Hi Everyone,
After three cycles of applying to Clinical Psychology programs, I finally got accepted to one and recently started this year. While I am enjoying my program, the only caveat is that it's unfunded. I know there's a huge discourse surrounding not attending unfunded clinical programs but I don't think people realize how difficult admissions have become. Given that programs have waived the GRE, hundreds of applicants fighting for 5 or less spots (depending even if the advisor accepts any student). I also want to add that I had a well rounded CV, 4.0 GPA, 4 publications, 2 conferences and multiple RA experience. My program is not a diploma mill, it's existed since 1970's, it's accredited and has a relatively small cohort (8-9 students per year). This program is certainly more focused on clinical training and does not emphasize research as you apply to the program as a whole as opposed to working with an advisor. While I was completely aware of the tuition, I will need to take out a student loan to be able to fund my education. Of course, I am thankful to have been accepted to a PhD program but there's always this thought in the back of my head as to how much debt I will have to pay off years following graduation. I've heard that private practice is the best way to go; I am curious to hear from other professionals what would be the smartest way to pay off these loans as a psychologist in the field.
Sorry to add: we’re looking at 80K debt and also I am a Canadian attending a US institution.
After three cycles of applying to Clinical Psychology programs, I finally got accepted to one and recently started this year. While I am enjoying my program, the only caveat is that it's unfunded. I know there's a huge discourse surrounding not attending unfunded clinical programs but I don't think people realize how difficult admissions have become. Given that programs have waived the GRE, hundreds of applicants fighting for 5 or less spots (depending even if the advisor accepts any student). I also want to add that I had a well rounded CV, 4.0 GPA, 4 publications, 2 conferences and multiple RA experience. My program is not a diploma mill, it's existed since 1970's, it's accredited and has a relatively small cohort (8-9 students per year). This program is certainly more focused on clinical training and does not emphasize research as you apply to the program as a whole as opposed to working with an advisor. While I was completely aware of the tuition, I will need to take out a student loan to be able to fund my education. Of course, I am thankful to have been accepted to a PhD program but there's always this thought in the back of my head as to how much debt I will have to pay off years following graduation. I've heard that private practice is the best way to go; I am curious to hear from other professionals what would be the smartest way to pay off these loans as a psychologist in the field.
Sorry to add: we’re looking at 80K debt and also I am a Canadian attending a US institution.
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