Will I Get In?

[TMS@1987]

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I'm a Junior with a 3.52 GPA, I've been on the deans list for the past couple of semesters, I have multiple clinical experiences, such as working with elderly populations with Alzheimers and working with families in a grief counseling setting. I am also set to do a Psychology Practicum next semester which should help me get more "professional" experience.

Next semester I will (hopefully) be working with a professor on a research study that she is conducting at NYU. I am beginning to practice for the GRE's right now but I have yet to take them.

So, what do you think? Do I have a shot at getting into a clinical/counseling psychology PhD program? What aout a decent PsyD program like Rutgers?

Thanks

 

[cara susanna]

Given what you've told us, it sounds like you may need more research experience. But you know what applying this year has taught me? There's absolutely no way of predicting whether you'll get in somewhere or not. You could have the best stats in the world and you may still not even get interviews, or you may get interviews but still not get in. It depends on fit for the program, on the stats of the other applicants, on who knows who, and sometimes politics. All you can do is decide whether or not it's worth investing in (seriously, applications are like an investment because by the end they cost so much). If you have the money and don't mind using it, I say you might as well because the worst they can do is say no.

 

[TMS@1987]

Thanks for the response. I would like to get more research experience but I go to a very small 4 year school where literally only 1 professor is doing research. I have tried contacting professors outside of my school, but they have tended to wanted to work with students frm their own school 🙁

P.s. What other PsyD programs are their (barring Rutgers) that are considered good and respectable? I know Baylor and Virginia Consortorium (did I spell that right?) are good, what about Pepperdine? Widener? Anyone else?

Thanks for the response again

 

[stooge]

I think it's too early to tell, although your GPA is a good start. Your GREs are really important. Do you do well on standardized tests? Also, you may need a bit more research experience as cara had said. If you could do some research this summer or now (just ask around the department to see if they could use any volunteer help), it could be helpful in getting the ball rolling. If you wait until late August or September to start then you will only have about 2 months research experience by the time your applications go out in late November. Good luck.

 

[thirdeye99]

P.s. What other PsyD programs are their (barring Rutgers) that are considered good and respectable? I know Baylor and Virginia Consortorium (did I spell that right?) are good, what about Pepperdine? Widener? Anyone else?Thanks for the response again

You've named pretty much all the top tier PsyD programs that offer funding. There is also Indiana University in Pennsylvania (IUP), if you don't mind living in a small town in Pennsylvania not near a city. Widener is pay to play (i.e. you'll end up in a lot of debt), but seems to have interesting tracks.

You might strongly consider taking a year off from school after graduating and getting a full time RA position somewhere, especially if you want to apply to PhD programs. It'll give you some time to reflect, study for GREs, and you'll strengthen your application.

Also, if you haven't already - go buy the Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. It's the bible for applicants first starting out.
http://www.amazon.com/Insiders-Graduate-Programs-Counseling-Psychology/dp/1593856377

 

[Aggieanthony]

Thirdeye99 pretty much nailed the nail on its head.

Your GPA is decent, (Is that your cGPA, major GPA?) but you will definitely need way more research experience and of course, strong LoRs, GRE scores and a POI at the university/ies you are looking at.

 

[dd123]

I'd stop volunteering, work on bringing up your GPA, and blow the GRE out of the water.

 

[TMS@1987]

Thirdeye99 pretty much nailed the nail on its head.

Your GPA is decent, (Is that your cGPA, major GPA?) but you will definitely need way more research experience and of course, strong LoRs, GRE scores and a POI at the university/ies you are looking at.

Thats my Cumulative GPA, my major GPA is much higher (I think I've only had 2 B's so far). I actually just landed 2 research opportunities today and am beginning to talk with a professor about a 3rd. So much can change in one day 🙂

Any suggestions on how to prepare for the GRE? Any tutoring programs? I contacted Huntington but they are chargin like $100 dollars a session, is that the going rate?

 

[Aggieanthony]

I just used the Kaplan GRE books! One for Psych and one for General, and I was very well prepared for the GRE.

Of course, your mileage may vary, but those books are at the very least required reading, IMO.

Congratulations on the research opportunities too =)

 

[cara susanna]

The Official ETS prep book is the best, speaking as someone who used pretty much all of them. 😉

 

[FranklinR]

The Official ETS prep book is the best, speaking as someone who used pretty much all of them. 😉

Whereas I love the Princeton Review for the general GRE. Stop by a bookstore and flip through them and see how you feel about the different ones and pick one you could see yourself staring at for the foreseeable future.

 

[Eruca]

Don't forget, there's something to say about quality over quantity. Having lots of different research experiences is okay, but to have one really good one that allows opportunities for posters or presentations and real mentoring is really the key.

I worked in 2 research labs as an undergrad (a LOT of data entry) and very little face to face time with the PI. What this did was get me enough experience to be competitive for a F/T RA job. What it did not do is make me competitive against the folks who are older, have 2+ years of true professional research experience, and posters/publications on their CV.

Take your time. Get some experience (research AND life). Folks from undergrad do get in, but not without some hurdles. [and to be slightly brutal, those who get into reputable funded programs straight from undergrad have some serious stats, much higher than a 3.5 & some quality experience backing them] Don't pursue a PsyD just because you may have a better chance to get in - at least not at this very early stage - and particularly don't apply to non-funded doctorates just because you want it now. You will regret it when you get the bill.

 

[kh1264]

Another key thing here is making sure you are a match for the program. Applying to a bunch of PsyD/PhD programs simply due to their high ranking can be a huge waste of time, money and effort. I'm not implying that this is how you have begun to choose your list, but I am simply just emphasizing the importance of MATCHING the school you're applying to.

You can also contact POIs over the summer or in Sept., build some open communication with them to see what kind of candidate they're looking for.

BUT AGAIN, make sure you're research experience and future interests match their own and that you have some kind of idea of where you could take their research. I think programs want to see that you're an innovative thinker, as a researcher should be. Best of luck!!!

 

[psychmama]

Whereas I love the Princeton Review for the general GRE. Stop by a bookstore and flip through them and see how you feel about the different ones and pick one you could see yourself staring at for the foreseeable future.

I actually used a couple of different books because I found there were strengths and weaknesses to each one. The redundancy helped fill in some gaps in coverage.

 

[cara susanna]

I dunno, the ETS book helped me the most. But, yes, to each their own 😀 Kaplan Math Workbook did help me go from a 350 to a 500, though.

 

[Grif]

I dunno, the ETS book helped me the most. But, yes, to each their own 😀 Kaplan Math Workbook did help me go from a 350 to a 500, though.

Wow! I know what's going on my Amazon wish list.... 😀

To OP: Thanks, I was just about to ask about Rutgers as it's my first-choice school.

 

[blockuvb]

I feel like I should say this because I wish someone had said it to me.
I understand exactly where you are coming from acidicspecies08. Let me preface this with a description of myself: I am currently an senior undergraduate. I have a 3.70 cum GPA, and 3.8 psych GPA. I had a 670 vebal 760 math GRE. I am Psi Chi, and have done research with one professor, designed an implemented a study when I was abroad, and am currently doing a thesis. I also worked at an in-patient clinic for eating disorders for one summer. I was a resident advisor, and then was put in charge of a staff of 7 resident advisors. I spent two semesters as a TA. My Recommendations were awesome. There was never doubt in my mind, my advisers' minds, my friends' or families' minds that I would get into a program. There was never any doubt even though I was applying to only top-tier PhD programs- I am well within what they are looking for. (Sorry, that sounds like I am bragging).
I only got one interview.
I suppose I could be wrong, but I am beginning to come to the conclusion that grad schools REALLY dont like people straight out of undergraduate. They want people to take a break and get some real-life experience; they want us to figure things out. Now, for people like you and me, that is really annoying. We know what we want and a year or two isnt going to change that. If you are like me, you also know that you wont burn out with 6 more years of academics. However, schools don't know this. The majority of people who apply straight out of college might not be ready for another 6 years of school. I don't know their reasons- but many of the people I have talked to in graduate school mention that there are virtualy no people straight out of college.
However, there is something to be said for taking time off. You can get more experience in the field you are interested in. You can do what I plan to do and just travel.
Additionally, think of this. Graduate school MATTERS. Going to the best one you can is really important. They will train you, mold you, influence you, and that training will affect your life. That is why I did not apply to any "saftey schools." I know that given 2 years I will be able to get into the majority of the schools on my list. Why not improve your standing as a candidate by taking one year off? Rest, relax, and dont add the stress of applications to your senior year. Or try for programs you would really LOVE to go to (rather than just be satisfied at) and then take it from there.
If at first you dont succeed, try try again has become my new motto.
I just thought you should keep that in mind. This application process is weird. I don't understand it. But I understand it a little more now that I have suffered through.
Whatever you decide- good luck!

 

[cara susanna]

It depends--I'm straight out of undergrad, too, and I got three interviews. But I applied to balanced PhD programs versus straight research ones.

 

[PamBeasLizLemo]

I agree. I too am right from undergrad and got a few interviews. The places I interviewed at had a few people straight from undergrad too. I think it probably depends on the program, so don't be discouraged. Also, it is important to apply to MANY different levels of programs. It's just like getting into college, apply to some reach schools, some good schools, and some schools you think you can def. get into. If you don't want to take time off.. I'd say try. Even if I don't get into any schools this year, this has really been a great learning experience. I will be more prepared for interviews next year, I'll be more versed in what to write for my personal statement, and I will know more about the individual schools I will be reapplying for. So basically, just do what you can, believe that you can do it, and don't let ANYONE discourage you.

It depends--I'm straight out of undergrad, too, and I got three interviews. But I applied to balanced PhD programs versus straight research ones.

 

[cara susanna]

Right, and match is super important. Even if you have 1600 GREs and a 4.0, they won't accept you if there's no research match.

 

[Aggieanthony]

Right, and match is super important. Even if you have 1600 GREs and a 4.0, they won't accept you if there's no research match.

You're talking about research-heavy programs, right?
I wouldn't assume that a balanced clinical/research school would be that choosy on research match.

 

[cmuhooligan]

I feel like I should say this because I wish someone had said it to me.
I understand exactly where you are coming from acidicspecies08. Let me preface this with a description of myself: I am currently an senior undergraduate. I have a 3.70 cum GPA, and 3.8 psych GPA. I had a 670 vebal 760 math GRE. I am Psi Chi, and have done research with one professor, designed an implemented a study when I was abroad, and am currently doing a thesis. I also worked at an in-patient clinic for eating disorders for one summer. I was a resident advisor, and then was put in charge of a staff of 7 resident advisors. I spent two semesters as a TA. My Recommendations were awesome. There was never doubt in my mind, my advisers' minds, my friends' or families' minds that I would get into a program. There was never any doubt even though I was applying to only top-tier PhD programs- I am well within what they are looking for. (Sorry, that sounds like I am bragging).
I only got one interview.
I suppose I could be wrong, but I am beginning to come to the conclusion that grad schools REALLY dont like people straight out of undergraduate. They want people to take a break and get some real-life experience; they want us to figure things out. Now, for people like you and me, that is really annoying. We know what we want and a year or two isnt going to change that. If you are like me, you also know that you wont burn out with 6 more years of academics. However, schools don't know this. The majority of people who apply straight out of college might not be ready for another 6 years of school. I don't know their reasons- but many of the people I have talked to in graduate school mention that there are virtualy no people straight out of college.
However, there is something to be said for taking time off. You can get more experience in the field you are interested in. You can do what I plan to do and just travel.
Additionally, think of this. Graduate school MATTERS. Going to the best one you can is really important. They will train you, mold you, influence you, and that training will affect your life. That is why I did not apply to any "saftey schools." I know that given 2 years I will be able to get into the majority of the schools on my list. Why not improve your standing as a candidate by taking one year off? Rest, relax, and dont add the stress of applications to your senior year. Or try for programs you would really LOVE to go to (rather than just be satisfied at) and then take it from there.
If at first you dont succeed, try try again has become my new motto.
I just thought you should keep that in mind. This application process is weird. I don't understand it. But I understand it a little more now that I have suffered through.
Whatever you decide- good luck!

Although I do agree that graduate school does matter--I'll qualify this by saying only partially and it depends. If you are planning an academic career than I would say that the graduate school you attend is more important to your career than if you're clinically focused. But, what is far more important then where you went is what you did (e.g., research production). So yes, going to a research power house may aid in that, but going to a "middle of the road" school wouldn't preclude you from being very productive either. It really comes down to YOU, and if you have it in yourself to be productive.

 

[cara susanna]

You're talking about research-heavy programs, right?
I wouldn't assume that a balanced clinical/research school would be that choosy on research match.

No, even balanced ones are choosy. They can afford to be, after all.

 

[ilikeeepsycheee]

I understand exactly where you are coming from acidicspecies08.

 

[TMS@1987]

Question: Does earning a Masters shorten the amount of time you spend on your PhD?

 

[Eruca]

...If you are planning an academic career than I would say that the graduate school you attend is more important to your career than if you're clinically focused. But, what is far more important then where you went is what you did (e.g., research production). So yes, going to a research power house may aid in that, but going to a "middle of the road" school wouldn't preclude you from being very productive either. It really comes down to YOU, and if you have it in yourself to be productive.

I agree with this.. the only distinction I'll make is that there are different ways of being "clinically focused". I'm in a research-oriented program with great, balanced clinical training. It turns out that I'm clinically focused, but not necessarily private practice focused. I'd like to write, teach, and work in integrative medicine - and for the latter, I think your graduate institution does matter in some respect. I'd like to be competitive for clinical (e.g., staff psychologist) jobs in major medical centers, VAs, or university hospitals. Particularly out of the gate, I think where you trained is considered when competing against others. The jobs you get out of the gate help you get jobs down the line, so there is a kindling effect and your graduate institution can help in regard to network, reputation, and perceived quality of training.

There are exceptions to everything, and your program won't define you completely, but I would argue your training program has some significance, even if you're clinically focused. Most faculty/staff directories list these institutions, from grad training to internship to postdoc. So at least for the direction I want to go in, the programs you attend never leave you completely.

 

[Eruca]

Question: Does earning a Masters shorten the amount of time you spend on your PhD?

Depends, but oftentimes no. In my program (traditional scientist-practitioner clinical phd) - the folks who have come in with a masters did not finish any earlier, or get to skip anything in particular. If you masters thesis is extremely closely related to what you will be doing in your phd program, then there might be some benefit in regard to reusing previous work, or an argument for trying to get them to 'count' your previous thesis. I can only speak for my program. But the word on the street is it doesn't do much, if anything, to shorten your time.

Curious though if others have heard/experienced the same thing..

 

[FreudianSlip7]

This has been my second time applying to PhD programs. I graduated from a big ten university 3.8 psych 4.0 my junior/senior year. Was a research assistant, published and presented at conferences. I applied to 10 programs last year and got 2 interviews and no acceptances. This year I applied to 5 got 4 interviews and 3 acceptances. I will say that the year off does help. I volunteered, taught a class, and took more psych courses to show my dedication and keep my mind in school-mode.

In hindsight, I cannot say it was just about me being straight from undergrad, it was about my fit/match with the programs, and my ability in the interview process to convey my interests and potential. For alot of students right out of undegrad, it is their first time being interviewed for a position, and they may not know how to sell themselves, and definitely not know what to expect. One must realize that at this stage in the game, there are hundreds of students with GRE's, GPA's and research comparable to yours. If you are applying to top-tier programs a 3.5+ is expected, not astounding.

How well you articulate yourself and your goals in your personal statement mean alot as well. If you truly want to know why you didn't get accepted, don't be afraid to contact the person you interviewed with and ask him or her what you can do to make yourself more competitive, because it is definitely not all about how good you look on paper.

 

[TMS@1987]

What is the best way to maximize my chances of getting into an equal emphasis PhD? My interests are completely split between clinical and research so an equal emphasis program suits my needs the best.

 

[FreudianSlip7]

What is the best way to maximize my chances of getting into an equal emphasis PhD? My interests are completely split between clinical and research so an equal emphasis program suits my needs the best.

It is best that you equal experience in both areas.

 

[TMS@1987]

It is best that you equal experience in both areas.

Would you say that with my past volunterring experience I have done that? I also have a practicum coming up next semester that should expose me to some real clinical experiences. Between my volunteering and my 3 research ventures (2 of which I will be working very closely with the actual researcher herself) do you think that I will have what they're looking for?

 

[FreudianSlip7]

Would you say that with my past volunterring experience I have done that? I also have a practicum coming up next semester that should expose me to some real clinical experiences. Between my volunteering and my 3 research ventures (2 of which I will be working very closely with the actual researcher herself) do you think that I will have what they're looking for?

Sounds to me like you are well on your way! I have been accepted into a more research-oriented program and had about a year of clinical and research experience each (my research did however, result in publication and conference presentation, and co-authorship), and it seems that you have or are doing a great deal.

Also if you plan to apply for next fall, I would suggest that you definitely research programs now. contact your POI at each school; introduce yourself to them, let them know what you are doing and what you would like to be doing. Fit is ultimately the most important thing as opposed to whether you are more clinically or research inclined. I interviewd at about 4 programs this year and 2 last year at both research-oriented and equal-emphasized Ph.D programs, and there were students at each that were more research focused or more clnically focused.

Make sure you think carefully about your personal statement, so begin working on that as well. Good luck, you seem like you are headed down the right path!!!