WAMC: What Are My Chances

[AcronymAllergy]

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Alright guys I've been watching this board for a long time and now it's my turn to go.😀

IUP's Psy.D Program is my number one choice for a variety of reasons. I really have my heart set on it, and I will be applying there and elsewhere for the 2013 cohort.

I am a non-traditional student, and I had nearly ten years of professional experience in business before going for my B.S. in Psychology from a good state school branch campus (I did take less than 40 credits at a local CC at the same time, hopefully this isn't a negative). I believe that this will allow me to provide some unique insight and diversity to the program.

Stats:
Undergrad GPA to date, 3.95
Psych Major GPA to date 4.0

I will have completed the entirety of my degree (and most of what I list below) in little more than 24 consecutive months. Should I leverage this as a testament to my ability and drive, or ignore it knowing they will see it on the transcripts?

I have this semester to complete and one class to take in the Spring (Research Methodology, there was a scheduling conflict last Spring, and it was not available Fall semester). I do not expect my GPA to change materially upon completion of this semester.

GRE: Total combined 1320 to 1340 old scale. V 165 95% Q 151 48% AW 3.5 30%

I am above IUP's median in both V and Q (wish Q was higher but it was a struggle to get what I did) I am concerned about the AW.... IUP does not provide median scores for AW. I can write well but the lack of a spell checker and butterflies hurt me... I'm not sure I could improve on everything as a whole, and I am afraid to retest unless I really need to... Your thoughts on this are really appreciated, I will have to redo it soon if I decide to.

Not sure if I have to do the subject test. I thought I did and registered, brochure says yes, today I discovered the webpage says no. Planning to call tomorrow.

Psy Chi Chapter President

Psyc Club Treasurer

Campus scholarship 2012/2013

Research Experience:
1 semester of independent research on cognition. I will continue this research next Spring. When/ if it is published they will list me as an author, but not in time for the application.I will be attending but may or may not be presenting what we've done so far at the NYC EPA convention this Spring, it depends on our upcoming results.. I will also have my methodology course research, and while not complete at the time of application I've worked with the professor who teaches it in the past, and he will write me a LOR attesting to my ability to do well in it (at least since it will be my only class I can really go wild in it lol)

Does anyone know how important a research match is at IUP? Should I be trying to match up with a POI, or the program overall? This seems to be less emphasized there than a Ph.D program but if anyone actually knows how it is viewed there that would be a great help. I've PMed a number of people on here that say they go there, but no luck yet... I would love to contact a student.

Clinical Experience:
Full semester of interning as a behavioral health case manager and intake specialist. I dealt directly with clients on a daily basis.
Big Brother for Big Brother Big Sister.
Volunteered for a few hospitals, around 50 hours.

LOR- Will be outstanding. One from my clinical supervisor at my case management firm, and two from psychology professors I've had in class and worked with.

As a non-traditional student I am able to address any application weaknesses with extra letters or materials. I am able to get two additional LOR's that will also be excellent and can attest to my interpersonal, academic, and professional skills. I may also include a good writing sample to mitigate the GRE AW score....

Your numbers look good (and no, the 40 credits at a CC shouldn't count against you), although as you've mentioned, your research experiencing is probably the one area of weakness. For reputable Psy.D. programs, 1 semester may be on the low side. I'd also be wary of submitting extra LORs (or basically anything else not explicitly requested); they could potentially help, but in general, they don't seem to do much, and could even end up causing the program to say something along the lines of, "we asked for three letters of rec, not four or five; does this person not read carefully/follow directions?"

Not sure how IUP's typical applicant looks, but if you feel like you match up well, go for it. Just be sure to also pepper in a good number of other programs as well (to which you've alluded). I'd also simultaneously be looking into nearby RA-type positions (paid and volunteer) as a Plan B, just in case. A year of solid research experience would make you more competitive for IUP, as well as for essentially any other program out there (including funded PhD spots).

 

[PsySeeker]

Thanks so much for the thoughtful reply! IUP says this about how they evaluate applicants
"The following criteria are weighted equally in the evaluation of application materials:
a. Overall grade point average (GPA) and grades in psychology courses (3.0 minimum in both areas is preferred)
b. Scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), in particular, the General Test (verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills) and the Subject Test (Psychology); minimum of 500 on each section is preferred. The Subject Test is required and an application is considered incomplete without the Subject Test score being submitted.
c. Training in research methodology
d. Prior clinical experience in practicum, employment, or volunteer work
e. The applicant's statement of goals
f. Three letters of recommendation
g. An in-person interview "

So I'm wondering if the level of research I've conducted is not such a big deal here?

and this

"1. Special Admissions Criteria
All applicants are assessed in the context of their backgrounds and cultural experiences. We believe that such traditional predictors of graduate school success as GRE scores may be inappropriate criteria for some minority students and for some older, nontraditional students. Consequently, the relative weighting of our admissions criteria differs for these categories of applicants. We ask that applicants who believe that their GRE scores or other data do not accurately reflect their potential provide the Admissions Committee with additional supportive materials to supplement these criteria. Additional letters of recommendation and descriptions of other areas of strength are encouraged." (emphasis mine)

I'm not sure how the relative weighting differs, but I'm hopeful it will help me (it could hurt if they lower the GRE weight lol)

Considering the above, and the fact that I am an older nontraditional student, do you still feel that submitting two extra letters (very good ones) to help compensate for any weakness in my application is not helpful/bad? I was really hoping they could help put me over the top!

 

[ndlek21]

Because from my understanding (haven't confirmed this through email to POI though) the person who does research on ED at Rutgers (PhD) is not taking any students this, but the person who does research on ED at the PsyD program is. Rutgers PsyD is a good fit in every other way.

You would be correct! The PhD mentor at Rutgers (Terry Wilson) is not taking students. Hasn't been for at least the past couple of years. I'm also going into ED research and have emailed a lot of POIs, including him. If your husband could commute to Chicago, the University of Notre Dame has a great ED researcher (sort of new to the area, but doing cool things in prevention/vulnerability). Chicago is about 1.5 hours away from South Bend...

 

[fallen625]

You would be correct! The PhD mentor at Rutgers (Terry Wilson) is not taking students. Hasn't been for at least the past couple of years. I'm also going into ED research and have emailed a lot of POIs, including him. If your husband could commute to Chicago, the University of Notre Dame has a great ED researcher (sort of new to the area, but doing cool things in prevention/vulnerability). Chicago is about 1.5 hours away from South Bend...

Ahh thats what I thought. I heard through the grapevine that PsyD is taking a student, but then I went to the Rutgers PsyD website and it said that Terry was also the PsyD mentor! Do you know if he is accepting PsyD students?

Also, correct me if I am wrong but I think Selby can potentially be a mentor for the Rutgers PhD program (not sure if he is accepting students though) and he does some resarch in ED among other things.

Feel free to PM me if you want to exchange names of peole who do ED research throughout the country. I am not sure if I am applying this year, but I have compiled a pretty extensive list but I am always looking to add more.

 

[dangeresque]

Hey everyone! I've been reading a lot of posts on this forum over the past year and decided to finally just sign up and ask for advice.
A little background: I've been at a state university since fall 2008, I'm now a Junior. The reason it's taken so long is because I pay for my own tuition, I don't have parents anymore so I take semesters off to work.

Here is all the information I have so far and I know it isn't like most posts, I don't have any GRE scores yet or other research experience. I don't know if I'm looking to a PhD program, considering my credentials I'll be very happy with a Masters program if I get in.

I'm looking for schools north east or Canada, I ultimately plan to move to Canada so a school would be great., this is a preference of course.

My first two years were awful. GPA dropped below a 2.0 but I've been working hard to raise it up to a 2.6 where it is now. That is my cGPA, I'm positive I can raise it up to a minimum 3.0 before graduation considering in a little over a year of classes I raised it 1.0. These were all gen eds, no 3-4000 levels or major classes, my upper levels average out to ~3.4. I know a 3.0 isn't getting me into a PhD program so I guess I'm looking for a masters or another alternative after my bachelors to help me out.

My school has an aGPA, but I know grad schools don't really look at that but it is what my university uses for honors eligibility and my aGPA is a 3.0 and will only go up from here so cum laude is certainly in my cards. If that matters at all.

My major GPA is 3.5 which I'm content with but of course would like to see something like 3.7+ my lowest grade in psych was a B.

I so far have 1 person for a LoR so far, she is a professor that taught at uMass Boston and said she would love to help me find a school and apply.

I'm waiting to take my GRE so I can prepare better. Would a great score help me any?

I have no research experience, should I go for volunteer hours or something else? Currently I teach kids art after school but I need better experience than that.

I'm not interested in clinical psych at all. I'm interested in developmental psych and working with children with Autism. Do I need a PhD for that?

I need 123 credits for my degree so I'm a little over halfway there and hopefully that means I have enough time to get some decent stats. I'll have a BS in psych and I'm torn on my minor: Statistics, communications or Spanish. I'm closest to getting a minor in Spanish, I have 3 of the 7 required but I don't think it will help me, especially in Canada. Should I go stat instead? I've taken one stat class and plan for more, I got an A in my first one.



Help please? Just some advice on where to go from here, should I focus on my GRE and look into a masters instead? I'm done messing around with school, I'm ready to work much harder, my first semester as a junior I got a 3.67 gpa so I'm looking up.

Thank you

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Thanks so much for the thoughtful reply! IUP says this about how they evaluate applicants
“The following criteria are weighted equally in the evaluation of application materials:
a. Overall grade point average (GPA) and grades in psychology courses (3.0 minimum in both areas is preferred)
b. Scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), in particular, the General Test (verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills) and the Subject Test (Psychology); minimum of 500 on each section is preferred. The Subject Test is required and an application is considered incomplete without the Subject Test score being submitted.
c. Training in research methodology
d. Prior clinical experience in practicum, employment, or volunteer work
e. The applicant’s statement of goals
f. Three letters of recommendation
g. An in-person interview "

So I’m wondering if the level of research I’ve conducted is not such a big deal here?

and this

“1. Special Admissions Criteria
All applicants are assessed in the context of their backgrounds and cultural experiences. We believe that such traditional predictors of graduate school success as GRE scores may be inappropriate criteria for some minority students and for some older, nontraditional students. Consequently, the relative weighting of our admissions criteria differs for these categories of applicants. We ask that applicants who believe that their GRE scores or other data do not accurately reflect their potential provide the Admissions Committee with additional supportive materials to supplement these criteria. Additional letters of recommendation and descriptions of other areas of strength are encouraged." (emphasis mine)

I’m not sure how the relative weighting differs, but I’m hopeful it will help me (it could hurt if they lower the GRE weight lol)

Considering the above, and the fact that I am an older nontraditional student, do you still feel that submitting two extra letters (very good ones) to help compensate for any weakness in my application is not helpful/bad? I was really hoping they could help put me over the top!

Well then, since they're asking for it, I say submit any additional materials that you feel would be beneficial and noteworthy (which could certainly include additional letters of rec). It also doesn't sound as though IUP heavily weights direct research experience, so you might be ok there as well. Definitely worth applying, as it sounds like you'd be up for strong consideration.

 

[PsySeeker]

That makes me feel much better... I really appreciate you evaluating my situation. If I have a question in the near future about my application would you mind if I PM'ed you? There are few minor quick questions relating to my Goal Statement that I could use a an outside opinion on.

Full Steam ahead!

 

[AcronymAllergy]

That makes me feel much better... I really appreciate you evaluating my situation. If I have a question in the near future about my application would you mind if I PM'ed you? There are few minor quick questions relating to my Goal Statement that I could use a an outside opinion on.

Full Steam ahead!

I can't make any promises as to how helpful I'll actually be, but I'd be happy to try and help via PM when I have the chance, sure.

 

[Annarampage]

I'm going to be applying to a clinical Masters/PhD program next winter; I'm a junior undergrad currently.

GPA overall: 3.8
GPA psych: 4.0

GRE: taking this spring, but I don't expect it to be a problem at all

Classes: I've taken a wide variety of psych classes, and next semester I'll be taking Advanced Research, a graduate class in Personality (the professor suggest it, saying I'd do just as well or better than her grad students), and two honors colloquium. I've taken stats, and plan on taking advanced stats soon.

Research: I've been working as a research assistant with a professor who studies emotion for three semesters now, and it's ongoing. I also joined a second neuropsychology lab this semester that I intend on staying in until graduation as well. I've been working on a side project since this past summer with the same professor as the emotion lab working on scale development. I'm presenting a poster this January on the first round of data at SPSP and also might give a talk about it there. After the scale has been finalized, I'll being using it in a honors thesis project to be completed next year, and plan on presenting some early data from that at the APA conference in DC this summer.

I don't have any job/volunteer experience, although I am considering working at a in-patient facility this summer.

My LOR should be great from the two professors I'm working for as a research assistant, and I'll have to find a third soon.

I'll be applying to University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (there's a professor there who works with emotion and neuro), Penn, and Stoney Brook. (Obviously others as well, but not sure which yet.) I plan on working hard on my applications/statements.

Suggestions? Chances?

Thanks!

 

[Mgrace]

Hey guys,

I posted on here way back when, when I didn't have much of a clue of what I wanted to do. Now I've finished taking the GRE and will be applying in a few weeks. Just wanted to know what my chances are.

I am a senior at the University of Iowa.

GPA: a 3.62 overall, a 3.64 for psychology. My expected GPA is a 3.66.

GRE: I got a 155 Verbal (530 old scale) 152 Quantitative (670 old scale) so a 1200 old scale. I'm wondering about the new conversion scale, it lists my percentages as much lower than the old conversion. Instead of a 69% V it now lists 65%, and instead of 61% Q, it now is 52% (!!) so even though the numbers are the same (1200) it looks like I did much worse. What I'm also worried about is the fact I got a 3.5 on analytical. I know some schools don't care about this, but I would have preferred to do better.

I will have three letters from respected professors in psychology here at Iowa, and one from the nursing supervisor from the psychiatric wing of the hospital.

I have worked as an undergraduate research assistant in one of the psychology labs for two years.

I'm interested in anxiety disorders as well as addictive behaviors, such as eating disorders and substance abuse disorders.

I plan on applying to most of if not all:

Indiana State
Eastern Michigan
U of Tulsa
Loyola-Chicago
Northern Illinois
U of Kentucky
U of Cincinnati
Feinberg (Northwestern)
U of Nebraska
Southern Illinois
Marquette
Purdue
U of Arkansas
Missouri
U of Michigan
Ohio State

Have spoken with at least one professor from each of these universities, and have been encouraged to apply. I know a few are long shots!

Please let me know what you think, I really appreciate it.

 

[fallen625]

Hey guys,

I posted on here way back when, when I didn't have much of a clue of what I wanted to do. Now I've finished taking the GRE and will be applying in a few weeks. Just wanted to know what my chances are.

I am a senior at the University of Iowa.

GPA: a 3.62 overall, a 3.64 for psychology. My expected GPA is a 3.66.

GRE: I got a 155 Verbal (530 old scale) 152 Quantitative (670 old scale) so a 1200 old scale. I'm wondering about the new conversion scale, it lists my percentages as much lower than the old conversion. Instead of a 69% V it now lists 65%, and instead of 61% Q, it now is 52% (!!) so even though the numbers are the same (1200) it looks like I did much worse. What I'm also worried about is the fact I got a 3.5 on analytical. I know some schools don't care about this, but I would have preferred to do better.

I will have three letters from respected professors in psychology here at Iowa, and one from the nursing supervisor from the psychiatric wing of the hospital.

I have worked as an undergraduate research assistant in one of the psychology labs for two years.

I'm interested in anxiety disorders as well as addictive behaviors, such as eating disorders and substance abuse disorders.

I plan on applying to most of if not all:

Indiana State
Eastern Michigan
U of Tulsa
Loyola-Chicago
Northern Illinois
U of Kentucky
U of Cincinnati
Feinberg (Northwestern)
U of Nebraska
Southern Illinois
Marquette
Purdue
U of Arkansas
Missouri
U of Michigan
Ohio State

Have spoken with at least one professor from each of these universities, and have been encouraged to apply. I know a few are long shots!

Please let me know what you think, I really appreciate it.

I am just a psych student myself, so take my comments with a grain of salt, but is there any way to take the GRE again and increase the verbal to a 600? I think that might greatly increase your chances. I had problems with the verbal section myself but eventually increased my verbal score from a 500ish to 620 bymemorizing the 1500 Barron's Vocab.

Your GPA sounds like it is good and you have plenty of research experience, though I *think* grad schools would prefer a pretty narrow interest (like just eating disorders or just substance abuse disorders). with relevant experience, and preferrably indepedent research expeirence (honors thesis, etc.)

 

[Student2222]

Hi thanks in advance I just want to know what my chance are and if these schools are too competitive. I am applying for the Fall of 2013 to the following clinical programs:

SDSU/UCSD JDP
Boston University
Emory
McGill
York U
Loyola- Chicago
Stony Brook
Long Island University
Rutgers PsyD
Ryerson
UBC
USC

GREs 162 V (89th percentile) 157 quant (74th percentile), 5.0 Writing (92nd percentile)
Psych GRE- I just took it, not sure how I did

Credentials:

BA Psychology
GPA- 3.7 Psychology overall, 3.5 overall
Deans list

Research experience:
-1.5 years and currently: paid research assistant in a major hospital. Duties: working a research study on health related outcomes among homeless people.
-2 years undergrad in a lab on personality research- did my thesis there.
-1 year UG experience in a health psychology lab
-1 year UG social psychology research lab.
-summer volunteer in cross-cultural psychology lab.
-a semester in a child development lab as a research intern
-1 year as project coordinator on a study to evaluate concussion guidelines for physicians

Publications:
-1 literature review (first author) published
-another literature review I am second author has just been re-submitted for publications
-working on four manuscripts (should be a second, third or fourth author on each)
-three published abstracts (Second author on all three)

Presentations
-3 professional conference presentations
-2 poster presentations (UG research competitions)
-My name was on 3 presentations..not sure how to indicate this on my cv but it was presentation on research I am conducting just was not physically presenting...

Volunteer
-two mental health hospitals assisting in programming (e.g. patients library, art program)
-camp counsellor for immigrant children from low income neighborhood
-Child and Family services volunteer tutor to children who needed extra help with reading
- Monthly volunteer at a group for children with FAS, helping with the group and programming activities


I apologize for the long message...I just want to know if I have a shot at the schools I am applying to. Am I wasting my time applying to these schools and should I add some others to this list? I am interested in studying psychotherapy, child psychopathology, and personality as a moderator/mediator of effective therapy. My research experience is not exactly in that area though. What else I could do to improve? Does it matter if I was not a full time student in undergrad? Thanks in advance!

 

[ndlek21]

Hi thanks in advance I just want to know what my chance are and if these schools are too competitive. I am applying for the Fall of 2013 to the following clinical programs:

SDSU/UCSD JDP
Boston University
Emory
McGill
York U
Loyola- Chicago
Stony Brook
Long Island University
Rutgers PsyD
Ryerson
UBC
USC

GREs 162 V (89th percentile) 157 quant (74th percentile), 5.0 Writing (92nd percentile)
Psych GRE- I just took it, not sure how I did

Credentials:

BA Psychology
GPA- 3.7 Psychology overall, 3.5 overall
Deans list

Research experience:
-1.5 years and currently: paid research assistant in a major hospital. Duties: working a research study on health related outcomes among homeless people.
-2 years undergrad in a lab on personality research- did my thesis there.
-1 year UG experience in a health psychology lab
-1 year UG social psychology research lab.
-summer volunteer in cross-cultural psychology lab.
-a semester in a child development lab as a research intern
-1 year as project coordinator on a study to evaluate concussion guidelines for physicians

Publications:
-1 literature review (first author) published
-another literature review I am second author has just been re-submitted for publications
-working on four manuscripts (should be a second, third or fourth author on each)
-three published abstracts (Second author on all three)

Presentations
-3 professional conference presentations
-2 poster presentations (UG research competitions)
-My name was on 3 presentations..not sure how to indicate this on my cv but it was presentation on research I am conducting just was not physically presenting...

Volunteer
-two mental health hospitals assisting in programming (e.g. patients library, art program)
-camp counsellor for immigrant children from low income neighborhood
-Child and Family services volunteer tutor to children who needed extra help with reading
- Monthly volunteer at a group for children with FAS, helping with the group and programming activities


I apologize for the long message...I just want to know if I have a shot at the schools I am applying to. Am I wasting my time applying to these schools and should I add some others to this list? I am interested in studying psychotherapy, child psychopathology, and personality as a moderator/mediator of effective therapy. My research experience is not exactly in that area though. What else I could do to improve? Does it matter if I was not a full time student in undergrad? Thanks in advance!

Your stats and research experience are definitely competitive. I am just applying as well (right out of undergrad) so I'm in no way an expert. But I think that what most people here will probably tell you is now all that matters is the research match and program match, indicated in your personal statement. You'll probably get plenty of interviews based on these stats, as long as you have a solid match with people in these programs...I suggest you read the Q&A thread on this forum with the Director of Clinical Training, it has a lot of helpful info about the admissions process.

 

[gark]

I'm applying to 9 clinical phd programs in NYC & surrounding areas. My top choices are:

St. John's
CUNY
Fairleigh Dickinson
Rutgers PsyD

Undergraduate GPA 3.49
Psych GPA 3.55

Have not yet taken the General or subject GRE's (taking those in a couple weeks)

I have about 3 years of research experience, and about 2 years of clinical experience. I just graduated in August so none of it is paid, and was all volunteer or for credit. However, most of it has been in my area of interest.

I have three very strong LOR.

I have 2 publications, one of them being a first author and one poster presentation- also first author.

The gpa isn't the best, but I'm hoping that my publications and LOR will balance it out. I know the GRE is important, but I'm hoping as long as I get around a 1200 everything will be good.

Any thoughts?

 

[gonl]

I am interested in applying to clinical and/or counseling PhD programs but am not sure if I am competitive at this point:

GPA: 3.9 overall, 4.0 psychology from a large public university
GRE: 155 Q, 166 V, 4.5 A
Psych GRE: 800

Research experience: 3 semesters in undergrad + full-time research assistant at a medical center for the past 8 months.

Clinical: Volunteered with hospital child life department for past 6 months,
sexual assault hotline volunteer for past 7 months, worked 1 summer as a camp counselor with children with special needs

Publications: None, am currently working on an a paper that I would be first author on but it has not been submitted yet.

Presentation: 1 poster submission but I have not heard if it was accepted yet.

I spent a lot of time and money on applications last year and didn't get any interviews, and I would like to avoid making the same mistake again. I do know of one professor at a mid-tier school whose research projects are very similar to the ones I have experience working on. Is it worth applying given my lack of pubs/presentations?
Also, would I benefit from a masters program at this point?

 

[bmeyer5]

Planning on applying to the U of Minnesota clinical psychology PhD program next year. I am a psychology & biology double major, and my college is known for having a challenging bio program. Because of the bio classes I've taken, my cumulative GPA is a 3.4 (I get solid B's in all the bio classes). I get almost all A's in my other courses (psych and generals). My psych GPA is a 3.8. I could get my cumulative up to a 3.5-3.6 by the time I apply. I got a 30 on the ACT without studying at all, and I know if I study my butt off I can do well on the GRE.

I'm only applying to my top program next year. I decided that instead of setting for a different school if I don't get in, I would rather take a year and get some experience in the field, then apply to 5-6 schools (and reapply to the U) and see what my options are.

Experience:
-3 research apprenticeships working with a professor this year, one of which is fairly sought-after and researches child/infant language acquisition
-2 semester-long research projects (completely my own) next year
-Volunteer working with adults who have psychological disorders
-Will work at a center that has an ICF, SLS, and SILS full-time during January
-Will (highly likely) be doing research on-campus researching child development 20 hours/week this summer. I'm applying to the U of M's REU researching child development this summer, but am not sure if I'll get it.
-Will volunteer at the State Hospital next semester

So Pro's: 2 years undergrad research experience, experience working with psychological disorders, took challenging classes, extensive "hard science" experience, took 2 psychology stats & research methods classes (one of which we did our own research project), and I'm fairly certain I will get strong letters of rec
CON: Not-so-hot cumulative GPA

So here's my questions:
1. How bad does my GPA look to grad schools?
2. Because I took challenging classes (i.e. calc, organic chem, TONS of bio) at a fairly challenging school, does my GPA not hurt me so much?
3. What else can I be doing now to become a stronger candidate (more research/classes/experience)? I have two open spots next year and am planning on taking elementary stats and interpersonal communication.
4.Are there any other classes I should take that would look good?
5. WAMC? 🙂

And not sure if this matters, but I am particularly interested in both social psychology and child development (how children pick up on and learn social cues, parent-child interaction, etc.)

 

[bmeyer5]

Planning on applying to the U of Minnesota clinical psychology PhD program next year. I am a psychology & biology double major, and my college has a challenging bio program. Because of the bio classes I've taken, my cumulative GPA is a 3.4 (I get solid B's in literally all the bio classes). I get almost all A's in my other courses (psych and generals). My psych GPA is a 3.8. I could get my cumulative up to a 3.5-3.6 by the time I apply. I got a 30 on the ACT without studying at all, and I know if I study my butt off I can do well on the GRE.

I'm only applying to my top program next year. I decided that instead of setting for a different school if I don't get in, I would rather take a year and get some experience in the field, then apply to 5-6 schools (and reapply to the U) and see what my options are.

Experience:
-3 research apprenticeships working with a professor this year, one of which is fairly sought-after and researches child/infant language acquisition
-2 semester-long research projects (completely my own) next year
-Volunteer working with adults who have psychological disorders
-Will work at a center that has an ICF, SLS, and SILS full-time during January
-Will (highly likely) be doing research on-campus researching child development 20 hours/week this summer. I'm applying to the U of M's REU researching child development this summer, but am not sure if I'll get it.
-Will volunteer at the State Hospital next semester

So Pro's: 2 years undergrad research experience, experience working with psychological disorders, took challenging classes, extensive "hard science" experience, took 2 psychology stats & research methods classes (one of which we did our own research project), and I'm fairly certain I will get strong letters of rec
CON: Not-so-hot cumulative GPA

So here's my questions:
1. How bad does my GPA look to grad schools?
2. Because I took challenging classes (i.e. calc, organic chem, TONS of bio) at a fairly challenging school, does my GPA not hurt me so much?
3. What else can I be doing now to become a stronger candidate (more research/classes/experience)? I have two open spots next year and am planning on taking elementary stats and interpersonal communication.
4.Are there any other classes I should take that would look good?
5. WAMC? 🙂

And not sure if this matters, but I am particularly interested in both social psychology and child development (how children pick up on and learn social cues, parent-child interaction, etc.)

 

[mewtoo]

I've been told that my BS (took chem and geology) and minor in biology kind of balances out my 3.46 GPA and that a 3.46 isn't really that low for PhD programs anyway.

Really the best thing you can do is continue getting research experience and study your butt off for the GRE. If you get 1200 or higher then you won't really have to worry about your 3.4 GPA at all (just don't let it fall).

Also, just a piece of advice, get your application stuff started this coming summer so it won't be so stressful, especially if you decided to apply to more than one program.

I'm just curious about your logic behind only applying for 1 program your senior year and then applying to 6 the next. If your so dead set on the one program and don't want to settle this first time, are you okay with settling the second round?

 

[bmeyer5]

I've been told that my BS (took chem and geology) and minor in biology kind of balances out my 3.46 GPA and that a 3.46 isn't really that low for PhD programs anyway.

Really the best thing you can do is continue getting research experience and study your butt off for the GRE. If you get 1200 or higher then you won't really have to worry about your 3.4 GPA at all (just don't let it fall).

Also, just a piece of advice, get your application stuff started this coming summer so it won't be so stressful, especially if you decided to apply to more than one program.

I'm just curious about your logic behind only applying for 1 program your senior year and then applying to 6 the next. If your so dead set on the one program and don't want to settle this first time, are you okay with settling the second round?

Thanks! I'll definitely start applying this summer 🙂

I've been doing some research into how to get into programs, and I read a few places that if you don't get into a certain program after applying 2 or 3 times, it's pretty unlikely that you'll get in unless something changes dramatically. I guess the purpose of waiting a year was because I would use the year to get some experience and make myself a better candidate--maybe take a few masters classes but primarily work in the field and/or do research. My logic was that if I'm not a better candidate after a year of experience, is it really going to happen with that program?

I also assumed that if I wasn't getting in, it would be either because of A) my GPA or B) they don't think I'm a good match for the program--both of which seem difficult to change. I could be wrong, though. I'm just starting to look at applying and this whole process if new to me.

Also, the U's minimum GPA is a 3.5. If for some reason I couldn't get my cumulative up, would I be able to apply? I kind of think the answer to this is no... but would they let me submit only my psychology major GPA or something?

 

[mewtoo]

Thanks! I'll definitely start applying this summer 🙂

I've been doing some research into how to get into programs, and I read a few places that if you don't get into a certain program after applying 2 or 3 times, it's pretty unlikely that you'll get in unless something changes dramatically. I guess the purpose of waiting a year was because I would use the year to get some experience and make myself a better candidate--maybe take a few masters classes but primarily work in the field and/or do research. My logic was that if I'm not a better candidate after a year of experience, is it really going to happen with that program?

I also assumed that if I wasn't getting in, it would be either because of A) my GPA or B) they don't think I'm a good match for the program--both of which seem difficult to change. I could be wrong, though. I'm just starting to look at applying and this whole process if new to me.

Also, the U's minimum GPA is a 3.5. If for some reason I couldn't get my cumulative up, would I be able to apply? I kind of think the answer to this is no... but would they let me submit only my psychology major GPA or something?

So they are require a cGPA of 3.5 for admission? You could apply, but whether or not they bother looking at your app is another thing. Most apps want all your GPAs (cumulative, psych, minor, last 60 hrs), but if that's a hard requirement they have, then it will be hard to get around that (if not impossible). If your afraid you can't bring it up that high, perhaps you should take some easy A's whenever possible if you think it will actually impact your GPA. That or you could look at their criteria for those with masters degrees and get a masters if it will make it where you meet their admissions criteria.

If you meant the average cGPA of an accepted student was 3.5, then don't worry about it. That's an average, not the range. Someone could have had a 4.0 and another a 3.3 for all you know.

If you haven't already you should get The Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. Its the Bible for clinical psych admissions. There is an APA book over how to get into graduate school in psychology that is very helpful too, though its more generalized.

 

[bmeyer5]

So they are require a cGPA of 3.5 for admission? You could apply, but whether or not they bother looking at your app is another thing. Most apps want all your GPAs (cumulative, psych, minor, last 60 hrs), but if that's a hard requirement they have, then it will be hard to get around that (if not impossible). If your afraid you can't bring it up that high, perhaps you should take some easy A's whenever possible if you think it will actually impact your GPA. That or you could look at their criteria for those with masters degrees and get a masters if it will make it where you meet their admissions criteria.

If you meant the average cGPA of an accepted student was 3.5, then don't worry about it. That's an average, not the range. Someone could have had a 4.0 and another a 3.3 for all you know.

If you haven't already you should get The Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. Its the Bible for clinical psych admissions. There is an APA book over how to get into graduate school in psychology that is very helpful too, though its more generalized.

3.5 is the minimum, which is why I've been worried about it. I bought both of those books a few weeks ago, and I think I'll be average or above in every area except for the GPA. I'm planning on taking an lighter load next semester to get my grades up and study for the April Psych GRE, and I am doing well in all my classes this semester.

As for the master's requirements, that's a good idea. I'll have to look into it!

 

[Doctor Eliza]

Why are you so set on one program? I think even if you were to get an offer, it would be hard to evaluate it without interviewing at other places. Places could look really different on paper than in person. You might not like it as much as you think you do.

I also think that if you go through the hassle of applying to even one program and it doesn't work out, you might be very disappointed that you have committed yourself to waiting a year. That feeling of it being just within your grasp, but missing it. Not that there is anything wring with waiting a year or two, but I think you might be better off to decide one way or the other.

Best,
Dr. E

 

[mewtoo]

Where are you getting that 3.5 is a cutoff at UMN? They don't have cut-offs for GRE scores, so I'm not sure why they would for GPA. And this link demonstrates that unless this was a recent change, you are incorrect: http://www.psych.umn.edu/grad/stats.html (unless all the sub-3.5 GPAs were admitted to programs other than clinical).

On the other hand, I think that what the other poster said about just needing to hit 1200 on the GRE with a 3.5 for UMN is also incorrect. Again, see the link I posted with the actual stats on their website.

To have a decent shot I think you will want to hit at least 1400 with a 3.5. That said, it sounds like you will end up being a pretty strong applicant if you can do well on the GRE and keep up with the research experience.

I meant in general, since the average applicant to programs in general have at least a 1200. Someone having a 1200+ GRE, a sub 3.5 GPA, and exceptional research experience has a chance of admittance in general. I haven't ever looked at UMN's program. If the OP applied to more mid-tier schools and had at least a 1200 coupled with his/her other stats I think they'd have a fair shot. If UMN is a research heavy program, then yeah, the OP will need a higher GRE score than 1200.

 

[psypsypsy]

I have to agree with Dr. Eliza. Why U of Minnesota as the only school? With regards to WAMC, the chances of getting into any one specific school is pretty low, let alone a school like Minn. From what you say you're interested in, there are a number of great faculty at many universities you could work with. I know many people who ended up at a school they never thought they'd go to, but loved it when they visited.

That said, to increase your chances, I'd make sure your fit with who you want to work with there is really stellar. If the stats are okay, that's the most important element. If you happen to go to a conference they're at, try to meet them informally there, that would probably help. Also, your interests are currently very developmental psychology, rather than clinical. Minnesota is certainly known for its Institute of Child Development, but if you want in through the clinical, rather than developmental route, I'd spend some time thinking about the clinical applications and more of a developmental psychopathology perspective. Is it about how picking up social cues from parents and parent-child interactions can lead intergenerational transmissions of depression, for example?

 

[bmeyer5]

I have to agree with Dr. Eliza. Why U of Minnesota as the only school? With regards to WAMC, the chances of getting into any one specific school is pretty low, let alone a school like Minn. From what you say you're interested in, there are a number of great faculty at many universities you could work with. I know many people who ended up at a school they never thought they'd go to, but loved it when they visited.

That said, to increase your chances, I'd make sure your fit with who you want to work with there is really stellar. If the stats are okay, that's the most important element. If you happen to go to a conference they're at, try to meet them informally there, that would probably help. Also, your interests are currently very developmental psychology, rather than clinical. Minnesota is certainly known for its Institute of Child Development, but if you want in through the clinical, rather than developmental route, I'd spend some time thinking about the clinical applications and more of a developmental psychopathology perspective. Is it about how picking up social cues from parents and parent-child interactions can lead intergenerational transmissions of depression, for example?

Here's where I found the minimum GPA stat, but after looking on the U's website you're probably right about it being outdated.
http://www.petersons.com/graduate-s...gram-in-clinical-psychology-000_10037898.aspx

I see what you're saying about finding the right fit. As for why I'm only applying to one school, I am probably the world's most indecisive person, and if I only applied to my top school, I thought it would make my decision of whether or not to wait a year easier.

I guess I should actually decide whether I should wait a year or just go for it and apply to multiple programs next year. Only applying to one school was probably not the best idea, I guess I just can't decide whether to wait a year or not. On the one hand, it would be sooooooooooooo nice to have the next 5-7 years of my life figured out and get into a program I love, but on the other hand I felt like waiting a year would make me a better candidate.

When you visit a school, what do you look at to make sure it's the right fit?

 

[deleted501483]

Hey everyone,

I'm wondering if my low AW score will hurt my chances. Here's my stats:
162 V (89%, 640 Old Scale)
164 Q (90% 790 Old Scale)
3.5 AW (30%) --- is this really a valid measure - I didn't write enough and I think was screwed for being too parsimonious for their scoring rubric.

GPA 3.84 in Psychology and Political Science double major. 4.0 GPA in Psych Major
Public University Honors program. In my second year of undergrad research in a cog neuroscience lab where I'm conducting a senior thesis.

Clinical Experience: Started working as a volunteer assissting play therapists at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

I'm applying to very competitive schools; my top 5 include:
1. U Virginia
2. Wash U in St Louis
3. Northwestern
4. Stanford (Non Clinical, Affective Science)
5. Pitt

So, what do you think my chances are? Also, do you think professors care at all about the AW score if you've written a great personal statement and have great recommendations (one of mine is from poli sci where I wrote and presented a research paper) ?

Thanks so much for taking the time to help!

 

[cbt4lyfe]

Hey everyone,

I'm wondering if my low AW score will hurt my chances. Here's my stats:
162 V (89%, 640 Old Scale)
164 Q (90% 790 Old Scale)
3.5 AW (30%) --- is this really a valid measure - I didn't write enough and I think was screwed for being too parsimonious for their scoring rubric.

GPA 3.84 in Psychology and Political Science double major. 4.0 GPA in Psych Major
Public University Honors program. In my second year of undergrad research in a cog neuroscience lab where I'm conducting a senior thesis.

Clinical Experience: Started working as a volunteer assissting play therapists at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

I'm applying to very competitive schools; my top 5 include:
1. U Virginia
2. Wash U in St Louis
3. Northwestern
4. Stanford (Non Clinical, Affective Science)
5. Pitt

So, what do you think my chances are? Also, do you think professors care at all about the AW score if you've written a great personal statement and have great recommendations (one of mine is from poli sci where I wrote and presented a research paper) ?

Thanks so much for taking the time to help!

You may want to consider accounting for your low AW score in your personal statement OR having one of your LORs account for it and reiterate that you are a talented and competent writer.

Whether the AW score accurately reflects your skills as a writer, a score of 3.5 is SURE to raise eyebrows.

Assuming you can deal with the AW issue, my follow question is: what are your research experiences?

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Mod note: Merging this into the WAMC thread

 

[deleted501483]

Thanks cbt4lyfe for the response.

Great idea to emphasize that to my those writing my LORs.

My research experience includes 1.5 years working in a lab where I trained participants in tasks in fMRI experiments, did some data analysis, and also learned how to use the psychology programming software, E prime (this year I wrote an entire task from scratch that I'm using in my thesis - its an adapted Implicit Association Test).

I also gave a presentation at a conference for a paper I wrote in political science (I don't know how much weight this will have considering its in another discipline, however, the poli sci professor that advised me can emphasize my analytical writing abilities in the LOR)

I was also told by several of the grad students I work with that the AW score won't make it or break it for me.

 

[applyingtograd]

I posted on here a while ago, but I just retook the GRE today so I was hoping to get some more feedback.

GPA:
overall: 3.89
psych: 4.00

GRE
verbal-165 (690)
quant - 161 (770)
psych - 760

Research
2 papers under review
3 papers in progress
3 poster presentations

Clinical Experience
volunteer for 1.5 years in a clinic associated with a university

My list of schools included a wide range of schools and a few highly competitive schools. After retaking the GRE, I was wondering if it would be wise to revise my list and take off some of the schools that were lower down on my list and add some more really competitive schools. I know it is very tough to get into clinical psych programs so I don't want to be rash, but of course I would love to be able to attend one of the best programs.

Thanks so much for the input!

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I posted on here a while ago, but I just retook the GRE today so I was hoping to get some more feedback.

GPA:
overall: 3.89
psych: 4.00

GRE
verbal-165 (690)
quant - 161 (770)
psych - 760

Research
2 papers under review
3 papers in progress
3 poster presentations

Clinical Experience
volunteer for 1.5 years in a clinic associated with a university

My list of schools included a wide range of schools and a few highly competitive schools. After retaking the GRE, I was wondering if it would be wise to revise my list and take off some of the schools that were lower down on my list and add some more really competitive schools. I know it is very tough to get into clinical psych programs so I don't want to be rash, but of course I would love to be able to attend one of the best programs.

Thanks so much for the input!

What's the list tally thus far? If it's much higher than ~15, I'd think about swapping out. But if not, I might consider keeping the current programs all on there, and adding another two or three upper-tier ones.

 

[mewtoo]

Hey! I'm very excited to show you guys my new stats! I just got done taking the GRE again and I'm still all hyped up from that and my brain is tired from doing that for 5 hours, so please excuse any weirdness and errors. I'm still in a state of shock over my new score. I copied and pasted most of this from my last WAMC.

Major & minor: Psych and biology.
CGPA: 3.4
PsychGPA: 3.96
GRE: I just got a V-161 (620) and Q-148 (590-600) for a 309 (1210-1220). You guys don't even know how excited I am considering I got an 1110 on the last practice test I got. My old score (from 1.5 years ago) was a 1040 and I chose not to report it.
Research experience:
-I conducted an independent study (designed, wrote, ran the analyses, etc.) and we are going to send it for possibly a regional and national poster. It will also be on my CV under manuscripts.
-I will have completed a manuscript with my mentor that we are sending to Journal of Clinical and Social Psychology by the time I apply so it will be "under review" on my CV. I believe I will be 2nd author out of 3 unless my mentor want to be last and then I will be 1st. It is also somewhat related to my research interests (ED side).
-1 regional poster, 3rd author out of 3. 1 national poster, 4th author out of 5.
-I will have completed a supervisory role on one poster that will be sent to a regional conference. I will be last author, but my mentor said she will highlight that I was the supervisor/mentor for the poster.
-I will have worked roughly 2 years in one lab and and 1 summer in another by application time.
LOR: 3 strong ones, all from professors I've taken classes from and done research with. They've all divulged that they consider me one of the best out of the whole department so I am fairly certain they will be awesome. 🙂
Statement of Purpose: My mentor thinks it is very strong so far, so I am confident it will be good.
Other: Psi Chi historian this academic year. I am also a blog author for our Psi Chi chapter's blog and a blog leader (I oversee a group of authors). The blogs are short literature reviews and go through a peer-review process. I am also a chair on 3 committees.

Schools I plan to apply to:
Miami University (OH)
Auburn University
Kent State
Oklahoma State University
Ohio State University
Rutgers PhD
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
University of Arkansas
University of Missouri
University of North Texas
University of Utah
University of Southern Mississippi

All of these schools (except for UTSWMC as you get accepted by the program, not a professor) I have strong research matches with a professor. If anyone knows of POIs that study BPD/ emotional dysregulation and eating disorders/behaviors that I do not have their uni listed, please mention them.

So WAMC? 🙂 I'm really hoping they are much better now that I have a 1200+ GRE instead of a 1040!

 

[panzer1102]

My stats:

BA in neuroscience from a top-20 liberal arts college
GPA: 3.45
GRE: Verbal - 165
Quant - 158
AW - 5.0
Psych: Not sure, but expecting around 750

I've recently had a paper published in JESP, on which I'm the primary author. I've been working the past two years as a research assistant at a private firm that specialized in statistical analysis and design for clinical trials.

I'm interested in social neuroscience and want to investigate intergroups interactions. I'm applying to the following schools' doctoral programs in Social Psychology:

NYU
Georgetown
Yale
UVA
Tufts
Miami University of Ohio
University of Delaware

I believe that I have a pretty strong fit with profs in each program. Any thoughts on my chances of getting accepted somewhere on this list? I'm worried I should try to find some kind of "safety" school - but how can you even tell if its safe?

I'd be very grateful for any advice on programs that I might have a stronger chance of being accepted to.

Thanks!

 

[PsychPhDone]

Hey guys,

I posted on here way back when, when I didn't have much of a clue of what I wanted to do. Now I've finished taking the GRE and will be applying in a few weeks. Just wanted to know what my chances are.

I am a senior at the University of Iowa.

GPA: a 3.62 overall, a 3.64 for psychology. My expected GPA is a 3.66.

GRE: I got a 155 Verbal (530 old scale) 152 Quantitative (670 old scale) so a 1200 old scale. I'm wondering about the new conversion scale, it lists my percentages as much lower than the old conversion. Instead of a 69% V it now lists 65%, and instead of 61% Q, it now is 52% (!!) so even though the numbers are the same (1200) it looks like I did much worse. What I'm also worried about is the fact I got a 3.5 on analytical. I know some schools don't care about this, but I would have preferred to do better.

I will have three letters from respected professors in psychology here at Iowa, and one from the nursing supervisor from the psychiatric wing of the hospital.

I have worked as an undergraduate research assistant in one of the psychology labs for two years.

I'm interested in anxiety disorders as well as addictive behaviors, such as eating disorders and substance abuse disorders.

I plan on applying to most of if not all:

Indiana State
Eastern Michigan
U of Tulsa
Loyola-Chicago
Northern Illinois
U of Kentucky
U of Cincinnati
Feinberg (Northwestern)
U of Nebraska
Southern Illinois
Marquette
Purdue
U of Arkansas
Missouri
U of Michigan
Ohio State

Have spoken with at least one professor from each of these universities, and have been encouraged to apply. I know a few are long shots!

Please let me know what you think, I really appreciate it.

Can you give the GRE one more try? You're right on the edge of being looked at by a few on your list.

 

[doggums]

.

 

[ndlek21]

I'm interested in social neuroscience and want to investigate intergroups interactions.

Have you checked out Syracuse University? Richard Gramzow does intergroup stuff:

"My research examines the self-system. I focus on the role of the self in two areas: intergroup processes and psychological adjustment. Within the intergroup context, I am interested in (a) self-related processes associated with intergroup perception and (b) the effects of "stigma" (i.e., being socially devalued based on group membership) on self-esteem and ego-resilience."

Not sure how much of that matches with your interests, but my boyfriend is in the program and loves it.

 

[Student2222]

Your stats and research experience are definitely competitive. I am just applying as well (right out of undergrad) so I'm in no way an expert. But I think that what most people here will probably tell you is now all that matters is the research match and program match, indicated in your personal statement. You'll probably get plenty of interviews based on these stats, as long as you have a solid match with people in these programs...I suggest you read the Q&A thread on this forum with the Director of Clinical Training, it has a lot of helpful info about the admissions process.

Thanks for having a look and for the advice. Do you happen to know where on the forum (under what thread name) I could find the Q&A? Thanks!!

 

[ndlek21]

DCT Q&A Thread HERE.

It's really helpful even though he/she is no longer taking questions. Most of the questions you'd probably think to ask are in there. Have fun! And pace yourself, haha...I wanted to read the whole thing in one sitting 😛

 

[Decaf]

Hello.

I've read hundreds of posts on this forum, and I'm still lost.😕

I have very specific research interest, so I looked for prof with research match and ended up with list of schools evenly spread between clinical and counseling, along with one unique combined degree.

GPA 3.6
PSYCH GPA : 3.7

GRE 160V/155Q/4.0W - English is not my native language...so my writing is not so great.

RA at two different labs during three years. (Both labs are in my area of research) - graduated college in three years.

Rec: two from psych professor who I worked with. One from a dean of law school.

Publications: presented my senior project at APA (Poster),
My name appeared on a couple of reports, but I don't think I should include this. (I don't know how to)

Can anyone please tell me what my chances are? Since I strictly chose schools based on specific research area, I have no idea where these schools land on overall rankings.

Clinical Psychology Programs
UCLA, U of Michigan, U of Oregon, U of NC, U of Illionos- Chicago

Counseling Psychology Programs
U of Texas, U of Minn, NYU-Steinhardt, U of Illinois - UC, Boston College, Iowa State U.

Ph.D in Education and Psychology
U of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Are they too risky schools?
What other schools provide strong multicultural research program?

any comments are appreciated!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

"multicultural research" is a very large umbrella.

Your GPA is in the ballpark, though I'm not familiar with the 'new' GRE scoring, do you have %-rank available?

I am personally familiar with four of the programs you listed, and they are very research heavy, so you'll need to have significant research experience to even secure an invite to interview. I don't think it'd hurt to apply to the programs, but I'd guess you'll probably need to put in a couple of years as a full-time RA to realistically have a shot at a clinical program like UCLA or U of Michigan. U of Minn. and Iowa St. are also very research heavy places, though I am admittedly less familiar with the particular faculty of those uni's.

 

[doggums]

.

 

[Student2222]

I posted my stats etc. earlier but now that I am actually working on these applications I am getting insanely nervous. I am Canadian and not that familiar with the ranking of a lot of the schools I am applying to. I just want to know if these are among the most competitive schools or if I have somewhat of a shot. I graduated from a medium size school in Ontario, Canada that most people in the US may not have heard of. GRE: 89th percentile verbal, 74th quant, 92nd AWA GPA in psych: 88% (I think this is a 3.8 or 4.0)- considered an A in Canada.

Publications: 1 first authored, 1 abstract, 1 under review, 4 in preparation
Research Experience: Basically 5 years, in 7 different labs (might show I am all over the place in interests though)- one of these labs is in a Hospital doing clinical research on brain injuries.

I also am not going to contact POIs before sending in applications because I do not want to bother them (not sure if that is a good idea?)

These are the schools I am applying to:

SDSU Joint Doctoral Program
Boston University
UPenn (I know this is very competitive...it's sort of my "out there" application)
Northwestern
Stony Brook University
Emory
Berkeley
Rutgers (PsyD)
York University
University of Toronto, OISE
Ryerson
UBC
McGill

I am interested in researching psychotherapy and the personality factors associated with depression. I also really want to know if there are any other programs that you might suggest would be good for me according to my interests and stats. I heard there was a good PsyD program in Chicago but do not know the name?

 

[doggums]

.

 

[Student2222]

You seem to have a ton of research experience, which is a plus. Your test scores are good/average from what I've gathered just looking at some of these programs myself. I know nothing about the Canadian schools, but I'd say you have a pretty good shot at the others. You probably want to convert your GPA to the 4.0 scale? Most schools require you to anyways and it would give you a better picture of how your GPA compares at each school. Also, I assume your overall GPA is similar to your psych one? If it's any lower than an 83%, it may be a little more difficult.

How long did you work in each lab? 7 in 5 years is probably fine (though a little all over the place) assuming some of these overlapped. If you were only at each one for a semester, it will look worse.

I didn't contact POIs either... which I've heard mixed things about. I feel like for the most part they're not going to remember one email though. It may put applicants who actually have whole email conversations with them about their work ahead of the game, but that wouldn't have been me anyways *shrugs.* I don't think it'll make or break most applications. I've heard some people say they had long phone conversations with their POIs and such and still didn't get accepted.

Thanks so much. My psych GPA is 88% which is a high A. I think it will look a bit all over the place. I have been at my current position at a hospital for nearly 2 years (part time and now full time). One lab I worked in for a semester and then did my thesis there. Two labs were just for one semester each (one for course credit, another volunteer over the summer and it was in a different city). One lab I started working in last year but still do some work for here and there. The first lab I worked in was for a year. Finally, the last lab I just started in and work part time there. The research is all over the place with most of it being in health psychology..which is not my main interest..just sort of landed here. There have always been situational reasons why I did not continue in a lab e.g. graduation, there were no projects left (not a very active lab), moving cities etc. never for a bad relationship with the prof. Do you think I should mention this in my statements of intent or discuss why there were so many labs over a short period of time?

 

[phillips101]

Thanks so much. My psych GPA is 88% which is a high A. I think it will look a bit all over the place. I have been at my current position at a hospital for nearly 2 years (part time and now full time). One lab I worked in for a semester and then did my thesis there. Two labs were just for one semester each (one for course credit, another volunteer over the summer and it was in a different city). One lab I started working in last year but still do some work for here and there. The first lab I worked in was for a year. Finally, the last lab I just started in and work part time there. The research is all over the place with most of it being in health psychology..which is not my main interest..just sort of landed here. There have always been situational reasons why I did not continue in a lab e.g. graduation, there were no projects left (not a very active lab), moving cities etc. never for a bad relationship with the prof. Do you think I should mention this in my statements of intent or discuss why there were so many labs over a short period of time?

It seems unlikely that an 88% is a 3.8-4.0. At my undergrad (US system), which was graded on a 4.0 scale on the transcript, a 3.8 is an A-, the rest of the system is something like below. Do you mean you have a 98%? I believe most schools in the US follow a similar system.
A+ 100-98% (4.0)
A 97-93% (4.0)
A- 92-90% (3.8)
B+ 89-87%
B 86-83%
B- 82-80%

I would suggest you finding some kind of official conversion system for your grades if possible.

As for your other lab experiences, I don't think it's uncommon for people to have worked in a number of different labs and dabbled in different research areas. My CV appears somewhat scattered as well, but if you can find an explanation for what you learned (not necessarily why you chose that lab) out of each experience and how that has contributed to your current career goal, then I think that should be okay.

 

[mewtoo]

Hey! I'm very excited to show you guys my new stats! I just got done taking the GRE again and I'm still all hyped up from that and my brain is tired from doing that for 5 hours, so please excuse any weirdness and errors. I'm still in a state of shock over my new score. I copied and pasted most of this from my last WAMC.

Major & minor: Psych and biology.
CGPA: 3.4
PsychGPA: 3.96
GRE: I just got a V-161 (620) and Q-148 (590-600) for a 309 (1210-1220). You guys don't even know how excited I am considering I got an 1110 on the last practice test I got. My old score (from 1.5 years ago) was a 1040 and I chose not to report it.
Research experience:
-I conducted an independent study (designed, wrote, ran the analyses, etc.) and we are going to send it for possibly a regional and national poster. It will also be on my CV under manuscripts.
-I will have completed a manuscript with my mentor that we are sending to Journal of Clinical and Social Psychology by the time I apply so it will be "under review" on my CV. I believe I will be 2nd author out of 3 unless my mentor want to be last and then I will be 1st. It is also somewhat related to my research interests (ED side).
-1 regional poster, 3rd author out of 3. 1 national poster, 4th author out of 5.
-I will have completed a supervisory role on one poster that will be sent to a regional conference. I will be last author, but my mentor said she will highlight that I was the supervisor/mentor for the poster.
-I will have worked roughly 2 years in one lab and and 1 summer in another by application time.
LOR: 3 strong ones, all from professors I've taken classes from and done research with. They've all divulged that they consider me one of the best out of the whole department so I am fairly certain they will be awesome. 🙂
Statement of Purpose: My mentor thinks it is very strong so far, so I am confident it will be good.
Other: Psi Chi historian this academic year. I am also a blog author for our Psi Chi chapter's blog and a blog leader (I oversee a group of authors). The blogs are short literature reviews and go through a peer-review process. I am also a chair on 3 committees.

Schools I plan to apply to:
Miami University (OH)
Auburn University
Kent State
Oklahoma State University
Ohio State University
Rutgers PhD
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
University of Arkansas
University of Missouri
Florida State University
University of Utah
University of Southern Mississippi
North Dakota State University

All of these schools (except for UTSWMC as you get accepted by the program, not a professor) I have strong research matches with a professor. If anyone knows of POIs that study BPD/ emotional dysregulation and eating disorders/behaviors that I do not have their uni listed, please mention them.

So WAMC? 🙂 I'm really hoping they are much better now that I have a 1200+ GRE instead of a 1040!

I changed some of the schools I'm applying to. I looked over UNTHSC's website and realized none of the professors were accepting students (though I thought you were admitted to the program and not the professor, but whatever). I'm rethinking UTSWMC too, especially since its application website isn't even working! Perhaps I'm just not meant to stay in Texas. Thanks for the suggestion of Wisconsin, but I don't think the research match was quite there and its pretty competitive. I'm really rethinking Arkansas too because I'm thinking the research match isn't as strong as I'd like.

Can someone please tell me WAMC now? I'm desperate to know what you guys think, good or bad. 😱

 

[syzergy]

I also am not going to contact POIs before sending in applications because I do not want to bother them (not sure if that is a good idea?)

I would reconsider not contacting the POIs. It's a great way to confirm that they're actually accepting students that year. Mine all were for the most part but 1-2 had some last minute funding changes and I was able to knock them off my list and save some money.

I don't think it's a hassle or a bother to most professors. They get a ton of these emails every semester and can do with them what they please. Some send long replies about the lab and inquire more about your interests and experience while others just send a short "I look forward to reviewing your application". As long as you're brief and polite I doubt your email will be a bother. A short reply takes two seconds and you're opening up the possibility to have a longer discussion with a POI.

Also, some faculty have current projects that are slightly different from their recent publications given that these publications are from projects that are usually a few years old. Sending an initial contact gives the POI a chance to let you know if their research area is changing and you would no longer be a fit given your stated interests.

My email was super brief. I introduced myself, stated my university, research interests, people I worked under (if they had a connection to the POI), and a line or two about the POI's research. Short. Sweet. Effective.

To each his own though. You certainly won't be at a disadvantage if you don't contact the POI beforehand. However, some faculty even state on their websites that they would like an email expressing interest before the application is submitted.

 

[doggums]

.

 

[mewtoo]

I'd say they're good! I'm only a fellow applicant of course, and your GRE scores and CGPA aren't outstanding, but they're relatively in line with the programs you've chosen as far as I can tell. (and congrats on doing so much better on the GREs the 2nd time around!)

Out of curiosity, who's your POI at Kent State? I submitted my application there a few weeks ago...

Thanks. Hopefully my app won't be automatically put in the trash can now. 😀

My POI at Kent State is Janis Crowther. I'm still getting my crap together application wise. Whose yours?

 

[Student2222]

I would reconsider not contacting the POIs. It's a great way to confirm that they're actually accepting students that year. Mine all were for the most part but 1-2 had some last minute funding changes and I was able to knock them off my list and save some money.

I don't think it's a hassle or a bother to most professors. They get a ton of these emails every semester and can do with them what they please. Some send long replies about the lab and inquire more about your interests and experience while others just send a short "I look forward to reviewing your application". As long as you're brief and polite I doubt your email will be a bother. A short reply takes two seconds and you're opening up the possibility to have a longer discussion with a POI.

Also, some faculty have current projects that are slightly different from their recent publications given that these publications are from projects that are usually a few years old. Sending an initial contact gives the POI a chance to let you know if their research area is changing and you would no longer be a fit given your stated interests.

My email was super brief. I introduced myself, stated my university, research interests, people I worked under (if they had a connection to the POI), and a line or two about the POI's research. Short. Sweet. Effective.

To each his own though. You certainly won't be at a disadvantage if you don't contact the POI beforehand. However, some faculty even state on their websites that they would like an email expressing interest before the application is submitted.

Thanks. I think I am going to email some...I have a couple of drafts ready for professors. However, I'm still working on editting my CV. How perfect do you think it needs to be before you send it in this email?? It will definitely be better in the application.