programs you want to attend and see what their backgrounds were prior to attending.

 

[beantownpsych]

After spending some times on this forum, I am wondering if I am wasting my money attempting to get into these programs... Please help!

Sorry know absolutely nothing about I/O programs. Best of luck and hopefully someone here can answer your questions.

 

[PsychPhDone]

I'm currently a 2nd year student in a School Psychology PhD, and I'm looking to transfer to a clinical PhD program (nothing against my program, or school psych--clinical psych would just be a better fit for me).

Stats:
Undergrad GPA: 3.75 (psych GPA: 3.9-ish)
Grad GPA (as of this summer, will have a non-thesis Masters--program doesn't offer thesis Masters--in December): 3.90 (one B; one W)
GRE (old): 660 Q, 590 V, 5.0 AW

...

I know there will be a stigma as a transfer student (rarely done and all that) and the W won't help me (although I have a fairly good reason, I think) so I'm not that optimistic about my chances, but it's worth a shot. I'll be applying to 3-4 PhD programs, all 4-5's in the Insider's Guide, imperfect though that rating system is. All are funded and pretty selective (around 5%-15% acceptance rates), but I don't think they would necessarily come up on most people's mental lists of "top tier" programs, which I'm fine with.

My GRE scores are on target for 3, slightly below the median for 1 (30 points below last year's median but within 10 points of the median for the preceeding few years). Do you think they are likely to get me screened out, or will they likely be "good enough"?

Chances? Thoughts on how to best mediate the transfer stigma, if that's even possible?

Thanks!

Hi there -- your stats, for the most part, sound really great. You have lots of pubs and presentations, which is always a plus. Are your research experiences and pubs in a clinical area? It's not always necessary, but it helps the match thing if your past experience and POI's interests overlap at least a bit. Also, would you be entirely opposed to trying the GRE one more time? A 1300 would get you past the first round of GRE-based cuts at most programs.

I don't know what to say about the "transfer stigma", though odds are, it won't come into play until the POI is looking your materials over. I'd definitely make a case for it in your personal statement. Also, keep in mind that very little, if anything, will actually transfer. I'm not even sure I'd call it a transfer. I'm sure others will have something to contribute to this! Best of luck!

 

[bunderj]

Hey there,

Like the others said, your stats look great. I think a major factor will be your LORs. Will you have letter-writers from faculty members in your current program? I have seen this done before, and the student who reapplied (it isn't really a transfer so much) had the full support of her mentor in her current program, as well as from her clinical supervisor etc...and those people were able to write letters on her behalf saying glowing things about her, how sad they were to lose her, but that they agreed the fit of the program wasn't the right. If the "break-up" with your current program is more contentious I think it could be tougher, although not impossible. Good luck!

I'm currently a 2nd year student in a School Psychology PhD, and I'm looking to transfer to a clinical PhD program (nothing against my program, or school psych--clinical psych would just be a better fit for me).

Stats:
Undergrad GPA: 3.75 (psych GPA: 3.9-ish)
Grad GPA (as of this summer, will have a non-thesis Masters--program doesn't offer thesis Masters--in December): 3.90 (one B; one W)
GRE (old): 660 Q, 590 V, 5.0 AW

Research experience:
-2.5 years as an undergrad in various psych faculty labs
-1.5 years as an RA at research institute as an undergrad (continuing this work as a long-distance "consultant")
-Undergrad honors thesis (preparing for publication)
-Will be 2 years as grad RA in my advisor's lab and also as an RA in another department research team
-Will be two years as RA/fellow at a research institute

Presentations:
-Around 17 poster or conference presentations (mostly posters) at state, regional, and national conferences (almost all are national); many are first author

Publications:
-7 peer-reviewed publications accepted, in press or published (1 1st author, 1 2nd,author 3 3rd author, 2 4th author)--one (third author) is in a 3+ impact factor journal; three (first author, second author, and one third author) are in journals with an impact factor of about 2-2.3; the others are lower impact factor
-Two non-peer-reviewed journal articles in press (a test review and an invited commentary), first author on both
-Invited book chapter under review (technically second author, but 1st-4th are considered to have contributed equally and are listed alphabetically)
-Two short encyclopedia entries under contract and review, first author

In prep stuff:
-Two manuscripts under review (1st and 3rd authors), one in revision and resubmission (4th author)
-Couple of other manuscripts in prep; hopefully, three will at least be under review by December (projected 1st, 1st, and 3rd author)

Professional service:
-Peer reviewer/editorial board member for a national student journal
-Ad hoc reviewer for two other journals
-Contributing editor for an encyclopedia
-Reviewed abstracts for a regional conference last year

Clinical experience:
-Two years co-facilitating psychoed groups with college students as an undergrad
-Will have a semester of clinical child/adolescent therapy prac done when I apply
-Did a fairly intensive behavioral assessment and brief intervention in a school last year (around 25 face to face APPIC hours)
-Also getting some additional prac experience with academic assessment and interventions this semester (don't know if that'll matter to clinical programs, though)

Teaching experience:
-Psych and non-psych TAing in undergrad (1 semester psych, 3 semesters non-psych)
-4 semesters facilitating a psych service learning seminar in undergrad
-1 semester teaching a freshman social science class
-Instructor/guest lecturer (part of a group of them) in a post-bac certification program

Other stuff:
-Couple of small awards/grants/scholarships in my area of interest
-Grad fellowship from my current university

I know there will be a stigma as a transfer student (rarely done and all that) and the W won't help me (although I have a fairly good reason, I think) so I'm not that optimistic about my chances, but it's worth a shot. I'll be applying to 3-4 PhD programs, all 4-5's in the Insider's Guide, imperfect though that rating system is. All are funded and pretty selective (around 5%-15% acceptance rates), but I don't think they would necessarily come up on most people's mental lists of "top tier" programs, which I'm fine with.

My GRE scores are on target for 3, slightly below the median for 1 (30 points below last year's median but within 10 points of the median for the preceeding few years). Do you think they are likely to get me screened out, or will they likely be "good enough"?

Pretty all my research has been with a specific, not too commonly researched population, although it has been somewhat diversified within that population (my pre-grad research was with adults in this population; my grad research has obviously been with child and adolescents in the same population). I think I have pretty good matches with my POI's, FWIW, although obviously the POI's opinion is the only one that actually matters.

Chances? Thoughts on how to best mediate the transfer stigma, if that's even possible?

Thanks!

 

[Stroop]

It is finally time for me to post my stats here

Anyways,

GPA:

3.4-3.5 depending on this last semester.

GRE:

Only a range at this point but anywhere from 1140-1340 (570-670 range for both Verbal and Quant-which is kind of strange). Let's assume I get around a 1250 like I did on my practice tests.

Letters of recommendation:

I will have three strong letters of recommendation. One is from a cognitive psychology professor who runs the research lab I'm in. One is from a clinical psychology professor that does psi chi (I was president). The third is from a statistics professor that I have taken four courses with.

Other:

I have been in an undergraduate research lab for 3 years now. The main area of research is visual attention. We also do things with eeg and the occasional fmri.

Member of psi chi and president for one year.

Three poster presentations. One about fmri and eeg, one about statistics (statistics/SAS conference), and one in the future about memory.

I am a statistics minor so I have lots of experience using SAS/SPSS/Excel. (does this help at all?)


I will be mostly applying to mid and low tier schools. So, no Yale/ Wisconsin-Madison for me. Georgia states' clinical program is probably on my reach list. I am interested in Neuro or forensic programs.

Thanks so much for any advice,

Stroop

 

[GoPokes]

Long time lurker and first time poster here! Anyway, here's my stats, and I'd love any feedback!

Applying to mostly Clinical and a couple Counseling Ph.D's with emphasis in forensic psychology.

GPA: 3.66, Psyc GPA: 3.9

GRE: V - 550 Q - 640 AW - 5

RA in Social Cognition Lab and RA in Personality Pathology Lab

One summer of clinical experience working as a psych. tech. at an adult intervention crisis unit, also one summer volunteering at a bereavement counseling center

Psi Chi Member

One poster submitted / presented. (based on correlates between MMPI and FFM)

Current School List:
Missouri
North Texas
Texas Tech
Texas A&M
Alabama
Houston
West Virginia
Tennessee
Sam Houston State
Rhode Island
Southern Mississippi
Wyoming

(I know I know.. 6 Texas schools.. coincidence that I match with so many prof's in the state, from Oklahoma)

Thoughts? I'm only applying to mostly mid-tier / low-tier schools as I know my credentials aren't good enough for anything like Yale. Thanks!


P.S. to the guy above me, you should apply to neuro programs so I don't have to compete with your great credentials good luck to you!

 

[beantownpsych]

Hey there,

Like the others said, your stats look great. I think a major factor will be your LORs. Will you have letter-writers from faculty members in your current program? I have seen this done before, and the student who reapplied (it isn't really a transfer so much) had the full support of her mentor in her current program, as well as from her clinical supervisor etc...and those people were able to write letters on her behalf saying glowing things about her, how sad they were to lose her, but that they agreed the fit of the program wasn't the right. If the "break-up" with your current program is more contentious I think it could be tougher, although not impossible. Good luck!

Agree w/ the above. If your LORs are strong I don't see transferring to be a problem given your great stats

 

[socialpsy]

I'm going to be applying to social psychology programs. Though I know this is generally a clinically-oriented place, it still seems like a resource that may be of some value to me, given the size and diversity of its user base. I hope nobody minds.

GRE: V=560; Q=680
GPA: 3.6; Psy = 3.8

2 years research experience

1 independent empirical project
1 co-authored pub
4 research posters, 3 of which I am first author of.

Quite good (but perhaps not perfect) fit with the faculty that I will be applying to.

Strong recommendation letters.

Schools:

U. Texas- Austin
U. Florida
U. Missouri- Columbia
Texas A&M
UC- Santa Cruz
UC- Riverside
Ohio State U.
U. Colorado- Boulder
Florida State U.

I have some other schools I'm considering, but these are the most likely of the bunch at the moment.

So, what do you think my chances are?

 

[GreenAcademe]

U. Texas- Austin
U. Florida
U. Missouri- Columbia
Texas A&M
UC- Santa Cruz
UC- Riverside
Ohio State U.
U. Colorado- Boulder
Florida State U.

I really have no clue about what the average stats are for social programs but I do know that many of the schools you listed (FSU, UT Austin, UF, etc.) are top tier schools in clinical and they typically don't look at GRE scores less than 1300. Again, not sure if this will apply to the social programs but just a heads up that you may shooting kind of high at some of these. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable may be able to chime in!

 

[PsychPhDone]

I'm going to be applying to social psychology programs. Though I know this is generally a clinically-oriented place, it still seems like a resource that may be of some value to me, given the size and diversity of its user base. I hope nobody minds.

GRE: V=560; Q=680
GPA: 3.6; Psy = 3.8

2 years research experience

1 independent empirical project
1 co-authored pub
4 research posters, 3 of which I am first author of.

Quite good (but perhaps not perfect) fit with the faculty that I will be applying to.

Strong recommendation letters.

Schools:

U. Texas- Austin
U. Florida
U. Missouri- Columbia
Texas A&M
UC- Santa Cruz
UC- Riverside
Ohio State U.
U. Colorado- Boulder
Florida State U.

I have some other schools I'm considering, but these are the most likely of the bunch at the moment.

So, what do you think my chances are?

I am familiar with the social programs at a few of those schools, and you might want to consider retaking the GRE if you can.

 

[airley]

Hey everyone!

I'm curious what my chances are. I'm an 09 grad from a strong school who has spent my post undergrad years working as a data analyst in the start up world. I'll be applying to Clinical Programs. Here we go:

GRE: Took the new version so I don't have hard scores yet, just the ranges.
Verbal: 740-800
Quantitative: 760- 800
Writing: ??

GPA: 3.3,
Psych: 3.8 (do I count psychology classes taken in study abroad in this?)

Undergrad Research: One year (psych clinical drug trial)

Mainly texas schools:
University of Texas
A&M
UNT
Baylor
UVA
Harvard
UGA

I have at least one faculty match for research ideas at each school.

Thoughts? Do I need to apply to lower tiered schools? I really appreciate all of the help in this forum! I'm so glad I found it

 

[socialpsy]

I think a lot of those places will be out of reach given your limited research experience. Baylor is a Psy.D. program, while Harvard is a Clinical Science program. Those are pretty drastically different and makes me wonder if you have really refined what you are looking for in a program.

I agree. Also, I think your best shot will be at more applied/practice-oriented programs (as opposed to research-oriented programs). Lastly, if you apply to schools were your GRE is much higher than average, you'll want a nice section of your personal statement to explain why you want to go to their school specifically.

Some schools will reject people with comparatively high GREs from the start just because they know the probability of their accepting an offer is lower. That is, they don't want to risk losing 'better GRE fit' students by wait listing them in the name of a student who's less likely to accept. This is not always the case, but I've seen it happen.

 

[airley]

Thank you all for the feedback! It is quite refreshing to get honest opinions from qualified individuals

Those are pretty drastically different and makes me wonder if you have really refined what you are looking for in a program.

I am still refining, glad it is September and not December! I'm involved with some volunteer work right and one of the researchers is heavily encouraging applying to at least one Psy.D. program, because of the expanding horizons and future opportunities. Ideally, I want to pursue a combination of clinical practice and teaching/ research.

I guess I should clarify my research experience. It is full psychology research and I was involved for more than a year. I studied abroad a spring semester, but continued to do data analysis, scheduling and literature reviews that spring and summer. I simply did two semesters in the actual in-patient setting, which from looking at applications the observation period matters most. I'm also currently pursuing more volunteer opportunities in research now that I am not traveling as much for work.

socialpsy
I agree. Also, I think your best shot will be at more applied/practice-oriented programs (as opposed to research-oriented programs). Lastly, if you apply to schools were your GRE is much higher than average, you'll want a nice section of your personal statement to explain why you want to go to their school specifically.

Any particular recommendations for applied/practice programs?

 

[Psychcs]

Greetings everyone!

I am here with my stats again...

GPA overall 3.5(hoping to end it off a lil higher!)
Psych GPA 3.55

Clinical Exp/Research Exp
Administering CBCL, CPT, SPSS.

I was in a ADHD lab which was situated within a hospital so i managed to join in for journal club sessions and ward rounds.
* The downside to this would be my short stay with them for only 4 months

LOR
I have 3 strong positive LOR from 2 psych prof and 1 prof from other discipline.

GRE(Old)
V-460
Q-700
AW-4.0

*My GRE is terrible and I was thinking if the new GRE format is any easier.

I am not intending to apply for any top tier schools knowing that my application won't be reviewed anyway.

I am intending to apply to mid- low tier schools.

Anyone has any suggestions which schools I should look at for a start?

 

[socialpsy]

I've never seen this happen in clinical programs. The GRE is basically used as a cut-off and not considered much once you get to the interview phase. Faculty want the strongest students (mostly based on research experience and match) they can get and I've seen the opposite happen, where they will make the initial offer to the one they really want, even if they think chances are high the student will get better offers and not end up accepting.

Nobody sees everything.

As I said, it's not always the case. Indeed, it is perhaps not even highly frequent. That doesn't change the fact that it's a highly logical thing to do if you are in need of a quality student and would like to reduce risk in student selection. For that reason, some smart people (i.e. professors) absolutely do it in particular circumstances. It is thus something to be aware of, and a reason to take some simple, easy precautions.

 

[socialpsy]

Any particular recommendations for applied/practice programs?

Psy.D. programs

Also, check out "insiders guide to graduate programs in clinical & counseling psychology". Many libraries have it (in my experience). It contains an estimation of every school's research: practice ratio. Speaking of counseling psychology programs, they may a viable option for you. They are somewhat less competitive, depending on the school, and are almost always less research oriented. Yet you can still earn the same license to practice as a clinical psychologist. There are other, often subtle and more abstract differences, but these programs might be worth your looking into if you plan on practice anyway (depending on the type of practice).

 

[Psych2011]

Nobody sees everything.

As I said, it's not always the case. Indeed, it is perhaps not even highly frequent. That doesn't change the fact that it's a highly logical thing to do if you are in need of a quality student and would like to reduce risk in student selection. For that reason, some smart people (i.e. professors) absolutely do it in particular circumstances. It is thus something to be aware of, and a reason to take some simple, easy precautions.

Yeah... I guess it does happen since you have experienced it, but I talked to one of my mentors about this, and he said that that was just a myth so hopefully it's not the case for most schools.

 

[PsychPhDone]

I think a lot of those places will be out of reach given your limited research experience. Baylor is a Psy.D. program, while Harvard is a Clinical Science program. Those are pretty drastically different and makes me wonder if you have really refined what you are looking for in a program.

I agree -- great GREs but not enough research experience for many of those programs. GREs get your foot in the door but your research experience gets you the offer. Have you done any original research (eg thesis?)

 

[socialpsy]

I have nothing to prove and was only trying to help.

I didn't mean it to turn into a debate, let alone one of shifting objects and intentions. I simply shared my knowledge of a matter, for what it's worth. You're very welcome to take it or leave it.

 

[Psych2011]

I have nothing to prove and was only trying to help.

I didn't mean it to turn into a debate, let alone one of shifting objects and intentions. I simply shared my knowledge of a matter, for what it's worth. You're very welcome to take it or leave it.

I definitely did not mean to turn this into a debate or argument, I was just sharing what little I know about the subject so that the applicant won't only apply to schools where the GRE scores are super competitive, since that will probably hurt him/her since there are other aspects the applicant is lacking somewhat in compared to others applying to these top schools.

 

[wuawua]

Hi everyone! This is my 2nd time applying to clinical psych programs. Last year I limited myself to applying to only Canadian schools but this year I plan to apply to a broad range of Canadian and US schools.

I graduated from University of Toronto specializing in Psychology.
GPA: 3.98
GRE V: 640-740 (predicted scores because I wrote the new GRE)
GRE Q: 730-800 (predicted scores)
GRE Psych: 780

Research experience:
-Honors thesis with tenured professor completed last year
-1 year volunteering in a clinical neuropsychology lab

Clinical experience:
-2 years volunteering at a distress centre answering distress calls from a variety of mental health individuals on the hotline
-co-op work experience at a hospital doing psychometry work with a geriatric population
-co-op work experience with an editorial team for scientific reviews
-currently: psychometry job with licensed psychologist assessing TBI patients

I plan to apply to APA-accredited Phd programs that endorse a scientist-practioner model and are focused or have a specific track in clinical neuropsychology. Schools that I am currently considering include:
-Drexel
-San Diego State/UCSD
-University of Cincinnati
-University of Florida
-University of Houston
-University of Utah
-Georgia State
-Washington State
-University of Arizona
-University of Victoria
-University of Windsor
-Simon Fraser University
-York University

Please let me know your opinions on what my chances are. If anyone heard anything good/bad about the clinical neuropsych programs at these schools, please let me know as it would give me a better idea of which ones I might want to delete from my list (my knowledge of US schools are a bit weak).

Also, I heard that ethnic minorities are given an "advantage" in applying to US schools. Is this true? I am considering if identifying myself as an ethnic minority on the applications would benefit/hinder my chances.

Thanks!!

 

[beantownpsych]

Also, I heard that ethnic minorities are given an "advantage" in applying to US schools. Is this true? I am considering if identifying myself as an ethnic minority on the applications would benefit/hinder my chances.

Thanks!!

I think that entirely depends on the mentor/school etc and would be dangerous to generalize. Minority status help/hinder/or not be taken into consideration (neutral) given mentors' own predilections, university policy (some have scholarships set aside for underrepresented minorities who look great on paper), etc. Regardless I think that everyone (regardless of minority status, broadly defined) has to meet some basic qualifications to be considered for admission...

 

[cardsXC]

I don't have exact stats currently (Thanks for the added stress, ETS!) but I had planned on applying to some master's programs, with the bulk being in clinical, but also may look into good general and experimental. The consensus seems to be that, with a good program, those can also be a good launchpad into clinical PhD programs, since that is my ultimate goal.

That said, my optimistic advisor is encouraging me to "cast a big net" and throw some PhD applications into the mix. Unfortunately, PhD programs are around the corner and I am only beginning to put thought into them.

Here are my two questions:

-I had not planned on taking the subject GRE, but now it seems pretty critical. Is it worth winging it in 2 weeks, when most departments just "encourage" it?

-I don't have blazing credentials, so if I am an east-coaster looking to apply to PhD programs, what kind of schools should I try my luck at?

Thanks for responses!

Mediocre state school
3.6 GPA
3.7 for psychology
Double-major with Conflict Analysis, Dispute Resolution
Psi Chi
Beginning Independent study this year as a senior (poor planning -> late start)
One summer job working with a dyslexic population
LoR from advisor, research mentor, and close friend in private practice.
After my first time taking the GRE (8/24), the score estimates were 550-650V and 560-710Q (positive about V, kind of forget Q)

P.S. while I'm at it, is this even competitive for master's programs???

 

[cn31]

How important is research experience to clinical PsyD programs? I know there's about a 0% chance to get into a PhD program these days without years of experience, but what are others experiences with PsyDs? I just started research at a university so will have a few months at best around application time.

I have my MA in counseling and a decent GPA (3.76 GRAD) and GRE scores (1350) what are my chances and any PsyD school?

 

[roubs]

How important is research experience to clinical PsyD programs? I know there's about a 0% chance to get into a PhD program these days without years of experience, but what are others experiences with PsyDs? I just started research at a university so will have a few months at best around application time.

I have my MA in counseling and a decent GPA (3.76 GRAD) and GRE scores (1350) what are my chances and any PsyD school?

You have good stats, I would aim for Psy.D. programs with funding and leave the Argosy tier in the dust. Also if what you really want is a Ph.D. program would you consider waiting one more cycle to make room for more research on the cv?

edit: Just noticed your 3.7 was from the MA. Do you mind sharing your undergrad GPA?

 

[ariagirlno1]

How important is research experience to clinical PsyD programs? I know there's about a 0% chance to get into a PhD program these days without years of experience, but what are others experiences with PsyDs? I just started research at a university so will have a few months at best around application time.

I have my MA in counseling and a decent GPA (3.76 GRAD) and GRE scores (1350) what are my chances and any PsyD school?

That's plenty of research for most PsyD programs, so as long as you have good clinical experience (which you must, from your MA) you should be fine. I'd second only looking at quality university-based programs.

 

[Fathomless]

I got above 1500 on my GRE but my UG GPA is just above 3.2 because I left school several years ago with two semesters of F's and pretty much all A's before that and since I've returned. I've been working for the past year as an RA in a health psych lab. I'll be graduating from a Midwestern state university in the spring and am currently working on a thesis which my faculty supervisor wants to publish. Of course, neither this nor the 18 credits of A's I'll be receiving for this semester will arrive in time for any PhD applications.

People keep telling me that my letters of recommendation and my GRE scores are good enough that I could still get into PhD programs but I am highly skeptical of this. While I don't want to waste two years and an obscene amount of money on an MA/MS if I don't have to, I also don't want to throw $1000 out the window applying to PhD programs that are going to drop my application in the circular file as soon as they see my GPA.

I am having trouble getting a straight answer out of anyone on what it is reasonable for me to expect, given my mixed academic history and lack of presentations, etc.

As best I can tell, I would have the best luck at schools that specifically look at the last 60 credits. If only I could find a solid PhD program with an application deadline past Christmas that looked specifically at the final 60 credits...

 

[roubs]

I got above 1500 on my GRE but my UG GPA is just above 3.2 because I left school several years ago with two semesters of F's and pretty much all A's before that and since I've returned. I've been working for the past year as an RA in a health psych lab. I'll be graduating from a Midwestern state university in the spring and am currently working on a thesis which my faculty supervisor wants to publish. Of course, neither this nor the 18 credits of A's I'll be receiving for this semester will arrive in time for any PhD applications.

People keep telling me that my letters of recommendation and my GRE scores are good enough that I could still get into PhD programs but I am highly skeptical of this. While I don't want to waste two years and an obscene amount of money on an MA/MS if I don't have to, I also don't want to throw $1000 out the window applying to PhD programs that are going to drop my application in the circular file as soon as they see my GPA.

I am having trouble getting a straight answer out of anyone on what it is reasonable for me to expect, given my mixed academic history and lack of presentations, etc.

As best I can tell, I would have the best luck at school that specifically look at the last 60 credits. If only I could find a solid PhD program with an application deadline past Christmas that looked specifically at the final 60 credits...

Worst case: Schools will toss your app in the dustbin
Best case: Schools will expect a good answer for why you have 2 semesters of Fs and a 3.2

I'd steer away from elite programs if you are dead set on applying this cycle, but you might have a chance if you delay a year, get more As and publish the thesis.

 

[rugox]

Hey guys,

This is my first time posting in the WAMC section. For little background information, I'm from Canada and my priority interests are in mental health counseling Master's programs. However, I want to apply to some Psy.D and Ph.D programs in Clinical Psychology as well.

Here's my information.

CGPA: 3.2 (falls into a category of low GPA...)

GRE: 1260 (V500, Q760) AW 5 *The verbal is low .

Experiences: Worked as an RA at a Psychotherapy research lab for a year. Plenty of volunteer experiences for human services as well as considerable amount of time volunteering at hospitals. Don't really have a clinical experience. No publications.

As you can see, my academic records are weak. However, it's not like I'm looking to go to top-tiered schools for a given program.

Prospective programs are

Master's in Mental Health Counseling:
NYU
Columbia
CUNY Baruch
Boston College
Boston U
UMASS Boston
Northeastern
Western Washington
Lewis&Clark
U of Rochester
Fairleigh Dickinson
Southern Oregon U.

Psy.D:
U of Indianapolis
Chestnut Hill College
Loyola College Maryland
PaloAlto PGSP
Roosevelt U.
Widener U.
Wright Inst.

Ph.D:
UMass Amherst Clinical Psychology
U.Rochester Clinical Psychology
Boston College Counseling Psychology
U of Denver Counseling Psychology
U of Maryland Counseling Psychology

These are the programs I have in mind. I would appreciate any input!

 

[PrisonPsych]

Hey guys,

This is my first time posting in the WAMC section. For little background information, I'm from Canada and my priority interests are in mental health counseling Master's programs. However, I want to apply to some Psy.D and Ph.D programs in Clinical Psychology as well.

Here's my information.

CGPA: 3.2 (falls into a category of low GPA...)

GRE: 1260 (V500, Q760) AW 5 *The verbal is low .

Experiences: Worked as an RA at a Psychotherapy research lab for a year. Plenty of volunteer experiences for human services as well as considerable amount of time volunteering at hospitals. Don't really have a clinical experience. No publications.

As you can see, my academic records are weak. However, it's not like I'm looking to go to top-tiered schools for a given program.

Prospective programs are

Master's in Mental Health Counseling:
NYU
Columbia
CUNY Baruch
Boston College
Boston U
UMASS Boston
Northeastern
Western Washington
Lewis&Clark
U of Rochester
Fairleigh Dickinson
Southern Oregon U.

Psy.D:
U of Indianapolis
Chestnut Hill College
Loyola College Maryland
PaloAlto PGSP
Roosevelt U.
Widener U.
Wright Inst.

Ph.D:
UMass Amherst Clinical Psychology
U.Rochester Clinical Psychology
Boston College Counseling Psychology
U of Denver Counseling Psychology
U of Maryland Counseling Psychology

These are the programs I have in mind. I would appreciate any input!

with those stats, you aren't competitive for phd programs....probably okay for master's programs and professional psy.d programs, but not university-based psy.d programs

 

[rugox]

with those stats, you aren't competitive for phd programs....probably okay for master's programs and professional psy.d programs, but not university-based psy.d programs

Hmm would this be true for all tiers of Ph.D programs, even if my research interest and research experience is compatible? I understand Ph.D programs are really tough to get into, regardless of the school's lack of reputation or program strengths.

As for Psy.D professional schools, I've checked them out and read countless topics on them on this board, and the only one I'm considering applying is to Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. Other then that, I think I'd rather get into Master's in MHC.

 

[roubs]

Hmm would this be true for all tiers of Ph.D programs, even if my research interest and research experience is compatible? I understand Ph.D programs are really tough to get into, regardless of the school's lack of reputation or program strengths.

As for Psy.D professional schools, I've checked them out and read countless topics on them on this board, and the only one I'm considering applying is to Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. Other then that, I think I'd rather get into Master's in MHC.

Sadly, I'd have to agree with PrisonPsych. With those stats they are likely not going to look at anything you have to say about research interests and match. Don't let us stop you from throwing a few in if you want to see what happens at the schools with the best fit.

 

[StellaB]

Hey SDN Gang,

I'm a nontraditional student (worked full time to support myself through college) with unique psychology/psychotherapy work experience. Some days I feel really pumped about my chances and some days I feel like I don't stand a chance - hey, we all do, amirite? But seriously, I'm hoping some of you can help me a bit with some feedback. So here we go:

Undergrad GPA: 3.8 (left after two years due to financial issues, returned 5 years later, 3.7 from first 2 years and 3.9 from second two).

GRE: Just took it, range: 750-800V, 690-790Q

Research Experience: My undergrad institution is small and not research-oriented, so no such thing as an honors thesis, however I did conduct an original experiment, set up a data collection website, processed my results through SPSS and all that. I would submit it for publication except I didn't find what I expected to at all in my study and so it seems pointless. I have been doing independent research with a sociologist and psychologist from my undergrad since I left school, but we won't be ready to submit a manuscript until after my applications.

Clinical Experience: Contracted as a foster-child placement wellfare reporter for several years, Volunteering 4 months now with a re-entry counseling program for prisoners who are being released soon, Volunteering 3 months with emergency foster care.

Work Experience: Here's where it gets interesting. I am a high-level employee at a small company that makes educational videos for psychologists/psychotherapists. I conduct editorial interviews with experts in the field, write continuing education courses for psychologists, write viewer's manuals for the videos, direct videos, screen content for good examples of therapeutic techniques, etc. I've had this job for 3 years.

Here are the schools I plan to apply to:

Colorado State
CU Colorado Springs
University of Northern Colorado
University of Montana
University of New Mexico
SUNY Albany
Virginia Consortium
IUP
UTA
University of Hawaii
NYU
Fordham

Now some of these are a total stretch, and I do plan to apply to master's programs as well for a backup but... Does anyone out there have similar experience here - working in the field but not really? Or lots of publications that are just a part of your job and not peer-reviewed? I have this nagging voice inside that says none of my work will be taken all that seriously since I haven't worked in an official research lab. I need a reality check!

 

[rugox]

Sadly, I'd have to agree with PrisonPsych. With those stats they are likely not going to look at anything you have to say about research interests and match. Don't let us stop you from throwing a few in if you want to see what happens at the schools with the best fit.

Thanks for the input. Yeah, that's what I'll probably do. I'll mix in couple Psy.D/Ph.D programs that I gauge to have greatest chance with majority of Master's applications.

 

[roubs]

Hey SDN Gang,

I'm a nontraditional student (worked full time to support myself through college) with unique psychology/psychotherapy work experience. Some days I feel really pumped about my chances and some days I feel like I don't stand a chance - hey, we all do, amirite? But seriously, I'm hoping some of you can help me a bit with some feedback. So here we go:

Undergrad GPA: 3.8 (left after two years due to financial issues, returned 5 years later, 3.7 from first 2 years and 3.9 from second two).

GRE: Just took it, range: 750-800V, 690-790Q

Research Experience: My undergrad institution is small and not research-oriented, so no such thing as an honors thesis, however I did conduct an original experiment, set up a data collection website, processed my results through SPSS and all that. I would submit it for publication except I didn't find what I expected to at all in my study and so it seems pointless. I have been doing independent research with a sociologist and psychologist from my undergrad since I left school, but we won't be ready to submit a manuscript until after my applications.

Clinical Experience: Contracted as a foster-child placement wellfare reporter for several years, Volunteering 4 months now with a re-entry counseling program for prisoners who are being released soon, Volunteering 3 months with emergency foster care.

Work Experience: Here's where it gets interesting. I am a high-level employee at a small company that makes educational videos for psychologists/psychotherapists. I conduct editorial interviews with experts in the field, write continuing education courses for psychologists, write viewer's manuals for the videos, direct videos, screen content for good examples of therapeutic techniques, etc. I've had this job for 3 years.

Here are the schools I plan to apply to:

Colorado State
CU Colorado Springs
University of Northern Colorado
University of Montana
University of New Mexico
SUNY Albany
Virginia Consortium
IUP
UTA
University of Hawaii
NYU
Fordham

Now some of these are a total stretch, and I do plan to apply to master's programs as well for a backup but... Does anyone out there have similar experience here - working in the field but not really? Or lots of publications that are just a part of your job and not peer-reviewed? I have this nagging voice inside that says none of my work will be taken all that seriously since I haven't worked in an official research lab. I need a reality check!

Write a good essay and brush up on your interview skills. They will actually read your essay based on your stats. Have things to say if any of your perceived weaknesses are brought up. If you do those things I think you'll be looking at an acceptance somewhere.

 

[animaladvocate]

is there anyone who would be willing to help me with my statement of interest? I'm not sure if what I've written is what it should be...

 

[Psych2011]

is there anyone who would be willing to help me with my statement of interest? I'm not sure if what I've written is what it should be...

There is a thread about the SOP on here. Basically, you can PM me your email and I'll add you to the list of people who will send and review SOPs. That's if you'd also be willing to review others' SOPs.

 

[StellaB]

Write a good essay and brush up on your interview skills. They will actually read your essay based on your stats. Have things to say if any of your perceived weaknesses are brought up. If you do those things I think you'll be looking at an acceptance somewhere.

Thanks dude, I'm at that point where you just want to throw in the towel (not really) because it's so stressful and tiring. This helps with the push till I'm back on the runner's high again. I cannot believe people apply multiple years! I never want to do this again!!

 

[MarshmallowsNOM]

Hi, I'm hoping people can give me some opinions on the schools I am hoping to apply to this round. I didn't even get a single interview last year and was so disappointed, but I applied to mostly top schools last year, so I am trying to be more realistic in the choices I make this year. But how do you really know what is realistic? Is there even such a thing as a "safe" school for Clinical PhD programs?

Background: I applied to 9 Clinical PhD programs (for 2011) These ranged from uber competitive (ex: Boston U) to just regular competitive (ex: UN Reno) but no "safe" schools, no masters, or PsyD's. I am thinking this may be a problem that I applied to too competitive of programs based on my app strength. Maybe I was overly ambitious? So I will be revising my school/ program list this time around

My Stats:
GPA: (State University)
- 3.4 overall, 3.8 psych, 3.7 last 2yrs
(Deans list last 2 yrs, graduated with Psi Chi honors, blah, blah)
GRE:
1240, 620v/ 620q/5aw
Psych subject- 660
Past-Bac Work and Research Experience:
I did 1 year of RA as an undergrad at a psychiatry lab at an excellent school (a top UC)
After graduation I was hired full-time as a research associate in this same lab and now have a total of 5 years research experience (including the 1 yr undergrad). I have coordinated multiple studies and also work as fMRI operator on brain imaging studies.
Pubs:
>co-author on 4 papers that have been published in pretty legit journals. One paper I was super involved in everything from start to finish, helped write the manuscript, and am listed as 2nd author.
>co-author on at least 5 poster presentations, but nothing as 1st author (This is generally reserved for grad students and higher up people in my lab and I really had to work to even be included on anything)

So this year, these are the schools I am considering applying to (All clinical PhD -some straight clinical, some clinical health- all good research matches):
University of Washington, Seattle
UC Boulder
Penn State
University of Illinois, Chicago
University of Florida
University of Houston
Vanderbilt
Kent State
Lousiana State
Florida State
University of Nevada, Reno
University of Utah
Syracuse
University of N. Texas
Virginia Commonwealth


Any thoughts on which ones are reasonable based on my application info, which ones I should not even bother (UW, Boulder?), which ones seem pretty safe (N. Texas?) etc? Please let me know what you think, honest opinions are welcomed even if they are harsh (Wow, you are crazy to even think you have a chance there, etc) I need to hear it!
Thanks!!

 

[roubs]

University of Washington, Seattle
UC Boulder
Penn State
University of Illinois, Chicago
University of Florida
University of Houston
Vanderbilt
Kent State
Lousiana State
Florida State
University of Nevada, Reno
University of Utah
Syracuse
University of N. Texas
Virginia Commonwealth

Any thoughts on which ones are reasonable based on my application info, which ones I should not even bother (UW, Boulder?), which ones seem pretty safe (N. Texas?) etc? Please let me know what you think, honest opinions are welcomed even if they are harsh (Wow, you are crazy to even think you have a chance there, etc) I need to hear it!
Thanks!!

The following is not meant to be harsh.

I think you need to go back to the drawing board and focus on actual middle tier schools, of which I see only a couple in your list. Just forget about UW, Boulder, Florida, Vanderbilt, Nevada-Reno, Penn State, UIC, Syracuse. Pick maybe one or two of those to keep. Some of those others I don't really know by reputation but they could be competitive also.

It's really too bad but a lot of schools will not look past the 3.4 especially without a GRE over 1300. Your problem is clearly making the first cut, once they start actually looking at what you've done you should find mentors that are willing to give you an interview. Add 4 or 5 more 'safe' programs.

 

[Psychadelic2012]

I think you need to go back to the drawing board and focus on actual middle tier schools, of which I see only a couple in your list. Just forget about UW, Boulder, Florida, Vanderbilt, Nevada-Reno, Penn State, UIC, Syracuse. Pick maybe one or two of those to keep. Some of those others I don't really know by reputation but they could be competitive also.

It's really too bad but a lot of schools will not look past the 3.4 especially without a GRE over 1300. Your problem is clearly making the first cut, once they start actually looking at what you've done you should find mentors that are willing to give you an interview. Add 4 or 5 more 'safe' programs.

I agree with this, and I'm doing the same with my applications. Make the top-tier schools the ones with your BEST possible research match. If there isn't a direct match, forget about them--assume they won't even look at your application. I also don't really see any on your list that are 'sure things.'

 

[maestrospenny]

Hey everyone, I am looking to start either a Master's in counseling or a Psy.D. program next fall. My stats are below:

UGPA: 3.057 (St. John's College--liberal arts school, had a really rough first semester)
GRE: 1150, 4.0 writing (going to retake the GRE this fall)
Clinical experience: a few months shy of two years of volunteer experience at Whitman-Walker Clinic doing health screening and HIV/STD risk reduction counseling (approx 10 hours a week) with primarily LGBT populations.

I ideally would like to stay in the DC area due to family concerns, but would be open to programs within a few hours of DC. Right now this is my list:

George Washington University - MS Counseling & PsyD programs
Loyola University Maryland - PsyD
University of the District of Columbia - MS Counseling

There are other counseling programs in the DC area, but these are only ones I've found which are accredited by APA or CACREP.

I've spoken to admissions at GWU for the PsyD and while my GRE is within their range, my GPA is worrisome. I was told that having some graduate psychology work would help overcome that. My hope is to bump up my GRE score to compensate for the low GPA, however. Would it make sense at all to apply to the PsyD programs this time around or go the Master's route and consider the PsyD later? Would excellent grades from a Master's program increase my chances of landing a spot in a funded PsyD program?

 

[roubs]

Hey everyone, I am looking to start either a Master's in counseling or a Psy.D. program next fall. My stats are below:

UGPA: 3.057 (St. John's College--liberal arts school, had a really rough first semester)
GRE: 1150, 4.0 writing (going to retake the GRE this fall)
Clinical experience: a few months shy of two years of volunteer experience at Whitman-Walker Clinic doing health screening and HIV/STD risk reduction counseling (approx 10 hours a week) with primarily LGBT populations.

I ideally would like to stay in the DC area due to family concerns, but would be open to programs within a few hours of DC. Right now this is my list:

George Washington University - MS Counseling & PsyD programs
Loyola University Maryland - PsyD
University of the District of Columbia - MS Counseling

There are other counseling programs in the DC area, but these are only ones I've found which are accredited by APA or CACREP.

I've spoken to admissions at GWU for the PsyD and while my GRE is within their range, my GPA is worrisome. I was told that having some graduate psychology work would help overcome that. My hope is to bump up my GRE score to compensate for the low GPA, however. Would it make sense at all to apply to the PsyD programs this time around or go the Master's route and consider the PsyD later? Would excellent grades from a Master's program increase my chances of landing a spot in a funded PsyD program?

If you are that geographically restricted and only seriously looking at 3-4 programs you should just apply to all of them and see what happens.

 

[MarshmallowsNOM]

The following is not meant to be harsh.

I think you need to go back to the drawing board and focus on actual middle tier schools, of which I see only a couple in your list. Just forget about UW, Boulder, Florida, Vanderbilt, Nevada-Reno, Penn State, UIC, Syracuse. Pick maybe one or two of those to keep. Some of those others I don't really know by reputation but they could be competitive also.

It's really too bad but a lot of schools will not look past the 3.4 especially without a GRE over 1300. Your problem is clearly making the first cut, once they start actually looking at what you've done you should find mentors that are willing to give you an interview. Add 4 or 5 more 'safe' programs.

Thanks for your feedback, I really appreciate it! This is exactly what I need to be thinking about right now as I make these decisions. I do agree with everything you guys have said and I know I am not in the strongest position based on numbers, but I feel like I still need to try and apply because I have been doing research for so long and it's the only thing I really want to do.

Can you or anyone make any suggestions on how to even find 5 low tier programs? Would this mean ones that are not funded or professional schools or what? How can you really determine what tier a school is even considered to be?

I have mainly been looking at the #of people who apply each year and also the GRE scores, but it really seems like every school has pretty similar stats on gre and gpa. Am I just not looking at the right schools? any suggestions would be great! I feel like I have looked at hundreds of school websites at this point and I need to make final decisions soon.

Thanks guys, I love that I found this forum. It has made this process much more tolerable compared to being on my own last year

 

[beantownpsych]

Can you or anyone make any suggestions on how to even find 5 low tier programs? Would this mean ones that are not funded or professional schools or what? How can you really determine what tier a school is even considered to be?

Thanks guys, I love that I found this forum. It has made this process much more tolerable compared to being on my own last year

Depends...what is your primary research interest?

 

[MarshmallowsNOM]

Depends...what is your primary research interest?

anxiety disorders; effects of stress/anxiety on health; and addictive behaviors/ substance abuse with anxious patients.

 

[PsychPhDone]

anxiety disorders; effects of stress/anxiety on health; and addictive behaviors/ substance abuse with anxious patients.

My interests overlap a bit with yours, and when I was choosing programs, I literally looked at every single accredited programs' faculty and noted who my matches were. It's not a quick strategy, but it allowed me to ID (almost) all potential mentors. Though it's hard to determine which "tier" a program fits into, you can use avg. GRE/GPA as well as geographic location to identify programs that may be slightly less competitive. Fortunately, there are a decent number of faculty out there who have interests in anxiety.

I'd probably swap out 5-6 programs on your current list for slightly less competitive schools...provided you are willing to attend those schools. Or you could add them to the current list instead of replacing -- it depends on what you're willing to do to apply this year. Best of luck!!

 

[squidgette]

A bit of a weird background
GPA
For undergrad, I went to a Canadian University that is known for grade deflation. Majored in a special research focus psychology program.
Undergrad CGPA is 3.20 (which is already graduating "with distinction" )
Psychology GPA is 3.30 and final 2 year GPA is 3.4

I did an MA in global marketing in the US and graduated with a GPA of 3.94

GRE
I took it twice and got
1. V540 M770 = 1310
2. V580 M680 = 1260
A=5.0 both times
Will be taking GRE Psych soon a second time but first time got 660


Research & Clinical Experience
I have done research in both undergrad (2.5 years + dissertation+conference poster) and graduate school (1 year + TA experience for research methods)

I currently work for a University in Asia with a CP as a research assistant doing suicide prevention research (6 months) and volunteer at a hotline service. (2 years were spent in the corporate world doing online marketing)

Recommendations
I expect to have 3 extremely strong recommendation letters (and profs have already agreed to write them)

Schools
I have found POIs at the following schools and am planning on applying

PhD
- Simon Fraser University (BC, Canada)
- Windsor University (ON, Canada)
- York University (ON, Canada)
- Suffolk University (Boston, MA)
- Michigan State (East Lansing, MI)
PsyD
- PGSP/Stanford - Palo Alto University (Palo Alto, CA)
- Yeshiva (New York, NY)

Interests
Main
- Cross-cultural clinical psychology
- "Cyberpsychology"/Online interventions
Minor
- Suicide/Deliberate Self Harm
- Depression/Anxiety

Any feedback will be much appreciated!