WAMC: What Are My Chances

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Members do not see this ad.
psychic-dash said:
Definitely agree with the posters above, it's just a hard situation to predict, especially not knowing to what degree you have good fit with those programs. Re treating applying as a learning experience, I have multiple friends who applied two or even three times and they didn't get any feedback about the strengths or weaknesses of their applications. One or two PIs responded to such a request, and it was for programs that they were being strongly considered for after the interview phase. Even so, the feedback was quite predictable (work on publishing more). Your case could of course play out differently, but if you are expecting feedback that helps you apply in the next round, I'm not sure it's typical to get that!
Click to expand...
I hear you! I'm not sure I expressed that too well, but mostly I just wanna apply and see if I can get to an interview at least with what I have now. If not I feel like I'll know that I should probably get a masters first or at least take a class in stats to show I can handle grad level coursework
 
propsych said:
I hear you! I'm not sure I expressed that too well, but mostly I just wanna apply and see if I can get to an interview at least with what I have now. If not I feel like I'll know that I should probably get a masters first or at least take a class in stats to show I can handle grad level coursework
Click to expand...

Getting a good GPA in a research-based (e.g., thesis) master's program could help balance out low undergrad GPA if you wind up thinking that is a problem for you. Taking one class will not be worthwhile if your purposes is to prove your ability to handle grad-level coursework, considering that in clinical programs most of the coursework is more about you learning something vs. heaviness on grading.
 
jdawg2017 said:
Getting a good GPA in a research-based (e.g., thesis) master's program could help balance out low undergrad GPA if you wind up thinking that is a problem for you. Taking one class will not be worthwhile if your purposes is to prove your ability to handle grad-level coursework, considering that in clinical programs most of the coursework is more about you learning something vs. heaviness on grading.
Click to expand...
gotcha, thanks!
 
I'm a neuro student considering applying to a dual program at UNC Chapel Hill, UVermont and Rutgers. Probably don't have a shot but the faculty I'm interested in are in these programs. Anyway:
24, mixed race (white/black/asian/Latino)

GRE verbal: 155 (69%)
GRE quant: 156 (62%)
Undergrad gpa: 3.47

One publication first author in revision (hopefully in submission by the deadline), one fourth author published abstract
Four first author posters, one at international conference, one at national student conference
Four second/third author posters

2 year NIH post-bacc in animal research
1 yr clinical research college (no posters/presentations)
1 yr neuro research college (received summer grant)

1 semester working at a psych clinic
1 yr working with mental health group
3 separate teaching experiences and other volunteering experience

Research Interests: computational models and/or behavioral economics in depression/addiction, usually involving neuroimaging
 
Last edited:
coolmcat said:
I'm a neuro student considering applying to a dual program at UNC Chapel Hill, UVermont and Rutgers. Probably don't have a shot but the faculty I'm interested in are in these programs. Anyway:
24, mixed race (white/black/asian/Latino)

GRE verbal: 155 (69%)
GRE quant: 156 (62%)
Undergrad gpa: 3.47

One publication first author in revision (hopefully in submission by the deadline), one fourth author published abstract
Four first author posters, one at international conference, one at national student conference
Four second/third author posters

2 year NIH post-bacc in animal research
1 yr clinical research college (no posters/presentations)
1 yr neuro research college (received summer grant)

1 semester working at a psych clinic
1 yr working with mental health group
3 separate teaching experiences and other volunteering experience

Research Interests: computational models and/or behavioral economics in depression/addiction, usually involving neuroimaging
Click to expand...

Do you mean neuropsychology or neuroscience? This might affect our feedback.
 
Hi all, I'm a bit late to the "chance me" party, but my anxiety is getting the best of me so close to application deadlines, so I thought I'd post and see what feedback I can get.
I'm applying to clinical psychology PhD programs (U of Denver, U of Oregon, Eastern Michigan U, U of Minnesota, OK State, Northern Illinois U, and UMass Amherst), looking to work with mentors that are studying maternal functioning in the context of violence/adversity and the impact trauma has on parenting, the parent child relationship and co-regulation.

My stats are...
GPA
Undergrad (psychology): 3.44 (GPA stayed consistent across all years and psych/non-psych classes)
Graduate (clinical psychology): 3.96

GRE
Verbal: 159 (82%)
Quant: 157 (64%)
Analytic: 5 (93%)

Relevant Experience
3 years clinical experience as a master's level therapist with children under 5 and their families as well as elementary school sites
2.5 years total of research experience, including most recently at a well-respected branch of the VA for trauma research. I've been in a full time research assistant position since June.
2.5 years as a master's level instructor at a state university teaching psychological writing, intro to psych, and research methods

4 poster presentations, 3 first author, 2 are pending approval for an upcoming conference
1 manuscript under review, second author

3 strong LOR, one from a very prominent researcher in the field

My worries are mainly the competitiveness of the programs I am applying to, namely UO, DU and UMN (which of course happen to be my top choices). Most of my research experience has not been related to the field I'm interested in, though I have been focused on trauma for the past 5 months. My undergrad GPA is also a little low compared to most program averages.
I applied last year with worse GRE scores and less research experience and didn't hear back from any of the programs I applied to (CU Denver, UW, UO, and WSU). I'm not surprised looking back, but want to see if I've significantly increased my chances since then.
Thanks!
 
coolmcat said:
Neuroscience, my bad.
Click to expand...

Not sure how many of us psychologists/psychology trainees can comment on this in this forum... maybe gradcafe has a specific neuroscience forum?

Sorry I can't be of more help.
 
just_a_cigar said:
Hi all, I'm a bit late to the "chance me" party, but my anxiety is getting the best of me so close to application deadlines, so I thought I'd post and see what feedback I can get.
I'm applying to clinical psychology PhD programs (U of Denver, U of Oregon, Eastern Michigan U, U of Minnesota, OK State, Northern Illinois U, and UMass Amherst), looking to work with mentors that are studying maternal functioning in the context of violence/adversity and the impact trauma has on parenting, the parent child relationship and co-regulation.

My stats are...
GPA
Undergrad (psychology): 3.44 (GPA stayed consistent across all years and psych/non-psych classes)
Graduate (clinical psychology): 3.96

GRE
Verbal: 159 (82%)
Quant: 157 (64%)
Analytic: 5 (93%)

Relevant Experience
3 years clinical experience as a master's level therapist with children under 5 and their families as well as elementary school sites
2.5 years total of research experience, including most recently at a well-respected branch of the VA for trauma research. I've been in a full time research assistant position since June.
2.5 years as a master's level instructor at a state university teaching psychological writing, intro to psych, and research methods

4 poster presentations, 3 first author, 2 are pending approval for an upcoming conference
1 manuscript under review, second author

3 strong LOR, one from a very prominent researcher in the field

My worries are mainly the competitiveness of the programs I am applying to, namely UO, DU and UMN (which of course happen to be my top choices). Most of my research experience has not been related to the field I'm interested in, though I have been focused on trauma for the past 5 months. My undergrad GPA is also a little low compared to most program averages.
I applied last year with worse GRE scores and less research experience and didn't hear back from any of the programs I applied to (CU Denver, UW, UO, and WSU). I'm not surprised looking back, but want to see if I've significantly increased my chances since then.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

It sounds like you are accumulating good experiences. Getting that paper published, and even better a first-author one moving, would be additionally helpful. Best wishes for the review process!

It sounds like you need to broaden your applications if you can. Most successful applicants apply to 8-10 programs. Only applying to 3-4 reduces your chances significantly, as not only may there be more qualified applicants who want to go to these sites, but external forces completely out of your control (funding, sabbatical, etc.) can impact interview invitations and official offers in ways that are hard to understand.
 
@jdawg2017 Thanks for your input! I am definitely trying to continue publishing and presenting posters as much as possible. Even if they aren't on my CV for applications I can still talk about them in interviews (if I get any).

I do have 7 schools on my list right now - UO, DU and UMN are just my top choices. It's been really tough to find faculty that align with my research interests that also happen to be taking a student this year. I really appreciate the feedback!
 
Hey Everyone!

I am going to be graduating from university this coming spring with a BS in psychology. I have been contemplating different paths, after undergrad, and have decided that a PhD in clinical psychology is what I really want to do. For reference I currently have a 3.85 Cumulative GPA and a 3.9 Psych GPA. I am planning on taking my GRE and GRE Subject Test this coming summer after I graduate. I am looking for thoughts on my experiences, and thoughts on what I could improve upon.

Experiences:
-2 years of clinical psychology research (emotion regulation across the lifespan using eye-tracking technology)-Continuing after undergrad. I am considered a "head RA", and I am involved in training new RA's and doing a majority of the recruitment for the lab. I started with this lab when we were still trying to get IRB approval. I don't have any papers or publications but we just started collecting data so hopefully we will get the ball rolling sooner rather than later.
-TA for 3 psychology courses (one introductory and one upper level twice)- the upper level course is with my current PI.
-Peer advisor on campus for a year- will continue after undergrad
-Worked all 4 years during undergrad as a waiter
-1 year as a volunteer working with inner city youth as a tutor and mentor (continuing)
-1 year as a volunteer for a radio station, specifically for the visually impaired, where I read material on various topics (continuing)
-1 year as a volunteer in hospice (continuing)
-Just started volunteering for an organization that helps women and children involved in domestic violence (continuing)
-2 years of volunteering in a hospital emergency room where I worked closely with social workers as this was a level 1 trauma hospital

I was wondering if there is anything more that I should be doing? I am taking at least one gap year to work on my resume. I am staying with my lab after I graduate, but I also have a couple other options. I could also conduct research in the local emergency department, or try and get involved in another lab on campus, who's research aligns more with my interest.

Thanks in advance!!!!!
 
Psychedup09 said:
Hey Everyone!

I am going to be graduating from university this coming spring with a BS in psychology. I have been contemplating different paths, after undergrad, and have decided that a PhD in clinical psychology is what I really want to do. For reference I currently have a 3.85 Cumulative GPA and a 3.9 Psych GPA. I am planning on taking my GRE and GRE Subject Test this coming summer after I graduate. I am looking for thoughts on my experiences, and thoughts on what I could improve upon.

Experiences:
-2 years of clinical psychology research (emotion regulation across the lifespan using eye-tracking technology)-Continuing after undergrad. I am considered a "head RA", and I am involved in training new RA's and doing a majority of the recruitment for the lab. I started with this lab when we were still trying to get IRB approval. I don't have any papers or publications but we just started collecting data so hopefully we will get the ball rolling sooner rather than later.
-TA for 3 psychology courses (one introductory and one upper level twice)- the upper level course is with my current PI.
-Peer advisor on campus for a year- will continue after undergrad
-Worked all 4 years during undergrad as a waiter
-1 year as a volunteer working with inner city youth as a tutor and mentor (continuing)
-1 year as a volunteer for a radio station, specifically for the visually impaired, where I read material on various topics (continuing)
-1 year as a volunteer in hospice (continuing)
-Just started volunteering for an organization that helps women and children involved in domestic violence (continuing)
-2 years of volunteering in a hospital emergency room where I worked closely with social workers as this was a level 1 trauma hospital

I was wondering if there is anything more that I should be doing? I am taking at least one gap year to work on my resume. I am staying with my lab after I graduate, but I also have a couple other options. I could also conduct research in the local emergency department, or try and get involved in another lab on campus, who's research aligns more with my interest.

Thanks in advance!!!!!
Click to expand...
Nope, you good.
 
what are my chances of getting in if my official GRE scores don't arrive on time? How late is too late to send GRE scores?
I'm sending off my applications and realized I forgot to send my GRE scores to three scores. Will they just throw out my application if they don't have my scores?
 
2ndTimeHopeful said:
All of my apps are out
Click to expand...

You didn't mention where you're applying, but I assume you are interested in a more research-oriented program. You are in fine shape on paper. It will come down to fit between your goals and what the mentor and program have to offer, as well as the random assortment of other factors that are out of your hands.

2ndTimeHopeful said:
top Ivy League medical journal
Click to expand...
2ndTimeHopeful said:
two highly regarded well known (famous)researchers
Click to expand...
2ndTimeHopeful said:
working in one of the top university research facilities
Click to expand...

...hopefully your application materials are free of this sort of thing.
 
I will be graduating next year with a BSc Honours in Psychology. I plan on taking a gap year after my degree and will apply to Clinical Psychology programs, with a focus on neuropsychology. I am posting here now to get advice on how competitive I currently am and how I can increase my chances going forward!
  • Cumulative GPA: 3.7 (if I continue getting A's in my classes it will likely be 3.8/9 by the time I finish my degree; got a 4.0 last year and this semester, and I can likely keep this up)
  • Psychology GPA: 4.0 so far (including A's in advanced stats/research classes)
  • Will be writing the GRE and psych GRE this upcoming summer, so I will have time to write again if my scores are not competitive for the schools I'm applying to
Research & Clinical Experience:
Lab A: Neuropsychology/cognitive psych research
  • Total 3 years by the time I graduate and will continue helping after
  • Have learned to administer & score various neuropsych tests
  • Cognitive psych study: Submitted poster abstract (1st author) to national conference. Run participants, help with study design, and training volunteers
  • Neuropsych studies: Coordinate participants and RAs, train new RAs, run participants (participants are a clinical population I hope to work with), and input data. Will likely be able to get a few posters from these studies at national/international conferences.
  • Honors thesis study: Will be doing my Honors next year, but we are getting the study started this year. In the end I will have done a lit review, designed a study, wrote the ethics application, run participants, analyzed data, wrote up the results. Will try to get a publication from this (or a poster at the very least)
Lab B: Social work research
  • Paid position, study will finish next year (total 3 years)
  • Interview participants, code transcripts. write case summaries, create newsletters to be sent to participants, assist with editing abstracts and papers
  • Submitted abstracts (1 poster, 1 symposium) to 2 conferences this year and prof has said I can get authorship on the papers that come out of this (however, I am the most junior person on the team and will be ~5th author on any posters/papers)
Lab C: Clinical/medical research (closely related to my research interests)
  • Just started a paid position which lasts till the end of summer, but I plan to help next year as well
  • Prof has said I will have the chance to assist with posters/papers and can help with other studies
  • So far I am running participants from a clinical population through assessments and treatments
Other Experience:
  • 2-3 years experience as a Teaching Assistant (including marking tests and assignments, tutoring students, & running review sessions)
  • A few years volunteering on planning committees for nonprofits organizing fundraisers for mental health
  • A few years experience working with kids (summer camps, coaching), including kids with developmental disabilities
  • 1 summer working as an admin assistant at a nonprofit (updated policies, developed surveys and wrote reports)
I am hoping to get a job as a psychometrist after I graduate or get a mental-health related job at one of the nonprofits I have volunteered at. I will continue helping with research in Lab A after I graduate and the main prof has said I can take on a lab coordinator role.

I believe I will be able to get strong letters of recommendation from profs in any of the labs (there are 4 profs total who know me well), but I'm open to any suggestions on what I can to do to foster better relationships with the profs/improve my chances.
 
neuronstudies said:
I will be graduating next year with a BSc Honours in Psychology. I plan on taking a gap year after my degree and will apply to Clinical Psychology programs, with a focus on neuropsychology. I am posting here now to get advice on how competitive I currently am and how I can increase my chances going forward!
  • Cumulative GPA: 3.7 (if I continue getting A's in my classes it will likely be 3.8/9 by the time I finish my degree; got a 4.0 last year and this semester, and I can likely keep this up)
  • Psychology GPA: 4.0 so far (including A's in advanced stats/research classes)
  • Will be writing the GRE and psych GRE this upcoming summer, so I will have time to write again if my scores are not competitive for the schools I'm applying to
Research & Clinical Experience:
Lab A: Neuropsychology/cognitive psych research
  • Total 3 years by the time I graduate and will continue helping after
  • Have learned to administer & score various neuropsych tests
  • Cognitive psych study: Submitted poster abstract (1st author) to national conference. Run participants, help with study design, and training volunteers
  • Neuropsych studies: Coordinate participants and RAs, train new RAs, run participants (participants are a clinical population I hope to work with), and input data. Will likely be able to get a few posters from these studies at national/international conferences.
  • Honors thesis study: Will be doing my Honors next year, but we are getting the study started this year. In the end I will have done a lit review, designed a study, wrote the ethics application, run participants, analyzed data, wrote up the results. Will try to get a publication from this (or a poster at the very least)
Lab B: Social work research
  • Paid position, study will finish next year (total 3 years)
  • Interview participants, code transcripts. write case summaries, create newsletters to be sent to participants, assist with editing abstracts and papers
  • Submitted abstracts (1 poster, 1 symposium) to 2 conferences this year and prof has said I can get authorship on the papers that come out of this (however, I am the most junior person on the team and will be ~5th author on any posters/papers)
Lab C: Clinical/medical research (closely related to my research interests)
  • Just started a paid position which lasts till the end of summer, but I plan to help next year as well
  • Prof has said I will have the chance to assist with posters/papers and can help with other studies
  • So far I am running participants from a clinical population through assessments and treatments
Other Experience:
  • 2-3 years experience as a Teaching Assistant (including marking tests and assignments, tutoring students, & running review sessions)
  • A few years volunteering on planning committees for nonprofits organizing fundraisers for mental health
  • A few years experience working with kids (summer camps, coaching), including kids with developmental disabilities
  • 1 summer working as an admin assistant at a nonprofit (updated policies, developed surveys and wrote reports)
I am hoping to get a job as a psychometrist after I graduate or get a mental-health related job at one of the nonprofits I have volunteered at. I will continue helping with research in Lab A after I graduate and the main prof has said I can take on a lab coordinator role.

I believe I will be able to get strong letters of recommendation from profs in any of the labs (there are 4 profs total who know me well), but I'm open to any suggestions on what I can to do to foster better relationships with the profs/improve my chances.
Click to expand...

You sound very competitive. Great academics, research experience, etc. Are you applying to mostly Ph.D. programs, or, a combination of Ph.D. and Psy.D.? I think if your GRE is >50th percentile, you will do fine in your applications. I would recommend distributing widely to maximize your odds.

Goodluck!
 
neurocog said:
You sound very competitive. Great academics, research experience, etc. Are you applying to mostly Ph.D. programs, or, a combination of Ph.D. and Psy.D.? I think if your GRE is >50th percentile, you will do fine in your applications. I would recommend distributing widely to maximize your odds.

Goodluck!
Click to expand...

Thanks for your response! I will be applying to PhD programs. I'm from Canada so I will be applying to Canadian schools and most likely some American schools as well to increase my chances.
 
Hi everyone, I am due to graduate this May from a small liberal arts college, hoping to get some advice on how to make myself a more competitive applicant for Clinical Psychology PhDs in the future.

Major: Psychology
Undergrad GPA: 3.9/4
Psychology GPA: 3.9/4
GRE: 161 Verbal 159 Quant 6.0 AW, will take the psych GRE this semester
Honors: Departmental (w/ thesis); Psi Chi; am hoping to graduate w/ Latin honors

Research Experience:
Overview: Been at a handful of different labs, so my research experiences are more broad than they are in-depth. I understand that presentations/publications are more attractive than the number of labs you've been in, but unfortunately my positions didn't result into either due to timing issues (I was also abroad for all of my third year). Two research positions that are more relevant to my long-term research interests are below:

Lab A
- At my college
- Studied the psychosocial wellbeing of first-generation immigrant families via interview transcriptions
- Refined understanding of the link between culture/emotion/psychopathology

Lab B
- At my study abroad institution
- Investigated the intersection of cognition and health psychology; more specifically, how certain processes interfere decisions to pursue and adhere to treatment

Other research experiences have been in the following areas: Biological, Developmental, Cognitive, Cultural, and Clinical. I've contributed to different stages of the process: recruiting participants, literature searches/reviews, generating hypotheses, developing methods, data collection, coding.

Independent Research Projects:
- One in Developmental Psychology (on the effects of egocentrism on altruistic behavior);
- Two in Clinical Psychology (one on the efficacy of psychotherapy in the context of Borderline Personality Disorder, the other on the nature of patient-therapist alliances in the context of Narcissistic Personality Disorder);
- One in Cultural Psychology (a critical examination on demographic variables in contemporary psychology research);
- Honors Thesis examining individual and group differences amongst self-concept and help-seeking attitudes and behavior –– will hopefully be presenting this at regional/national conferences, and am hoping to turn this into a manuscript

Other Experience:
- Was the TA for the Statistics (SPSS) course required of psychology majors for two semesters;
- Relevant, comprehensive coursework in CS (MATLAB), Neuroscience, Biology and Philosophy as well;
- Studied abroad at an institution where Psychology is more 'experimental', took one-on-one tutorials in areas which examined cognitive and biological factors of psychopathology and health;
- Volunteered at the crisis hotline for a year while abroad, as well as at a charity promoting physical activity for teens and adults with special needs;
- Additional volunteering experiences at a Child Study Center, as well as in an after-school program in a neighboring city at my college;
- Awarded a research grant for one of my independent research projects

Letters of Rec: Unsure how to gauge how 'good' these can be, but all three professors are quitet familiar with my aptitude for psychology (both in coursework and research). Two from my college (one is my thesis supervisor, the other supervised my developmental psychology research project), one from my time abroad

My questions:
- What else can I do to make me a more competitive candidate?
- Should I retake my GREs? I don't necessarily test well, but I am willing to put in the work again if it will hold me back in my application.
- Any other international students here who have been able to work in Post-Bacc research positions with OPT after graduation?
- Should I only apply to research positions in the field of Clinical Psychology, or should I also apply for positions related to Cognitive Psychology? Also, if I am more interested in Adult Clinical Psychology, should I refrain from applying to labs which are concentrated in Child/Youth Mental Health?

I have a good idea on what I want to do research on in grad school –– namely, the various biopsychosocial processes associated with affective disorders/psychopathology in underrepresented/underserved populations. Ideally, I'd pursue a PhD so that I can research, teach, and practice evidence-based treatments on such populations. I have contacted several PIs who are doing great stuff in this area, but they have either replied saying they don't foresee openings in their lab, or that they don't take international students in general. As such, I am also considering the possibility of completing a MA or Post-Bacc so that I can stay in the country legally whilst producing presentations/publications. I have looked at TC's MA and Berkeley's Post-Bacc, as both mention the research component to their programs, but I'd love to hear what everyone's thoughts are too. If there are programs I am better-suited for, I would love to know! I was also looking at a couple of Master's programs in the UK as my family is there, but I am unsure which path will be more 'productive' (I know that there is no 'right' or 'wrong' when it comes to these things).

If you stuck it out till the end, thank you for reading my post! Please know that I am deeply appreciative of any feedback/input/advice you might have for me. I know it's an arduous process, but it's worth it in the end. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!
 
Hi everyone! I am hoping to get your feedback on my current situation.

As a background, I graduated undergrad May of 2018. I worked on a research capstone and got three presentations. I had a 3.8 GPA. I ultimately decided to work as a Research Assistant after school to gain more experience. However, the lab that I'm in is mostly data acquisition and entry with limited opportunity for manuscript prep. That said, I was able to get 1 publication and 1 poster presentation.

I would like to apply to clinical psychology phd programs with a neuropsychology focus this fall 2020 for 2021 admission, but I realized that there are many psych core course that I have not taken, despite being a psychology major in undergrad. For example:

-Social Psych
-Cognitive Psych
-Developmental (I took child development, but not adult)
-History and Systems (my school didn't offer this course)

I was thinking I could knock out a couple of online courses before applications are due this fall, but I'm worried that with working full-time, retaking the GRE and studying for the Psych GRE, on top of the school search and everything, that I will wear myself thin.

My question is, do you guys think I should go for it this year, or take my time and go for it next year? If I defer my applications, I would apply to work in a new lab that is more research productive, and have the benefit of not rushing through the pre-reqs or cramming for the exams.

I appreciate any comments or feedback that you may have and am happy to provide more info if needed!
 
most schools dont require the psych GRE. I would not waste any time studying unless you had to for programs you have found. even then, I would weigh cost and time sunk for that given your GPA and either not apply there (being honest in what I would do). I would take a similar approach to prereq classes if I were you. Just because you dont have a core course doesnt mean rush to take it.

You are reasonably competitive for a post BA with lab experience, depending on school and GRE outcome, given what you have and it would likely be worthwhile to selectively apply (at least) regardless given your record.Worse case you burn some cash and time. best case you get in and long term earnings for you (not to mention life flexibility as you exit school earlier) are better. this is a low risk, high reward situation.

You mention neuro but that's a wide net, so what area: child? adult? tbi? dementia? etc. You'll want to narrow (you may have and it's just not mentioned- but this is obligatory advice)
 
Yes, apply this year. Re-take the GRE. Get your letters of rec in order. Don't bother with additional courses if you can possibly avoid it. Don't bother with the psych GRE unless it's absolutely necessary for an application.
 
Thank you for your advice! I appreciate the feedback.

Yes! I did not mention my interests in detail, but my interests specifically lie in functional, cognitive and emotional recovery after traumatic brain injury. Most of my research has been brain injury focused and my lab is TBI focused at a rehab hospital.
 
Berry0770 said:
Hi everyone! I am hoping to get your feedback on my current situation.

As a background, I graduated undergrad May of 2018. I worked on a research capstone and got three presentations. I had a 3.8 GPA. I ultimately decided to work as a Research Assistant after school to gain more experience. However, the lab that I'm in is mostly data acquisition and entry with limited opportunity for manuscript prep. That said, I was able to get 1 publication and 1 poster presentation.

I would like to apply to clinical psychology phd programs with a neuropsychology focus this fall 2020 for 2021 admission, but I realized that there are many psych core course that I have not taken, despite being a psychology major in undergrad. For example:

-Social Psych
-Cognitive Psych
-Developmental (I took child development, but not adult)
-History and Systems (my school didn't offer this course)

I was thinking I could knock out a couple of online courses before applications are due this fall, but I'm worried that with working full-time, retaking the GRE and studying for the Psych GRE, on top of the school search and everything, that I will wear myself thin.

My question is, do you guys think I should go for it this year, or take my time and go for it next year? If I defer my applications, I would apply to work in a new lab that is more research productive, and have the benefit of not rushing through the pre-reqs or cramming for the exams.

I appreciate any comments or feedback that you may have and am happy to provide more info if needed!
Click to expand...

Mod Note: I've merged this into the WAMC thread.
 
Hello! I have been lurking here for a bit and have researched for a couple of months but do not know any practitioners and thought it might bring me into reality. I am heavily considering a PsyD or PhD program in clinical psychology (possibly a clinical psych combined with school psych program as well). The problem is I really have no clue of my odds because I am nontraditional. Any insights (even slightly brash) would be greatly appreciated.

Background: 30 yo, taught special education in a variety of school settings and ages for 6 years (This includes severe aggressive behavior all the way up to learning disabilities), One year part time ESL tutoring, one year part time home based tutoring for an adult with multiple severe disabilities.

Degree: B.S. in special education 3.8 GPA, almost finished with a M.A. special education with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis (I should sit for BCBA exam this fall) should be a 4.0 GPA. GRE taken two years ago with no studying 160 verbal reasoning, 154 quantitative reasoning, analytical writing 3.5. I know that will likely need to be improved upon. Some early searching seems to show I'm missing prereqs for some psych programs (abnormal psych, psych statistics) and I don't want to take those pointlessly.

Home Life: I am 30 and I have 5 adopted children (11 yo down to 4 yo twins) so a move is certainly something I do not take lightly with them. The twins have significant developmental delays and my 9 yo son has severe ADHD, moderate ODD (academically gifted) so they need a good school to meet their needs. Husband's career is highly transportable and he is on board with a move and fully supports a 5-7 year process. We can live tightly if I manage to get into a fully funded program (this has to happen for this all to be a possibility).

I am 100% unhappy as a public school teacher and cannot continue this path. I make a good salary for this field in Southeast ($45,000) excellent benefits and really in what would be considered a good position; love my boss. I just can't keep fighting what appears to be a hopeless, highly political battle.

I have considered working privately as a BCBA but I do not like how behavior analysts have hedged themselves into a certain market of mostly private 1 to 1 therapy of individuals with autism. Uninterested in pursuing this and do not want to constantly try to prove other applications. A PhD in behavior analysis and going into academia is not out of the picture for me entirely however.

I am enthralled with the various applications of clinical psychology in inpatient treatment facilities for severe problem behavior, PTSD treatment for soldiers, and research surrounding juvenile delinquents/adult prison populations and the applications. I have a sour taste in my mouth about public school systems but I may be interested in the future in models supporting better school mental health outcomes.


What are my odds of admittance? How can I improve them? Am I nuts? Anyone have a similar background and want to help me!!!!????
 
The major thing that someone needs to get into a funded PsyD or PhD program is research experience. It sounds like you don't have any research experience? IMO, you would be most likely to gain admittance if you took on a 2 year (full-time, paid) research assistantship in psychology and applied during your second year. Your GREs and other experience are solid. But you need significant research experience. After all, PhDs (and funded PsyDs) are research-based degrees, even though many (most?) individuals go on to full-time clinical practice after earning them.

The question is, are you sure this is the right path? 2 years of research and then 6 years of the program... Is there any other career that would make you happy? Could you go into school administration? Do you need to do clinical work and/or research to feel fulfilled? I recommend you do some more soul searching. I don't question your passion - you've already demonstrated a commitment to the field! But 8 years devoted to a different career path could you get you high up the ladder as well. It's hard to explain what 8 years of grad school preparation and enrollment feels like, but it's really something I don't recommend unless you can't see yourself happy doing anything else. There are so many other careers that don't require this level of preparation.
 
NeuroJaguar said:
The major thing that someone needs to get into a funded PsyD or PhD program is research experience. It sounds like you don't have any research experience? IMO, you would be most likely to gain admittance if you took on a 2 year (full-time, paid) research assistantship in psychology and applied during your second year. Your GREs and other experience are solid. But you need significant research experience. After all, PhDs (and funded PsyDs) are research-based degrees, even though many (most?) individuals go on to full-time clinical practice after earning them.
Click to expand...

No, I don't and I agree that it is a deficit. Whether I am willing to expend 1-2 more years of my life is debatable and something I am really going to have to consider closely.
NeuroJaguar said:
The question is, are you sure this is the right path? 2 years of research and then 6 years of the program... Is there any other career that would make you happy? Could you go into school administration? Do you need to do clinical work and/or research to feel fulfilled? I recommend you do some more soul searching. I don't question your passion - you've already demonstrated a commitment to the field! But 8 years devoted to a different career path could you get you high up the ladder as well. It's hard to explain what 8 years of grad school preparation and enrollment feels like, but it's really something I don't recommend unless you can't see yourself happy doing anything else. There are so many other careers that don't require this level of preparation.
Click to expand...

I appreciate your candid reply. And the short answer is I don't know. The long answer is hell no to school administration of any sort (my experience is a lot of butt kissing and covering your own butt; I have the skills to present the wanted facade but I don't want to use them) but I could potentially work in research related to special education or ABA. I, of course, would still not have any research experience before applying to those programs either.
 
NeuroJaguar said:
2 years of research and then 6 years of the program... Is there any other career that would make you happy?
Click to expand...

NeuroJaguar is right on the mark. When I was considering going to grad school for clinical psych, 5-7 years didn't sound so bad to me either. But what if the timeline was actually more like 7-9 years, plus 1-2 years of postdoc? You've already started doing the funding math, which is commendable. It's certainly worth assessing whether your family could be sustained financially through a longer period of lower salary. On fellowship you'd likely be making in the ballpark of what you're making now, give or take (see current NIH, VA postdoc salaries), and that wouldn't be for the better part of a decade from whenever you started.

I will say that, from my own experience, the years can really add up quickly. At the beginning, I naively thought that I could be done in 5 or 6 years. It has taken 9 from start to finish (including the post-bacc research), and I'm currently on year 1 of a 2-year postdoc. Mine isn't necessarily the modal experience, but it isn't that far out of the common way either.
 
gradstudent2015 said:
NeuroJaguar is right on the mark. When I was considering going to grad school for clinical psych, 5-7 years didn't sound so bad to me either. But what if the timeline was actually more like 7-9 years, plus 1-2 years of postdoc? You've already started doing the funding math, which is commendable. It's certainly worth assessing whether your family could be sustained financially through a longer period of lower salary. On fellowship you'd likely be making in the ballpark of what you're making now, give or take (see current NIH, VA postdoc salaries), and that wouldn't be for the better part of a decade from whenever you started.

I will say that, from my own experience, the years can really add up quickly. At the beginning, I naively thought that I could be done in 5 or 6 years. It has taken 9 from start to finish (including the post-bacc research), and I'm currently on year 1 of a 2-year postdoc. Mine isn't necessarily the modal experience, but it isn't that far out of the common way either.
Click to expand...

9 years honestly only makes me think of some choice four letter words :wtf: Not really due to income deficits. More because I want to retire before 70 🤣. Money is not my goal-as silly as it sounds, happiness is, ha! I've known for a while I hated what I do but did not act on it in hopes of maintaining a certain lifestyle/location for my family. This whole process/change feels selfish of course. On the flip side, I am not an excellent parent/teacher/spouse miserable either.

Thank you for giving me further realistic expectations to consider.
 
psych101hopeful said:
Hello! I have been lurking here for a bit and have researched for a couple of months but do not know any practitioners and thought it might bring me into reality. I am heavily considering a PsyD or PhD program in clinical psychology (possibly a clinical psych combined with school psych program as well). The problem is I really have no clue of my odds because I am nontraditional. Any insights (even slightly brash) would be greatly appreciated.

Background: 30 yo, taught special education in a variety of school settings and ages for 6 years (This includes severe aggressive behavior all the way up to learning disabilities), One year part time ESL tutoring, one year part time home based tutoring for an adult with multiple severe disabilities.

Degree: B.S. in special education 3.8 GPA, almost finished with a M.A. special education with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis (I should sit for BCBA exam this fall) should be a 4.0 GPA. GRE taken two years ago with no studying 160 verbal reasoning, 154 quantitative reasoning, analytical writing 3.5. I know that will likely need to be improved upon. Some early searching seems to show I'm missing prereqs for some psych programs (abnormal psych, psych statistics) and I don't want to take those pointlessly.

Home Life: I am 30 and I have 5 adopted children (11 yo down to 4 yo twins) so a move is certainly something I do not take lightly with them. The twins have significant developmental delays and my 9 yo son has severe ADHD, moderate ODD (academically gifted) so they need a good school to meet their needs. Husband's career is highly transportable and he is on board with a move and fully supports a 5-7 year process. We can live tightly if I manage to get into a fully funded program (this has to happen for this all to be a possibility).

I am 100% unhappy as a public school teacher and cannot continue this path. I make a good salary for this field in Southeast ($45,000) excellent benefits and really in what would be considered a good position; love my boss. I just can't keep fighting what appears to be a hopeless, highly political battle.

I have considered working privately as a BCBA but I do not like how behavior analysts have hedged themselves into a certain market of mostly private 1 to 1 therapy of individuals with autism. Uninterested in pursuing this and do not want to constantly try to prove other applications. A PhD in behavior analysis and going into academia is not out of the picture for me entirely however.

I am enthralled with the various applications of clinical psychology in inpatient treatment facilities for severe problem behavior, PTSD treatment for soldiers, and research surrounding juvenile delinquents/adult prison populations and the applications. I have a sour taste in my mouth about public school systems but I may be interested in the future in models supporting better school mental health outcomes.


What are my odds of admittance? How can I improve them? Am I nuts? Anyone have a similar background and want to help me!!!!????
Click to expand...

Mod Note: I've merged this thread into the WAMC sticky.
 
Berry0770 said:
Thank you for your advice! I appreciate the feedback.

Yes! I did not mention my interests in detail, but my interests specifically lie in functional, cognitive and emotional recovery after traumatic brain injury. Most of my research has been brain injury focused and my lab is TBI focused at a rehab hospital.
Click to expand...

Great. You're on the right track. Given that your experience lines up with your training interests, there's no reason not to apply this year. Just take all the time and effort you would have spent on coursework and focus on bringing that GRE score up as much as you can. If you can get another research presentation or publication, that would be fantastic, but I'm not sure whether that is feasible in your situation. However, do make sure you ask your PI for help in choosing possible programs and mentors. Even if you don't get in this cycle (and many strong applicants don't), you will learn something useful from the process. Good luck!
 
Hello all!

I recently graduated from a Clinical and Counseling Psychology M.A. program with a 3.9 GPA (got a B in statistics... 🙁 )
The reason I ever went to an M.A. program is due to my dooky undergraduate performance. I was pregs and had a child and just became dumb and not motivated and my grades suffered.

I'm looking to apply to PsyD or PhD programs in the near future (either the 2020-2021 year or the 2021-2022 year). However, here are some issues:

Weaknesses: Very little research background. I helped with a professor's research for about a year during my M.A. program and then decided I needed to shape up and began my own. Currently writing manuscript (would've been done by now if life circumstances hadn't happened). Should be done within the next month, will submit for presentations and cross fingers for publication.

Poor undergraduate GPA, however, a strong graduate GPA.

My GRE scores are.... eh. I didn't even know what a "GRE" was when I took it, I literally registered and took it the next day and was lucky to get into my M.A. program. V - 151, Q - 144, Writing - 4.0.

Strengths: I would call my graduate GPA a strength...? I do have a lot of clinical experience - a semester of practicum at the university's psychology clinic, a year of internship at a max security state hospital, have been working at that same hospital since September, 6 months of volunteer counseling with an (awesome) Vietnam veteran group (my favorite thing to have ever done). (Hopefully) a presentation and/or publication by the time I send in applications, as well as a start on another research project that is awaiting IRB approval. I do like research, but in undergrad, again, I was dumb and did not do my best...

Also, I'm studying for the EPPP now, taking it soon. Hopefully will pass and that won't be an issue later down the road. If you're wondering, I have to take and pass it to get LPA licensure in TX.

I looked into Adler University and made the mistake of applying and getting an interview. After seeing more about it on this forum... oof. I'm still going to the interview, however, to take a vacay and get the heck out of Texas for three days LOL.

Anyhow - here's my question: If I continue to try and improve myself, e.g., build research, is it likely that I can get into a PhD program? I'll accept a PsyD program if it's like EKU, IUP, University of Denver, maybe even West Chester. I'm not looking for anything too competitive, just something to help me where I need to be to achieve my dream (working with veterans, in a VA, being autonomous, etc.). Basically, if I want to do what I want to do, I have to have a doctoral degree and not a master's. Would I need to retake the GRE? Assuming it doesn't time-out before I apply anyway.

Sorry this is so long! As you guys imagine, all of it is suuuuper unnerving.
 
Not sure if you’ve read any of the threads about working in the VA, but even with doctorate you are not really “autonomous “ and have many policies etc to follow. But maybe you meant something different for autonomous?
 
MAClinician said:
Not sure if you’ve read any of the threads about working in the VA, but even with doctorate you are not really “autonomous “ and have many policies etc to follow. But maybe you meant something different for autonomous?
Click to expand...

Er, yeah, I suppose I mean autonomous but not in the sense of fully autonomous, if that makes sense! For example, my supervisor at the state hospital is “autonomous” in the sense that she is the chief of our unit. However, she reports to the director of psychology that’s over both campuses of the hospital. And I don’t mean necessarily autonomous at the VA per se, but on the off chance that I were to be a part of a private or group practice, that would provide some sense of autonomy. If that makes sense. I’m not sure how to explain, or come up with a different term lol
 
Hi everyone! I am hoping to apply to doctoral programs in developmental psychology this coming fall. I have been a long time lurker of this thread and can’t believe it’s my time to post! Here are my stats

Undergrad GPA: 3.80
Psychology GPA: 4.0
GRE (projected from practice test): 163 Verbal, 154 Quant
^I have been studying a lot and hope to improve my quant score

Posters: Two (one undergrad session, one regional conference

Papers: One conference proceeding paper submitted (fingers crossed it’s accepted)

Lab A:
1.5 years total in an Autism lab during undergrad. Completed an honors thesis, presented two posters on this work and the final thesis presentation in front of the dean at the end of the year. One poster was for the undergrad conference at my school, the other poster was at a regional conference in New York.

Lab B: 1 year total as an RA in an autism lab studying the relationship between siblings of adults with autism, and working on an intervention to improve this relationship. Coding, transcribing, lit review. Basic RA stuff.

Lab C: summer internship (before senior year), working on a physical activity intervention for adults aged 50 and over to see if that specific type of physical activity improves executive function. Also some child work involved with this lab, all in the domain of executive function. Filled EEG caps, ran go-no-go test, tested kids on quantitative tasks, coded data, few other things.

Lab D: (after graduating) Lab Manager for a cognitive development lab, which is now the field I’m aiming for. Responsible for maintaining the entire IRB, keeping track of 20+ research assistants, coordinating several different studies, one that is international. Running a study that involves how children make decisions under uncertainty. We submitted a paper to CogSci, I was second author. Work with museums, schools, and daycares for recruitment. Train new hires on all aspects of lab work. And a bunch of other things. Being a lab manager is just a smorgasborg of responsibilities!

My biggest concern is definitely my lack of publications, and honestly I don’t see that changing before I apply. Hopefully the conference proceeding paper is accepted, and maybe the official paper with be in prep. My PI has been on maternity leave for the past 4 months and hasn’t had a ton of time for mentoring. I do find comfort in knowing that cognitive developmental is a rather small field, and my PI is quite well known and has good connections. But I’m not sure if that will be enough!

Also, is my GRE concerning? Like I said, I do plan to take it again, but it could stay the same, not sure.

Thank you all!!
 
nemipsych said:
Hi everyone, I am due to graduate this May from a small liberal arts college, hoping to get some advice on how to make myself a more competitive applicant for Clinical Psychology PhDs in the future.

Major: Psychology
Undergrad GPA: 3.9/4
Psychology GPA: 3.9/4
GRE: 161 Verbal 159 Quant 6.0 AW, will take the psych GRE this semester
Honors: Departmental (w/ thesis); Psi Chi; am hoping to graduate w/ Latin honors

Research Experience:
Overview: Been at a handful of different labs, so my research experiences are more broad than they are in-depth. I understand that presentations/publications are more attractive than the number of labs you've been in, but unfortunately my positions didn't result into either due to timing issues (I was also abroad for all of my third year). Two research positions that are more relevant to my long-term research interests are below:

Lab A
- At my college
- Studied the psychosocial wellbeing of first-generation immigrant families via interview transcriptions
- Refined understanding of the link between culture/emotion/psychopathology

Lab B
- At my study abroad institution
- Investigated the intersection of cognition and health psychology; more specifically, how certain processes interfere decisions to pursue and adhere to treatment

Other research experiences have been in the following areas: Biological, Developmental, Cognitive, Cultural, and Clinical. I've contributed to different stages of the process: recruiting participants, literature searches/reviews, generating hypotheses, developing methods, data collection, coding.

Independent Research Projects:
- One in Developmental Psychology (on the effects of egocentrism on altruistic behavior);
- Two in Clinical Psychology (one on the efficacy of psychotherapy in the context of Borderline Personality Disorder, the other on the nature of patient-therapist alliances in the context of Narcissistic Personality Disorder);
- One in Cultural Psychology (a critical examination on demographic variables in contemporary psychology research);
- Honors Thesis examining individual and group differences amongst self-concept and help-seeking attitudes and behavior –– will hopefully be presenting this at regional/national conferences, and am hoping to turn this into a manuscript

Other Experience:
- Was the TA for the Statistics (SPSS) course required of psychology majors for two semesters;
- Relevant, comprehensive coursework in CS (MATLAB), Neuroscience, Biology and Philosophy as well;
- Studied abroad at an institution where Psychology is more 'experimental', took one-on-one tutorials in areas which examined cognitive and biological factors of psychopathology and health;
- Volunteered at the crisis hotline for a year while abroad, as well as at a charity promoting physical activity for teens and adults with special needs;
- Additional volunteering experiences at a Child Study Center, as well as in an after-school program in a neighboring city at my college;
- Awarded a research grant for one of my independent research projects

Letters of Rec: Unsure how to gauge how 'good' these can be, but all three professors are quitet familiar with my aptitude for psychology (both in coursework and research). Two from my college (one is my thesis supervisor, the other supervised my developmental psychology research project), one from my time abroad

My questions:
- What else can I do to make me a more competitive candidate?
- Should I retake my GREs? I don't necessarily test well, but I am willing to put in the work again if it will hold me back in my application.
- Any other international students here who have been able to work in Post-Bacc research positions with OPT after graduation?
- Should I only apply to research positions in the field of Clinical Psychology, or should I also apply for positions related to Cognitive Psychology? Also, if I am more interested in Adult Clinical Psychology, should I refrain from applying to labs which are concentrated in Child/Youth Mental Health?

I have a good idea on what I want to do research on in grad school –– namely, the various biopsychosocial processes associated with affective disorders/psychopathology in underrepresented/underserved populations. Ideally, I'd pursue a PhD so that I can research, teach, and practice evidence-based treatments on such populations. I have contacted several PIs who are doing great stuff in this area, but they have either replied saying they don't foresee openings in their lab, or that they don't take international students in general. As such, I am also considering the possibility of completing a MA or Post-Bacc so that I can stay in the country legally whilst producing presentations/publications. I have looked at TC's MA and Berkeley's Post-Bacc, as both mention the research component to their programs, but I'd love to hear what everyone's thoughts are too. If there are programs I am better-suited for, I would love to know! I was also looking at a couple of Master's programs in the UK as my family is there, but I am unsure which path will be more 'productive' (I know that there is no 'right' or 'wrong' when it comes to these things).

If you stuck it out till the end, thank you for reading my post! Please know that I am deeply appreciative of any feedback/input/advice you might have for me. I know it's an arduous process, but it's worth it in the end. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!
Click to expand...

Hi all, still hoping to get feedback!
 
nemipsych said:
Hi all, still hoping to get feedback!
Click to expand...
Looks good. Can you submit any of your independent projects to journals? Seek guidance from your mentors on how to make this a reality. Getting to the review stage for a manuscript (i.e. revise & resubmit) by the time you apply is a good milestone to shoot for...and then obviously an accepted manuscript is better.

Your GRE score is good. It clears most initial hurdles to get in the door. If you think you can improve a lot on the GRE, by all means give it another go, but your time is better spent turning your research experiences into presentations and manuscripts.

I would not do a masters. Your uGPA is excellent and you seem to have a good idea what you want to do. With that being said, if you need to do a masters due to your visa, I would apply to funded programs. I believe Wake Forest and Dayton have funded programs which I'm sure you are competitive for.

I would expand your search to counseling psychology programs based on your research interests. Specific psychopathology research is less common among counseling psych faculty but you will definitely find plenty of people doing work on underrepresented populations related to mental health (e.g. access to care, help-seeking, health disparities). They may end up being good fits for your interests or they may be flexible.

Getting a study coordinator or RA job would helpful for you, but they may require a year or two or more before you see your name on a product. You can apply widely to research jobs, not just clinical psych research jobs. As long as you can relate whatever research experience you get to your current goals/interests, it's fine. Child/adult or clinical/cognitive is not a critical. Paid research job with opportunities to publish and present is the goal.

Writing a strong personal statement and submitting projects for publication will have the biggest impact on your chances.
 
didyouknow96 said:
Hi everyone! I am hoping to apply to doctoral programs in developmental psychology this coming fall. I have been a long time lurker of this thread and can’t believe it’s my time to post! Here are my stats

Undergrad GPA: 3.80
Psychology GPA: 4.0
GRE (projected from practice test): 163 Verbal, 154 Quant
^I have been studying a lot and hope to improve my quant score

Posters: Two (one undergrad session, one regional conference

Papers: One conference proceeding paper submitted (fingers crossed it’s accepted)

Lab A:
1.5 years total in an Autism lab during undergrad. Completed an honors thesis, presented two posters on this work and the final thesis presentation in front of the dean at the end of the year. One poster was for the undergrad conference at my school, the other poster was at a regional conference in New York.

Lab B: 1 year total as an RA in an autism lab studying the relationship between siblings of adults with autism, and working on an intervention to improve this relationship. Coding, transcribing, lit review. Basic RA stuff.

Lab C: summer internship (before senior year), working on a physical activity intervention for adults aged 50 and over to see if that specific type of physical activity improves executive function. Also some child work involved with this lab, all in the domain of executive function. Filled EEG caps, ran go-no-go test, tested kids on quantitative tasks, coded data, few other things.

Lab D: (after graduating) Lab Manager for a cognitive development lab, which is now the field I’m aiming for. Responsible for maintaining the entire IRB, keeping track of 20+ research assistants, coordinating several different studies, one that is international. Running a study that involves how children make decisions under uncertainty. We submitted a paper to CogSci, I was second author. Work with museums, schools, and daycares for recruitment. Train new hires on all aspects of lab work. And a bunch of other things. Being a lab manager is just a smorgasborg of responsibilities!

My biggest concern is definitely my lack of publications, and honestly I don’t see that changing before I apply. Hopefully the conference proceeding paper is accepted, and maybe the official paper with be in prep. My PI has been on maternity leave for the past 4 months and hasn’t had a ton of time for mentoring. I do find comfort in knowing that cognitive developmental is a rather small field, and my PI is quite well known and has good connections. But I’m not sure if that will be enough!

Also, is my GRE concerning? Like I said, I do plan to take it again, but it could stay the same, not sure.

Thank you all!!
Click to expand...

hi all! Still hoping to get feedback! Any tips are appreciated
 
Hi all,

I stumbled upon this website looking for some guidance. I am looking to apply for Master's in Clinical Psych programs in hopes of pursuing a PhD in Clinical. As an undergrad, I have transferred schools twice. I once studied environmental science at Prescott College, then I transferred to University of Vermont where I studied creative writing, and now I am graduating from Columbia College Chicago with a BA in creative writing with emphasis in nonfiction. My time off and transfers were primarily health related although my first transfer was largely related to Prescott College eliminating several classes and degree programs. All in all, I'm grateful for my convoluted journey because it landed me here with the knowledge that psychology is absolutely what I would like to pursue.

I'm graduating with a 3.96 GPA. In Psych 101 I received an A. My current school does not offer Research Methods and Behavioral Statistics because it is an art school but I will be taking those classes online this summer from University of Phoenix to receive credit. I have some research experience from my history in environmental science and research but it was focused on ecology and that's the only research experience I have. I have been a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line for about eight months. I haven't taken the GRE yet but my practice tests before study land me around the 80th percentile in verbal and 71st in quantitative.

Any advice on how to better prepare for applications? I was planning on volunteering this summer at a clinic but COVID has thrown a wrench in those plans. I'm studying my ass off and plan to get great GRE scores, I have registered for the classes most programs require and plan to get As in them, but I worry if it will be enough.

I want to apply to the MAs at Stony Brook, NYU, Columbia University, and Northwestern.

Any advice at all, book/web recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 
Brigibunny21 said:
Hi all,

I stumbled upon this website looking for some guidance. I am looking to apply for Master's in Clinical Psych programs in hopes of pursuing a PhD in Clinical. As an undergrad, I have transferred schools twice. I once studied environmental science at Prescott College, then I transferred to University of Vermont where I studied creative writing, and now I am graduating from Columbia College Chicago with a BA in creative writing with emphasis in nonfiction. My time off and transfers were primarily health related although my first transfer was largely related to Prescott College eliminating several classes and degree programs. All in all, I'm grateful for my convoluted journey because it landed me here with the knowledge that psychology is absolutely what I would like to pursue.

I'm graduating with a 3.96 GPA. In Psych 101 I received an A. My current school does not offer Research Methods and Behavioral Statistics because it is an art school but I will be taking those classes online this summer from University of Phoenix to receive credit. I have some research experience from my history in environmental science and research but it was focused on ecology and that's the only research experience I have. I have been a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line for about eight months. I haven't taken the GRE yet but my practice tests before study land me around the 80th percentile in verbal and 71st in quantitative.

Any advice on how to better prepare for applications? I was planning on volunteering this summer at a clinic but COVID has thrown a wrench in those plans. I'm studying my ass off and plan to get great GRE scores, I have registered for the classes most programs require and plan to get As in them, but I worry if it will be enough.

I want to apply to the MAs at Stony Brook, NYU, Columbia University, and Northwestern.

Any advice at all, book/web recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Click to expand...
If your cumulative GPA is 3.96, you don't really need to complete a terminal master's before applying to PhD programs. Just find a research job or volunteer opportunities.
 
psych.meout said:
Which can easily be fixed by just taking courses individually or completing a post bacc program. A master's degree really isn't necessary.
Click to expand...
Sure, it's not necessary. But for someone with little psychology coursework and little to no research experience (+ no products, etc.), it might be more efficient to try for a research-based masters program.
 
Thank you all so much for your replies!! I haven't had anyone to talk to about my specific concerns so this site has been a huge help. I appreciate that you all have different thoughts, they validate that there is no one right way to go about this.
 
Hi everyone,

I am planning on applying for this next cycle of applications and plan to enter either a balanced Clinical PhD or PsyD program in Fall 2021 or 2022. I have been planning my course of study for over two years and have nearly solidified my research area as well as what I hope to do with my graduate degree. I am currently a rising senior at an R1 university on the east coast, studying Psychology and Hearing and Speech Sciences.

Currently my stats are:

Undergrad GPA: 3.81/4
Psychology GPA: 3.77/4 (I was once pre-dental and my bio and chem classes counted in for my psychology major GPA so this is why my psych GPA is lower than my cumulative GPA, otherwise I have straight A's in all of my psychology courses, including my stats and research methods classes, and have held a 4.0 for the past 4 semesters!)
GRE: not yet taken but I am working my absolute hardest to score high!!

Research experience:
(Past experience)
- RA in a lab studying social development in infants for a summer after my freshman year
- RA performing language and literacy assessments for at-risk youth in local elementary schools for 7 months

(Current experience)
- Head Undergraduate RA and Project Coordinator in a lab that I have been in for 2.5 years. This lab is much closer to my research interests (ie. parenting, child friendships, parent-child interaction and how this affects social development and mental health trajectory). Responsible for maintaining IRB on a study, in charge of a team of RAs, coordinate and design surveys and questionnaires for an international study, serve as a point of contact between research staff and multiple PIs, independently running participant visits, scheduling participants, etc. (This is a funded position and basically gives me everything that a post-bacc position might give me!)
- 2 posters; one 4th author, one 5th author
- Completing my independent undergraduate thesis and submitting 2 posters to conferences very soon (will be first author on both)
- Just started a research internship in the behavioral health unit at a children's research hospital and will remain here for one academic year at least

Clinical experience:
- Currently a Registered Behavioral Technician in ABA for 1 year
- Counselor for Selective Mutism treatment group (one in the past, and one currently but is on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
- Speech-language pathology assistant for two different treatment programs for children with developmental disabilities

Schools I am hoping to apply to:

PhD:
- University of North Carolina, Greensboro
- University at Buffalo, State University of New York
- Kent State University
- Mississippi State University

PsyD:
- Indiana State University
- University of Indianapolis
- Yeshiva University
- Loyola University of Maryland


I am currently deciding between doing a post-bacc to strengthen my research repertoire or just applying and hoping for the best. I want to start graduate school as soon as I can, but want to apply with only my strongest work and am willing to work hard and wait if it means I get to where I want to be. I truly appreciate any feedback and am resilient to criticism, so please give me your honest feedback! Please also let me know if you would like me to clarify anything or provide further details.

Also, as a side note, if anyone knows any clinical psychology faculty that conducts research similar to my interests (ie. parenting, child/adolescent friendship, parent-child interaction and how this affects social development, social anxiety, and general mental health trajectory) please private message me their names, I would love to put more potential advisors onto my list and read more about their work!

Thank you so much in advance!
 
Last edited:
Greetings everyone!
I'm looking for Psy.D. programs. I can really use some advise in all aspects.
I'm currently an undergrad major in Psychological science and graduating in March 2021.

My current GPA: 3.1
GRE: Q170 V160 W4.5
2 year experience in Hospice, 1 year experience in DV/Sexual Assault organization, joined lab in March 2020 and will keep doing the work in lab even after graduated in March 2021(lab that study youth offenders).

I prefer to stay in California so I limited my search within the Cali(for now).
I was wondering what are my chances in Psy.D. programs in:
Fuller Seminary
Biola University
University of La Verne
Azusa Pacific University
Loma Linda University
Palo Alto University

I'm fully aware that my GPA is not very competitive for me to go straight into a Psy.D. program, and I've read a few posts saying some of the programs I listed were not very promising so I have my alternative plan:

After talking to few alumni from Pepperdine University, I've grow faith interest in Pepperdine. Yet, the Psy.D. Program in Pepperdine requires Master degree. I'm also considering Apply for the Master of science Applied Behavior Analysis program in Pepperdine and get a BCBA upon graduation(personal interest in ABA), then apply for the Psy.D. in Pepperdine. I'm wondering if land myself on this way will help me get into the Psy.D. program in Pepperdine.

I know that Psy.D. programs are expensive, no need to worry about the debt for me. I just need some advice on getting trained properly and get a proper job(do well on job too!).

I appreciate all the advices/insights and suggestions from you guys!

Thank you so much for reading!!! All the best to you guys!!!
 
Hello everyone! Took a few years break between my last application round, and wanted everyone's honest thoughts. Feeling a little overwhelmed/discouraged because of everything happening with COVID-19. Thank you!

Undergrad School: Big Ten School
Undergrad GPA/Psych GPA: 2.749/3.2 -- I had a rough sophomore year, but from that point it was only trending upwards (switched majors from pre-med/science to psych after sophomore year)
Major/Minor: BS Psychology, Minors: Stats and Bio
GradGPA: 3.898
Grad Studies: MPH Global Health at R1 University, Certificate in Mental Health
GRE: Q-162, V- 157, W- 4.5 (was planning on retaking and taking the Psych GRE but with COVID things are in the air)

Experience/Research:
- 2.5 Years RA Undergrad
- 2 Years RA Graduate School
- Current RC (will be 1 year in July) at R1/Big Ten School - oversees multiple NICHD/NIH funded projects
- Summer internship at major Children's Hospital
- Summer internship at nonprofit- data collected was used for master's thesis

- Manuscript style research master's thesis (in works to be published; 1st author)
- Literature review undergraduate thesis

- PI for COVID-19 Ethics and Humanities Grant and Study (projected 1st author publication and poster)
- A handful of 1st author posters at university, local, and national conferences
- A handful of 2nd author posters at local conferences
- Few presentations on mental health at conferences and workshops
- 1st author published abstract
- 1st author manuscript under review
- 3rd author manuscript in preparation

Special factors???
- Volunteer at a mental health org
- Volunteer at a Crisis Center for 4 Years
- Position on grad school's mental health org
- Intern at a Crisis Center for half a year
- High up position of a National Organization
- asking LORs from Thesis Advisor (PhD), Intern Supervisor at Childrens (Head of Research, PhD), and current supervisor (Center Head, Well-Known Psychiatrist, MD MS)
- SAS, R, EpiInfo, Qualtrics, REDCap Background

Research Interests: Sociocultural effects on psychopathology, Culture in Community/Clinical Psychology, Depression/Anxiety Mood Disorders

Advice on programs, how to make my app stronger, how to explain my low undergrad gpa, etc is really appreciated thank you! I'm probs going to be applying to handful of clinical, counseling, and public health programs- still deciding
 
I am a Incoming senior at Arizona State University, looking to get a PsyD (can't get into a phd program) which PsyD programs would I be able to get into?
take this into account: I am a Male and my ethnic background is hispanic
Major: Psychology
GPA: 3.45 currently, by the time I graduate 3.5+
Psych Gpa: 3.25 currently, by the time I graduate 3.3-3.4+
Last 60 credits: GPA is 3.6-3.7
Research experience: 3 semesters by the time I graduate as a Research assistant in a clinical psych lab
Clinical experience: Currently: 1 year interning at a non profit visitation center for families
Letters of Recommendation: I don't think these will be too great in my opinion, id say below average
GRE: haven't taken yet
I am taking a year post grad to work full time in a clinical setting (Hospital, mental health center), and also try to get some more research experience.
 
rmsanc14 said:
I am a Incoming senior at Arizona State University, looking to get a PsyD (can't get into a phd program) which PsyD programs would I be able to get into?
take this into account: I am a Male and my ethnic background is hispanic
Major: Psychology
GPA: 3.45 currently, by the time I graduate 3.5+
Psych Gpa: 3.25 currently, by the time I graduate 3.3-3.4+
Last 60 credits: GPA is 3.6-3.7
Research experience: 3 semesters by the time I graduate as a Research assistant in a clinical psych lab
Clinical experience: Currently: 1 year interning at a non profit visitation center for families
Letters of Recommendation: I don't think these will be too great in my opinion, id say below average
GRE: haven't taken yet
I am taking a year post grad to work full time in a clinical setting (Hospital, mental health center), and also try to get some more research experience.
Click to expand...

Given the listed credentials, I would just plan to apply pretty widely. The below average letters of rec in particular may hold your application back; if there's any way to address this, I would strongly recommend it. With your Psych GPA, you may also consider taking the Psych GRE. It's been a while since I've reviewed graduate school applications, but way back when I did, folks tended to do better with their Psych courses than they did their overall GPA.

I don't have specific program recommendations for you, but I would suggest comparing your stats to those of the average incoming cohorts for a large number of programs nationally. That, couple with research/clinical fit with the programs, should hopefully help you to narrow it down to 12-15.

Alternatively, if you wanted to up your competitiveness for Ph.D. programs (and funded Psy.D. programs), you could look into a research-based masters that would get you more research productivity while also giving you more opportunities for stronger rec letters and upping the content-specific GPA.
 
aybha19 said:
Hello everyone! Took a few years break between my last application round, and wanted everyone's honest thoughts. Feeling a little overwhelmed/discouraged because of everything happening with COVID-19. Thank you!

Undergrad School: Big Ten School
Undergrad GPA/Psych GPA: 2.749/3.2 -- I had a rough sophomore year, but from that point it was only trending upwards (switched majors from pre-med/science to psych after sophomore year)
Major/Minor: BS Psychology, Minors: Stats and Bio
GradGPA: 3.898
Grad Studies: MPH Global Health at R1 University, Certificate in Mental Health
GRE: Q-162, V- 157, W- 4.5 (was planning on retaking and taking the Psych GRE but with COVID things are in the air)

Experience/Research:
- 2.5 Years RA Undergrad
- 2 Years RA Graduate School
- Current RC (will be 1 year in July) at R1/Big Ten School - oversees multiple NICHD/NIH funded projects
- Summer internship at major Children's Hospital
- Summer internship at nonprofit- data collected was used for master's thesis

- Manuscript style research master's thesis (in works to be published; 1st author)
- Literature review undergraduate thesis

- PI for COVID-19 Ethics and Humanities Grant and Study (projected 1st author publication and poster)
- A handful of 1st author posters at university, local, and national conferences
- A handful of 2nd author posters at local conferences
- Few presentations on mental health at conferences and workshops
- 1st author published abstract
- 1st author manuscript under review
- 3rd author manuscript in preparation

Special factors???
- Volunteer at a mental health org
- Volunteer at a Crisis Center for 4 Years
- Position on grad school's mental health org
- Intern at a Crisis Center for half a year
- High up position of a National Organization
- asking LORs from Thesis Advisor (PhD), Intern Supervisor at Childrens (Head of Research, PhD), and current supervisor (Center Head, Well-Known Psychiatrist, MD MS)
- SAS, R, EpiInfo, Qualtrics, REDCap Background

Research Interests: Sociocultural effects on psychopathology, Culture in Community/Clinical Psychology, Depression/Anxiety Mood Disorders

Advice on programs, how to make my app stronger, how to explain my low undergrad gpa, etc is really appreciated thank you! I'm probs going to be applying to handful of clinical, counseling, and public health programs- still deciding
Click to expand...
Honestly, your app looks really strong--GPA screens that go solely undergrad GPA might be the only thing that gets you, so you may want to apply broadly as long as the program has good-fit POIs.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top