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This is fantastic! Thanks, DrClinPsyAdvice!
Hi all,
FYI, the following volume has now been made available FOR FREE to all students. Just visit http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4614-3994-3/page/1 while on a computer connected to the server of any major university. Most all universities have a subscription to Springer's content which lets students download the whole volume for free. Enjoy!
Here are the top choices in order. I know the order is a bit strange, but there are reasons. More will obviously be applied to than these, but these are the top ten.
1. UCLA
2. UC Berkley
3. University of Pennsylvania
4. USC
5. UCSD/SDSU
6. UCSB (This one is a combined Clinical, Counseling, and School program)
7. University of Oregon
8. Northwestern
9. Boston University
10. Harvard
Here are the Stats
1) UCLA Undergrad: 3.95 Overall; 4.0 Psych
2) 1 year + stats and research methods
3) GRE Scores (New scoring): Verbal:158; Quant:154; AW: 5.0
4) 2 years volunteer work as a crisis intervention counselor for a non-profit sexual assault advocacy group in socal (certified as a ci counselor, but it only required around 50 hours of training to obtain)
5) Western Psych Association published presentation on sexual assault variances between different sub-cultures.
Not much research or published works. What are the chances in your opinions?
Thanks in advance for any observations.
The goal is to teach at the UC level, which won't be possible with a masters, but it may just be another stepping stone.
Still have to make a living in the mean time, so maybe a clinical focused masters is a better option. Again, thank you for the advisement.
Teaching is possible, though teaching at a large research university and teaching at a small liberal arts college require very different backgrounds. A large research university will want you to be a researcher who happens to teach. A small liberal arts college will probably want you to teach more, but then you'll have to do other things to stick around.
Clinical-focused masters are good if they line up with your path, but it is akin to wanting to live in Italy but you study Spanish instead of Italian. They have a bit of crossover with a more research/stats focused masters, but the essence of the training is quite different. You'll be better served to work at least two years full-time in a research lab or pursue a research/stats focused masters degree, as both make a lot more sense to any of those 10 programs than someone who spent 2-3 yrs in a masters program with a goal of doing therapy.
Background info: I applied this cycle to 11 clinical phd programs. I had one interview and was rejected post. I was also waitlisted for an interview at another school, but that didn't pan out.
GRE scores (planning on retaking): V-161 Q-148 W- 5 Should I most definitely retake?
GPA: Finished out with a 3.3. I also got a D in my genetics class in my last semester of undergrad. -_- Yeah, really worried about how that will look.
Research experience: 2 years. 1 lab, a joint project for a summer, did my own independent research project (completed the manuscript for it too). 1 manuscript submitted for pub, 2nd author out of 3. 2 first author posters at regional conference. 1 3rd author poster at regional and 1 national poster, like 6th or 7th author. I also won a top scholar award for a research manuscript I wrote for the entire college of liberal and applied arts at my small, regional uni (each college had a winner). I won money for it and was given the opportunity to give a 10 minute talk over my research. I also won top undergraduate researcher for the psych department for the year. For this award I had to be chosen by the entire psych faculty and is for undergraduates proficient and productive in research. Both awards are recent, so they weren't on my apps.
Other: BS in psych with minor in biology. Psi Chi officer for this academic year and on many committees.
Since I wrote that recently I just quoted and edited. Edits are bolded.
I'm starting a experimental psych MA program this fall and am fully funded with a tuition remission and a stipend. Its great, but I still have to take out a lot of loans since the stipend is about half of what one gets in a doctoral program. Because of this and that I want to get the ball rolling and not waste my time in a masters program if I don't have to (especially since most phd programs don't allow many transfers!), I am wondering if I should go ahead and apply this cycle and if I get in leave a year early. My undergraduate mentor said she thinks that's a good idea, but I've heard others are more wary. I tend to give her opinion a bit more authority in this certain situation because she actually went to this exact masters program and expressed concern she didn't think it would be rigorous enough research wise for my liking. I may even be working with the same adviser (not certain yet) so I assume she would tell me if the professor would be angered by this.
Also of consideration is my relatively low (for psych doctoral programs) GPA and that glaring D in my last semester... I don't know if that will completely doom me and it would be better to stay in the masters program to show I can hack it. Though it is an upper level biology class so they may let in slide more. Another thing to consider, however, is I took a graduate level biopsycholgy class that same semester and made an A in it. I had to write a paper similar to a qual and even defend it (I guess I could mention this in my SOP to drive it home?). So I don't know if that would be proof enough. Also, if they want a writing sample do you think it wise to send something like that (I got a 100 on it and my defense) or keep it to my independent project's manuscript that I wrote about 2 years ago?
I'm wondering if you think the added awards, plus a few posters that weren't on there yet (and maybe even more I could add while in my first semester of my program), could make a difference in how my apps would turn out. I'm definitely going to overhaul all my written portions of the app, in hindsight I think they may have been a bit weak and I only had one professor look at them.
For what type of programs I am wanting to go into, I will be applying to clinical balanced or heavy research focused programs and probably some social/health psych programs as well. I'm not so much interested in clinical work, its just my research interests fall in that area. I want to do research at a university or research hospital.
So basically, should I stay and finish? Should I go (if I get the opportunity)?
I will attempt to respond to your questions taking all your provided information into account.Hello everyone. I am interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Broadly speaking, my research interests are related to anxiety, stress, and trauma. However, I'm also seeking out programs that lean more heavily toward the clinical. Geography counts for something, but in general terms (seeking a progressive, liberal area with four distinct seasons).
I earned my B.A. in 2005, double major in literature and creative writing. 3.85 GPA from top 50 liberal arts school. Attended on a full scholarship. My plan was to take a year off, work, and apply for Ph.D. programs in literature. I ended up working at a shipyard for four years.
In those four years, I developed my interest in psychology. My own family was not exactly the picture of mental health, so I always had a layperson's interest in the field. Working at the shipyard was a strange experience. The family who owned the yard was…eccentric. Without getting into the nitty-gritty of the situation, I had a lot of opportunities to work with people who probably suffered from Axis I and II disorders. Also, I ended up serving almost a social welfare role (pushed people through rehab, worked with the county to hire ex-convicts as part of a rehabilitation program, wrote successful grants). Everything gelled, and I realized that I wanted to work in the mental healthcare field.
I joined the military to get money for school. This was 2009. I made rank quickly and currently serve as the supervisor for 30 junior technicians. Anyone familiar with the military knows that your job as a supervisor is unique. You manage a lot of young people who are making a major transition in life, so you provide not only professional, but also personal guidance. I screen people for financial issues, alcohol dependency, and marital problems. I refer them to social workers and psychologists. In one instance, I had to escort a suicidal individual to the hospital (and had to remain with the person for over ten hours until they were admitted). Additionally, I do vocational counseling for about 180 people.
So, now I'm 30. I've taken introductory psychology and developmental psychology at a local community college, both with A's. At a minimum, I know I also need statistics, abnormal psychology, and a class or two in experimental and tests and measurements. I haven't taken the GRE's, but I'm studying hard, especially the math! My experience with standardized tests is normally good as long as I'm prepared.
These are my concerns:
1) Letters of recommendation (I've been out of school for almost ten years; most of my professors have retired, and those who haven't surely don't remember me. Right now I'm limited to online classes due to going out to sea frequently)
2) Lack of formal clinical experience
3) TOTAL lack of research experience
I intend to reenlist for shore duty so I can pursue some in-seat classes (getting some "face time" with professors) and get some volunteer clinical and research experience under my belt.
Do you think I need to pursue a Master degree in order to be a strong Ph.D. candidate? Or could I get the experience I need without earning another degree (taking classes in a non-matriculated status, seeking volunteer opportunities)?
Assuming I don't return to school for a Master degree, I will be 35, if not a little older, by the time I apply to doctoral programs. If I do go back to school, I will be nearly 40! Will my age hurt me?
If I do not return to school in a matriculated status, what would be my research opportunities? I'm in close proximity to a number of universities, including a medical school and a consortium style Psy.D. program. Is it considered good form to cold call on researchers in the area and offer your assistance?
Will my diverse academic and professional background help me or hurt me? On one hand, I can see an admissions committee appreciating a diverse cohort. On the other, I can see someone looking at my resume and thinking that I'm capricious. The staff psychologist at my command believes my background will work in my favor, as long as I hit all the other wickets.
Any other tips for non-traditional candidates?
Regarding the GRE, I think you should def. retake. I have a feeling you didn't make it to many interviews because of your Q score, as your GPA is fine and your research experience is excellent. The good news is that math is really easy to raise - I would suggest using the Barron's Math Workbook and the Manhattan Prep Math GRE books (there is 5 of them I believe)
I think the MA program is a good idea since it is fully funded. Even if you have to take loans for living expenses it shouldn't be that much. Could you also get a research job on the side, perhaps to avoid loans (and the added experience is a bonus)? It would be especially great if you managed to get a 3.8+ GPA to make up for the 3.3 (which is not horrible by any means, but I think below average)
I think the D by itself shoudn't be horrible - I hear that admissions officers rarely look at transcripts in detail. I wouldn't mention it in your SOP. Speaking of, how was your SOP? Now may be a good time to work on improving it
PS - do you know anything about which experimental MA programs are funded? I hear some are, but haven't been able to find a list of them. I am thinking of applying to a couple as backup option if I don't get in this cycle.
Hi everybody,
I'm an international student. I have BS in Computer Engineering - Hardware and MA in General Psychology,
1. What research areas do you think I can apply for PhD programs? or have better chances in them? Cognitive psychology? Neuroscience? Personality? ...
2. What can I do to receive a scholarship or some other awards?
Thanks you in advance for helping me.
What are your career goals and interests? It is odd to apply to programs just because you might have a better chance of getting in. Also note that completing a Ph.D. in those areas (cognitive psych, neuroscience, etc.) will not allow you to practice as a clinical psychologist.
That said, if your interest is in research and you have a strong interest in one of the areas you mentioned, your computer engineering background could be a plus.
What's your research experience like? Did you do an empirical thesis for your M.A.? Any other relevant research projects or experiences? I think this will be the most important factor (in addition to your M.A. grades and letters of recommendation).
Those impact factors are quite low. Why have you decided to submit there, instead of trying for journals with more typical impact factors (1.0 to 2.5)?
Reputable publications would significantly help your application. You're probably in decent shape to apply now; you do have a chance of getting in. However, there are additional things that might help:
1) Submit those papers to mainstream journals, assuming the papers themselves are good quality.
2) Come up with focused research interests-- what about Personality research interests you? Which labs and faculty members would you like to work with? Tie your past experiences in with your current interests to tell a story.
3) Take and do well on the subject GRE.
4) Re-take and do much better on the general GRE.
5) If you don't get in this year, look for opportunities to gain more research experience, including reputable publications.
Good luck!
How important is it to have a basic science background and have taken science classes in undergrad when applying to APA approved clinical psychology programs? I'm a senior and have only general biology credit from high school and haven't taken any other science classes while in undergrad. I would be happy to stay an extra semester or two to take those classes and make myself a stronger applicant.
Thanks for your response. I really wouldn't want to take a chance of my gpa dropping especially since it's 3.95 and 3.98 in psych classes if it's not necessary. However, I would also hate to be turned down because I only have bio 1 credit when I could have taken bio 2, chemistry and anatomy and gotten accepted. Btw, I was asking because I was looking at University of Florida Clinical psych page and it says "The admission committee places particular emphasis on prior research experience, the breadth and QUALITY OF UNDERGRADUATE PREPARATION IN BASIC SCIENCE and psychology, letters of recommendation and personal statements."
Hello, I was wondering if anyone had any advice for me about applying to graduate school? I am currently focusing on clinical PhD programs, but I don't have a lot of research experience which is making me nervous. Here's some background:
I am currently about to go into my senior year at a state school, and am planning to graduate in Spring 2014 with a psychology major (and political science minor).
Current GPA is 3.828 ((It will either go up or stay about the same by the time I graduate, I'd estimate. I'm fairly consistent each semester)
My psych GPA is around that, probably slightly higher but close to 3.8 still
GRE scores:
V: 164 (93%) Q: 147 (29%) W: 5 (93%)
I did research for one semester under a professor, where I did: data entry, administering various tests (measuring memory and executive functioning) on both college students and the elderly. However, this was in my sophomore year. I left on good terms (he told me he would write me a letter of rec) because I didn't have time to do research on top of working to pay for college. However, it's been two years since I did that research and I haven't kept in touch with the professor, so I'm not sure how good of a letter he would write for me now simply due to the amount of time that has passed.
I am slightly nervous about getting my letters of rec. I have a philosophy teacher who really liked me last semester, so I am enrolling in another of his classes this fall. I think he would write me a really good letter. I've taken a couple of classes with a Political Science professor (however this teacher has a degree in and has practiced in psychology) and am enrolled in another class with him this fall. I also am enrolled in a psych class with a psych professor I had last semester. He's the one I have the least developed relationship with, however he tried to get me into his Senior Seminar (couldn't do it because I hadn't taken research & methods yet, I'm taking that in the fall and they can't be concurrent) so I think that is positive and I'm going to try to stand out in his class early this semester so he would hopefully write me a letter.
So that's four potentials to write my three letters - any opinions about those are welcome.
I'm also SUPER nervous about matching my research interests to any PhD programs. I made my list based on three very very VERY general research interests: depression, anxiety, and trauma. I'd be interested in studying any of the three, but I feel like I need to be much more specific?
I'd also like a program that will prepare me for clinical work - I'm definitely okay doing research and clinical classes, but if I go to a clinical program I'd like to be able to practice after.
Here are the programs I'm currently looking at:
University of Wyoming
Palo Alto University
University of Arkansas
University of Montana
Penn State
Idaho State University
Wisconsin University - Madison
Oklahoma State University
I've also gone back and forth about applying to Duke University's evolutionary anthropology program - specifically their dog cognition research. I have four years of experience working with dogs and would absolutely love to study them, but I'm nervous about what I could actually DO with that degree, and since I love clinical psych too I figured that was the safer course to take.
And I've also considered applying to some school psychology programs. I was focused more on clinical lately, but I'm getting so nervous about my lack of extensive research experience that I feel maybe I should consider applying to school psychology programs again? I have several volunteer hours at elementary schools, however most of those are in my mother's class room... not sure if that counts, yikes!
Thank you for any advice you have to offer!!
Hi All ,
Well, I have been working as a Counsellor and Educational therapist since 2010 upon completing my Masters programme. I work with an NGO and I have relevant experience in handling children with developmental disorders and mental health concerns. Actually I'm looking for an academic career(PhD). I began gathering details of few universities offering them. Some of the core areas of my interests include, Cognitive aspects of developmental disorders, child and adolescent mental health issues, Neuropsychobiology and Behavioral Neuroscience . I would like to specialise in cognitive aspects of developmental disorders in my doctoral work. While in my career track record I happened to confront some clients with developmental disorders, but my knowledge was too limited to actually take up the problem and resolve. Yet, I have dealt some cases with Autism spectrum disorders, mental ******ation, specific learning disabilities and language disorders. I handle individual and group therapy sessions as well to my clients. I really wish to work on this area. Hence I look in for a good academic career which can actually equip me in this stream. It would be nice of you if you could guide me on the available opportunities in this field that I can avail of.I look forward to your reply.
I recently gave my GRE and here are the stats i can give you on that
V - 148 , Q - 154 , AWA - dont know yet , waiting for the original score card.
I am yet to write my TOEFL and GRE Subject test. I have done my Bachelors in Bio Chemistry and Masters in Social Work & Psychiatry.
Can you please tell me what are the universities in California where i do have chance of getting admitted to a PhD Or Psy D program in Psychology. Appreciate your support.
Thanks
Vinod Varma
Hi All ,
Well, I have been working as a Counsellor and Educational therapist since 2010 upon completing my Masters programme. I work with an NGO and I have relevant experience in handling children with developmental disorders and mental health concerns. Actually I'm looking for an academic career(PhD). I began gathering details of few universities offering them. Some of the core areas of my interests include, Cognitive aspects of developmental disorders, child and adolescent mental health issues, Neuropsychobiology and Behavioral Neuroscience . I would like to specialise in cognitive aspects of developmental disorders in my doctoral work. While in my career track record I happened to confront some clients with developmental disorders, but my knowledge was too limited to actually take up the problem and resolve. Yet, I have dealt some cases with Autism spectrum disorders, mental ******ation, specific learning disabilities and language disorders. I handle individual and group therapy sessions as well to my clients. I really wish to work on this area. Hence I look in for a good academic career which can actually equip me in this stream. It would be nice of you if you could guide me on the available opportunities in this field that I can avail of.I look forward to your reply.
I recently gave my GRE and here are the stats i can give you on that
V - 148 , Q - 154 , AWA - dont know yet , waiting for the original score card.
I am yet to write my TOEFL and GRE Subject test. I have done my Bachelors in Bio Chemistry and Masters in Social Work & Psychiatry.
Can you please tell me what are the universities in California where i do have chance of getting admitted to a PhD Or Psy D program in Psychology. Appreciate your support.
Thanks
Vinod Varma
So I just found out that last year when I was a research assistant for one of my professors she presented the research we were working on at a small conference at our university and she included me as a co-author. I was wondering if it would be alright to list this on my CV. If so, how would I do it, would it be under "publications" or what? I don't wanna take credit for something that isn't mine but if it's acceptable for me to list it I will since I have no other "publications" or anything like that
Thanks for the reply. I have done few research papers as part of my masters program. Will that help me here. Also if you could let me know which all universities in CA i can have a chance irrespective of the comparatively low GRE.
Hello, I was wondering if anyone had any advice for me about applying to graduate school? I am currently focusing on clinical PhD programs, but I don't have a lot of research experience which is making me nervous. Here's some background:
I am currently about to go into my senior year at a state school, and am planning to graduate in Spring 2014 with a psychology major (and political science minor).
Current GPA is 3.828 ((It will either go up or stay about the same by the time I graduate, I'd estimate. I'm fairly consistent each semester)
My psych GPA is around that, probably slightly higher but close to 3.8 still
GRE scores:
V: 164 (93%) Q: 147 (29%) W: 5 (93%)
I did research for one semester under a professor, where I did: data entry, administering various tests (measuring memory and executive functioning) on both college students and the elderly. However, this was in my sophomore year. I left on good terms (he told me he would write me a letter of rec) because I didn't have time to do research on top of working to pay for college. However, it's been two years since I did that research and I haven't kept in touch with the professor, so I'm not sure how good of a letter he would write for me now simply due to the amount of time that has passed.
I am slightly nervous about getting my letters of rec. I have a philosophy teacher who really liked me last semester, so I am enrolling in another of his classes this fall. I think he would write me a really good letter. I've taken a couple of classes with a Political Science professor (however this teacher has a degree in and has practiced in psychology) and am enrolled in another class with him this fall. I also am enrolled in a psych class with a psych professor I had last semester. He's the one I have the least developed relationship with, however he tried to get me into his Senior Seminar (couldn't do it because I hadn't taken research & methods yet, I'm taking that in the fall and they can't be concurrent) so I think that is positive and I'm going to try to stand out in his class early this semester so he would hopefully write me a letter.
So that's four potentials to write my three letters - any opinions about those are welcome.
I'm also SUPER nervous about matching my research interests to any PhD programs. I made my list based on three very very VERY general research interests: depression, anxiety, and trauma. I'd be interested in studying any of the three, but I feel like I need to be much more specific?
I'd also like a program that will prepare me for clinical work - I'm definitely okay doing research and clinical classes, but if I go to a clinical program I'd like to be able to practice after.
Here are the programs I'm currently looking at:
University of Wyoming
Palo Alto University
University of Arkansas
University of Montana
Penn State
Idaho State University
Wisconsin University - Madison
Oklahoma State University
I've also gone back and forth about applying to Duke University's evolutionary anthropology program - specifically their dog cognition research. I have four years of experience working with dogs and would absolutely love to study them, but I'm nervous about what I could actually DO with that degree, and since I love clinical psych too I figured that was the safer course to take.
And I've also considered applying to some school psychology programs. I was focused more on clinical lately, but I'm getting so nervous about my lack of extensive research experience that I feel maybe I should consider applying to school psychology programs again? I have several volunteer hours at elementary schools, however most of those are in my mother's class room... not sure if that counts, yikes!
Thank you for any advice you have to offer!!
the plan would be to continue being a research assistant and try and get more presentations or possible publications under my belt.Er, why would you wait? Your GRE scores aren't dance-through-the-halls fantastic, but they're not horrible. Seems like the rest of your app is solid, provided you've got a good SOP. Unless you're applying to schools for which these stats aren't competitive, why wait? (I'm assuming you're graduating sometime between now and May with that MEd, not withdrawing from the program, by the way). Also, if you do wait, what would you do with that year to build up your CV?
the plan would be to continue being a research assistant and try and get more presentations or possible publications under my belt.
To be honest, I have spent a lot of time at the WAMC thread, and figured that in comparison, my credentials weren't competitive enough. I think I have been freaking myself out. Thanks for the perspective, Lisa.
By the way, what does "SOP" mean?Er, why would you wait? Your GRE scores aren't dance-through-the-halls fantastic, but they're not horrible. Seems like the rest of your app is solid, provided you've got a good SOP. Unless you're applying to schools for which these stats aren't competitive, why wait? (I'm assuming you're graduating sometime between now and May with that MEd, not withdrawing from the program, by the way). Also, if you do wait, what would you do with that year to build up your CV?
I'm about to take the GRE a second time, after taking a class, and so far my practice tests show that I'm not improving as much as I hoped I would.
So now I'm considering waiting to apply to PhD programs until I've been able to gain more research experience and improved my resume... but the idea of putting my life on hold another year is really bumming me out.
here are my stats:
3.72 undergrad GPA
3.8 Psych GPA
4.0 Graduate GPA (currently enrolled in a M.ed, in Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
150 Verbal, 157 quant
1.5 years combined research experience - all with 3 different professors
1 presentation at a small conference
1 year clinical experience
2 years Teacher assistant
Is it worth it for me to risk it and apply this year or should I save my money for the next round? If I should wait, how do you get past the feeling that you're wasting your time? I'm only 23, but I have a family to support, and the pressure to be accepted into a PhD program is really weighing on me.