What should I do this summer to boost my CV, and a few other questions

[Dirkwww]

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Here we go, its a bit long but i'm trying to get a bunch of my questions answered, thanks in advance for reading and helping. (im aware of the WAMC thread, but this is for advice and questions, not for seeing if i can get into school yet)

I am going to be a junior in my undergraduate years in the fall semester from a "big name school"
Getting a BA in Psychology with a Minor in sociology
Psych GPA:4.0 Undergraduate GPA. 3.84

"Clinical" experience: I volunteer at an autism sunrise therapy program where I engage in weekly therapy sessions(for 2 hours a week) with an autistic child and I am involved in monthly progress meetings. It is run by the mother of an autistic child from her house(She works and gets advised from a psychologists i believe, but it is not a psychologist or doctor that runs the service though) ( I have been involved for 1 year, and i might do it another semester) I also plan to take a service learning class in a clinical setting in the spring.

Research experience: I worked as an RA in a social psychology lab as a sophomore for a semester, where I did not do much except for open the door, let people in, handle setting up experiments, and work with data.
But.......... I have worked every summer(full time) for the past 2 summers at a psychiatric research center where i have got my name published on a paper(6th author) in a journal that is the leading journal in the field and the lab has a great reputation in the field(The lab receives NIH funding and media attention from publications). I could get my name on 1 or 2 publications more by the end of the summer or at least by the time i apply. In this lab I also have been able to shadow clinical psychologist doing interviews and see the clinical side of research that relates to mental health disorders at a VA.I also am going to be a RA in a new clinical based lab when i return to campus for the fall. So far, by the end of the fall I will have about 2 years of research experience in 3 labs.

LOR: I have 2 possible ones.

EXTRA:
PSI CHI Member
Deans list for the past few semesters
Involved in a service group whose goal was raising money for a health project in a third world country
A peer support group/organization on campus that is sponsored and works through the psychological counseling service of the campus

GRE: Have not taken the GRE yet, I plan on buying some books and studying over the summer.

I am looking at getting a Psy.D hopefully from a university so i can get funded. Wanting to go into clinical psychology and the ideal work setting would be the VA or something similar to that. Research interests me and i enjoy it a lot, but i really don't want a career our of it.


My questions are.

1)Do you think the fact that the autism program is not run by a psychologist or doctor will hurt me, or is it still good experience to put on a CV(i believe it has been good for me personally)?
2)Do you guys see anything lacking that i need to fix up or add over the next year?
3) Any ideas of things i should focus on over the summer despite the full time research assistant job?
4) when should i take the GRE (not sure if i am going straight from undergrad to grad school or if i will take a year off to work)
5)I don't have the strongest classes for math with only one calculus class(B+) and no chemistry classes (but i did get a A+ in stats, research methods in psych, and a BIO lab/research class), should i rule out PH.D programs?
6) do you think i am over doing it with research for a PSYD program?
THANKS and sorry for all the questions. i figured it was best to get em all answered at once then separate.

 

[dumbledoresgirl]

Before I answer your questions, I just want to clarify something you said. You mentioned wanting to get a PsyD from a university "so that you can get funded." I'm not sure if you're aware, but even PsyDs from universities aren't fully funded. As far as I know, only Baylor offers fully funded PsyDs. All other programs charge (in my opinion) ridiculous tuition rates. You might get partial funding for those programs, but you're still going to leave the program with a lot of debt.

One more question before I get to yours : You seem to be very interested in research (why else would you spend your summers doing research and join 3 different labs?). If you are so interested in research, why are you going the PsyD route? If you do well on the GRE, you have a relatively good shot at getting into a PhD program, even a fully funded one. Just something to consider. And if you're not interested in research, why are you spending so much time doing it? If you are only applying to PsyDs, your time is probably better spent getting more clinical experience than more research experience.

And now to answer your questions:
1) I don't think that the Autism program being run by someone other than a psychologist is going to hurt you; your CV will reflect the skills you've gained working there, and that's what is important--not necessarily who ran the program. Would it be better if it were run by a psychologist? Yes.

2) I'm not too familiar with PsyD program requirements; the only thing I know is that they don't require a lot of research experience (although that probably varies by program) and they like to see some clinical experience. So I can't answer as to whether there is anything lacking, but I would get more clinical experience if you can get it. And the GRE is definitely something to work on as well--I will emphasize, you should only get more clinical experience if you want to get a PsyD; getting clinical experience if you're applying to PhD programs is basically pointless.

3) If I understand correctly, you have not yet completed you junior year, so you have a whole year before you have to start applying. For this summer, as I said before, I would just try to get more clinical experience (but keep working in the lab if you like the research / if you think you might want to get a PhD).

4) I would recommend taking the GRE the summer before your senior year (so next summer). That way, if you apply straight out of undergrad you will have your GRE scores in time and if you take a year off, you will have gotten the GRE out of the way. I studied during the months of May, June, and July and took it in mid-July. That worked pretty well for me--I'm not sure that I would have done as well had I studied and taken it during the school year.

5) I don't think you should rule out PhD programs just because you haven't taken a lot of math/science courses. The most important thing is your psychology courses and showing that you've taken a wide range of them. I never took a math class in college (other than stats) and I didn't take any chemistry either...I don't think it hindered me at all. Although I guess it depends what kind of PhD programs you're applying to / what research area you're interested in.

6) Again, I'm not very knowledgeable about PsyD programs--everything I know I learned from reading these boards front to back (literally). But from what I can see, you might be overdoing it with research for a PsyD as I just don't think they're all that interested in research experience (maybe with the exception of a few). It's hard to answer your question without knowing which programs you're considering applying to. But like I said, if you are at all considering a PhD program then you are definitely on the right track with the research experience you've been getting and I would continue being involved in your labs.

I hope I was able to help!

 

[mewtoo]

Before I answer your questions, I just want to clarify something you said. You mentioned wanting to get a PsyD from a university "so that you can get funded." I'm not sure if you're aware, but even PsyDs from universities aren't fully funded. As far as I know, only Baylor offers fully funded PsyDs. All other programs charge (in my opinion) ridiculous tuition rates. You might get partial funding for those programs, but you're still going to leave the program with a lot of debt.

One more question before I get to yours : You seem to be very interested in research (why else would you spend your summers doing research and join 3 different labs?). If you are so interested in research, why are you going the PsyD route? If you do well on the GRE, you have a relatively good shot at getting into a PhD program, even a fully funded one. Just something to consider. And if you're not interested in research, why are you spending so much time doing it? If you are only applying to PsyDs, your time is probably better spent getting more clinical experience than more research experience.

And now to answer your questions:
1) I don't think that the Autism program being run by someone other than a psychologist is going to hurt you; your CV will reflect the skills you've gained working there, and that's what is important--not necessarily who ran the program. Would it be better if it were run by a psychologist? Yes.

2) I'm not too familiar with PsyD program requirements; the only thing I know is that they don't require a lot of research experience (although that probably varies by program) and they like to see some clinical experience. So I can't answer as to whether there is anything lacking, but I would get more clinical experience if you can get it. And the GRE is definitely something to work on as well--I will emphasize, you should only get more clinical experience if you want to get a PsyD; getting clinical experience if you're applying to PhD programs is basically pointless.

3) If I understand correctly, you have not yet completed you junior year, so you have a whole year before you have to start applying. For this summer, as I said before, I would just try to get more clinical experience (but keep working in the lab if you like the research / if you think you might want to get a PhD).

4) I would recommend taking the GRE the summer before your senior year (so next summer). That way, if you apply straight out of undergrad you will have your GRE scores in time and if you take a year off, you will have gotten the GRE out of the way. I studied during the months of May, June, and July and took it in mid-July. That worked pretty well for me--I'm not sure that I would have done as well had I studied and taken it during the school year.

5) I don't think you should rule out PhD programs just because you haven't taken a lot of math/science courses. The most important thing is your psychology courses and showing that you've taken a wide range of them. I never took a math class in college (other than stats) and I didn't take any chemistry either...I don't think it hindered me at all. Although I guess it depends what kind of PhD programs you're applying to / what research area you're interested in.

6) Again, I'm not very knowledgeable about PsyD programs--everything I know I learned from reading these boards front to back (literally). But from what I can see, you might be overdoing it with research for a PsyD as I just don't think they're all that interested in research experience (maybe with the exception of a few). It's hard to answer your question without knowing which programs you're considering applying to. But like I said, if you are at all considering a PhD program then you are definitely on the right track with the research experience you've been getting and I would continue being involved in your labs.

I hope I was able to help!

I agree with all of this, however I'd like to add something. Why not a PhD? If you don't mind research (you seem to somewhat like it) you'd only have to do it during grad school if you wanted. Once you graduate you could do solely clinical work and no research if you like. If you ever got bored you could do research and teach at universities- something I believe is not that possible with a PsyD.

 

[Dirkwww]

Before I answer your questions, I just want to clarify something you said. You mentioned wanting to get a PsyD from a university "so that you can get funded." I'm not sure if you're aware, but even PsyDs from universities aren't fully funded. As far as I know, only Baylor offers fully funded PsyDs. All other programs charge (in my opinion) ridiculous tuition rates. You might get partial funding for those programs, but you're still going to leave the program with a lot of debt.

One more question before I get to yours : You seem to be very interested in research (why else would you spend your summers doing research and join 3 different labs?). If you are so interested in research, why are you going the PsyD route? If you do well on the GRE, you have a relatively good shot at getting into a PhD program, even a fully funded one. Just something to consider. And if you're not interested in research, why are you spending so much time doing it? If you are only applying to PsyDs, your time is probably better spent getting more clinical experience than more research experience.

And now to answer your questions:
1) I don't think that the Autism program being run by someone other than a psychologist is going to hurt you; your CV will reflect the skills you've gained working there, and that's what is important--not necessarily who ran the program. Would it be better if it were run by a psychologist? Yes.

2) I'm not too familiar with PsyD program requirements; the only thing I know is that they don't require a lot of research experience (although that probably varies by program) and they like to see some clinical experience. So I can't answer as to whether there is anything lacking, but I would get more clinical experience if you can get it. And the GRE is definitely something to work on as well--I will emphasize, you should only get more clinical experience if you want to get a PsyD; getting clinical experience if you're applying to PhD programs is basically pointless.

3) If I understand correctly, you have not yet completed you junior year, so you have a whole year before you have to start applying. For this summer, as I said before, I would just try to get more clinical experience (but keep working in the lab if you like the research / if you think you might want to get a PhD).

4) I would recommend taking the GRE the summer before your senior year (so next summer). That way, if you apply straight out of undergrad you will have your GRE scores in time and if you take a year off, you will have gotten the GRE out of the way. I studied during the months of May, June, and July and took it in mid-July. That worked pretty well for me--I'm not sure that I would have done as well had I studied and taken it during the school year.

5) I don't think you should rule out PhD programs just because you haven't taken a lot of math/science courses. The most important thing is your psychology courses and showing that you've taken a wide range of them. I never took a math class in college (other than stats) and I didn't take any chemistry either...I don't think it hindered me at all. Although I guess it depends what kind of PhD programs you're applying to / what research area you're interested in.

6) Again, I'm not very knowledgeable about PsyD programs--everything I know I learned from reading these boards front to back (literally). But from what I can see, you might be overdoing it with research for a PsyD as I just don't think they're all that interested in research experience (maybe with the exception of a few). It's hard to answer your question without knowing which programs you're considering applying to. But like I said, if you are at all considering a PhD program then you are definitely on the right track with the research experience you've been getting and I would continue being involved in your labs.

I hope I was able to help!

Great advice, to answer your question, I enjoy research a lot. It is extremely interesting, it helps me learn about psychology, i enjoy the atmosphere, and at my current job i get very nice pay🙂. But i'm not interested in it as a profession(I love to play piano, but don't want to be a musician for a living.. if that helps put it into perspective). Also i dont think research can hurt me, if anything it can help with PsyD applications also.

I really want to work in a VA setting as a clinical psychologist. I know you can get there through a PsyD and PhD, i guess im not 100% which one is best or which one i want.

 

[Pragma]

Great advice, to answer your question, I enjoy research a lot. It is extremely interesting, it helps me learn about psychology, i enjoy the atmosphere, and at my current job i get very nice pay🙂. But i'm not interested in it as a profession(I love to play piano, but don't want to be a musician for a living.. if that helps put it into perspective). Also i dont think research can hurt me, if anything it can help with PsyD applications also.

I really want to work in a VA setting as a clinical psychologist. I know you can get there through a PsyD and PhD, i guess im not 100% which one is best or which one i want.

Now I am biased because I am from a PhD program, but I think this is a generally true statement: Most places that you go to (VAs included) will prefer PhD over PsyD applicants.

It's obviously a broad generalization and not true everywhere, but if you like doing research enough at this point, you would most likely be served better in the long-run by going to a more balanced PhD program than a PsyD program.

Other reasons to consider:
- You have good credentials and you would be a good candidate for a funded position
- While the PsyD would take a year or two less, it will still cost more. The PhD might be a better overall financial move

 

[dumbledoresgirl]

If you like research, I would strongly encourage you to apply to PhD programs. I know plenty of people that like it but don't want it as a career. You probably shouldn't say that in your personal statement, but as long as you don't mind doing it in grad school, there is nothing stopping you from dropping the research part once you graduate. I just think a PhD would keep your options open (career-wise), and a PsyD limits you a bit more.

And you're right, research will not hurt you if you're going to a PsyD. My only point was that for a PsyD, you time would be better spent getting clinical experience. If you're able to juggle both, more power to you!

 

[PhDToBe]

I think the Rutgers PsyD offers full funding, too.

 

[mcvcm92]

I think the Rutgers PsyD offers full funding, too.

It's not really full funding since not every person admitted is giving a full ride, but some students do get full tuition remission & a stipend, but some only get a scholarship [at least 10K / year].

I think that Baylor is the only Psy.D that offers completely full funding...

 

[Dirkwww]

I guess I always felt the BA would stop me from getting PhD but the research could make up for that. And i will most likely apply to Psyd and Phd

 

[dumbledoresgirl]

I guess I always felt the BA would stop me from getting PhD but the research could make up for that. And i will most likely apply to Psyd and Phd

I have a BA...why do you think that would stop you?

 

[Pragma]

I have a BA...why do you think that would stop you?

I think that some undergraduate programs offer both a BA and a BS and suggest that the BS is the route you want to go for graduate school. They might give you more research-oriented coursework and stats. Some undergraduate advisors may be overzealous about explaining these programs in a way that makes people believe they are locked in to a particular career path.

I had a BA where I came from and it was never even discussed at any point.

 

[srabiee]

I only skimmed this all, but we seem to be in the same boat, except that I'm not really considered a PsyD for financial reasons. Lucky you though, you have a good amount of research experience. I'd say go for a PhD if you like research. I'm interested in practicing too, but I still want to go into a PhD program. There's a lot of good advice from people on my TC thread

 

[dumbledoresgirl]

I think that some undergraduate programs offer both a BA and a BS and suggest that the BS is the route you want to go for graduate school. They might give you more research-oriented coursework and stats. Some undergraduate advisors may be overzealous about explaining these programs in a way that makes people believe they are locked in to a particular career path.

I had a BA where I came from and it was never even discussed at any point.

Yeah, that was never brought up with me either. I went for a BA because I had a lot of the pre-reqs already done and I was able to graduate early that way...no one ever said anything to me about that hurting my chances when applying to grad school. I didn't get any interviews at R1 schools (and who knows whether that played a role or not), but I got 5 interviews at mid-tier programs and no one brought up the fact that I had a BA and not a BS. Although my advisor recently wrote up an IRB proposal draft and she wrote down that I had a BS...I think she just assumed it? 😳...so maybe that's the route most professors expect you to go?

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I'm going to agree with Pragma--I have a BS myself, but I really don't think most advisors pay a whole lot of attention to the degree. If anything, they might just check out some of the courses you've taken (e.g., did you take chemistry or "chemistry for non-science majors," etc.), particularly if you're a non-psych major.

 

[Dirkwww]

I'm going to agree with Pragma--I have a BS myself, but I really don't think most advisors pay a whole lot of attention to the degree. If anything, they might just check out some of the courses you've taken (e.g., did you take chemistry or "chemistry for non-science majors," etc.), particularly if you're a non-psych major.

The reason i was stressing it was because i had an undergradadvise who did nothing but push a BS on me. Every time i would see her, that is all she would talk about. Got very annoying.

Well a family member is on the admissions board for PhD programs for a big named school and he told me they would never care what the title was and that it meant close to nothing for them.