What are my chances?

[Psychis4me]

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Be honest, I can take it :..(

Overall GPA: 2.47
Last two years GPA: 72 - frig, should have been higher - but i took 2 frig annoying course that pulled it down 🙁 I "might" be able to pull it up to a 74 after the fall term.
Psychology GPA: 71

I have one very strong reference letter (my supervisor has a huge name), the other two should be good too, although they aren't "that" famous but they're ppl in the clinical field.

I have extra-curricular activities.

It's very likely that I'd have something published after this year.

I have some relevant work experience.

Haven't done my GRE yet.

______________________________________________

I want to get into a Masters of clinical psych.. what are my chances do you guys/girls think? I am fairly desperate so honestly I don't mind studying oversea, I don't really care which school I get into.

I'm currently studying @ U of T.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Your GPA is definitely a concern, however you may want to think about taking some outside courses to bring it up and/or show that you can do the work. A strong recommendation will help, in addition to an explaination of your low GPA as part of your Personal Statement.

Do they allow people to matriculate into MS programs? That may be an option for you (show you can do the work, and as long as you do well, you can move into the program)

-t

 

[Psychis4me]

Oh I don't intend on just getting a master, what I mean is that I don't mind doing the longer route. I heard the GPA cut-off is lower for master.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I'd think 2.75-3.0 for a MS? Just a guess. Even if you miss that cut off, you may be able to take classes as a non-degree seeking student. If you perform well, you could apply/matriculate to that program.

It is a long road, but probably your only shot at eventually getting into a doctoral program.

You may also have to consider this road isn't for you.

-t

 

[TherapistDave]

Bear in mind that some schools may require a GRE score if you GPA is a little lower; a lot of programs are doing away with GRE scores for various reasons...the lower GPA may only mean that you need to take the GRE general and/or subject.

I have heard of numerous people who were able to get into grad. programs with worse gpa's than that - fear not.

 

[ClinPsy]

therapistdave,

You mean, students having lower GPA's admiited to a PhD program?

I, myself, is on the same boat.
My overall GPA is 2.70
Psychology GPA is 3.1

I have narrowed down my school list from about 20 to 6. I know..this
may seem silly to most, while taking my GPA's into account. However, I have decided to make good quality personal statements, resume, etc. for these schools that REALLY fit me. It is a gamble, but these 6 schools has all the ingredients that I have with the exceptions of GPA's. So, I will take that gamble. Who knows.. I heard that sometimes schools will take students that don't meet their cut-offs but have other good credentials that are compatible with their areas of concentrations and research. Some schools that do these give what is called "conditional admission". I will also be applying to masters program in case things won't go to well.

So, don't worry much about your GPA. Study hard for your GRE's and make the best personal statements you can (explain your GPA's etc.), and get great letter of recommendations. Keep working hard!

 

[JockNerd]

TherapistD, who ARE these people you know who are getting into programs with GPAs below TWO POINT FIVE and no research experience (I think you mentioned that second one on a thread a few months ago)???

That GPA is prohibitively low (both the OP and ClinPsy). T4C's advice on alternate routes is good. If you're really intent on applying this year, I'd a) be sure to be in REALLY GOOD with any prof you want to work with, they MUST remember your name or you'll be removed in the first cull b) tell them about your gpa before you apply. Especially if you're only applying to 6 places!! If you get in good but don't tell them about the GPA, and then they see that.... that could easily be a wasted application.

Is U of T Toronto or Tennessee? Canadian schools are much more firm in their cutoffs, to my knowledge.

 

[paramour]

There is a difference between "good" credentials and "excellent" credentials. When you have "good" credentials and a sub-par GPA, you are likely to be out of luck for just about any PhD program when they have umpteen other applicants with an acceptable GPA and the other credentials to boot.

 

[23542]

I graduated with a BA in psychology and 2.92 cummulative GPA; I have roughly a 3.0 in my core courses. In addition to this, I will have three years of research experience by the time I apply to graduate school. My personal statement has been revised multiple times and has is clearly focused. I am confident that I can obtain strong letters of recommendation. Unfortunately I have poor GRE scores, but intend to retake the exam soon.

Given this information, what are my chances of being accepted into a masters program?

 

[azultear]

If you want to try for "good" schools, I think you should take additional psy classes that it's good for grad school. This will show them that you have a lot of interest in grad school and it will help you to build your knowledge. Of course, get a good grade ^-^
about GRE, show them that you improve on your second or third try.
Do well on the interviews ^-^

 

[23542]

If you want to try for "good" schools, I think you should take additional psy classes that it's good for grad school. This will show them that you have a lot of interest in grad school and it will help you to build your knowledge. Of course, get a good grade ^-^
about GRE, show them that you improve on your second or third try.
Do well on the interviews ^-^

Thanks for your reply. I've taken all the psychology classes my department has to offer and received B's in each of them during my undergraduate career. They would include but are not limited to, sensation and perception, program evaluation, cognition, mutlicultural psychology, personality, theories of learning, and psychological testing. However, I allocated some of my courses to the unrestricted electives section as well as to the approved electives section for my discipline.

I would also like to add that I will not necesarily be persuing psychology in graduate school, with the exception of one program that offers an M.S. in organizational psychology or program evaluation. Other schools which have caught my attention offer graduate degrees in education with an emphasis in research and evaluation.

 

[jnine]

by showing potential through quality research experience, I think that you can probably get into a fair master's program with that GPA, if your GRE's are decent. that's my 2 cents, and it's worth about that much if you know what i mean. 🙂

if you don't have a lot of expereince in the area you want to study as a master's student, I think it's a good idea to take some classes in the field before applying to the programs.

 

[clinicalpsy]

Hi
I received a few rejection letters and I was wondering if I could get feedback for my application... I met or exeeded most (if not all) of one program's requirements (like minimum GPA) so I was a bit shocked at the letter. Maybe someone can clarify it for me?

I will be graduating with a BA in Psychology this June.
GPA: 3.91 (at this point...but my semester is going well and unless I flop my finals, it should stay about the same)
GRE: math 730 (78%), verbal 620 (89%), AW 4.5 (63%)
(I hate multiple choice tests, especially those analogies!)
one school said they only expected the GRE if you had a low GPA. I had to take it anyways for a different school so I sent the results over to all of them since I didnt think it could hurt my app.
I took psych courses in experimental (with lab), biological psychology, personality theory, abnormal ect- lots of the normal classes to take for a major. I also took a statistics course.
I also took 2 semesters of biology and 2 semesters of inorganic chemistry, both with labs and for science majors, if that counts for anything. Some schools ask for science classes you took... I dont have solely science and psych courses on my transcript either.
I have lots of extra curriculars like school newspaper staff...
I am confident (110%) that my letters of recommendation were good. (I specifically chose teachers that knew me well and liked me).
For the clinical aspect, I volunteer in a hospital in the pediatric dept and in the past I have worked with kids with lifelong or terminal illnesses.
I know I have no psychology research experience, but how heavily is that weighed, especially for masters programs?
I guess I am kind of bummed out since I got those letters... I did get one acceptance (at a good school too... I was told it would be harder to get into than one I was rejected to... ) so that's good, but I kind of thought I would get into another one... Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks all!

 

[RejectClinical]

Hi
I received a few rejection letters and I was wondering if I could get feedback for my application... I met or exeeded most (if not all) of one program's requirements (like minimum GPA) so I was a bit shocked at the letter. Maybe someone can clarify it for me?

I will be graduating with a BA in Psychology this June.
GPA: 3.91 (at this point...but my semester is going well and unless I flop my finals, it should stay about the same)
GRE: math 730 (78%), verbal 620 (89%), AW 4.5 (63%)
(I hate multiple choice tests, especially those analogies!)
one school said they only expected the GRE if you had a low GPA. I had to take it anyways for a different school so I sent the results over to all of them since I didnt think it could hurt my app.
I took psych courses in experimental (with lab), biological psychology, personality theory, abnormal ect- lots of the normal classes to take for a major. I also took a statistics course.
I also took 2 semesters of biology and 2 semesters of inorganic chemistry, both with labs and for science majors, if that counts for anything. Some schools ask for science classes you took... I dont have solely science and psych courses on my transcript either.
I have lots of extra curriculars like school newspaper staff...
I am confident (110%) that my letters of recommendation were good. (I specifically chose teachers that knew me well and liked me).
For the clinical aspect, I volunteer in a hospital in the pediatric dept and in the past I have worked with kids with lifelong or terminal illnesses.
I know I have no psychology research experience, but how heavily is that weighed, especially for masters programs?
I guess I am kind of bummed out since I got those letters... I did get one acceptance (at a good school too... I was told it would be harder to get into than one I was rejected to... ) so that's good, but I kind of thought I would get into another one... Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks all!

Where did you apply?

 

[Jenski]

Where did you apply?

Also, to what type of program? Clinical Psy, School Psy, Masters, PhD, PsyD, etc..

 

[clinicalpsy]

I had applied to a Masters in clinical psych-MFT program and got rejected from it. I had applied to a few PsyD as well and was rejected. They were long shots in some ways (I have no research background) but my professors and advisers told me that I had a shot. I did get interviews at all the doctorate programs I applied to, so I must have been close. I did get into an school but was really wondering why I got rejected from the masters...
I do not feel comfortable disclosing which schools I applied to because I like my anonymity....
Thanks all!

 

[RejectClinical]

I had applied to a Masters in clinical psych-MFT program and got rejected from it. I had applied to a few PsyD as well and was rejected. They were long shots in some ways (I have no research background) but my professors and advisers told me that I had a shot. I did get interviews at all the doctorate programs I applied to, so I must have been close. I did get into an school but was really wondering why I got rejected from the masters...
I do not feel comfortable disclosing which schools I applied to because I like my anonymity....
Thanks all!

would you be comfortable talking more about the characteristics of the programs you applied to (orientation, # of apps, emphasis on research, etc)? Also, how competitive were the master's and PsyD programs you applied to? Were they fully-funded or partially funded? Do they receive a lot of applications each year?

I'll try to answer as best as I can.....
Your GPA and GRE are great. Your coursework looks good. However, did you take any research classes? Can you describe some of your extra curriculars?

The 2 things I can think of are: did your SOP fit with the programs you applied to? I know my applications were most likely discarded and ultimately rejected at several programs last year because my career goals did not fit with what the schools were offering--in the end it didn't matter what my GRE and GPA scores were.

I'm not sure how research experience weighs in at PsyD programs, but if the program is one that is competitive and/or requires a dissertation, then I'm guessing that is what is hurting you.

If you end up having to reapply, get lots of research experience and possibly rewrite your SOP?

 

[clinicalpsy]

would you be comfortable talking more about the characteristics of the programs you applied to (orientation, # of apps, emphasis on research, etc)? Also, how competitive were the master's and PsyD programs you applied to? Were they fully-funded or partially funded? Do they receive a lot of applications each year?

I'll try to answer as best as I can.....
Your GPA and GRE are great. Your coursework looks good. However, did you take any research classes? Can you describe some of your extra curriculars?

The 2 things I can think of are: did your SOP fit with the programs you applied to? I know my applications were most likely discarded and ultimately rejected at several programs last year because my career goals did not fit with what the schools were offering--in the end it didn't matter what my GRE and GPA scores were.

I'm not sure how research experience weighs in at PsyD programs, but if the program is one that is competitive and/or requires a dissertation, then I'm guessing that is what is hurting you.

If you end up having to reapply, get lots of research experience and possibly rewrite your SOP?

Thanks for responding. None of the programs were funded at all. The Psyd's were clinical. They are kind of competitive, but I did get interviews at all programs I applied to (Masters and PsyD). Some were much more competitive than others, but one was not so competitive at all, which surprised me. They said there was only about 2.5x the applicants for the spots (masters) and at the interview I found out that some of the people had not taken any psych coursework at all, had no experience ect.
I had someone read my SOP and they thought it was good, but maybe I should get more people to read it if I decide to reapply. My extra curriculars include being editor for the biology journal for my school, tutoring someone for free who is "below poverty level" or close to it, and volunteering with ped. oncology patients at a hospital. My LORs were good but did it hurt that they were not all psych professors? I had the head of the bio dept who I worked under, for example. I chose people who knew me well and could write good ones for me.

what is included in "research classes"? I am not sure what falls into that category. I probably didn't take any heavily research courses. can you get research experience besides a lab? I am not so interested in research for a living. Can you do research on your own, meaning not with an official lab but under the direction of a professor?

 

[RejectClinical]

Thanks for responding. None of the programs were funded at all. The Psyd's were clinical. They are kind of competitive, but I did get interviews at all programs I applied to (Masters and PsyD). Some were much more competitive than others, but one was not so competitive at all, which surprised me. They said there was only about 2.5x the applicants for the spots (masters) and at the interview I found out that some of the people had not taken any psych coursework at all, had no experience ect.
I had someone read my SOP and they thought it was good, but maybe I should get more people to read it if I decide to reapply. My extra curriculars include being editor for the biology journal for my school, tutoring someone for free who is "below poverty level" or close to it, and volunteering with ped. oncology patients at a hospital. My LORs were good but did it hurt that they were not all psych professors? I had the head of the bio dept who I worked under, for example. I chose people who knew me well and could write good ones for me.

what is included in "research classes"? I am not sure what falls into that category. I probably didn't take any heavily research courses. can you get research experience besides a lab? I am not so interested in research for a living. Can you do research on your own, meaning not with an official lab but under the direction of a professor?

I was just wondering if you took research methods or experimental psych...or something along those lines. My school didn't have research labs, so I did an honors thesis--which is getting more and more common. This would indeed be done under the direction of a professor or someone else involved in research.

The only other thing I could say is maybe fit? Sometimes there aren't "great" or "good" reasons as to why you weren't accepted.

 

[clinicalpsy]

I did take an experimental psychology course (with lab) but I didn't think it could be considered a research course. I did not do a senior honors or research project- i dont know, its not normally done in my school but maybe it should be a requirement to graduate. Well, I'm graduating so I guess its too late to do that now.
oh well, I guess they picked out of a hat of good candidates or something and I got the short straw... wait, mixed metaphors there. oops!