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Hello,

I was just curious if anyone would know how to strengthen my chances at getting into a clinical PhD program. I am preparing to apply this Fall and would like to get in now if I can. I don't want to take any more time off. I will likely apply to counseling psychology PhD programs as well.

I graduated from Kent State University (May 2016) with a B.S. in psychology.
Undergrad GPA: 3.85
Psych GPA: 3.9

I worked in a child attachment lab my sophmore/junior year and another lab my junior/senior year.
I completed an honors thesis and also made a poster, which I won an award for at our undergraduate research day.

My senior year I also worked fulltime at a neurofeedback facility which gave me significant clinical experince. I also had crisis line training in my undergrad.

Currenly, I'm in Pittsburgh working as research specialist. I am an author on a book chapter, 2 publications coming out soon, as well as a couple more posters.

My only concern now is my GRE scores which are less than stellar (I did not prepare/study well). I'm taking it again this month hoping I can bump up my score but I've never been good at testing. I'm likely going to retake it again this summer.

Any suggestions on what to do next? I really don't want the GRE to hold me back.

Thank you,

J

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Hello,

I was just curious if anyone would know how to strengthen my chances at getting into a clinical PhD program. I am preparing to apply this Fall and would like to get in now if I can. I don't want to take any more time off. I will likely apply to counseling psychology PhD programs as well.

I graduated from Kent State University (May 2016) with a B.S. in psychology.
Undergrad GPA: 3.85
Psych GPA: 3.9

I worked in a child attachment lab my sophmore/junior year and another lab my junior/senior year.
I completed an honors thesis and also made a poster, which I won an award for at our undergraduate research day.

My senior year I also worked fulltime at a neurofeedback facility which gave me significant clinical experince. I also had crisis line training in my undergrad.

Currenly, I'm in Pittsburgh working as research specialist. I am an author on a book chapter, 2 publications coming out soon, as well as a couple more posters.

My only concern now is my GRE scores which are less than stellar (I did not prepare/study well). I'm taking it again this month hoping I can bump up my score but I've never been good at testing. I'm likely going to retake it again this summer.

Any suggestions on what to do next? I really don't want the GRE to hold me back.

Thank you,

J
What exactly are your GRE scores?
 
What exactly are your GRE scores?

Currently, Verbal: 151 Quant: 144 Ana: 4.5
I did not prepare at all going in (work full time, school full time, and volunteering) which really gave me anxiety about taking it again (afraid my score won't change with preparation).
I know with these scores I'm not likely to get it. What would be the minimum you would think to aim for with my other qualifications?
 
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Currently, Verbal: 151 Quant: 144 Ana: 4.5
I did not prepare at all going in (work full time, school full time, and volunteering) which really gave me anxiety about taking it again (afraid my score won't change with preparation).
I know with these scores I'm not likely to get it. What would be the minimum you would think to aim for with my other qualifications?

The GRE has been around for a long time. There are TONS of materials available to study for it and lots of practice tests. Generally speaking, the score you get on the actual test is around the score you get on the practice tests. Definitely prepare. If you're preparing and the practice tests are not improving, then it's possible you wont improve on the actual test. Most programs will state what their cut off scores are for the GRE. I think a common criteria is at least over the 50th percentile and then they'll state what percentile their average incoming students have. They're at least over 70% in both sections. I think that coincides to at least a 300 combined score. If you have schools you're interested in, you can go to their websites and check.
 
Currently, Verbal: 151 Quant: 144 Ana: 4.5
I did not prepare at all going in (work full time, school full time, and volunteering) which really gave me anxiety about taking it again (afraid my score won't change with preparation).
I know with these scores I'm not likely to get it. What would be the minimum you would think to aim for with my other qualifications?
Everything else looks pretty good, so you really just need to improve your GRE scores, write a great personal statement(s), and apply broadly to programs with a great fit and you probably have a good shot.
 
The GRE has been around for a long time. There are TONS of materials available to study for it and lots of practice tests. Generally speaking, the score you get on the actual test is around the score you get on the practice tests. Definitely prepare. If you're preparing and the practice tests are not improving, then it's possible you wont improve on the actual test. Most programs will state what their cut off scores are for the GRE. I think a common criteria is at least over the 50th percentile and then they'll state what percentile their average incoming students have. They're at least over 70% in both sections. I think that coincides to at least a 300 combined score. If you have schools you're interested in, you can go to their websites and check.

Thanks for the tips! I know that the GRE is one of my last missing pieces and it just adds to the pressure of having to do well. It also doesn't help that I tested out of math my freshman year of college so its been a while... I'm using an online prep system so hopefully this helps. I really don't want to invest in one of those really expensive Kaplan courses.
 
Thanks for the tips! I know that the GRE is one of my last missing pieces and it just adds to the pressure of having to do well. It also doesn't help that I tested out of math my freshman year of college so its been a while... I'm using an online prep system so hopefully this helps. I really don't want to invest in one of those really expensive Kaplan courses.
Just buy some of the study guides in areas where you need work and you should be fine.
 
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Thanks for the tips! I know that the GRE is one of my last missing pieces and it just adds to the pressure of having to do well. It also doesn't help that I tested out of math my freshman year of college so its been a while... I'm using an online prep system so hopefully this helps. I really don't want to invest in one of those really expensive Kaplan courses.
Agreed, don't invest in an expensive course. Do study, make flash cards, etc. Actually learning the information you'll need. You don't need a perfect score. Think of it as a "fun" challenge.
 
Thanks for the tips! I know that the GRE is one of my last missing pieces and it just adds to the pressure of having to do well. It also doesn't help that I tested out of math my freshman year of college so its been a while... I'm using an online prep system so hopefully this helps. I really don't want to invest in one of those really expensive Kaplan courses.

Yes. Definitely purchase a study guide. Look online for reviews. Savvy GRE preppers have written reviews of which ones are the best and for what area. Those books will usually go through all the math you'll need to know for the test and provide helpful strategies for the essay and verbal sections. ETS has a program you can download that provides I believe 2 or 3 practice tests. They're great and I would recommend saving them very the very end before your exam. Their online program improves with your correct answers just the way the real GRE does so it's a very good representative diagnostic.
 
Yes. Definitely purchase a study guide. Look online for reviews. Savvy GRE preppers have written reviews of which ones are the best and for what area. Those books will usually go through all the math you'll need to know for the test and provide helpful strategies for the essay and verbal sections. ETS has a program you can download that provides I believe 2 or 3 practice tests. They're great and I would recommend saving them very the very end before your exam. Their online program improves with your correct answers just the way the real GRE does so it's a very good representative diagnostic.

I think you're thinking of the old version of the GRE. The revised version used since 2011 is no longer computer-adaptive.
 
I think you're thinking of the old version of the GRE. The revised version used since 2011 is no longer computer-adaptive.

Really? I took it in 2013 and read that it was and so was prepared for it. But it's possible what I was reading was too old.
 
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Hi all! This is my first time applying to programs, I applied to 14 and received 4 interviews-- 2 high alternate waitlist spots, 2 waitlist spots with no ranking, but nothing panned out. Some advice for next cycle would be much appreciated!

Major: Psychology
GPA: 3.80
Psych GPA: 3.98
Dean's List all 4 years
Magna Cum Laude

2 years medical school aspiring towards psychiatry before withdrew

GRE: 168 Q/161V/4.5W

3 years medical research
Many clinical experiences leading support groups, care to homeless, Alzheimer's outreach, etc.

I just became lab manager and research assistant at a clinical psychology lab recently.

Thank you!
What exactly did you do in medical research? What were some of the tasks and responsibilities you had? Was this just data entry and cleaning or were you performing more advanced conceptual work, like helping develop the protocol, analyze the data, and compose the final analysis and manuscript of the results? Do you have any tangible productivity from three years of research, e.g. posters or publications?

How did you incorporate your research and clinical experiences into a coherent narrative of your personal interests in graduate training and ultimate careers goals, as well as your fit with given programs and mentors? Did you explain why you switched from med school and psychiatry to clinical psychology?
 
I completed an interview yesterday that was conducted over Skype. There were two faculty members conducting the interview, and I would like to write a thank you letter to them. Given that they both conducted the interview, would it be appropriate to CC one of the professors, or should I write to them individually?
 
I completed an interview yesterday that was conducted over Skype. There were two faculty members conducting the interview, and I would like to write a thank you letter to them. Given that they both conducted the interview, would it be appropriate to CC one of the professors, or should I write to them individually?
Write them individually if you're writing them at all.
 
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WAMC?


  • Education - B.S. Psychology Kent State University
    • Cumulative GPA: 3.85
    • Psychology GPA: 3.9
  • Research
    • 2 years undergrad research position in child attachment lab studying child attachment to mothers and dogs (mostly coding and transcribing) until helping out with a meta-analysis.
    • 2 years head undergrad RA in a mindfulness/affective lab. Scheduled other RAs, completed honors thesis with a successful defense. Did almost all data collection and which included heartrate, GSR, BP and a various amount of tasks. One publication due out this year.
    • Full-time employee at a neurofeedback facility. Worked one on one with a very diverse clinical population including, autism, dementia, depression, severe anxiety, substance abuse, TBI and more. Co-author on a book chapter on neurofeedback.
In Gap Year----

  • Full-time research specialist in a clinical physiological lab on schizophrenia. Should be on two publications due out soon. Am slowly being immersed in Matlab, presentation, EEG, and SPSS.
  • Clinical
    • A semester of Crisis line Training
    • Working directly with patients in current research lab and has a neurofeedback technician.
  • GRE :( I currently have a Q:148 32nd a V:155 68th W:4 I know this is the weakest part of my application. I have taken it twice already. I studied for about a month. I will take it again after following a three-month study program (MAGOOSH).

If I cannot raise my GRE score up is it even worth applying to a Clinical PhD program? I've worked so hard and the GRE is the one thing that I can seem to master.
I am a horrible timed-test taker. I continually run out of time on the math section and am very discouraged. I tested out of math before I entered college (which now seems horrible) and am trying to relearn everything from 5 years ago. I'm a minority and it's also discouraging to find almost no African Americans at any of the conferences or programs I've been to/looked at.
 
WAMC?


  • Education - B.S. Psychology Kent State University
    • Cumulative GPA: 3.85
    • Psychology GPA: 3.9
  • Research
    • 2 years undergrad research position in child attachment lab studying child attachment to mothers and dogs (mostly coding and transcribing) until helping out with a meta-analysis.
    • 2 years head undergrad RA in a mindfulness/affective lab. Scheduled other RAs, completed honors thesis with a successful defense. Did almost all data collection and which included heartrate, GSR, BP and a various amount of tasks. One publication due out this year.
    • Full-time employee at a neurofeedback facility. Worked one on one with a very diverse clinical population including, autism, dementia, depression, severe anxiety, substance abuse, TBI and more. Co-author on a book chapter on neurofeedback.
In Gap Year----

  • Full-time research specialist in a clinical physiological lab on schizophrenia. Should be on two publications due out soon. Am slowly being immersed in Matlab, presentation, EEG, and SPSS.
  • Clinical
    • A semester of Crisis line Training
    • Working directly with patients in current research lab and has a neurofeedback technician.
  • GRE :( I currently have a Q:148 32nd a V:155 68th W:4 I know this is the weakest part of my application. I have taken it twice already. I studied for about a month. I will take it again after following a three-month study program (MAGOOSH).
If I cannot raise my GRE score up is it even worth applying to a Clinical PhD program? I've worked so hard and the GRE is the one thing that I can seem to master.
I am a horrible timed-test taker. I continually run out of time on the math section and am very discouraged. I tested out of math before I entered college (which now seems horrible) and am trying to relearn everything from 5 years ago. I'm a minority and it's also discouraging to find almost no African Americans at any of the conferences or programs I've been to/looked at.

Definitely spend more than a month studying. More than 3 months even if you can. I mean the coming application round wont really start until September anyway so you have a good 6 months to work on it. And applications aren't even due until December. Why not take as much time as you need. Those GRE scores are definitely not going to do you any favors but if you have publications in the works, that's pretty awesome and will definitely help you out. And your GPA is awesome. Generally speaking, what you get on practice tests is a good indicator of how you do on the actual test. ETS has 2 practice tests on their website that are as close to the real deal as you can get. I'd save those for when you're going to take the test to see where you're at. Don't take the test until you see a marked improvement in your GRE scores. You'd want at least a 155 in both sections. From what I've observed on Grad cafe, people with 155's in both sections have gotten into programs.

After your 3 month study program, try taking another practice test. If it's not a marked difference, I'd think about HOW you study for the test. Be very methodical. Think about it like you're researching a project. What areas of math do you need the most review. What TYPE of problems are you getting wrong the most consistently. What trips you up with timing.

I echo your sentiments when it comes to more diversity in the psychology field. As a woman of color myself, I think your perspective as an African American individual would be a great asset. I definitely wouldn't want the GRE scores to hold you back. HOWEVER, as someone stated in a different thread (not on here), people have gotten into clinical programs with pretty low scores but great stats in other areas. SO don't let it discourage you either. AND people often apply twice or three times before making it.
 
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WAMC?


  • Education - B.S. Psychology Kent State University
    • Cumulative GPA: 3.85
    • Psychology GPA: 3.9
  • Research
    • 2 years undergrad research position in child attachment lab studying child attachment to mothers and dogs (mostly coding and transcribing) until helping out with a meta-analysis.
    • 2 years head undergrad RA in a mindfulness/affective lab. Scheduled other RAs, completed honors thesis with a successful defense. Did almost all data collection and which included heartrate, GSR, BP and a various amount of tasks. One publication due out this year.
    • Full-time employee at a neurofeedback facility. Worked one on one with a very diverse clinical population including, autism, dementia, depression, severe anxiety, substance abuse, TBI and more. Co-author on a book chapter on neurofeedback.
In Gap Year----

  • Full-time research specialist in a clinical physiological lab on schizophrenia. Should be on two publications due out soon. Am slowly being immersed in Matlab, presentation, EEG, and SPSS.
  • Clinical
    • A semester of Crisis line Training
    • Working directly with patients in current research lab and has a neurofeedback technician.
  • GRE :( I currently have a Q:148 32nd a V:155 68th W:4 I know this is the weakest part of my application. I have taken it twice already. I studied for about a month. I will take it again after following a three-month study program (MAGOOSH).
If I cannot raise my GRE score up is it even worth applying to a Clinical PhD program? I've worked so hard and the GRE is the one thing that I can seem to master.
I am a horrible timed-test taker. I continually run out of time on the math section and am very discouraged. I tested out of math before I entered college (which now seems horrible) and am trying to relearn everything from 5 years ago. I'm a minority and it's also discouraging to find almost no African Americans at any of the conferences or programs I've been to/looked at.
I agree with the above poster that even if you can't bring your GRE scores up by much, it's still worth giving it a shot, even if that means applying for multiple rounds. FWIW I've never finished a timed math test either, GRE included. Studying will probably help- re-learning really well those things you haven't done in a while. But if you keep practicing and keep studying and your time just isn't getting much better. That strategy worked well enough for me. I think you bring a lot to the table. So keep studying but don't get too discouraged about the GRE- GRE is only a part of the bigger picture

Edit: I meant to say if your time isn't getting better then focus on accuracy. Didn't mean to leave that phrase out. And focus on what you can bring up (e.g. if math isn't budging maybe you can blow the other parts out of the water to compensate on your total score).
 
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I agree with the above poster that even if you can't bring your GRE scores up by much, it's still worth giving it a shot, even if that means applying for multiple rounds. FWIW I've never finished a timed math test either, GRE included. Studying will probably help- re-learning really well those things you haven't done in a while. But if you keep practicing and keep studying and your time just isn't getting much better. That strategy worked well enough for me. I think you bring a lot to the table. So keep studying but don't get too discouraged about the GRE- GRE is only a part of the bigger picture.

I, too, agree with what everyone has said, except that you may event want to shoot for a combined 320 to guarantee your application's success. You have awesome qualifications on paper, but given how some people (e.g., my undergrad PI who is the DCT) hamper on havina g good GRE scores, having bad scores can really torpedo an otherwise solid application. I get everone complaining about timed tests and the GRE but people need to realize that pursuing a Ph.D. puts you on track to take numerous timed tests (e.g., comps, the EPPP, etc.), so there's something to be said about doing well on the GRE. The LAST thing any program wants is to take a student who cannot pass the require exams to succeed later on.
 
Hello, everyone. Here’s the scoop. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been providing direct clinical services for the last 11 years, 5 licensed. I currently work at a VA and do nothing but psychotherapy day in and day out. Seeing upwards of 7 patients in a day is not uncommon. I have a lot of great training in evidence based psychotherapies and practice a lot of trauma based interventions. I’ve been to multiple Beck Institute trainings to hone my CBT skills, etc. I also hold two certs in dual diagnosis and addiction treatment in the state of where I reside. The point….here is my goal and some of what I’ve been doing to try to accomplish it:

Goal: Obtain my PhD in Clinical Psych (I’d consider a PsyD, but I’m not going into massive debt at this point in my life)

Why? First and foremost, I want to become a great clinician and believe more knowledge and practice is never a bad thing. Also, I want to be involved in research and part of testing/creating/researching novel therapies and associated outcomes. I also want to teach. So, the PhD is clearly the best option for my goals, as a whole.

What am I doing to accomplish my goals:

GRE: So, I pretty much suck at these tests (Although I’m not sure I’ve ever given them their proper preparation) I’m studying often and plan to take a class this summer.

Research: I’m volunteering for the next 1.5 years and helping with a study of PTSD, its effects on relationships and academic functioning. I’m going to be heavily involved with a mentor at a top rated institution who comes from one of the best PhD programs in the country. She is nearing tenure and this is a good way for us to sort of help each other. The plan is for me to help with the publication as well as present at conferences.

Grades: Both degrees are in social work (BSW, MSW) but my grades are solid. (Close to 4.0 for both degrees) I was also awarded a scholarship in my undergrad for the most likely to do great things in the field…summarizing, of course.

Clinical Experience: Variety of different forms of clinical work from inpatient, outpatient, DOD, VA, private practice, individual, groups, addiction, etc, etc, etc.


Any feedback is helpful as I embark on this lifelong goal. Thanks for reading and replying.
 
Even with a PhD, are you ready to carve out 6-8 years of little to no pay to be in grad school/internship/postdoc? And also to go back top intermittently working 70+ hour weeks at times?

I believe I am, yes. I'm prepared for 5-8 years of little/no pay and I'm okay with a high workload in the training phases. I'm not sure I'll embark on any career that means I'll HAVE to work 70 hours per week. That said, I enjoy research, both reading and conducting, so I don't look at that as "work" per se. This would be a big sacrifice for a period of time, but I guess I'm wondering if I'm a good candidate and have a good chance after I have more research experience, assuming I do well on the GRE.
 
I believe I am, yes. I'm prepared for 5-8 years of little/no pay and I'm okay with a high workload in the training phases. I'm not sure I'll embark on any career that means I'll HAVE to work 70 hours per week. That said, I enjoy research, both reading and conducting, so I don't look at that as "work" per se. This would be a big sacrifice for a period of time, but I guess I'm wondering if I'm a good candidate and have a good chance after I have more research experience, assuming I do well on the GRE.

The background would be fine. But yes, a good GRE score and some research experience would be key. Are there any more research oriented DSW type programs out there that would shorten your time frame and give you some of the same options?
 
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WAMC?


  • I have taken it twice already. I studied for about a month.
If I cannot raise my GRE score up is it even worth applying to a Clinical PhD program? I've worked so hard and the GRE is the one thing that I can seem to master.

No offense here, but studying for a month hardly says to me "I've worked so hard." I've been studying for months and will have studied for nearly a year, with a $1000 class included, by the time I take the test. It's just too crucial to only give a passing glance at the material. It's about commitment about ability to manage a large amount of information, which is essentially a major requirement in grad school/PhD programs. Doesn't mean you wouldn't do well but why would they take you if they have 300 other people who have your grades but better GRE scores? Something to think about...and I'm in the same boat as far as needing to do well on the GRE.
 
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The background would be fine. But yes, a good GRE score and some research experience would be key. Are there any more research oriented DSW type programs out there that would shorten your time frame and give you some of the same options?

Possibly, but I'm not interested in furthering my social work education. If I were, I would just get a PhD in social work and teach/research, but I don't really think like a social worker. I've worked really hard on my craft over the years and pay close attention to the literature. Social work is just not scientific enough for me. I feel like I'm a good clinician in spite of my social work education, not because of it. I've worked really hard and used all of the available opportunities to become a better therapist. If I stay on my current course and do clinical work in this capacity for the rest of my career, that's fine, but not my main goal. I've been to war. I live with cancer. Those experiences shape my motivation and ambition. I want to experience or be part of moving the needle in a way that ONLY doing psychotherapy doesn't offer. I feel I have more to offer and that's what has led me back to this goal.
 
Possibly, but I'm not interested in furthering my social work education. If I were, I would just get a PhD in social work and teach/research, but I don't really think like a social worker. I've worked really hard on my craft over the years and pay close attention to the literature. Social work is just not scientific enough for me. I feel like I'm a good clinician in spite of my social work education, not because of it. I've worked really hard and used all of the available opportunities to become a better therapist. If I stay on my current course and do clinical work in this capacity for the rest of my career, that's fine, but not my main goal. I've been to war. I live with cancer. Those experiences shape my motivation and ambition. I want to experience or be part of moving the needle in a way that ONLY doing psychotherapy doesn't offer. I feel I have more to offer and that's what has led me back to this goal.

I used to work at a top-ranked academic medical center and individuals with a PhD in social work were doing the same exact work (re: co-PIs on very large grants) as researchers with a PhD in clinical psych, and even psychiatry MDs. If it matters, the area is cognition and neuropsychology in severe mental illness. Have you thoroughly looked into many doctoral social work programs? Some are indeed very "scientific", and will provide a sound foundation in research methodology and statistics, if that's what you mean. The clinical psychology field is extremely competitive and if there are other ways to get in the field and do the same kind of work, why not? I myself have looked into this, but I don't have an MSW. I also looked into PhD in public health, but I don't have an MPH. If I had known there are other ways to reach the same end goal, I would have taken it. Also, since you already have a social work degree, you already have the "clinical" basics, can always go back to it, and now it seems you want the research end. Just some food for thought.
 
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I used to work at a top-ranked academic medical center and individuals with a PhD in social work were doing the same exact work (re: co-PIs on very large grants) as researchers with a PhD in clinical psych, and even psychiatry MDs. If it matters, the area is cognition and neuropsychology in severe mental illness. Have you thoroughly looked into many doctoral social work programs? Some are indeed very "scientific", and will provide a sound foundation in research methodology and statistics, if that's what you mean. The clinical psychology field is extremely competitive and if there are other ways to get in the field and do the same kind of work, why not? I myself have looked into this, but I don't have an MSW. I also looked into PhD in public health, but I don't have an MPH. If I had known there are other ways to reach the same end goal, I would have taken it. Also, since you already have a social work degree, you already have the "clinical" basics, can always go back to it, and now it seems you want the research end. Just some food for thought.

Your observations and recommendations are quite good. I can't disagree with much of what you wrote but there are a few considerations to take into account, at least for me. One, and it's probably petty and vain, I just don't identify as a social worker. The overall thought process, the way therapy is viewed, and in some ways, the way psychopathology is addressed, is just simply not terribly beneficial in my experience. Overall earning potential is higher as a clinical psychologist, on average, than a doctoral level social worker. It also allows the option for work in forensics, testing, consulting, etc. that the SW discipline just doesn't offer. The PhD in Social Work only really allows one to teach and of course conduct research as well. While not my only goal, one thing I won't sacrifice is the clinical "product" I provide. I may be overstating it. So, while I want to teach and research, I'd rather be teaching future psychologists than future social workers. I'd also want to have my research assistants be psychology students rather than SW students. Funding is also an issue as I don't think many SW programs, maybe any, offer much in funding. I may be wrong on that though. The other issue is related to publication. There aren't many well-respected researchers who are researching psychotherapy/psychopathology from the SW field. They are almost all psychologists or psychiatrists. But you have made some good points that I will certainly explore. I appreciate the feedback.
 
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No offense here, but studying for a month hardly says to me "I've worked so hard." I've been studying for months and will have studied for nearly a year, with a $1000 class included, by the time I take the test. It's just too crucial to only give a passing glance at the material. It's about commitment about ability to manage a large amount of information, which is essentially a major requirement in grad school/PhD programs. Doesn't mean you wouldn't do well but why would they take you if they have 300 other people who have your grades but better GRE scores? Something to think about...and I'm in the same boat as far as needing to do well on the GRE.

I agree. I thought putting a couple hours aside per day to study would be enough. I now know I have to try much harder.
 
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Definitely spend more than a month studying. More than 3 months even if you can. I mean the coming application round wont really start until September anyway so you have a good 6 months to work on it. And applications aren't even due until December. Why not take as much time as you need. Those GRE scores are definitely not going to do you any favors but if you have publications in the works, that's pretty awesome and will definitely help you out. And your GPA is awesome. Generally speaking, what you get on practice tests is a good indicator of how you do on the actual test. ETS has 2 practice tests on their website that are as close to the real deal as you can get. I'd save those for when you're going to take the test to see where you're at. Don't take the test until you see a marked improvement in your GRE scores. You'd want at least a 155 in both sections. From what I've observed on Grad cafe, people with 155's in both sections have gotten into programs.

After your 3 month study program, try taking another practice test. If it's not a marked difference, I'd think about HOW you study for the test. Be very methodical. Think about it like you're researching a project. What areas of math do you need the most review. What TYPE of problems are you getting wrong the most consistently. What trips you up with timing.

I echo your sentiments when it comes to more diversity in the psychology field. As a woman of color myself, I think your perspective as an African American individual would be a great asset. I definitely wouldn't want the GRE scores to hold you back. HOWEVER, as someone stated in a different thread (not on here), people have gotten into clinical programs with pretty low scores but great stats in other areas. SO don't let it discourage you either. AND people often apply twice or three times before making it.

Thank you so much for the advice. I do believe it comes down to spending more time studying for the GRE. I love the suggestions of testing myself after the 3 month period to see if I score in the range I need to. If I don't I'll have to keep studying until I get where I need it.
 
Thank you so much for the advice. I do believe it comes down to spending more time studying for the GRE. I love the suggestions of testing myself after the 3 month period to see if I score in the range I need to. If I don't I'll have to keep studying until I get where I need it.

I'm right there with you, man. I naturally stink at the GRE and that kind of test. I have to spend a lot of time studying. Since I'm not in a hurry at this point, that's what I'm going to do. I'm jealous of your other experience though! That should really help you.
 
Apologies, wrong forum.
 
Hello everyone, I am new to this site and would like to ask for your critique and guidance!

I am an undergraduate student (going into senior year)majoring in psychology and minoring in survey research and natural sciences, who has had a rough few years in college(many reasons) and ended up with a 2.1 GPA. Since last semester my GPA has jumped to a 2.7 and within the next year I should be able to reach at least a 3.0 ( I am getting straight A's in every class thus far and have a 4.0 in my psych major).

I have yet to take the GRE and plan to do so after I get my undergraduate degree, leaving a year between graduation and grad school.

Since last semester I have also joined a research lab and have been working really hard there:
and am now a co-team leader,
am 6th author on an APS poster
2nd author on an oral presentation at a smaller event
3rd author on a poster at a smaller event at my college
1st author on a poster at a smaller event at my college
I will also most likely be 4th author on a publication (this is currently in the works ).

This summer I am developing the new iteration of a study and will be working on the study next semester.
Hopefully this will lead to more posters and ideally another publication. Currently I am also applying to the REU research program and will most likely be working in my current lab on a presentation for that/getting a stipend for my research work.

Next semester I will also begin to volunteer at a mental health facility in my community.

My goal is to be accepted into a Clinical Psychology Phd program that focuses on both research and clinical practice ( I don't want to go for a Psy.D as I won't be able to afford it)
Ideally I want to avoid going to get a Master's after I graduate due to personal, monetary and time reasons.

Based on what you see here, what do you think my chances are for getting accepted, and what are some suggestions you can give me to improve my chances.

Thank you very much for all your time in reading this long and clearly very desperate for feedback post! haha
 
Hello everyone, I am new to this site and would like to ask for your critique and guidance!

I am an undergraduate student (going into senior year)majoring in psychology and minoring in survey research and natural sciences, who has had a rough few years in college(many reasons) and ended up with a 2.1 GPA. Since last semester my GPA has jumped to a 2.7 and within the next year I should be able to reach at least a 3.0 ( I am getting straight A's in every class thus far and have a 4.0 in my psych major).

I have yet to take the GRE and plan to do so after I get my undergraduate degree, leaving a year between graduation and grad school.

Since last semester I have also joined a research lab and have been working really hard there:
and am now a co-team leader,
am 6th author on an APS poster
2nd author on an oral presentation at a smaller event
3rd author on a poster at a smaller event at my college
1st author on a poster at a smaller event at my college
I will also most likely be 4th author on a publication (this is currently in the works ).

This summer I am developing the new iteration of a study and will be working on the study next semester.
Hopefully this will lead to more posters and ideally another publication. Currently I am also applying to the REU research program and will most likely be working in my current lab on a presentation for that/getting a stipend for my research work.

Next semester I will also begin to volunteer at a mental health facility in my community.

My goal is to be accepted into a Clinical Psychology Phd program that focuses on both research and clinical practice ( I don't want to go for a Psy.D as I won't be able to afford it)
Ideally I want to avoid going to get a Master's after I graduate due to personal, monetary and time reasons.

Based on what you see here, what do you think my chances are for getting accepted, and what are some suggestions you can give me to improve my chances.

Thank you very much for all your time in reading this long and clearly very desperate for feedback post! haha

While you are doing great things like the research programs, I think you will likely struggle to even get your application a meaningful look with only a 3.0 GPA. The two areas that stand out as potential issues are your GPA and minimal research with you as the lead. A masters program that involves a research thesis (as opposed to something like a literature review) will allow you to show a strong, consistent GPA in graduate level courses while the thesis and related research can demonstrate familiarity with the research process. You may want to try for PhD and masters programs at the same time just to see if you can get a PhD spot, but it would mean a lot of time and money if you have to reapply later as well. In the meantime, I would also see if you can get 1st author posters at larger conferences (e.g., APA, ABCT). Many labs are generous with authorship when there has only been minimal work on a project. It would give me pause to see so many co-authored posters and only one 1st author at a college-level event.
 
While you are doing great things like the research programs, I think you will likely struggle to even get your application a meaningful look with only a 3.0 GPA. The two areas that stand out as potential issues are your GPA and minimal research with you as the lead. A masters program that involves a research thesis (as opposed to something like a literature review) will allow you to show a strong, consistent GPA in graduate level courses while the thesis and related research can demonstrate familiarity with the research process. You may want to try for PhD and masters programs at the same time just to see if you can get a PhD spot, but it would mean a lot of time and money if you have to reapply later as well. In the meantime, I would also see if you can get 1st author posters at larger conferences (e.g., APA, ABCT). Many labs are generous with authorship when there has only been minimal work on a project. It would give me pause to see so many co-authored posters and only one 1st author at a college-level event.

I'll second some of this. That GPA is going to be an anchor on that application unless the GRE is absolutely phenomenal. As for the posters, after 1 or two less than 1st authors, it's diminishing returns, committees will want to see that you can also lead an undertaking, so I'd also push for some 1st author stuff. Depending on the GRE, a master's program may be the way to go.
 
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While you are doing great things like the research programs, I think you will likely struggle to even get your application a meaningful look with only a 3.0 GPA. The two areas that stand out as potential issues are your GPA and minimal research with you as the lead. A masters program that involves a research thesis (as opposed to something like a literature review) will allow you to show a strong, consistent GPA in graduate level courses while the thesis and related research can demonstrate familiarity with the research process. You may want to try for PhD and masters programs at the same time just to see if you can get a PhD spot, but it would mean a lot of time and money if you have to reapply later as well. In the meantime, I would also see if you can get 1st author posters at larger conferences (e.g., APA, ABCT). Many labs are generous with authorship when there has only been minimal work on a project. It would give me pause to see so many co-authored posters and only one 1st author at a college-level event.

Interesting input. Thank you.
It's a bit disappointing to think I'd need to earn a Master's first, but perhaps I should look into it more. I'm fairly confident that within the next year I'll be lead on more projects as my current team lead will be moving on and the professor in charge of my lab is shifting more responsibility to me. I'll keep you all updated, and hopefully I'll get some meaningful experience until then! :)
 
Hi guys, I'll be applying in the coming fall and was wondering what my chances are realistically. I'll be applying to mostly Canadian combined MA/PhD programs and a few US PhD programs (UT Southwestern Dallas, Schools in Chicago, Wayne State, etc.)

  • Education - B.Sc. Life Sciences with a major in Psychology from the University of Waterloo, Canada.
    • Last 2 year GPA - 3.78
    • Cumulative GPA- 3.50
    • Psych GPA- 3.94
  • Research & Clinical Experience
    • 3 years of on and off research jobs in a clinical neuropsychology research lab
    • 1 year research assistant position in a psychological intervential research lab
    • A summer internship as a research assistant in the psychiatry research unit at a well known childrens hospital. Also gained clinical experience with children running neuropsychological tests during this period
    • A nearly complete honours thesis
    • A summer research assistant job in the chemical engineering field through which I am a coauthor on a published paper.
    • Crisis centre distress line volunteer for 4 months
    • Have volunteers as a classroom assistant for children with disabilities in a classroom setting
    • Have done a 3 month internship as a group home worker with seniors with developmental disabilites
    • 1 months of shadowing a clinical psychologist and psychometrist in a hospital setting
I am currently studying for the GRE and will take it in July or August. I don't have any publications or poster presentations related to psych:/ However my LOR's from my internship and thesis supervisor will be strong. Will I be able to get in without any publications? As of yet I don't have plans on taking a gap year. Any suggestions/advice is appreciated!
 
Hi guys, I'll be applying in the coming fall and was wondering what my chances are realistically. I'll be applying to mostly Canadian combined MA/PhD programs and a few US PhD programs (UT Southwestern Dallas, Schools in Chicago, Wayne State, etc.)

  • Education - B.Sc. Life Sciences with a major in Psychology from the University of Waterloo, Canada.
    • Last 2 year GPA - 3.78
    • Cumulative GPA- 3.50
    • Psych GPA- 3.94
  • Research & Clinical Experience
    • 3 years of on and off research jobs in a clinical neuropsychology research lab
    • 1 year research assistant position in a psychological intervential research lab
    • A summer internship as a research assistant in the psychiatry research unit at a well known childrens hospital. Also gained clinical experience with children running neuropsychological tests during this period
    • A nearly complete honours thesis
    • A summer research assistant job in the chemical engineering field through which I am a coauthor on a published paper.
    • Crisis centre distress line volunteer for 4 months
    • Have volunteers as a classroom assistant for children with disabilities in a classroom setting
    • Have done a 3 month internship as a group home worker with seniors with developmental disabilites
    • 1 months of shadowing a clinical psychologist and psychometrist in a hospital setting
I am currently studying for the GRE and will take it in July or August. I don't have any publications or poster presentations related to psych:/ However my LOR's from my internship and thesis supervisor will be strong. Will I be able to get in without any publications? As of yet I don't have plans on taking a gap year. Any suggestions/advice is appreciated!
Your GPA isn't bad, but you need to do well on the GRE and write really good personal statements.

The thesis supervisor LOR is good, but I don't know how much mileage you will get from your internship supervisor's LOR. Three months is quite short and that kind of experience doesn't really lend itself much for your purposes here. Why aren't you getting LORs from the PIs of all this psych research you did? It might look a bit weird to have worked in a lab on-and-off for three years with no productivity and without getting a LOR from the PI, especially since one semester in the chem engineering lab got you coauthor on a pub.

What exactly did you do in these psych research labs? Was this just data entry and grunt work or were you contributing to the research on a more advanced level, e.g. helping develop the study, analyze data, or write a manuscript?

As far as where you are applying, are these programs with POIs doing things you are interested in working on and can feasibly write good personal statements demonstrating your fit with them? It seems like you are applying a bit based on geography, e.g. Chicago schools, which is generally inadvisable.
 
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Hello! First time poster, looking to get some feedback on my chances for admission into a top clinical psych/clinical science Ph.D. program. I'm an undergraduate junior and will be applying this year for admission in Fall 2018.

Stats:
GPA: 3.98
GRE: 162 verbal, 166 quant, 6.0 writing. I'm debating retaking to raise the verbal score. Haven't taken the psych GRE yet, but most programs I'm applying to don't require it.

Papers and posters:
1 first-author paper
1 second-author paper
3 papers (2 first-author, 1 third-author) papers in prep -- all to be submitted before applications
5 first-author posters at international and national conferences
1 third-author symposium at international conference
2 upcoming first-author posters, will be presented before applications

Experience: 3 years of research experience in 2 different labs, my papers and posters are from both of these labs. Both are related to my area of interest (staying vague for anonymity). I will be doing research this summer at an extremely well-known lab in my field. I did a clinical internship this year at a nearby mental health facility.

LORs: If all goes well with the summer research, I plan to have one letter come from the professor there (she is highly respected within the field), and the other 2 from the labs I'm in at school. Alternatively, I'll have the 2 letters from my research advisors at school, and the 3rd from a professor that I've taken 3 classes with and know well.

Schools: I've identified 16 schools with professors doing research in my areas of interest. Many just happen to be on the west coast, which I know is a very popular and desirable place to live -- but some are in the midwest, the south, and the east coast. If all those professors are taking students, I will apply to all 16 schools. I know ranking (via US News & World Report) isn't overly important, but have heard from my professors that those lists do a good job of grouping schools by prestige and quality. Most schools I'm applying to are in the top 25 on that list -- I'm lucky that I have a good research match with at least one professor at those places.

WAMC?? Any and all input appreciated!
 
Hello! First time poster, looking to get some feedback on my chances for admission into a top clinical psych/clinical science Ph.D. program. I'm an undergraduate junior and will be applying this year for admission in Fall 2018.

Stats:
GPA: 3.98
GRE: 162 verbal, 166 quant, 6.0 writing. I'm debating retaking to raise the verbal score. Haven't taken the psych GRE yet, but most programs I'm applying to don't require it.

Papers and posters:
1 first-author paper
1 second-author paper
3 papers (2 first-author, 1 third-author) papers in prep -- all to be submitted before applications
5 first-author posters at international and national conferences
1 third-author symposium at international conference
2 upcoming first-author posters, will be presented before applications

Experience: 3 years of research experience in 2 different labs, my papers and posters are from both of these labs. Both are related to my area of interest (staying vague for anonymity). I will be doing research this summer at an extremely well-known lab in my field. I did a clinical internship this year at a nearby mental health facility.

LORs: If all goes well with the summer research, I plan to have one letter come from the professor there (she is highly respected within the field), and the other 2 from the labs I'm in at school. Alternatively, I'll have the 2 letters from my research advisors at school, and the 3rd from a professor that I've taken 3 classes with and know well.

Schools: I've identified 16 schools with professors doing research in my areas of interest. Many just happen to be on the west coast, which I know is a very popular and desirable place to live -- but some are in the midwest, the south, and the east coast. If all those professors are taking students, I will apply to all 16 schools. I know ranking (via US News & World Report) isn't overly important, but have heard from my professors that those lists do a good job of grouping schools by prestige and quality. Most schools I'm applying to are in the top 25 on that list -- I'm lucky that I have a good research match with at least one professor at those places.

WAMC?? Any and all input appreciated!
Why would you retake the gre? Those are scores in the 90th+ percentile, yes?

Do the papers you have reflect an empirical project? Have you done any original work (start-to-finish)?

You look to be in pretty good shape. If you don't get in, get a full time RA job for a couple years, enjoy life, and hope for better luck next time.
 
I have a 3.3 GPA, Online Peer Counseling Experience, I got an Internship at the National Alliance of Mental Illness, and started a student organization, as well as helping develop a computer program that helps autistic kids. I am trying to join a lab next semester. Realistically what are my chances for getting into these programs?
 
I have a 3.3 GPA, Online Peer Counseling Experience, I got an Internship at the National Alliance of Mental Illness, and started a student organization, as well as helping develop a computer program that helps autistic kids. I am trying to join a lab next semester. Realistically what are my chances for getting into these programs?

Mod Note: Merged into the WAMC thread/sticky.
 
Hello! First time poster, looking to get some feedback on my chances for admission into a top clinical psych/clinical science Ph.D. program. I'm an undergraduate junior and will be applying this year for admission in Fall 2018.

Stats:
GPA: 3.98
GRE: 162 verbal, 166 quant, 6.0 writing. I'm debating retaking to raise the verbal score. Haven't taken the psych GRE yet, but most programs I'm applying to don't require it.

Papers and posters:
1 first-author paper
1 second-author paper
3 papers (2 first-author, 1 third-author) papers in prep -- all to be submitted before applications
5 first-author posters at international and national conferences
1 third-author symposium at international conference
2 upcoming first-author posters, will be presented before applications

Experience: 3 years of research experience in 2 different labs, my papers and posters are from both of these labs. Both are related to my area of interest (staying vague for anonymity). I will be doing research this summer at an extremely well-known lab in my field. I did a clinical internship this year at a nearby mental health facility.

LORs: If all goes well with the summer research, I plan to have one letter come from the professor there (she is highly respected within the field), and the other 2 from the labs I'm in at school. Alternatively, I'll have the 2 letters from my research advisors at school, and the 3rd from a professor that I've taken 3 classes with and know well.

Schools: I've identified 16 schools with professors doing research in my areas of interest. Many just happen to be on the west coast, which I know is a very popular and desirable place to live -- but some are in the midwest, the south, and the east coast. If all those professors are taking students, I will apply to all 16 schools. I know ranking (via US News & World Report) isn't overly important, but have heard from my professors that those lists do a good job of grouping schools by prestige and quality. Most schools I'm applying to are in the top 25 on that list -- I'm lucky that I have a good research match with at least one professor at those places.

WAMC?? Any and all input appreciated!
I would not waste time taking the GRE again. And prob not bother w the subject test either tbh.
 
Hello! First time poster, looking to get some feedback on my chances for admission into a top clinical psych/clinical science Ph.D. program. I'm an undergraduate junior and will be applying this year for admission in Fall 2018.

Stats:
GPA: 3.98
GRE: 162 verbal, 166 quant, 6.0 writing. I'm debating retaking to raise the verbal score. Haven't taken the psych GRE yet, but most programs I'm applying to don't require it.

Papers and posters:
1 first-author paper
1 second-author paper
3 papers (2 first-author, 1 third-author) papers in prep -- all to be submitted before applications
5 first-author posters at international and national conferences
1 third-author symposium at international conference
2 upcoming first-author posters, will be presented before applications

Experience: 3 years of research experience in 2 different labs, my papers and posters are from both of these labs. Both are related to my area of interest (staying vague for anonymity). I will be doing research this summer at an extremely well-known lab in my field. I did a clinical internship this year at a nearby mental health facility.

LORs: If all goes well with the summer research, I plan to have one letter come from the professor there (she is highly respected within the field), and the other 2 from the labs I'm in at school. Alternatively, I'll have the 2 letters from my research advisors at school, and the 3rd from a professor that I've taken 3 classes with and know well.

Schools: I've identified 16 schools with professors doing research in my areas of interest. Many just happen to be on the west coast, which I know is a very popular and desirable place to live -- but some are in the midwest, the south, and the east coast. If all those professors are taking students, I will apply to all 16 schools. I know ranking (via US News & World Report) isn't overly important, but have heard from my professors that those lists do a good job of grouping schools by prestige and quality. Most schools I'm applying to are in the top 25 on that list -- I'm lucky that I have a good research match with at least one professor at those places.

WAMC?? Any and all input appreciated!

I think you have a good shot, though I would add more "safety" schools. And remember that while the quality of the program is important, so is the quality of the POI.


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Hello! First time poster, looking to get some feedback on my chances for admission into a top clinical psych/clinical science Ph.D. program. I'm an undergraduate junior and will be applying this year for admission in Fall 2018.

Stats:
GPA: 3.98
GRE: 162 verbal, 166 quant, 6.0 writing. I'm debating retaking to raise the verbal score. Haven't taken the psych GRE yet, but most programs I'm applying to don't require it.

Papers and posters:
1 first-author paper
1 second-author paper
3 papers (2 first-author, 1 third-author) papers in prep -- all to be submitted before applications
5 first-author posters at international and national conferences
1 third-author symposium at international conference
2 upcoming first-author posters, will be presented before applications

Experience: 3 years of research experience in 2 different labs, my papers and posters are from both of these labs. Both are related to my area of interest (staying vague for anonymity). I will be doing research this summer at an extremely well-known lab in my field. I did a clinical internship this year at a nearby mental health facility.

LORs: If all goes well with the summer research, I plan to have one letter come from the professor there (she is highly respected within the field), and the other 2 from the labs I'm in at school. Alternatively, I'll have the 2 letters from my research advisors at school, and the 3rd from a professor that I've taken 3 classes with and know well.

Schools: I've identified 16 schools with professors doing research in my areas of interest. Many just happen to be on the west coast, which I know is a very popular and desirable place to live -- but some are in the midwest, the south, and the east coast. If all those professors are taking students, I will apply to all 16 schools. I know ranking (via US News & World Report) isn't overly important, but have heard from my professors that those lists do a good job of grouping schools by prestige and quality. Most schools I'm applying to are in the top 25 on that list -- I'm lucky that I have a good research match with at least one professor at those places.

WAMC?? Any and all input appreciated!

I might try and get post undergrad research experience which is often more robust and involved.
 
I would not waste time taking the GRE again. And prob not bother w the subject test either tbh.

I would agree on the general test, but I would actually advise taking the subject test if you're aiming at top clinical science schools - while some of them don't "require" the subject test, a large proportion "strongly recommend" it, and there's no reason to limit your chances of success by not doing it. It's not going to be a deciding factor for admission, but it's one more box to check off, and an easy one at that.
 
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