This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Hi all! I just took the GRE a few days ago so I can finally post here :) I haven't taken the Psych GRE yet but will do that in November... I'm hoping to go to a clinical PhD program in/ around NYC in 2011.

-Cum. GPA: 3.94
-GRE Verbal: 600
-GRE Quant: 690
-graduated from a top 20 university
-completed an honors thesis and received highest honors
-member of phi beta kappa and psi chi
-volunteered on my school's anonymous helpline for 3 years
-volunteered in a developmental/ narrative psych lab for 1.5 years as an undergrad
-volunteered at two different psych labs at NYU over two summers
-will begin working as lab manager of a clinical psych lab at the school from which I graduated starting in July

As of now, I think my top choice is Columbia TC, which accepts very few students per year... but I'd be happy at any PhD program in the NYC area. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

I think it will really depend on your personal statement, your research experience that you start in July, and your letters of rec. Will you be full-time? I think you are competitive for a PhD program in other parts of the country, but NYC is so hard to say. As if phds aren't competitive to begin with, NYC is extremely more so--hence the low stipends. I would check to see if your GREs are close to the averages for these NYC Schools. 1290 is not a bad score by any means, but when you're competing against hundreds of applicants, you may want to retake the GRE and get a 1350-1400+. Good luck!

Members don't see this ad.
 
I think it will really depend on your personal statement, your research experience that you start in July, and your letters of rec. Will you be full-time? I think you are competitive for a PhD program in other parts of the country, but NYC is so hard to say. As if phds aren't competitive to begin with, NYC is extremely more so--hence the low stipends. I would check to see if your GREs are close to the averages for these NYC Schools. 1290 is not a bad score by any means, but when you're competing against hundreds of applicants, you may want to retake the GRE and get a 1350-1400+. Good luck!


I guess that's why I'm posting here-- to find out my chances with my stats as they are now. The truth is, I'm a horrible standardized test taker, and I studied a LOT to get that 1290. I don't think my score would go up if I took it again, and I don't want to put myself through all the testing anxiety... I always thought if I just got a 1200 that was enough to get them to look at my app and then all the other stuff (GPA, experience, fit, etc.) was what really mattered. Is that not the case for NYC?

I was hoping my grades, research experience, and recommendations (I expect that they will be very good) would be enough to get me interviews at least. Also, the professor whose lab I am working in next year is pretty famous in the field so I think his name might help a bit too. Is it easier to get into programs if you don't require a stipend? I really am set on going to grad school in NYC, so any advice or suggestions would be so helpful and greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!
 
Members don't see this ad :)
So, I just graduated from law school and I'm now trying to tackle step two in my plan to conquer the world of academics: getting into a clinical psychology program. All jokes aside, my choices for programs are rather limited as I plan on focusing on forensic child psychology....so there's like 4 schools who have specialist tracks in that field. I'm trying to figure out what my chances would be if I applied this year v. waiting a year and trying to get more psychology specific research experience. Here's my stats and please let me know what you think:

GRE: 640 V, 710 Q, 5.5 AW (might retake?)
PGRE: 690 (planning on retaking)
UGRAD GPA: 3.9 (state school)
GRAD GPA: 3.3
Publications: One criminology/psychology paper during undergrad (also stood as my honor's thesis), 3 legal publication in past two years (two sole author).
Presentations: one national conference and one local on ugrad paper.
Research Exp: worked in a psych lab one semester in undergrad, did a summer REU program (independent research/presentation but no final paper). Research assistant in law school for about 2 years, but purely academic legal research, somewhat psych related, but no clinical component (not sure if this even helps my chances)

I'm also concerned about the fact that I currently don't have any psychology professors who could write letters of recommendation. I have two law professors and an attorney I did research for that can, but I'm not sure if that is sufficient.

Thanks for your help and any feedback would be great!

Don't automatically throw a program out if it doesn't have a specialty track. There are a ton of programs without tracks that provide good experiences with children. Seek these out!
 
Hello, so I haven't started applying to Clinical PhD programs yet, so I'm trying to get an idea of how competitive I am so I know what type of programs to aim for.
-Majoring in Psychology at a competitive school (top 25 in US News list)
-3.6 GPA, 3.8 Psych GPA
- Haven't taken GREs yet, but I think it's safe to assume they will be over the minimum cut off, I test very well on standardized tests, and I'm studying all summer.
-I've worked in one lab for 1.5 years for a well known professor that publishes a lot. I was a volunteer and they hired me to work for them, I assist in data management and work half the time on my own research project. I just presented a poster for this project at an international conference, and my mentor and I are working on a paper to submit, although there's only a 50% chance that it will be done and accepted by the time I apply.
-I'm working on my senior honors thesis with a quite famous researcher who still publishes a lot. Our goal is to turn the thesis into a paper to submit, of course this won't be until after applications. I mention this in case people think it would be worth taking a year off because I will have had more experience.
-Neither of those labs allow for any data collection experience because the collection is at other institutions, but I do data collection for another research project, which includes recruiting subjects and administering assessments.
-I'm under the impression that extra curriculars other than research don't matter, and I didn't do these with the intention of them helping me for grad school, but I am an officer for psi chi and I have an officer position for another organization where I manage a large budget and students.
-As far as LORs, I have two strong ones from my research positions where I'm doing independent research (and these profs have students that are in PhD programs at Yale, Stanford, etc. so I don't think they're bad letter writers.) I'm not sure about my third letter, but I think I will ask a prof that I've had two classes with (one class with only 15 people), have had meetings with, get along with and did very well in her classes)
-As far as fit/research focus, I want to go into the substance abuse area and all of my research has been in substance abuse, so I think this shows that I am interested in my area and I will be choosing POIs in this area. My mentors have a lot of connections in this area so I think this will help too.

Anyway, so thoughts? Lots of students I know have had to reapply and take a year off doing research, should I basically expect to do this? I want to go into academics, so I really need a competitive program and I'd rather take a year off than go to a bad program. Do I have a chance of getting into a good program first time around? I'm not sure if my research experience is enough.
 
I guess that's why I'm posting here-- to find out my chances with my stats as they are now. The truth is, I'm a horrible standardized test taker, and I studied a LOT to get that 1290. I don't think my score would go up if I took it again, and I don't want to put myself through all the testing anxiety... I always thought if I just got a 1200 that was enough to get them to look at my app and then all the other stuff (GPA, experience, fit, etc.) was what really mattered. Is that not the case for NYC?

I was hoping my grades, research experience, and recommendations (I expect that they will be very good) would be enough to get me interviews at least. Also, the professor whose lab I am working in next year is pretty famous in the field so I think his name might help a bit too. Is it easier to get into programs if you don't require a stipend? I really am set on going to grad school in NYC, so any advice or suggestions would be so helpful and greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

1290 in all honesty....will most likely get your application looked at. Like I said before, 1290 is not a bad score by any means and if you were applying in other parts of the country, it would be competitive. Just be prepared that you will be going up lots of applicants with scores of 1400-1500.

You can't really apply to a school and tell them you don't require a stipend--the only way around that is if you have your own grant money, which is extremely hard at this stage. Is it too hard for you to relocate? Is that why you are set on NYC?
 
I guess that's why I'm posting here-- to find out my chances with my stats as they are now. The truth is, I'm a horrible standardized test taker, and I studied a LOT to get that 1290. I don't think my score would go up if I took it again, and I don't want to put myself through all the testing anxiety... I always thought if I just got a 1200 that was enough to get them to look at my app and then all the other stuff (GPA, experience, fit, etc.) was what really mattered. Is that not the case for NYC?

I was hoping my grades, research experience, and recommendations (I expect that they will be very good) would be enough to get me interviews at least. Also, the professor whose lab I am working in next year is pretty famous in the field so I think his name might help a bit too. Is it easier to get into programs if you don't require a stipend? I really am set on going to grad school in NYC, so any advice or suggestions would be so helpful and greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!


I think you'll be very competitive for admissions to St. Johns in Queens. Just make sure you get to know their program. I think they are a well- balanced program and focus on producing urban community practitioners . I also think they have good funding.

Regarding CUNY and Teacher's college - i think you'll be competitive, but you'll need to set yourself apart somehow. Network with professors whose research you're interested in. Make sure you understand those programs' foci and explain how you fit in your SOP.

:luck:
 
Don't automatically throw a program out if it doesn't have a specialty track. There are a ton of programs without tracks that provide good experiences with children. Seek these out!

Thanks for the advice. I am definitely going to check out individual professors as well, it's just that my focus is extremely specific. I'm interested in the progression from a child victim to an adult offender, and the factors that influence an individual's choice to continue the "cycle". (in particular, cases involving sex offenders, homicides, and domestic violence) As this is such a heavily forensic related topic, I suspect my best chances of finding a mentor match is going to be in programs with a forensic track.
 
"Tracks" tend to be a misnomber because many of the best mentors don't have "tracks" as part of their program. Forensic coursework can be helpful, but I would put it secondary to good mentorship in the area.
 
"Tracks" tend to be a misnomber because many of the best mentors don't have "tracks" as part of their program. Forensic coursework can be helpful, but I would put it secondary to good mentorship in the area.

I definitely agree with that. The mentorship match is the most important consideration. I guess the reason, besides my research interests, I've been focusing more on the specialization programs rather than general programs is that I feel my lack of direct psychological research in the past few years will be less of a problem for those programs. With a program that states their focus is forensic psychology, my legal background could be looked upon as an asset rather than a "why in the world did you do THAT for 3 years?"
 
Hey all, just joined the forum today. I think this thread is a really great way for people to get feedback, and I am going to jump right in! This winter I will be applying to various Psyd programs (some include University of Hartford, possibly MSPP, Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Roosevelt University, Nova, and Widener) and am wondering about my changes of getting in.

I bombed the GREs. Scores in the 900 range :( and a 670 on the subject test. I plan on retaking them this fall. I doubt I will get in anywhere with my scores.

Undergrad GPA from a state university- 3.45
Currently GPA in my Masters program- 3.9

I have been a research assistant for 2 years, and volunteered at a well respected psychiatric hospital during my time as an undergrad. I am starting my practicum this summer at a research site funded by an Ivy League university, doing individual and group therapy. I plan on having very strong letters of recommendation.


Any feedback would be great.
 
1290 in all honesty....will most likely get your application looked at. Like I said before, 1290 is not a bad score by any means and if you were applying in other parts of the country, it would be competitive. Just be prepared that you will be going up lots of applicants with scores of 1400-1500.

You can't really apply to a school and tell them you don't require a stipend--the only way around that is if you have your own grant money, which is extremely hard at this stage. Is it too hard for you to relocate? Is that why you are set on NYC?

RejectClinical and jnine, thanks so much for the advice! I'm actually working in Atlanta right now but I'm from NYC originally and there's nowhere else I'd rather be... I know you aren't supposed to apply to schools based on the location but I'm a city girl at heart and most of the PhD programs there are considered good for training clinicians (rather than researchers) so I consider that lucky. I like doing research, but I know I want to practice when I'm done so I'd rather have a school that's less research-oriented. (But I definitely don't want to go to a PsyD program)
 
RejectClinical and jnine, thanks so much for the advice! I'm actually working in Atlanta right now but I'm from NYC originally and there's nowhere else I'd rather be... I know you aren't supposed to apply to schools based on the location but I'm a city girl at heart and most of the PhD programs there are considered good for training clinicians (rather than researchers) so I consider that lucky. I like doing research, but I know I want to practice when I'm done so I'd rather have a school that's less research-oriented. (But I definitely don't want to go to a PsyD program)

There's nothing wrong with applying to and wanting to go to an NYC school....I would just not limit my application options based on that. It's better to apply to additional programs and then if you don't get into an NYC school, at least you have an option (that doesn't mean you have to take it--but sometimes it is nice to have, especially given how competitive admissions are). You could also apply to programs in other big cities, such as Philly, Chicago, LA, DC, etc.
 
Members don't see this ad :)
Just wondering if I'm wasting my time.

Older student, 28 years old. Have a BA in English that I earned about six years ago now (i.e. as a traditional undergrad) at a fairly mediocre liberal arts college. Had some major health and depression issues during my first round of undergrad. Add to that the fact that I wasn't particularly enthused with my college or my major, I got out with a 3.09 GPA.

Now I'm back in school earning a second degree in psychology at a major research institution. It's not ivy league, but it's ranked in the top ten PhD programs in all sub-fields of psychology, top five in most of them. So far my second round of college has earned me a 3.7 GPA, with a solid 4.0 in my psych classes. I'm being dragged down by Anatomy and Chemistry classes that I got B's in, but overall doing well. I'm getting involved in research -- two semesters each in two labs, and a professor is taking me on for my senior project next semester: research by my design, with the intention of producing a paper for publication.

Now, I'm a bit torn by a few different possibilities for grad school -- I'm interested in clinical neuropsychology above all, yet all of my research experience falls under the cognitive subfield, which is also a great interest of mine.

After lurking here for a while though, I can't help but feeling I've got no chance at getting in, due to my poor GPA from the first time around. I'm aware that some schools supposedly don't look at older grades, but they older grades are still in there, weighing me down as a possible elimination factor. Regardless of what schools claim, I can't imagine them taking someone like me if they've got someone who has a solid 3.7 through their entire undergraduate career. I should note I haven't taken the GRE yet, but I am studying for it and I generally do well on standardized tests.

I do have some excuses for my poor grades besides disinterest in my major (i.e. serious but now well-managed health issues, first generation college graduate, working through college, mental health issues -- diagnosed with three different Axis I conditions!) but I can't imagine putting almost any of that in a SOP without sounding like a liability, despite the fact that I'm proving myself by doing it well the second time. And I do believe I'm proving myself -- I go to school full time and work full time (with mentally disabled clients, if that helps my case at all). And yet, I can't help but wonder if I'm deluding myself.

So. Am I wasting my time? Will the prestige of the PhD programs prop my application up at all? Should I shrug off my dreams of being a scientist-practitioner and stay in the science realm, in academic psychology?
 
Thanks for the advice. I am definitely going to check out individual professors as well, it's just that my focus is extremely specific. I'm interested in the progression from a child victim to an adult offender, and the factors that influence an individual's choice to continue the "cycle". (in particular, cases involving sex offenders, homicides, and domestic violence) As this is such a heavily forensic related topic, I suspect my best chances of finding a mentor match is going to be in programs with a forensic track.

You could also look into professors who work on topics such as child trauma, PTSD, DID. They might be willing to to go a very little bit outside if their area to look at the cycle of an offender.
 
You could also look into professors who work on topics such as child trauma, PTSD, DID. They might be willing to to go a very little bit outside if their area to look at the cycle of an offender.

I know I've come across some information recently about the differences between males and females with PTSD and how they relive/reenact trauma, with the males more likely to become an agressor and the females more likely to put themselves in abusive situations. So, you might be able to find someone doing cycle of violence research in this area.
 
Hi all,

I am going into my second year of my Master's program, and I am thinking about applying to Clinical Psych PhD programs for fall 2011. I'm not 100% sure whether I want to apply yet or not, but I was wondering if anyone could give me insight into how my chances are. I don't have specific schools I'm looking at just yet, but maybe someone could give me some ideas. My stats look like this:

Undergrad degree with honors from a top 10 school, GPA = 3.41 & psych GPA = 3.54
Working on my MSW at an Ivy League school, GPA = 3.85
GRE-V = 680, GRE-Q = 650, GRE-A = 5.5, GRE-Psych = 770
I have 2 years research experience from undergrad, during which time I was a lab manager. I have no publications, but I am listed as an author on a presentation that was given at a national conference (does that help?)
As far as relevant clinical experience, I have volunteered at a national hotline, worked at a summer residential treatment program, and provided short term counseling at a workforce development center (my first year placement for my MSW). This year I will be participating in a year-long DBT training project, and will be conducting DBT in a day program at a mental health facility.
My general area of interest is suicide, but I'm not sure exactly what about it I want to study, or if that's too specific a topic or what...

Any input anyone could give me would be greatly appreciated!
 
This would be my second time applying to PhD programs in clinical psychology.

My main research interests are mindfulness (esp. ACT), eating disorders, and Asian American mental health.

BA in psychology and communication (Double Major) from a big & well-known state school; CGPA: 3.91 (Psych GPA 4.0); magna cum laude & Phi Beta Kappa
MA in clinical psychology (graduating soon); CGPA: 4.0

GRE: V 690, Q 690 AW 4.5 Psych 660

Research experience: 1 undergrad lab (PD related) for 1 year, 1 undergrad lab for 2 years (continued after I graduated, mindfulness related), 1 grad lab for the last 6 months (depression related); 1 publication (mindfulness related) as the 1st author in a (Ivy League) student-based peer reviewed journal; will be presenting a poster (the same study) at ABCT convention this year; wrote a grant proposal (mindfulness-based ED prevention); just initiated a research project

Clinical experience: Undergrad peer hotline listener for 1 year, harm reduction program volunteer for the last 6 months, various volunteer activities in mental health related events since 2007

LORs: Provided by professors & directors who have worked with me and know me really well. I was told that my letters are great by interviewers before.

My question: Ultimately, I want to study mindfulness-based interventions on ED, esp. in AsAm population. Would the lack of direct clinical experience with ED clients hurt me? Since I am applying to research-heavy schools, I am hoping they look at my research experience more (not that I have a tremendous amount but still).

Any advice and/or recommendation?

Thanks guys! :)
 
You've got great numbers and experience. To get to interview you probably mainly need to communicate with faculty who have overlapping interests and interest in taking a student.

This would be my second time applying to PhD programs in clinical psychology.

My main research interests are mindfulness (esp. ACT), eating disorders, and Asian American mental health.

BA in psychology and communication (Double Major) from a big & well-known state school; CGPA: 3.91 (Psych GPA 4.0); magna cum laude & Phi Beta Kappa
MA in clinical psychology (graduating soon); CGPA: 4.0

GRE: V 690, Q 690 AW 4.5 Psych 660

Research experience: 1 undergrad lab (PD related) for 1 year, 1 undergrad lab for 2 years (continued after I graduated, mindfulness related), 1 grad lab for the last 6 months (depression related); 1 publication (mindfulness related) as the 1st author in a (Ivy League) student-based peer reviewed journal; will be presenting a poster (the same study) at ABCT convention this year; wrote a grant proposal (mindfulness-based ED prevention); just initiated a research project

Clinical experience: Undergrad peer hotline listener for 1 year, harm reduction program volunteer for the last 6 months, various volunteer activities in mental health related events since 2007

LORs: Provided by professors & directors who have worked with me and know me really well. I was told that my letters are great by interviewers before.

My question: Ultimately, I want to study mindfulness-based interventions on ED, esp. in AsAm population. Would the lack of direct clinical experience with ED clients hurt me? Since I am applying to research-heavy schools, I am hoping they look at my research experience more (not that I have a tremendous amount but still).

Any advice and/or recommendation?

Thanks guys! :)
 
First of all, I'd like thank anyone and everyone who takes the time to read and/or respond to my post. It's truly appreciated. That being stated, here goes:

I graduated from a Tier 1 Liberal Arts college in '04 with a double-major in Psychology and Criminal Justice, barely escaping with a 2.1 GPA. This experience also included a semester on academic probation my senior year. Long story short? Youth, naivety, confusion, and depression all played their part. I simply wasn't ready.

After graduation, I began working with special-needs adults at a local vocational center for individuals with developmental disabilities. A year later, I took an assistant manager's position within the residential portion of network. After three years doing that, I was offered the opportunity to return to the vocational center in the role of "clinical supervisor". This is the position I have presently, as I supervise a unit of 8 staff and 19 clients with developmental disabilities, participating extensively in each adult's annual programming.

In September of this year, I was accepted into a Graduate Certificate Program for Applied Behavioral Analysis. I'll be through with the 5-course program in August, finishing with a 3.5 GPA. I'm now seriously considering continuing my education and applying to a PsyD program in New England.

Question: What are my chances? My growth as a student and professional since my undergrad days has been immeasurable. I'm hoping that my recent academic success and related work experience combine to make me a worthy candidate.

Again, any thoughts/opinions on this matter would be very appreciated!
 
First off, congratulations for how much progress you've been able to make since college. It sounds like you've been on a steady upward trend! If you decide you want to apply to Psyd programs, you can be confident that your more recent performance will help offset your undergrad GPA. However, I think you may need to show even more to be a serious contender for a doctoral program.

My advice would be to consider a master's level program and hopefully get your GPA in that up to at least a 3.5-3.8. I'd also study hard for the GREs and hopefully kick butt on them. Armed with these more recent stats, as well as your performance in your certificate program, I think you'll be more competitive than you'd be right now. You have some great clinical experience, but you have not mentioned research. Even in most psyd programs they want to see that you can handle stats and conduct basic research. Attending a master's program with a research component is a possible way to demonstrate this.

Good luck.:luck:
 
First off, congratulations for how much progress you've been able to make since college. It sounds like you've been on a steady upward trend!

Good luck.:luck:

PM, thanks for the positive words! I pretty much assumed all that you have stated, yet I was hoping to avoid the MA route in order to save time and $$. I'll do what I have to do, though.

The BCBA certificate program I'm finishing up now is from UMass Boston. With an additional year there, I could sure-up my MA in Education (without certification). A fellow supervisor at my work, who also took part in the UMass Boston BCBA certificate program, has decided to attend UMass Dartmouth in the Fall to earn his MA in ABA. He's going part time there, so he'll be done in two years. Both UMass Boston and Dartmouth are willing to accept (the majority) of the credits from the certificate program.

Would kickin' butt for an additional year at UMass Boston and earning my Masters in Education significantly help my chances?
 
Last edited:
I think a MA in education would be OK, but as mentioned before a degree that exposed you to more research would be better. If you can get some research experience while doing the MA it would be more valuable.

While I agree with what Psychmama said, I think that you should also consider applying to PsyD programs straight away. Contact the directors of a few programs you're interested in, tell them your story, and ask if they think you would be a competitive applicant. Ask them for advice about what you can do to become more competitive. I think you'll get a lot of information that way. It will help you understand if you have a shot and what the people who you need to impress think your next steps should be.

At any rate keep kickin butt! :)



PM, thanks for the positive words! I pretty much assumed all that you have stated, yet I was hoping to avoid the MA route in order to save time and $$. I'll do what I have to do, though.

The BCBA certificate program I'm finishing up now is from UMass Boston. With an additional year there, I could sure-up my MA in Education (without certification). A fellow supervisor at my work, who also took part in the UMass Boston BCBA certificate program, has decided to attend UMass Dartmouth in the Fall to earn his MA in ABA. He's going part time there, so he'll be done in two years. Both UMass Boston and Dartmouth are willing to accept (the majority) of the credits from the certificate program.

Would kickin' butt for an additional year at UMass Boston and earning my Masters in Education significantly help my chances?
 
Last edited:
J',

Thanks for the input! I'm from Providence, RI, but I received my BA from Stonehill College, a relatively small Catholic school in MA. Wheaton College (another Catholic school in that area) seems to have a solid Psy.D program. I'll have to write the director soon to inquire about my chances.

I sure I'll have to work my tail off to compete with the other applicants, but I'm prepared to do that. I was hoping that my extensive clinical experience would help. I didn't mention this in my original post, but I also supervise a small residential program within my network as a second gig. I've really put in a lot of work the last few years.

(I'll go back to kickin' butt now! ;))
 
Last edited:
I'm new to the site and will be applying to programs this year. I've done a lot of research into the process, but am still unsure about my credentials and how to decide which programs to apply to (that aren't completely out of my reach). I would appreciate any input/advice/thoughts. Here are my stats:

GRE:
V 620
Q 780
Subject 750

GPA:
3.84 (cum laude)
Psych GPA 4.15

Research Exp:
Two 9-month stints as an RA (4 years apart)

Clinical Exp:
I've worked as a residential counselor for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness for 4 years, and with at-risk teenagers for 9 months.

Rec Letters:
This is my achilles' heel. I'll have a strong letter from my most recent research adviser, but it's been a few years since I was in school and no longer have contact with my professors. My other two letters will be from my supervisors at my work, who know me well but aren't psychologists. I feel like this will be a weak area of my application and am hesitant to apply to competitive schools even though the rest of my stats are good. How much of an emphasis do you think schools place on this aspect overall? Is it a deal-breaker or am I obsessing over it needlessly?

I am still in the process of narrowing down my choices, but ideally would like to go to a funded, equal-emphasis PhD program.

Any thoughts are appreciated.
 
Hello All-

I'm new to this site and I'm very glad I stumbled upon such a great resource. Here's where I'm at.

My undergrad education is split between 2 institutions:
2 years at one of the US military academies, and 2 years at a very competitive liberal arts school.

Degree: B.S. in Foreign Service
GPA - 3.6-3.7 (depending on how you combine my two schools' GPA's)
18 credit hours (6 courses) of postbac psychology. 4.0 GPA in these courses

GRE's
V 710
Q 770
W 5.0
Psych - registered for October

Psychology will be a change in focus for me. When I graduated I spent a couple years as an analyst for a Big 4 consulting firm. Then I switched to the non-profit sector where I have spent the last couple of years working with my population of interest (adolescents / young adults).

I have a very strong quantitative / analytical background as I took quite a few science engineering and advanced math courses in college. I have spent the last few years preparing to apply to programs in clinical psychology.

I'm interested in PsyD programs or PhD programs that are more equal emphasis. Funding is an important consideration for me.

My main concern is my lack of psychology research experience. I have followed many paths in life and I can speak to them well, however, I worry that this makes me too much of an outsider for many programs. I'm looking for some more specific experience in psychology research.

I have read numerous posts on here that say that research experience is of paramount importance for PhD programs (especially those that offer funding).

My plan was to apply to schools this fall, but now I am apprehensive. Is it worth throwing my hat in?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!
 
So, I have a question about my chances.
1) Graduated in 2006 from a top 10 University---psychology GPA: 3.88, overall GPA: 3.39, though if it matters, I did have a major upward trend, and my school is notoriously harsh about grades. I was a Chemistry major for my first year and pulled a few Cs. I was an English/Psychology double major. Did a seniors honors thesis that was since published.
2) Took three years off to work as a teacher---taught high school english in a major inner city---had guns pulled one me, classes with 50 plus students. Decided I love teaching, but could contribute more to society as a psychologist. In a classroom, I can only do so much.
3) During my last year of teaching, I started volunteering with a lab. Fabulous mentor who is a very well known clinical psychologist. Still work with her. Summer of 2009, left teaching full time, and took a 25 hour paid position with her (only could fund me for that). Fill my other time with 15 hours in a neuroscience/psychology lab---also a great mentor. Have had some fabulous experiences, such as being able to do SCID interviews, lots of SPSS training, grant/IRB support.
4) Remarkable opportunities in current lab---major stats training/mentorship, 4 publications (2 first author, 2 second author) and several more in press, numerous conference posters.
5) GREs aren't fantastic---690s on regular, 700 on Pscyh
6) Last but NOT least---I was kind of crazy in college. During my junior year, there was a protest on campus, and I got out of control, and somehow a friend and I broke the door to the campus center. I know it sounds crazy, but there was a TON of people, and we were drunk, and it got out of control. No excuses----I didn't get suspended but on my transcript in REALLY tiny print it says "Student was on disciplinary probation during Junior Year, Spring Quarter" UGH!


Few questions

1) My mentor is fabulous, but quite scattered---she kind of has her hands in many posts. I am worried that my application might look scattered enough---psych/english, then teaching, then lab, then second lab, and publications are on 2-3 different topics. All topics are passions of mine however, but I don't want to come across as scattered. How do I make a coherent story?

2) Not to sound obnoxious, but I would think that I have some good experiences and might spark interest at some programs----but the numbers freak me out! You see 300 and 5 acceptances. Are a large portion of these applicants people who are clearly inappropriate and hence inflated numbers? I also realize these 300 to 350 applications account for people who are applying to 20 programs, so there's a lot of carry over.

3) I'm kind of anxious by nature---do I have enough research experience?

4) How do I deal with the disciplinary thing? Do I mention it? Ignore it? Wait for someone to ask about it? I have no problem explaining it, I think it reflects really fairly little on who I am as a person---I am assuming people will ask???
 
So, I have a question about my chances.
1) Graduated in 2006 from a top 10 University---psychology GPA: 3.88, overall GPA: 3.39, though if it matters, I did have a major upward trend, and my school is notoriously harsh about grades. I was a Chemistry major for my first year and pulled a few Cs. I was an English/Psychology double major. Did a seniors honors thesis that was since published.
2) Took three years off to work as a teacher---taught high school english in a major inner city---had guns pulled one me, classes with 50 plus students. Decided I love teaching, but could contribute more to society as a psychologist. In a classroom, I can only do so much.
3) During my last year of teaching, I started volunteering with a lab. Fabulous mentor who is a very well known clinical psychologist. Still work with her. Summer of 2009, left teaching full time, and took a 25 hour paid position with her (only could fund me for that). Fill my other time with 15 hours in a neuroscience/psychology lab---also a great mentor. Have had some fabulous experiences, such as being able to do SCID interviews, lots of SPSS training, grant/IRB support.
4) Remarkable opportunities in current lab---major stats training/mentorship, 4 publications (2 first author, 2 second author) and several more in press, numerous conference posters.
5) GREs aren't fantastic---690s on regular, 700 on Pscyh
6) Last but NOT least---I was kind of crazy in college. During my junior year, there was a protest on campus, and I got out of control, and somehow a friend and I broke the door to the campus center. I know it sounds crazy, but there was a TON of people, and we were drunk, and it got out of control. No excuses----I didn't get suspended but on my transcript in REALLY tiny print it says "Student was on disciplinary probation during Junior Year, Spring Quarter" UGH!


Few questions

1) My mentor is fabulous, but quite scattered---she kind of has her hands in many posts. I am worried that my application might look scattered enough---psych/english, then teaching, then lab, then second lab, and publications are on 2-3 different topics. All topics are passions of mine however, but I don't want to come across as scattered. How do I make a coherent story?

2) Not to sound obnoxious, but I would think that I have some good experiences and might spark interest at some programs----but the numbers freak me out! You see 300 and 5 acceptances. Are a large portion of these applicants people who are clearly inappropriate and hence inflated numbers? I also realize these 300 to 350 applications account for people who are applying to 20 programs, so there's a lot of carry over.

3) I'm kind of anxious by nature---do I have enough research experience?

4) How do I deal with the disciplinary thing? Do I mention it? Ignore it? Wait for someone to ask about it? I have no problem explaining it, I think it reflects really fairly little on who I am as a person---I am assuming people will ask???

AMAZING research experience, especially your number of publications (how many do you have total), and your GRE's are good enough to get you looked at most any program? Will you be applying to very research-focused programs? Do you have any clinical experience?

Some applications may ask about disciplinary action by your college, so you may have to mention it on those, but it shouldn't be too hard to explain to programs' satisfaction, at least the way you've described it here. It sounds like you'll have very strong recs as well, so that will be to your benefit as well.

Again, you have AWESOME research experience (I'm jealous ;) ), and as long as demonstrate good fit/research match with your POIs, I think you'll do well!

Good luck! :luck:
 
Hello All-

I'm new to this site and I'm very glad I stumbled upon such a great resource. Here's where I'm at.

My undergrad education is split between 2 institutions:
2 years at one of the US military academies, and 2 years at a very competitive liberal arts school.

Degree: B.S. in Foreign Service
GPA - 3.6-3.7 (depending on how you combine my two schools' GPA's)
18 credit hours (6 courses) of postbac psychology. 4.0 GPA in these courses

GRE's
V 710
Q 770
W 5.0
Psych - registered for October

Psychology will be a change in focus for me. When I graduated I spent a couple years as an analyst for a Big 4 consulting firm. Then I switched to the non-profit sector where I have spent the last couple of years working with my population of interest (adolescents / young adults).

I have a very strong quantitative / analytical background as I took quite a few science engineering and advanced math courses in college. I have spent the last few years preparing to apply to programs in clinical psychology.

I'm interested in PsyD programs or PhD programs that are more equal emphasis. Funding is an important consideration for me.

My main concern is my lack of psychology research experience. I have followed many paths in life and I can speak to them well, however, I worry that this makes me too much of an outsider for many programs. I'm looking for some more specific experience in psychology research.

I have read numerous posts on here that say that research experience is of paramount importance for PhD programs (especially those that offer funding).

My plan was to apply to schools this fall, but now I am apprehensive. Is it worth throwing my hat in?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

I doubt you'll be competitive for any funded PhD/PsyD programs with no research experience. Everything else looks strong, but research is a huge part of the application process and you'll need to fill that in before applying.
 
Hey there,

You will do fine as long as you write an organized SOP that threads all your experiences together. I would mention the disciplinary thing and spin it into a life lesson and use it to illustrate how you've grown (or something like that :). And lastly, relax! Easier said than done but you'll do fine- one step at a time and stay organized.


So, I have a question about my chances.
1) Graduated in 2006 from a top 10 University---psychology GPA: 3.88, overall GPA: 3.39, though if it matters, I did have a major upward trend, and my school is notoriously harsh about grades. I was a Chemistry major for my first year and pulled a few Cs. I was an English/Psychology double major. Did a seniors honors thesis that was since published.
2) Took three years off to work as a teacher---taught high school english in a major inner city---had guns pulled one me, classes with 50 plus students. Decided I love teaching, but could contribute more to society as a psychologist. In a classroom, I can only do so much.
3) During my last year of teaching, I started volunteering with a lab. Fabulous mentor who is a very well known clinical psychologist. Still work with her. Summer of 2009, left teaching full time, and took a 25 hour paid position with her (only could fund me for that). Fill my other time with 15 hours in a neuroscience/psychology lab---also a great mentor. Have had some fabulous experiences, such as being able to do SCID interviews, lots of SPSS training, grant/IRB support.
4) Remarkable opportunities in current lab---major stats training/mentorship, 4 publications (2 first author, 2 second author) and several more in press, numerous conference posters.
5) GREs aren't fantastic---690s on regular, 700 on Pscyh
6) Last but NOT least---I was kind of crazy in college. During my junior year, there was a protest on campus, and I got out of control, and somehow a friend and I broke the door to the campus center. I know it sounds crazy, but there was a TON of people, and we were drunk, and it got out of control. No excuses----I didn't get suspended but on my transcript in REALLY tiny print it says "Student was on disciplinary probation during Junior Year, Spring Quarter" UGH!


Few questions

1) My mentor is fabulous, but quite scattered---she kind of has her hands in many posts. I am worried that my application might look scattered enough---psych/english, then teaching, then lab, then second lab, and publications are on 2-3 different topics. All topics are passions of mine however, but I don't want to come across as scattered. How do I make a coherent story?

2) Not to sound obnoxious, but I would think that I have some good experiences and might spark interest at some programs----but the numbers freak me out! You see 300 and 5 acceptances. Are a large portion of these applicants people who are clearly inappropriate and hence inflated numbers? I also realize these 300 to 350 applications account for people who are applying to 20 programs, so there's a lot of carry over.

3) I'm kind of anxious by nature---do I have enough research experience?

4) How do I deal with the disciplinary thing? Do I mention it? Ignore it? Wait for someone to ask about it? I have no problem explaining it, I think it reflects really fairly little on who I am as a person---I am assuming people will ask???
 
Hey Cali,

Do you have any research experience? A few middle-of-the-pack funded clinical PhD programs considered me without psychology research experience because I had years of biology research experience. With your stats, it's possible to gain admission if you have research experience in some other area.

If you have no research experience and want to attend a funded clinical PhD program, look into a master's degree w/ a thesis or a 1-2 year stint as a research associate in a psychology lab. Because you have 6 post-bac classes, the latter might be your best option. Try to publish or present some of your work prior to applying.

I't won't hurt to contact program directors at a few appropriate schools and ask them if they think you'll be competitive. they might have some good ideas for you.

Best of luck,
J9

Hello All-

I'm new to this site and I'm very glad I stumbled upon such a great resource. Here's where I'm at.

My undergrad education is split between 2 institutions:
2 years at one of the US military academies, and 2 years at a very competitive liberal arts school.

Degree: B.S. in Foreign Service
GPA - 3.6-3.7 (depending on how you combine my two schools' GPA's)
18 credit hours (6 courses) of postbac psychology. 4.0 GPA in these courses

GRE's
V 710
Q 770
W 5.0
Psych - registered for October

Psychology will be a change in focus for me. When I graduated I spent a couple years as an analyst for a Big 4 consulting firm. Then I switched to the non-profit sector where I have spent the last couple of years working with my population of interest (adolescents / young adults).

I have a very strong quantitative / analytical background as I took quite a few science engineering and advanced math courses in college. I have spent the last few years preparing to apply to programs in clinical psychology.

I'm interested in PsyD programs or PhD programs that are more equal emphasis. Funding is an important consideration for me.

My main concern is my lack of psychology research experience. I have followed many paths in life and I can speak to them well, however, I worry that this makes me too much of an outsider for many programs. I'm looking for some more specific experience in psychology research.

I have read numerous posts on here that say that research experience is of paramount importance for PhD programs (especially those that offer funding).

My plan was to apply to schools this fall, but now I am apprehensive. Is it worth throwing my hat in?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!
 
Hi guys. I have a BA in philosophy and am planning on taking psych classes before applying to clinical programs. Would 20 credits of psych classes be seen as a good foundation, enough to apply to doctorate programs with? I'm choosing the classes that are most recommended such as Quantitative methods, Abnormal (plus a lab), Physiological, Conditioning & Learning, and Personality.

Also, I'm volunteering for a professor who's doing research in social psychology. Helping him out with data analysis and statistical stuff at the moment but will be involved with writing too. Given that this is totally not clinically related research, should I try to find another opportunity?

Thanks!:love:
 
Thanks for the feedback jnine.

I don't really have any research experience that has relied on statistics heavily. I do have a lot of tangential skills. I worked for 2 years as a consultant where I developed skills in programming as well as database design, development, and maintenance. These seem like they would be valuable to a lab.

Thanks for the tip on calling PD's. Anything I should keep in mind when contacting them? Are WAMC type questions acceptable?

Lastly, I've been searching online for research opportunities. I've looked at several schools in my area (I live just outside of Los Angeles). I see lots of info on what labs are doing but nothing in the way of open positions. Is old fashioned shoe leather the way to go when looking for research experience?
 
Clin Psych is competitive. Sure those skills you mentioned are valuable, but you'll be up against people with more relevant experience, making it unlikely that professors will pick you over them.

I think WAMC questions are fine for PD's. Be brief, professional, conversational and it should go ok.

E-mail professors to inquire about research assistant opportunities. The e-mail should basically be a cover letter. Make sure it's an outstanding one. I think profs are more likely to respond to prospective/current students than people with no ties to the school.

Some psychology labs integrate databases and other computer stuff. that might be a good "in" for you.

Thanks for the feedback jnine.

I don't really have any research experience that has relied on statistics heavily. I do have a lot of tangential skills. I worked for 2 years as a consultant where I developed skills in programming as well as database design, development, and maintenance. These seem like they would be valuable to a lab.

Thanks for the tip on calling PD's. Anything I should keep in mind when contacting them? Are WAMC type questions acceptable?

Lastly, I've been searching online for research opportunities. I've looked at several schools in my area (I live just outside of Los Angeles). I see lots of info on what labs are doing but nothing in the way of open positions. Is old fashioned shoe leather the way to go when looking for research experience?
 
My goal is to be a therapist and work as a clinical researcher/teacher in the university setting.

I am just wondering how I qualify for clinical programs, whether I should wait a year to apply or apply this December. I am finishing up my masters in teaching in biology this coming May. Although I can graduate in December, I am going to use my spring semester to take more graduate level psych courses.

I was in a PhD program in neurobiology and behavior for a year prior to my masters in teaching, but left the program because I realized (a little late) that a PhD in psychology in behavioral neuroscience could not be transferred to a clinical degree. Well, I have a 3.9 GPA now in my teaching program (but a 3.2 from undergrad) and about three years of research experience in neurobiology (I currently am working on two research projects, one in neurobiology and one in educational analysis of an NSF project). Anyway, I am wondering if I should retake my GRE's (I have 660 Quantitative and 500 Verbal) and apply this round or if I should continue my research projects for a year after I graduate in May 2011.

Some people have told me that I am credentialed to apply this round, while others say I should continue my research so I can get out some publications. I am afraid that if I apply this round and don't get in, I can't reapply because I would have already been tossed in the rejection pile. I just don't know what to do, but I think that I am well credentialed and would be a great candidate if I do well on my GRE's but I don't want to make a mistake this time. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
My goal is to be a therapist and work as a clinical researcher/teacher in the university setting.

I am just wondering how I qualify for clinical programs, whether I should wait a year to apply or apply this December. I am finishing up my masters in teaching in biology this coming May. Although I can graduate in December, I am going to use my spring semester to take more graduate level psych courses.

I was in a PhD program in neurobiology and behavior for a year prior to my masters in teaching, but left the program because I realized (a little late) that a PhD in psychology in behavioral neuroscience could not be transferred to a clinical degree. Well, I have a 3.9 GPA now in my teaching program (but a 3.2 from undergrad) and about three years of research experience in neurobiology (I currently am working on two research projects, one in neurobiology and one in educational analysis of an NSF project). Anyway, I am wondering if I should retake my GRE's (I have 660 Quantitative and 500 Verbal) and apply this round or if I should continue my research projects for a year after I graduate in May 2011.

Some people have told me that I am credentialed to apply this round, while others say I should continue my research so I can get out some publications. I am afraid that if I apply this round and don't get in, I can't reapply because I would have already been tossed in the rejection pile. I just don't know what to do, but I think that I am well credentialed and would be a great candidate if I do well on my GRE's but I don't want to make a mistake this time. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I say retake GRE's, try to get above a 1200, and apply this year. I would also try to get some research experience this year in a psych lab that you're interested in. If you do get rejected this year, then you can always reapply next year and you'll have that research experience going for you. It is my opinion that you have great credentials though so depending on the program, you make a competitive candidate.

I'm not sure why you think that you can only apply once to schools. Many people have to reapply because it's so competitive.
 
My goal is to be a therapist and work as a clinical researcher/teacher in the university setting.

I am just wondering how I qualify for clinical programs, whether I should wait a year to apply or apply this December. I am finishing up my masters in teaching in biology this coming May. Although I can graduate in December, I am going to use my spring semester to take more graduate level psych courses.

I was in a PhD program in neurobiology and behavior for a year prior to my masters in teaching, but left the program because I realized (a little late) that a PhD in psychology in behavioral neuroscience could not be transferred to a clinical degree. Well, I have a 3.9 GPA now in my teaching program (but a 3.2 from undergrad) and about three years of research experience in neurobiology (I currently am working on two research projects, one in neurobiology and one in educational analysis of an NSF project). Anyway, I am wondering if I should retake my GRE's (I have 660 Quantitative and 500 Verbal) and apply this round or if I should continue my research projects for a year after I graduate in May 2011.

Some people have told me that I am credentialed to apply this round, while others say I should continue my research so I can get out some publications. I am afraid that if I apply this round and don't get in, I can't reapply because I would have already been tossed in the rejection pile. I just don't know what to do, but I think that I am well credentialed and would be a great candidate if I do well on my GRE's but I don't want to make a mistake this time. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

It sounds like you have some really great experiences and a solid plan. Your reason for sewitching to clinical sounds good, but do you have a FOCUSED research interest? What are your career goals? If you know these two things, apply. Oh, and you'll need to retake the GRE as previously mentioned.
 
My goal is to be accepted into a university Psyd program.
I am hoping I can get some advice on what to focus on in my final 2 years of my undergrad?

My cGPA is 3.52, being slightly higher in major courses, psychology. I will be finishing the requirements for my psychology major this upcoming fall (junior year) so my Major GPA is somewhat firm around 3.6. I have a TA gig for this fall but I know I need research + clinical/internship.

Is 1 year research + 1 year clinical experience (dept. of corrections) enough to be competitive? :confused:

Given I complete these things do you think I have a chance at a funded school?
 
My goal is to be accepted into a university Psyd program.
I am hoping I can get some advice on what to focus on in my final 2 years of my undergrad?

My cGPA is 3.52, being slightly higher in major courses, psychology. I will be finishing the requirements for my psychology major this upcoming fall (junior year) so my Major GPA is somewhat firm around 3.6. I have a TA gig for this fall but I know I need research + clinical/internship.

Is 1 year research + 1 year clinical experience (dept. of corrections) enough to be competitive? :confused:

Given I complete these things do you think I have a chance at a funded school?

I am going to answer in general and not just for Psy.D. programs.

Preferably you would want a little more research experience (and a publication), but even without that you should be competitive provided you nail the GRE. A great GRE score will put you in the running for top programs. T/A is good experience to get and will help round out your application. If you are going to for a Psy.D. program or clinically focused Ph.D. vs a research heavy clinical Ph.D., I might replace the preference for additional research for additional clinical experience.

Mark
 
Hi guys! I’m applying to Clinical Psych PhD programs this fall (yikes!) and would love any feedback/insights you may have.

Undergrad/psych GPA: 3.5

GRE: 1280, 640 V 640 Q

Undergrad: I attend a small liberal arts college that is consitently in the top 25 in US World and News. I will be writing a senior thesis this year which my mentor and I hope to publish when I’m done.

Research exp: 2 years by the time I graduate in 2/3 different labs (I’m considering joining another one). I’m a head RA on a research study in my primary lab which is an EXTREMELY close fit with my own research interrests (I’m the only undergrad head RA).

Clinical exp: my Achilles heal for sure. I learned clinical interview skills for the intervention in my current study but they are minimal. This upcomming semester I will be working in an autism research lab and will be closely interacting with the children – I hope I can learn more there. Unfortunately, I think my work load this upcomming year won’t allow me to volunteer elsewhere to gain more clinical exp.

Poster Presentations: so far two presentations as first author, and currently have a few posters submitted and most are as the first author.

LOR: I definitely have one outstanding LOR, the others are strong.

PhD Programs: I’m applying to about 17 Clinical Psych programs and my preferences are: St. John’s, TC Columbia, CITY, Fordham, UCLA, UCSD/USD, American U, Temple.

Any feedback would be appreciated! I know how competitive it is to get in the first round and that my stats are low, but I’m hoping my research experience kinda balances it out? Maybe? Hopefully?

Thanks!
 
Hi guys! I’m applying to Clinical Psych PhD programs this fall (yikes!) and would love any feedback/insights you may have.

Any feedback would be appreciated! I know how competitive it is to get in the first round and that my stats are low, but I’m hoping my research experience kinda balances it out? Maybe? Hopefully?

Thanks!

Don't discount how important your personal statement is, I think you'll make it past the first round where GPA and GRE are critical... after that they don't matter nearly as much, your research exp, letters of reference, and your personal statement will be what matters most. Clinical work is usually less important than the other three things I noted as the most important from my experience.
 
I was browsing the internet and I came across this site. I thought it would be a good site to tell me my chances of getting into a PsyD program.

My credentials:
-3.3 Undergraduate GPA, with a 3.4 in psychology
-Research experience in a social psychology lab
-I work at the Psychology advising office at my school
-Clinical Psychology Internship at Columbia University Medical Center (New York Psychiatric Institute)
-I was a teachers assistant for 2x Psych 100 classes
-I just took my GREs today (which is the reason why I'm posting here, because I'm nervous I didn't do well enough) I got a 620 quantitative, and a 420 on verbal, Total (1040). I plan on retaking them in a month, after extensively going over a few hundred vocabulary words.
-I haven't taken the Psych Subject Test GRE yet, but I plan to take them next summer.

So my question is, what are my chances of getting into ANY Clinical Psychology PsyD program? I was also wondering if anyone could list potential programs that I have a shot of getting into (if i even have a shot). Thank you in advance!

-Josh
 
Hi,
You should check out the WAMC Thread (What are my chances).

From what I've read on the forum and from talking to professors. It seems like your GPA and GRE are a little low and you might not make the "first cut".

The average GPA for Psyd programs is 3.53. And from what I understand you want a GRE 1200+ ideally 1300+.

Seems like you have some really good experience though, thats what I need! :xf:
 
I'm looking to get into a PsyD program. I was scheduled to graduate Nov. 2011 but just found out I'll actually be graduating April 2011 instead. I know I have zero chances of getting into school next fall, but I was wondering if you could guide me toward what I need to be doing to make myself more marketable for when I do apply.

I haven't taken the GREs yet, but I expect to do well as I test very well on standardized tests and with graduating early will have plenty of time to prepare. I have zero clinical experience and no research experience either as I am a mom of 3 young boys and my youngest JUST entered kindergarten. He's only going for 3 hours a day but may be switching to full time in the next month or so, I may be able to get some clinical experience.

What types of things qualify as clinical experience? Does volunteer work for community organizations count? I am currently on a wait list for our local mental health facility to run groups with patients, but does being a victim advocate or working on a suicide hotline work as well? I'd like to focus on working with and prevention of adolescent suicide and there is a great organization in my area, but I don't imagine that I'd get much direct experience with the clients with only my bachelor's degree. My undergrad college (Argosy--I know not a good place to get a degree in most people's eyes which also has me worried about getting into grad school, but was the only way I could finish my undergrad work) does not do placement, or even an undergrad thesis so I'm out here on my own. I also have been unable to find research work--how important does this factor in?

I'm frustrated and any advice you could give I would gladly accept. I really want to make this happen, even if it means waiting a year (or two, or three) before I apply. I'd also like to know where you find out what universities/professors have their research/program focus on (I see you discussing that a lot) and I don't know where to look for that information...please pardon my ignorance. I really feel like I have no one that I can go to for guidance being that my school is...well its Argosy and its online and well...its Argosy. How badly is that going to hurt my chances? And I'm not sure how well I'm going to be able to get good letters of recommendation either since the faculty isn't truly able to get to know their students other than knowing that I write well and if I take 2-3 years off to gain the experiene I need to be competitive they won't remember me at all.
 
I'm looking to get into a PsyD program. I was scheduled to graduate Nov. 2011 but just found out I'll actually be graduating April 2011 instead. I know I have zero chances of getting into school next fall, but I was wondering if you could guide me toward what I need to be doing to make myself more marketable for when I do apply.

There is still time to apply to many, if not most programs. You would have to put up some solid GRE scores but it is possible. It is fine to apply for fall 2011 if you are set to graduate in spring of 2011.

I haven't taken the GREs yet, but I expect to do well as I test very well on standardized tests and with graduating early will have plenty of time to prepare.
Don't blindly make this assumption, take a practice GRE and see where you fall. You may or may not be surprised. Better to have a good feel for it ahead of time. There are many who believe, like you, that it is just a standardized test. Remember the 50th percentile of scores are graduate school hopefuls just like you... You don't have high school drop-outs taking the GRE for standardization purposes. So unless you absolutely believe you are in the top quartile of students taking the GRE, I would think twice about your assertion. You may usually be the brightest person in the classroom now, but that will change when you get into graduate school and all the other fish in the pond are as smart or smarter than you.

I have zero clinical experience and no research experience either as I am a mom of 3 young boys and my youngest JUST entered kindergarten. He's only going for 3 hours a day but may be switching to full time in the next month or so, I may be able to get some clinical experience.
Research experience is HUGELY important in Ph.D. programs but less so in most Psy.D. programs. That said you might be fairly competitive even without research experience at many professional schools that don't require the GRE.

What types of things qualify as clinical experience? Does volunteer work for community organizations count?
Any opportunity where you are supervised by a licensed clinical psychologist who will preferably write a note stating how brilliant you are and how you should be given the opportunity to attend graduate school to makes sure that you have to opportunity to develop fully your potential to be a great psychologist.


I am currently on a wait list for our local mental health facility to run groups with patients, but does being a victim advocate or working on a suicide hotline work as well?
Yes, these could be counted as clinical experience.

I'd like to focus on working with and prevention of adolescent suicide and there is a great organization in my area, but I don't imagine that I'd get much direct experience with the clients with only my bachelor's degree. My undergrad college (Argosy--I know not a good place to get a degree in most people's eyes which also has me worried about getting into grad school, but was the only way I could finish my undergrad work) does not do placement, or even an undergrad thesis so I'm out here on my own. I also have been unable to find research work--how important does this factor in?
Not all Argosy schools are equal, some are much better than others. Research work is imperative for clinical Ph.D. programs, but not so much for many Psy.D. programs. There are some exceptional Psy.D. programs that will want research experience, but not all of them fall into that category.

I'm frustrated and any advice you could give I would gladly accept. I really want to make this happen, even if it means waiting a year (or two, or three) before I apply. I'd also like to know where you find out what universities/professors have their research/program focus on (I see you discussing that a lot) and I don't know where to look for that information...please pardon my ignorance. I really feel like I have no one that I can go to for guidance being that my school is...well its Argosy and its online and well...its Argosy.
Stop selling your school short and throwing it under the bus. You made a choice, you had reasons for that choice, and now you have to show that irregardless of where you got your undergrad that you are an exceptional student with exceptional circumstances. I went to a non-ranked tier 4+ university which is not exactly known for their prowess in psychology. My overall record though shows that I am an exceptional student. Don't apologize for where you did your schooling but emphasize that, despite the challenges facing you, you were able to do exceptionally well.

How badly is that going to hurt my chances? And I'm not sure how well I'm going to be able to get good letters of recommendation either since the faculty isn't truly able to get to know their students other than knowing that I write well and if I take 2-3 years off to gain the experiene I need to be competitive they won't remember me at all.
How badly are you going to let it hurt you is the real question. Find a situation where you can get the clinical experience and supervision you need. One great letter from someone "out in the trenches" can make a huge difference in how your portfolio is evaluated. Bury the GRE with a high enough school that they won't care what school you went to. Who cares if you graduated from podunk U, Argosy, or even University of Texas - San Antonio when you have a 1400 or better GRE score.

I wish you the best of luck, and I think that if you work hard and smart that you might be able to make lemonade out of what you perceive to be lemons right now.

Mark
 
I have zero clinical experience and no research experience either as I am a mom of 3 young boys

(Argosy--I know not a good place to get a degree in most people's eyes which also has me worried about getting into grad school, but was the only way I could finish my undergrad work) does not do placement, or even an undergrad thesis so I'm out here on my own. I also have been unable to find research work--how important does this factor in?

I'm frustrated and any advice you could give I would gladly accept.

And I'm not sure how well I'm going to be able to get good letters of recommendation either since the faculty isn't truly able to get to know their students other than knowing that I write well and if I take 2-3 years off to gain the experiene I need to be competitive they won't remember me at all.

I could have written many of the same things. I am a nontraditional student, currently at a nontraditional school, also mom to 3, though my youngest is even younger but I have a wide span of ages.

I have used SDN as my advisor as I don't have one either. Because I saw how much research was stressed I did EVERYTHING I possibly could to secure an RA position at the closest state university to me - where I am NOT even a student. Personally, that is where I would focus if I were you. And, it was not easy. Perhaps, if you live in a larger metro it might be a bit easier for you.

About LORs I would imagine you are not the only student from your school to want to go to grad school. They might have a policy in place addressing this. Did you have any psych teacher more than once? Or any that seemed to give you excellent feedback? Email them and see what they say. Plus, you can get one from where you get your clinical experience and one from your research experience.
 
Hi Folks,

I just took my GRE yesterday and am wondering what my chances are to get into a good PhD track graduate school.

GPA:
- Overall:
3.84
- Psychology: 3.95

GRE:
-
Verbal: 640
- Quant: 690

School:
-
Graduated with a BS and with distinction.
- Worked as an honors research assistant for two years.
--- Completed an honors thesis and won a prize for best empirical paper.
- Member of Psi Chi.

Publications and Presentations:
-
Two under review
- One in preparation
- Three presentations

Clinical Work:
-
Worked at a rehab hospital for three years. Conducted sedation interviews and other structured interviews.

Thank you
 
Last edited:
Hi Folks,

I just took my GRE yesterday and am wondering what my chances are to get into a good PhD track graduate school.

GPA:
- Overall:
3.84
- Psychology: 3.95

GRE:
-
Verbal: 640
- Quant: 690

School:
-
Graduated with a BS and with distinction.
- Member of Psi Chi.
- Worked as an honors research assistant for two years.
--- Completed an honors thesis and won a prize for best empirical paper.
- Member of Psi Chi.

Publications and Presentations:
-
Two under review
- One in preparation
- Three presentations

Clinical Work:
-
Worked at a rehab hospital for three years. Conducted sedation interviews and other structured interviews.

Thank you

You're in really good shape. Just make sure you look for programs where your research interests are a good fit.
 
Top