WAMC: What Are My Chances

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Hello all 🙂

Long time lurker, first time poster hoping to get some input. I'm applying to mostly mid-tier equal emphasis programs, with a couple of more competitive programs. Since my GRE and GPA aren't great I was wondering if I'm basically wasting my time (and money!) applying to the more competitive programs. Would appreciate any help and advice!

GRE V+Q: 314
GRE W: 4.0
GPA: 3.5 from an international uni

Research:
Senior thesis
1.5 years paid undergrad RA - Unfortunately, totally unrelated, more I/O Psychology if Psychology-related at all.

Publications:
1 conference (second author)
1 journal (second author) - Basically an extended, revised version of the conference paper.

Clinical:
3 months volunteer counselor
9 months volunteer youth mentor

3 solid recommendation letters (but only one from a Psychology professor, one a Public Health "Clinical" professor)

Thanks in advance!
 
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psychcyclepsi said:
You are aiming very high in terms of programs you are targeting--I think you should be trying to hit around165V/160Q minimum for a shot at those programs with your UGPA. But even then I think the UGPA could be preclusive at these programs.

I would seriously consider revising your targets.

On the experience question, research experience is weighed much more heavily that clinical experience for these programs (ironically, since the are called clilnical programs, but they are upfront about being very research focused).
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Thank you! I'm curious: Do these top doctoral programs even look at my graduate GPA? It seems a little unfair that they wouldn't, considering that is is probably a better predictor of success than an undergrad GPA.
 
psycscientist said:
They will definitely look at your graduate GPA and it will likely make up for the undergraduate GPA (especially if you use your personal statement to explain what happened). However, your quant section score is way too low to be competitive for these programs.
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I know that my quant score needs to be a lot better, and I am working on that now. But it is good to know that my graduate GPA will be looked at.
 
psychcyclepsi said:
I think you have a shot as long as you are targeting good research matches. All stats are decent and I think would be preclusive only at the very top programs (none of which you are applying to). But I would apply broadly, and maybe throw in some more safeties if you are set on going (to the extent there is such a thing as safety with funded clinical psych haha--there are some schools that your GRE is over the mean for by a fair amount, so I would throw in a few of those).
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Thank you - this is very reassuring! I am definitely not applying to top-tier programs and have several "safety net" programs on my list. I'm also worried that my research experience will not be up to par compared to other applicants, especially is it isn't relevant to what I do want to research (children).

Does anyone have anymore insight/advice?
 
I'm also applying to funded Clinical Psych PhD programs. I really don't want to have to go through all of this again, and just need some motivation in general about the whole process. I went to a top tier school for undergrad but wasn't a Psych major in college and have taken 8 Psych and Stats courses since graduating. I currently volunteer in two labs at major research institutions with well known and respected academics/clinicians and work with clinical populations in both. I am a co-author on a poster presentation and recently submitted an abstract for a presentation in which I would be first author at an international conference. Between college and my research/clinical experiences, I ran my own marketing department for a social service nonprofit, so I have some experience and skills managing people and a budget, etc. My recommendations come from my supervisors at both of my labs (PhDs) and a professional superior from my nonprofit days who also happens to be a clinician, all of whom I have excellent rapport with. My research interests for graduate school also align with my volunteer experiences, so I have really focused on finding faculty with whom I want to study and am not applying to really "safe" schools (if there are any??).

Undergrad GPA: 3.6
Psych and Stats GPA: 4.0
GRE: 730 Verbal, 790 Math, 5.0 Analytical
Psych GRE: 730

Schools:
Drexel
Rutgers
Penn
George Mason
Boston University
Kent State
Emory


Again, this forum has been a tremendous resource, and I have been reticent to post on here, but I sort of want to know where I stand at this point.
 
Mefil said:
Hi I'm applying to clinical psych research intensive PhD programs. I want schools with facutly who specialize in neuroimaging (and do not require the psych GRE), which unfortunately narrowed my list to amazing top tier schools.
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there are getting to be more and more school with neuroimaging faculty in clinical psych programs, many not completely top-tier. are you looking in a specific area of neuroimaging? faculty may want to see more narrow, developed interests to overcome your low GPA/GREs, so just looking for fMRI people may be too broad an interest. feel free to PM if you want to chat more specifically.
and although i understand it may be too late to fix this for this round, not taking the psych gre is an odd way of narrowing your options- and increasing your chances of not getting in.
 
:scared: I took the gre and did poorly but with deadlines approaching i won't be able to retake..so what are my chances?

I am applying to:
Nova Southeastern's Clinical Psyd Child track- met with two professors after emailing back and forth. Have similar interests with one especially!
University of Miami's Clinical PhD child track- have spoken with 2/3 professors I have similar research experience with and was given a Grad's email
university of Miami's counseling psychology program

GRE:
V-150
Q-144
Analytical-? Not sure

I also come from a very small department with little research opportunities but the ones available I took advantage of to gain experience.


Undergrad GPA:
3.3 hopefully 3.4 when I graduate

Relevant course work:
1 year of undergraduate statistics and research methods
Intro to Clinical Psychology
Applied Experience at Child Protective Services

Research experience :
2 semesters paid RA
-research involved parent and child perceptions of obesity
-created posters to present at community event
-created posters for conference but problems occurred with grant and we were unable to present
-received scholarship to attend conference

Summer and Final Semester
-coded data, lit, assisting in writing manuscript

Independent Research
Conducted study for Experimental class with irb approval..
Received publication to undergrad journal
Received scholarship from graduate program to present but ultimately couldn't attend conference

Clinical Experience:
Applied experience with CPS
Youth Mentor BBBS and youth camp counselor

Lastly,
Psi Chi honors
Psychology club
Social sciences org
Habitat for humanity
Was given award as outstanding student among my university and as role model
Plan to send four letters of rec (1 for research,1 faculty mentor and former professor, former professor, 1 research as well as informative for my reputation in department and campus involvement)

Any thoughts?
 
How would the two departments at univ of m know if I apply to two programs? I am restricted on the schools I can apply to, my fiancé accepted a professor position at NSU so I will be relocating to Ft Lauderdale ..
 
doggums said:
Ah, applying to fewer schools makes a lot more sense when you're geographically restricted. Also, I just googled both and saw that the counseling program is in the school of education. Which means the chances are higher that they don't find out if you apply to both, buuut this is a question on their app... "Have you ever applied for admission to any of the University of Miami graduate programs?" so unless you lie, they'll find out. This in addition to the fact that the application is the same for arts and sciences and the school of education and they use the same database between them means there's probably a 98% chance they find out (I made that percentage up). But basically, as soon as they enter your name or SSN everything they have about you will pop up.

You'll also notice U of Miami only has one institution code for sending GRE scores... so assuming both programs require GREs, they'll probably notice when they go to count the ETS report as official. Basically, it's one school with two programs-- like double majoring in undergrad, you can't really keep it a secret between the two departments. It's still all one school.
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I have been told by several people that I should retake the gre for at least my nsu application and call the testing center and complain.. When I took the GRE today their water was turned off so there was no way to go to the restroom during the breaks.. (They gave me the option to take on another day but to meet the dec 1 miami deadline I had to take today) additionally there were several people in the room with the proctor yelling/talking really loud about how nervous they were for at least 5-8 minutes which is a LONG time when your doing the quant.. I ended up being distracted and didn't answer or even get to 5 of the questions.. What do you think? Retest? Complain? If I stay with 150 v what do I realistically need for q to get into nsu?
 
Unfortunately, the previous posters are right. Your chances at UM are slim to none, especially for the clinical program. They get 400 to 500 applications for 8-10 spots. One of my friends had been an RA in the program and applied with a GRE score of exactly 1200. Her mentor had to fight the faculty tooth and nail, so that they would let her interview (and that was despite the fact that she had at least one publication under her belt).

I'm not as familiar with the Counseling program, but they're also very research focused and their stats are similar.
 
psychcyclepsi said:
I would do both--demand your retest for free due to poor prior conditions. Talk with supervision at ETS if needed or contact their corporate office or legal dept if they refuse, but if conditions were poor--no working bathroom--I think in the end they will give it to you for free or at least half off (I wouldn't accept less than half off). They will nickle and dime you at first though. But if looking to start next fall you need to retake right away.

158V/153Q is what I would aim for (580V/680Q old scale) to be slightly above the mean scores I show for that school. Especially since you have a slightly below mean GPA you will want to hit that I think. It is entirely possible you could even get accepted as is, but the odds are against it and any increase could help.
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Thank you for your advice!! I will call tomorrow.. I was asked why I didn't say something after the test and honestly I just wanted to get out of that place as soon as I could!! I kept glaring at the proctor during my test for not hushing the people in the room but she didn't do anything...how horrible. That is not what I paid $175 for..
 
psychcyclepsi said:
My pleasure--hope it helps. Give it a shot. They will probably give you a run around at first, but keep trying. Ask pretty quickly to speak with a supervisor. The ETS tech will say, "hold on I am going to talk with him/her" and then come back with a discount offer. Tell the tech that isn't good enough. They will do it a second time--if at that point they are giving you $100 off (start by asking for full amount) then maybe just take it. Otherwise demand to speak with the sup if you want full refund. They will probably put you through to voicemail. Document call times and day--if no response in a couple days do online search for ETS corporate office and start calling there for full refund would be my approach.

The above is based on some of my experiences with ETS, but is not professional advice. It is simply my opinion and the approach I would probably take if I were in your situation.

Good luck.
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So have you had to deal with ETS refunds? Did you have a similar experience? I'm worried that they will argue that the testing center told me I would be unable to use facilities and that I could reschedule .. But this is extremely unfair to tell a student moments before they anticipate taking a test.. They should have called as soon as they were made aware so I had time to evaluate the circumstances. ..
 
Thanks - the pool of applicants is really strong I know, so I am being realistic. I would like at least one interview after all the stress of applying. We will see. I appreciate the feedback. Sometimes, a little reassurance goes a long way ...
 
Hey guys,

Now that I'm in the final stretch of completing apps, I thought I'd post here and see what you guys think. 🙂

I have two degrees. My first is double major Philosophy and Asian Studies, and second is Psychology at a different school (respected public research university). I graduated with departmental distinction (both majors) for first BA, and second BA is honors program; almost finished.

I am applying to the following Clinical PhD programs:

University of Colorado Boulder
Drexel University
SUNY Albany
University of S. Mississippi
Ohio State University
Georgia State University
University of Oregon
American University
U Mass Boston
University of Montana
George Mason University
West Virginia University
USUHS
University of Wyoming


GPA
Cumulative undergrad GPA including both degrees, study abroad, and community college work - 3.25
Last 5 years and 137 credits GPA: 3.72
Last 60 credits: 3.96
Psych: 3.95

GRE
Verbal: 166, 96% (700)
Quant: 159, 77% (750)
AW: 5.0, 92%
Subject: 750, 92% (90% on both subscores)

Research
2.5 years total
Lab A: 1.5 years in social/evolutionary psych lab. Lit review, collected data, data entry, data analysis, helped write long abstract for oral presentation submission to EPA as first author. Gave 15 minute oral presentation in front of psychologists. Just submitted poster proposal for this year's EPA on similar study using same data set.

Lab B: Spent the past year working with an up and coming clinical psych researcher in a respected department. The studies I worked on are directly relevant to my research interests. Trained in administering clinical assessments and collected a lot of data for psychopathology study. Since the summer i've been handling lab manager responsibilities, such as scheduling, training and testing RAs in clinical assessments, quality control for data collection, etc. Starting in January I'll be involved in a new psychophys study and will be trained in physio measurements.

Honors thesis: Professor from lab B is my adviser. I am project manager for the psychopath study and am using that data in my thesis. 90% done with data collection and have a good proposal written up (intro, methods, short discussion) which I will submit as writing sample. This will likely be submitted for pub in Mar/Apr. My adviser will stress in LOR that I worked mostly independently on this.

Clinical exp
2.5 years part time internship with a clinical psychologist at an outpatient mental health center for the cognitively disabled. Participated in group therapy sessions and learned simple behavioral therapy techniques.

LOR
3 strong letters from psychologists (2 are clinical psychologists)

I am mainly worried about the low cum GPA and my lack of publications. Also, my research experience from lab A and the presentation is completely unrelated to my research focus (it's not even clinical), but I am trying to paint it in my personal statement as valuable experience in that I learned research methodology and gained more perspective on my own interests
 
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mixolyd said:
Hey guys,

Now that I'm in the final stretch of completing apps, I thought I'd post here and see what you guys think. 🙂

I have two degrees. My first is double major Philosophy and Asian Studies, and second is Psychology at a different school (respected public research university). I graduated with departmental distinction (both majors) for first BA, and second BA is honors program; almost finished.

I am applying to the following Clinical PhD programs:

University of Colorado Boulder
Drexel University
SUNY Albany
University of S. Mississippi
Ohio State University
Georgia State University
University of Oregon
American University
U Mass Boston
University of Montana
George Mason University
West Virginia University
USUHS
University of Wyoming


GPA
Cumulative undergrad GPA including both degrees, study abroad, and community college work - 3.25
Last 5 years and 137 credits GPA: 3.72
Last 60 credits: 3.96
Psych: 3.95

GRE
Verbal: 166, 96% (700)
Quant: 159, 77% (750)
AW: 5.0, 92%
Subject: 750, 92% (90% on both subscores)

Research
2.5 years total
Lab A: 1.5 years in social/evolutionary psych lab. Lit review, collected data, data entry, data analysis, helped write long abstract for oral presentation submission to EPA as first author. Gave 15 minute oral presentation in front of psychologists. Just submitted poster proposal for this year's EPA on similar study using same data set.

Lab B: Spent the past year working with an up and coming clinical psych researcher in a respected department. The studies I worked on are directly relevant to my research interests. Trained in administering clinical assessments and collected a lot of data for psychopathology study. Since the summer i've been handling lab manager responsibilities, such as scheduling, training and testing RAs in clinical assessments, quality control for data collection, etc. Starting in January I'll be involved in a new psychophys study and will be trained in physio measurements.

Honors thesis: Professor from lab B is my adviser. I am project manager for the psychopath study and am using that data in my thesis. 90% done with data collection and have a good proposal written up (intro, methods, short discussion) which I will submit as writing sample. This will likely be submitted for pub in Mar/Apr. My adviser will stress in LOR that I worked mostly independently on this.

Clinical exp
2.5 years part time internship with a clinical psychologist at an outpatient mental health center for the cognitively disabled. Participated in group therapy sessions and learned simple behavioral therapy techniques.

LOR
3 strong letters from psychologists (2 are clinical psychologists)

I am mainly worried about the low cum GPA and my lack of publications. Also, my research experience from lab A and the presentation is completely unrelated to my research focus (it's not even clinical), but I am trying to paint it in my personal statement as valuable experience in that I learned research methodology and gained more perspective on my own interests
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Your stats are great in general, and you're applying to a good number of schools. I think you have as good of a chance as anyone. 🙂 The way you're framing the presentation sounds perfect.

Good luck!!
 
GRE:
Verbal 165 (Old system 690)
Quant 164 (Old system 780)
Writing: 5.0
Cum: 1470

No psych. subject test

GPA: 3.59 (huge gpa inflation school, good liberal arts)
GPA in major: 3.91 (psych major)

Research experience:
2 years undergrad
1 year Fulbright scholarship
semester in foreign lab
8 publications, 4 more being submitted or accepted
Variety of subfields including neuroscience and psych

Work experience:
1 year TA
2 year RA
1 year tutor

Applying:
Berkeley, Princeton, MIT, Harvard, Columbia, Michigan

edit:
several other awards, scholarships and commendations from school. 2-3 years of poster presentations at major conferences

3 very strong LoRs (including 'one of best researchers ive ever met one)

I have not contacted professors early though, am very afraid this will hurt my chances in terms of 'fit' because they won't know me personally?
 
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chapmaco said:
GRE:
Verbal 165 (Old system 690)
Quant 164 (Old system 780)
Writing: 5.0
Cum: 1470

No psych. subject test

GPA: 3.59 (huge gpa inflation school, good liberal arts)
GPA in major: 3.91 (psych major)

Research experience:
2 years undergrad
1 year Fulbright scholarship
semester in foreign lab
8 publications, 4 more being submitted or accepted
Variety of subfields including neuroscience and psych

Work experience:
1 year TA
2 year RA
1 year tutor

Applying:
Berkeley, Princeton, MIT, Harvard, Columbia, Michigan

edit:
several other awards, scholarships and commendations from school. 2-3 years of poster presentations at major conferences

3 very strong LoRs (including 'one of best researchers ive ever met one)

I have not contacted professors early though, am very afraid this will hurt my chances in terms of 'fit' because they won't know me personally?
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Most professors won't know applicants personally, this will not hurt your chances.

Are you a good research fit with all of the labs at those schools? That could hurt, despite your good credentials. If you aren't a nice fit with all of them I would add on some other schools, maybe some that aren't as uber competitive.

At those schools they may be having to choose among 50+ applicants who are as well qualified as you are.
 
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I don't think MIT even has a clin psych program. They have a brain & cognitive sciences, no?
 
phillips101 said:
I don't think MIT even has a clin psych program. They have a brain & cognitive sciences, no?
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Yes true, it is brain and cognitive science for MIT. I am trying primarily for cog. neuroscience route, which is in a lot of psych programs, but also applying to a couple 'cognitive science' or neuro programs as well
 
psychcyclepsi said:
You have a shot at all these IMO, but GPA will probably (or definitely) hurt you at la creme de la creme schools you are applying to... so you may want to throw in some relative safeties if not too late.
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Disagree. Your GPA is likely fine. Even top programs are unlikely to axe good candidates with 3.6s. It's more likely to come down to your personal statement and interview performance.
 
I don't have that wonderful of grades or test scores and after finding the kind of people interested in the kind of work I would like to do (neuroendocrinology). I ended up applying to schools I'm fairly certain are out of my league but with my additional course work I was wondering if anyone could tell me if I even give the appearance of competative.

I'm applying to UPenn (nuero grad group), Brandies, U Maryland, U Michigan, Berkley, Columbia University, Palo Alto, Concordia, University of British Columbia, and University of Hawaii.

GPA:3.7 Psych GPA:3.76 GREV:159(80%) GREQ:154(60%) GREwriting:4(49%) no subject test
Research:
2 years of Undergraduate research with 2 different faculty
1 article in preperation for publication
coauthor of winning grant application
3 presentations at minor conferences
future experience in hormone assays (applicaple to where I'm applying)

Statistics:
Honors statistics class
Non-credit class with faculty to learn structural equation modeling in lisrel and statistical analysis in "R"

Other:
Several awards and a scholarship from the department I am currently in.
Psi Chi chapter president
3 awesome letters of recommendation from the two faculty I'm performing research with and the faculty advisor for Psi Chi
tutor as part of Psi Chi project

Thanks
 
jdenniso said:
I don't have that wonderful of grades or test scores and after finding the kind of people interested in the kind of work I would like to do (neuroendocrinology). I ended up applying to schools I'm fairly certain are out of my league but with my additional course work I was wondering if anyone could tell me if I even give the appearance of competative.

I'm applying to UPenn (nuero grad group), Brandies, U Maryland, U Michigan, Berkley, Columbia University, Palo Alto, Concordia, University of British Columbia, and University of Hawaii.

GPA:3.7 Psych GPA:3.76 GREV:159(80%) GREQ:154(60%) GREwriting:4(49%) no subject test
Research:
2 years of Undergraduate research with 2 different faculty
1 article in preperation for publication
coauthor of winning grant application
3 presentations at minor conferences
future experience in hormone assays (applicaple to where I'm applying)

Statistics:
Honors statistics class
Non-credit class with faculty to learn structural equation modeling in lisrel and statistical analysis in "R"

Other:
Several awards and a scholarship from the department I am currently in.
Psi Chi chapter president
3 awesome letters of recommendation from the two faculty I'm performing research with and the faculty advisor for Psi Chi
tutor as part of Psi Chi project

Thanks
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Did you applied to the psychology department, or neuroscience department? Was it clinical psychology, per se? I don't recall Brandeis having clin psych. As a psych major, did you take any hard-core science courses in the neuroscience department? I don't mean physio psych, I mean systems neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular stuff. While you have a great 2 years of research, many people I've read on this forum also have post-undergrad research experience as well. Your GPA is very good, but again, I wonder if you've taken science courses since you are applying for neuroendo (very molecular based, as you probably know).

Not that my opinion matters much, but based on what you put here, many of the schools you applied to are definitely reaches. But that doesn't mean you won't or can't get in though! Good luck!
 
Hi all,

Give me your honest opinion...

GPA: 3.58
GPA (psych): 3.7
Triple Major

GRE:

V 159
Q 151
W 5.0

No Subject Test

Experience/Publications/Presentations

-3 years in the same lab where I coordinate all of the undergraduates (psy)
-1 publication under revision for resubmission (third author of only three authors and I
actually DID the work and wasn't a 6th, 7th, or 8th...)
-2 presentations
-1 manuscript in preparation
-I'll be teaching two classes (as an undergrad) in the spring--as the instructor, not a TA or any assistant-like position
-Two internships

My LORs are outstanding and two of the writers are alumns of two schools to which I'm applying (and one LOR is from the dept. chair)

Strong personal statement and good interviewing skills

I applied to 15 schools, some more competitive than the other

Thoughts?
 
doggums said:
I was actually just reading the website of a fully funded clinical program (I forget which) that explicitly said they don't place much weight on graduate GPA. Their explanation was that GPAs in MA programs are so inflated that they're meaningless.

I would've thought, like you said, that they're a better predictor of later graduate GPA, but I guess grade inflation is a huge problem in MA programs. So... at some programs it might not help you out much. It certainly won't hurt you though!

And in line with what others have said... your GREs might need to be brought up fairly significantly for the programs you mentioned. I'm at least familiar with the stats for UNC and you're about 250 points below the mean GRE-wise and possibly below their GPA cut off? I know any applicant to their graduate school needs a 3.0 minimum, but I'm unsure of how graduate GPA would factor into that if it does at all. If you haven't already, you might want to call and ask before shelling out the $85.
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Yup, this is what my undergraduate institution said as well... Graduate GPA used to be considered at that program, but they don't give it any weight anymore because of the inflation of grades in those programs... 🙁
 
Hello all,

New here, and I would like to apply to Ph.D. programs in psych next cycle. I am interested in Clinical Psych Programs with a Forensic focus, and I have somewhat of a unique background. I was wondering if anyone have input on whether I should be doing something different in the next year or continuing on my current path in order to have the best chances at admission.

Ungraduate: Top liberal arts school 3.26GPA Economics and English majors
Graduate: Top 100 law school 3.27GPA JD Degree Earned 2010

I will be 29 when I apply to programs and I have no psych research history. However, for the past two years since graduation I have been an attorney for patients in psychiatric facilities, including litigation (involving direct and cross examinations of expert witnesses). I have amassed a lot of knowledge about sex offender re-offense rates (including psychometric testing) and evaluation, insanity pleas and other knowledge that may be usefull when applying to forensic oriented programs. I have done extensive reading in many of these fields as well. However, it seems to me that the jist here is a background in research. So...should I continue practicing in my current field, or should I be looking for research/coursework in research methods...what will give me the best chance?

I know this is a different scenario, and individuals may or may not have any input to give, however I thought it was worth a try. I appreciate any help, advice and heckling that anyone can give.
 
psycscientist said:
You will not get into funded Ph.D. programs without research experience, regardless of your unique background. It would behoove you to spend a couple years getting solid research experience and also to study and rock the GRE to make up for the low GPA, which could potentially remove you from consideration at many programs. Also, you should consider that many programs will require you to have some psychology coursework, so if you do not have any (or don't have the specific courses certain programs want) this could also be a limiting factor to your admission unless you are willing to take post-bacc courses.
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Thank you for the blunt reply. I have taken the GRE and did relatively well in Verbal and Analytical, but will work to bring up the Quant score as well as prepare for the psych GRE. Do you have any recommendations about how I could go about finding research experience? Would I have to quit my paying position and volunteer? Thanks.
 
so you want to be in clinical psych programs with a forensic focus but that doesn't really tell me what you want to do. are you wanting to do forensic psychology research, or applied forensic psychology? some PsyD programs (but check to see if they are APA-accredited) offer a PsyD in Clinical Psychology with a forensic emphasis. these programs prepare you to do applied forensic psychology work, so fitness to proceed evaluations, insanity evaluations, risk assessment, etc.
 
It varried between each of the schools I applied to clinical programs where the faculty I wanted to work with was, so some of the programs I applied to were clinical others were nuero/biopsych.
 
raldb said:
New here, and I would like to apply to Ph.D. programs in psych next cycle. I am interested in Clinical Psych Programs with a Forensic focus, and I have somewhat of a unique background. I was wondering if anyone have input on whether I should be doing something different in the next year or continuing on my current path in order to have the best chances at admission.

I will be 29 when I apply to programs and I have no psych research history. However, for the past two years since graduation I have been an attorney for patients in psychiatric facilities, including litigation (involving direct and cross examinations of expert witnesses). I have amassed a lot of knowledge about sex offender re-offense rates (including psychometric testing) and evaluation, insanity pleas and other knowledge that may be usefull when applying to forensic oriented programs. I have done extensive reading in many of these fields as well. However, it seems to me that the jist here is a background in research. So...should I continue practicing in my current field, or should I be looking for research/coursework in research methods...what will give me the best chance?
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psycscientist provided some excellent feedback. I would add that having a J.D. and direct experience with psych-related legal work would make you a very attractive candidate if the rest of your application is competitive. The research piece is tricky because most/all mentors will want to know that students they accept to mentor know what they are getting into (e.g. the actual day to day grind of doing research work, not just the "fun" parts of it) and that they can "hang" with the work.

Much of the research stuff can be taught, so it isn't like you will be wholly unprepared if you secure a spot without much/any experience, but you'd definitely be the exception and there would be a (steep?) learning curve. If you can get any research experience over the next year, I think you'd put yourself in an excellent position to be competitive for the 2014 cycle. Volunteering on a part-time basis should be fine, as your current experience is unique enough that it should entice a program/lab/mentor to give you a shot.
 
HI Everyone. I've applied to clinical programs mostly and now the nervous waiting is kicking in. Here's my list of schools:

Rutgers (Reach)
Ohio State (Reach)
Tennessee
South Florida
Southern Mississippi
Auburn
Texas Tech
Houston
CU-Colorado Springs
Colorado State (Counseling)
Denver.

My stats (I'm graduating college early):
3.956 Cum. GPA/4.0 Psych GPA
Honors College
Treasurer of Psi Chi


GRE: Q:660 V:680 AW: 4.0 (I've sent inwriting samples, and hopefully my personal statement shows I'm really a pretty good writer)

Volunteer experience with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the Ronald McDOnald House, and a therapeutic riding center for people with disabilities

1.5 years research experience. Currently involved in two labs.
2 Posters
Currently conducing an independent research project
 
futurecatlady said:
HI Everyone. I've applied to clinical programs mostly and now the nervous waiting is kicking in. Here's my list of schools:

Rutgers (Reach)
Ohio State (Reach)
Tennessee
South Florida
Southern Mississippi
Auburn
Texas Tech
Houston
CU-Colorado Springs
Colorado State (Counseling)
Denver.

My stats (I'm graduating college early):
3.956 Cum. GPA/4.0 Psych GPA
Honors College
Treasurer of Psi Chi


GRE: Q:660 V:680 AW: 4.0 (I've sent inwriting samples, and hopefully my personal statement shows I'm really a pretty good writer)

Volunteer experience with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the Ronald McDOnald House, and a therapeutic riding center for people with disabilities

1.5 years research experience. Currently involved in two labs.
2 Posters
Currently conducing an independent research project
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Your stats look great overall to me. You've got a very strong GPA, you broke 1300 on the GRE, you have research experience (with some productivity to show for it), you've done some volunteering, and you've been involved in a leadership-type position.

1.5 years' worth of research may perchance be on the low end compared to the average interviewed applicant, but it's by no means a deal-breaker (I made it in with exactly the same amount, also across two labs). Graduating early should generally be viewed as a good thing, but some programs have preferences for younger vs. older students; no real way to know that ahead of time, though. Ultimately, seems like it'll basically all just come down to fit. I'd be surprised if you didn't land at least a few interview offers.
 
psychcyclepsi said:
Great GPA, I think that will help, and other stats are solid. Just curious on the Colorado Springs Clinical app--I think they are pretty much exclusively gerontology-focused. Is that something you are interested in?
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It is. One of my populations of interest are people with disabilities, so I figured working with the elderly would be a good choice.

Thanks!
 
futurecatlady said:
It is. One of my populations of interest are people with disabilities, so I figured working with the elderly would be a good choice.

Thanks!
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This... can vary, in my experience. Some disabilities researchers purposely distance themselves from "elderly" issues and vice versa. However, if you have a solid PI match, I'm sure it will be fine.

Good luck! :luck:
 
Hello SDN,

I recently finished my graduate school applications to clinical psychology PhD programs, starting Fall 2013. Now that I'm not busy with studying for the GRE, researching programs, and preparing my applications, I'm going a bit crazy. I know my GRE scores are not good. Due to a snafu at the testing center with my ID (the DMV switched my first and middle name on my driver's liscence!!) I had to rush home and back to the testing center to get my passport and by the time I sat down to take the test I was completely frazzled. UGH.

GRE: 156 V (69), 154 Q (60), & 4.5 AWA (73).

My undergrad GPA is a 3.5 (cumulative, psych, and last two years. At least I'm consistent!)

I graduated two years early with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from the University of Washington.

I have 3 years of research experience at Seattle Children's Hospital/Research Institute. I have worked on 4 different projects here at Seattle Children's now, advancing from a student volunteer to a project coordinator. All of the studies I've worked on somehow shaped my eventual research interests in developmental psychopathology, prevention science, and risk and resilience in minority/underserved populations.

I have had 3 poster publications at ATA (American Telemedicine Association) and AACAP (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - 2 presentations) conferences and I just submitted a manuscript for publication (3rd Author, out of 3) to JACAP. I currently have a project coordinator/clinical research associate job where I screen for eligibility, recruit, consent/assent, interview, IRB modifications, large nih funded multi-site study coordination, data collection, entry, analysis, and scientific writing.

I also volunteer at a 24-hour crisis telephone line weekly where I implement a crisis intervention to callers. I also had past experience tutoring young refugee children.

I've applied to: UC Berkeley, University of Southern California, University of Illinois - Chicago, University of Delaware, University of Connecticut, Washington State University, and New York University (Steinhardt - Psychology and Social Intervention PhD).

WAMC? I apprecite your time and input.
 
lolapsych said:
Hello SDN,

I recently finished my graduate school applications to clinical psychology PhD programs, starting Fall 2013. Now that I'm not busy with studying for the GRE, researching programs, and preparing my applications, I'm going a bit crazy. I know my GRE scores are not good. Due to a snafu at the testing center with my ID (the DMV switched my first and middle name on my driver's liscence!!) I had to rush home and back to the testing center to get my passport and by the time I sat down to take the test I was completely frazzled. UGH.

GRE: 156 V (69), 154 Q (60), & 4.5 AWA (73).

My undergrad GPA is a 3.5 (cumulative, psych, and last two years. At least I'm consistent!)

I graduated two years early with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from the University of Washington.

I have 3 years of research experience at Seattle Children's Hospital/Research Institute. I have worked on 4 different projects here at Seattle Children's now, advancing from a student volunteer to a project coordinator. All of the studies I've worked on somehow shaped my eventual research interests in developmental psychopathology, prevention science, and risk and resilience in minority/underserved populations.

I have had 3 poster publications at ATA (American Telemedicine Association) and AACAP (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - 2 presentations) conferences and I just submitted a manuscript for publication (3rd Author, out of 3) to JACAP. I currently have a project coordinator/clinical research associate job where I screen for eligibility, recruit, consent/assent, interview, IRB modifications, large nih funded multi-site study coordination, data collection, entry, analysis, and scientific writing.

I also volunteer at a 24-hour crisis telephone line weekly where I implement a crisis intervention to callers. I also had past experience tutoring young refugee children.

I've applied to: UC Berkeley, University of Southern California, University of Illinois - Chicago, University of Delaware, University of Connecticut, Washington State University, and New York University (Steinhardt - Psychology and Social Intervention PhD).

WAMC? I apprecite your time and input.
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I wonder why no one has replied to this. Maybe it's a good sign! Past a certain point, there's no telling what your chances are. Funny enough, you and I have almost identical credentials. Thankfully, we didn't apply to any of the same programs or else I'd have fierce competition! Good luck to you, and keep us posted on your acceptances!
 
I think you applied to all very competitive programs, your GPA and GRE are probably lower than the average for all those programs. Maybe if you have a good research match, but a submitted 3rd author paper and a few conference posters is not super competitive for the research intensive programs you applied for. But maybe you framed your statement really well or highlighted something unique to make you stand out? Another idea is to contact POIs introducing yourself and ask a question about their research. They may look out for you when deciding who to invite for interviews. Maybe you already did this? Best of luck
 
baconlover said:
I think you applied to all very competitive programs, your GPA and GRE are probably lower than the average for all those programs. Maybe if you have a good research match, but a submitted 3rd author paper and a few conference posters is not super competitive for the research intensive programs you applied for. But maybe you framed your statement really well or highlighted something unique to make you stand out? Another idea is to contact POIs introducing yourself and ask a question about their research. They may look out for you when deciding who to invite for interviews. Maybe you already did this? Best of luck
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Yes, my GPA and GRE are a little lower than average for acceptance rates at these schools (BUT, last year Berkeley enrolled someone with 153V and 153Q so I thought maybe my research exp would offset that a little... even though there are so many applicants who are far more competitive than I am...). The frustrating part is that I am sure I could have done better than this. My scores are my main concern and the fact that I don't have many publications.

I picked faculty members whose research all very much so align with mine. I have three strong letters. Two from faculty members at the University of Washington whom I have done applicable research with (one for 3 years, one for 2 years) on R01 funded studies. They both regard me highly as indicated by an invitation to a christmas party at one of their homes! My networking/ability to relate to others has always been a strong suit of mine, so I know if I get an interview I'll have a much better chance of admission.

The last letter is from my supervisor at a 24hour crisis line where I volunteer whom I have good rapport with, but this letter may not be as strong as I have only known her for about a year. I am mainly interested in research which is why I applied to all research heavy programs, but since I am interested in developing empirically supported intervention and prevention curricula, I believe that it is important to have a strong base of clinical skills before I try to tell others how to do it! Ha.

I think my statement of pupose may actually be my stong point. I've struggled thoughout my life to obtain an education without any support from my family (I was homeless my senior year of high school during which I was working full time, going to high-school and community college concurrently (WA State Running Start Program). By all means I didn't focus on this throughout my entire SOP and I believe I stated it very tactfully (my reccommenders agreed) in only a couple sentences. It is hugely related to why I want to go into researching clinical work so I thought it was important and would set me apart (even if some professors may not feel comfortable with such personal information). I also supported myself throughout college - likely a correlation there with my GPA. Anyways, the rest of my SOP explains what I want to do in the future, how my past experiences have impacted my interests, and how my interests align with my POIs....etc. etc.

Anyways, would you reccommend I contact the POIs now that I have already submitted my applications?

If I am not accepted this year, I'm planning on taking some graduate level courses and getting more expereince working with my population of interest (at-risk youth). There is a volunteer organization in my area that does outreach for homeless youth in a large metropolitan city that I have been interested in becoming a part of for a while. I will also definitely re-take the GRE.

Is there anything else anyone would reccommend to strengthen my application? Sorry that was so long-winded.... and thank you so much for your time.
 
It sounds like your experience overcoming adversity could make you stand out and gain some advocates so I would think you have a chance. I recently talked to a 1st year who said they got in because their POI really connected to their personal experience despite their rather average qualifications. You never know who else is applying.

I think looking at the minimum qualifications of someone who was admitted is not a good way to pick programs. People who I know have been admitted with really low GREs or GPA had some exceptional connection that got them in. I was just talking to a member of an admissions committee at a competitive research program and they were stressing how there are hundreds of qualified applicants, so when it comes down to selecting 25-35 people to invite for interviews, they end up looking for reasons to throw an application out which can be really small things like 1 mediocre letter. They are not going to think really hard to find reasons to invite you.

At this point I don't know if there would be much point in contacting POIs since applications are already in review. But in case you apply again next year I would do that in October. Also if you apply next year studying and retaking the GRE might be worth it.

With that being said, it sounds like your personal experience could really get you an advocate so I would be optimistic for an interview.

I hope this isnt a downer but realistic and helpful! wishing you luck!
 
baconlover said:
It sounds like your experience overcoming adversity could make you stand out and gain some advocates so I would think you have a chance. I recently talked to a 1st year who said they got in because their POI really connected to their personal experience despite their rather average qualifications. You never know who else is applying.

I think looking at the minimum qualifications of someone who was admitted is not a good way to pick programs. People who I know have been admitted with really low GREs or GPA had some exceptional connection that got them in. I was just talking to a member of an admissions committee at a competitive research program and they were stressing how there are hundreds of qualified applicants, so when it comes down to selecting 25-35 people to invite for interviews, they end up looking for reasons to throw an application out which can be really small things like 1 mediocre letter. They are not going to think really hard to find reasons to invite you.

At this point I don't know if there would be much point in contacting POIs since applications are already in review. But in case you apply again next year I would do that in October. Also if you apply next year studying and retaking the GRE might be worth it.

With that being said, it sounds like your personal experience could really get you an advocate so I would be optimistic for an interview.

I hope this isnt a downer but realistic and helpful! wishing you luck!
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Not a downer! I was really stressed about including such personal information so you're saying that may be a strength makes me feel a little better! Thank you very much for your thoughtful input 🙂
 
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