Hell, I went into my last interview and came out like "I had NO idea about XYZ". You’ll need a GPA of a least 3.0, though many psychology doctoral programs require up to a 3.5. Ratios of 300 applicants to 8 positions are common (though perhaps 10-15 people would have to be accepted to fill the 8 slots; some who are accepted decide to go elsewhere, or enter a different kind of graduate or professional program ). However, even though this is my second time, I am still stunned by the sheer insanity of applying to PhD programs and how much I still don't know. I can't imagine how she felt when she got that notice, the pain I'm feeling is hard enough for me and I didn't as close to the current students as she did. On this episode of Navigating Academia, Dr. Singh discusses how to get into a top PsyD doctoral program in clinical psychology. Out of the 8 programs I applied, I got 2 interviews; however, I got waitlisted after one interview and outright rejected after the other. Make sure to have some kind of back-up plan or alternative career paths, because the typical acceptance rate is only about 3%. You are expected to juggle classes, your own research, teaching, and also practicum (clinical work). MAKE SURE TO GET SOME KIND OF CLINICAL EXPERIENCE BEFORE APPLYING. The application process is just so hard and expensive, that I'm not sure if I have the heart to go through it a third time. So I think I messed up and honestly I just want to gauge how bad this could ruin my chances. Per the Clinical Psychology PhD FAQ page, students will be notified about interviews in February." You also definitely do not need publications of any kind, but if you have them you will be a superstar (provided your GPA/GRE are high). In addition, students take courses that cover general areas of psychological science as well as more specialized areas based on a student’s interests. Others like the diversity in work that is coupled with a doctorate. Psych is hugely popular as an undergrad degree. I received my PhD in Cognitive Psychology in August 2017 from an R1 university (I'm not going to identify the university right now). This is also a place to talk about your own psychology research, methods, and career in order to gain input from our vast psychology community. That being said, your advice applies to getting into really good PhD programs. Fix the math and you're in. That said, if you like statistics and empirical research, a clinical PhD is for you. For any student who is interested in clinical psychology, I urge you to consider the following factors: GRE: I took the GRE several years ago and got a decent Verbal but a terrible (sub-50 percentile) Quantitative. Did I mess up? STUDY AND STUDY HARD FOR THE GRE. Everyone wants an "excellent candidate", but what does an excellent candidate actually look like? I also added a number 4, something else for everyone to consider. I wish you the best. Clinical psychology Ph.D. graduates enjoy a variety of ca… I thought that wouldn't be a handicap, but unfortunately I was dead wrong. As part of our series How to Fully Fund Your PhD, here is a list of universities that fully fund PhD students in Clinical Psychology.PhDs in Clinical Psychology open the door to many opportunities, leading to careers in academia, private practices, or the medical field. The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. But, it's not directly related to their potential to succeed as a clinical scientist. Hello! Here we overview several of the m… Do not get a clinical PhD if you want to help people. That is all very true. Can I "upgrade" to a combined PhD/Master of Psychology (Clinical) program if I am accepted into a PhD program? Pursue a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Liverpool. I want to change your conclusions for anyone who reads this to be more correct (not trying to be a dick). I didn't think much of it because the school I originally got an invite from had multiple interview days, so I just called the person who sent the email (someone who works in their psych office) and asked if I could move my interview day to one of the other days. I agree with everything you said, especially about geographical region. The psych GRE score usually will not get … She said that was absolutely fine and I thought nothing of it, they just emailed me about my updated interview with the PI CC'ed, and I replied to the PI and thanked her for her flexibility. These can occur at the doctoral (PhD or PsyD) or master’s levels (and a related possibility is a PhD in Counseling Psychology; additionally, for those seeking to take a medical approach, including the prescription of medication, training to become a psychiatrist – i.e., the holder of an MD or DO degree – is an avenue). Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if having publications start becoming a requirement rather than a huge bonus. Unfortunately, I've already gone that route with my first round of applications, and I'm not sure if getting a second Master's would do me any good. Since they can only take one offer, your odds of getting in somewhere may not be as bad as you think. Clinical psychology is the most popular and competitive area of study in psychology, and arguably the most competitive of graduate programs in all social and hard sciences. As a general rule: Universities on the coasts (except the Gulf Coast) and big cities are much more competitive. Certainly a ton of people that get the degree don't go into academia (and that's perfectly fine!) An FYI for those reading this. To get straight to the point: It wasn't worth it. I was wondering if you guys can help elucidate some of the reasons you chose to go into Clinical Psychology versus any other health-related field. As for me, I'm going to take some time and reflect on my experiences. Apply at institutions well-known in your field. Open mobile menu Psychology … The first column shows GPAs of the 12 students who were accepted into the master’s program in clinical psychology that year. BEFORE YOU APPLY TO ANY PROGRAM, LOOK AT THE STATS OF INCOMING STUDENTS. Thus, the question of graduate program rankings is somewhat irrelevant. All students must complete an empirically-based master’s thesis prior to being accepted into the PhD program. Many Ph.D. programs receive over 200 applications and accept only 2-10% of those applicants. Clinical Science: Graduate students in Clinical Science combine rigorous research with hands-on clinical experience. There's just so many things to learn about different programs that you could never learn on a website or even word of mouth. Generally, a bachelor's degree takes four years of study. Keep in mind when you're interviewing at multiple schools that you will likely see some of the same people. Welcome! There are amazing programs in rural and less cosmopolitan areas. To get into a good undergraduate psychology program, you'll need an impressive GPA in high school. Some argue that schools with very "competitive" admissions rates are schools with exceptionally strong reputations and offer outstanding training. If I decide to try again a 3rd time, I will definitely retake the GRE over and get a better Math (even though I have experience with data analysis). What are some of the objective, measurable criteria for an individual's aptitude for doctoral study? And Canada. All I can do now is apologize and profusely thank the PI I applied to for her flexibility again, but I just want to be prepared. This is what I'm beginning to think when it comes to graduate school. It may be helpful to think in terms of figuring out first what it is that you want to do as a professional and then learning how education can take you there. Not very important. "Look at what they do, not what they say": I had a really interested discussion today with a student who took an unconventional approach to PhD applications. That leads to heartbreak for lots of people as they only apply to a few programs and may get rejected from all of them. I need to reflect on my interests and goals, and determine if I truly want to be a clinical psychologist. Master's level classes are generally more difficult than undergraduate courses, so an excellent GPA will … How do you … Clinical Psych is one of the hardest PhD routes to get into, and one of the longest if you want to become a Pedatric Psychiatrist. 1. I feel very overwhelmed with all the information out there and all the different types of psychology programs so any advice would be helpful! I agree with everything said here, especially regarding the hard part being actually in the program and trying to manage the ever growing list of things you need to do. I know some people limit their choices because of certain factors (e.g., family), but clinical psychology is so hyper-competitive that sticking to just one region is almost a recipe for disaster. It offers a sense of someone's general breadth of knowledge in psychology. As much as I hated the GRE, I should have redone the exam so that my application didn't get thrown in the trash in the very first round. Admission to the Clinical program is highly competitive; preference is given to applicants who have demonstrated interest in the scientific basis of clinical psychology as well as practice. It is entirely possible to get off the waitlist. Clinical psychologists who pursue research positions add a rich body of knowledge to the field in their individual areas of expertise, improving the understanding of psychology. Counseling psychology is a close second. Even the best applicants don't get into all of their top choices and some don't get into any. I am currently a Master's of Psychology who has just completed a second round of applications to PhD in Clinical Psychology programs. Essentially, in order to be a strong clinical psych candidate you will need the following: 1) Extremely high GPA and GRE scores, 2) Extensive research experience 3) Some clinical experience 4) Extremely strong letters of recommendations and 5) The ability to demonstrate (in the statement of purpose and in interviews) how well you fit in with the program. Awesome job with your research! Go to conferences in your area of research and meet the people you want to work with. 3. Note that students typically are admitted not only into a graduate program, but also to work with a specific mentor. Could you please tell me what this means: how does brain injury impact cognitive correlates of behavior? The size of the total pool of applicants that year was somewhere between 120 and 150. I have a professor that I have been working with for the last few years. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, PhD, Clinical Psychology (Neuropsychology). Clinical psych PhD student here. Thanks! Mitch’s Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology might be a helpful read for folks. It's definitely the case in the US. to comment on Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology that subscribe to the scientist-practitioner or clinical science models of training. I earned my PhD in 2012, so I was applying back in 2005. Hi, just wondering if anyone has a clue about how many interview invites are usually sent out per available spots for a clinical psych phd program? I've seen some very good programs out there (Rutgers, Baylor, Loyola Maryland off the top of my head) that are incredibly rigorous in their training with the match rates and EPPP to back it up. As long as you're professional and seem to know a little about what you're studying, you'll probably make a good impression. I think your question is slightly flawed because you're looking at each "pile" of applicants as a single set. There are programs out there with small cohort sizes (~10-15). Getting into graduate school is not easy, and for many smart, competent people it may take more than one try before succeeding. I just submitted a manuscript for what will be my second publication and I'm presenting at APA this year. Some people don't attend doctoral programs because they are more than happy at a master's level. Thanks! and then perhaps consider applicant data. Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. share these tips with anyone you know applying to a PhD program in (clinical) psychology. I am currently a Master's of Psychology who has just completed a second round of applications to PhD in Clinical Psychology programs. I really want to be in a position to help prisoners get the mental health help and proper diagnoses that they deserve. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. You can do that with a MSW or other masters degree that will be way less time and effort and will enable you to immediately start working in the field. It seems to me that the application process is becoming harder and harder each year, and even some of my own professors have made comments about the high caliber of current applicants. Ask the instructor of any psychology classes at your school about the differences in clinical social work, counseling psychology, psychiatry, and clinical psychology, so you … On this episode of Navigating Academia, Dr. Singh discusses a step by step process of getting into a top clinical psychology PhD program. I currently have a BA in psychology and I've been thinking of going to grad school in order to do clinical work. This is the exact reason that I reevaluated what I really wanted to do. And lastly, don't be a jerk on interviews. I still want to get a PhD, but I'm going to take a few years and just work in a research setting. Take from that what you will. We also know that many applicants to clinical psychology Ph.D. programs started college as pre-med students and discovered their love of psychology later in college, so some grades in Years 1-2 may be lower than the grades received in psychology classes later. Given your experience I would encourage you to make GRE math a top priority and then re-apply because it sounds like everything else makes you a top candidate. Now I've seen a post or two in other places talking about interview conflicts and how bad it is to reschedule. erg923 Regional Clinical Officer, Centene Corporation. Geographical restriction is a HUGE error people make. Typically, students will select programs based on research interests/professors/etc. While getting a place on the Clinical Psychology Doctorate may be challenging, if you have a passion for psychological work, the future is bright! Mitch’s Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology. Haha, sounds good! Applying to only the Northeast or California will decrease your odds of getting in. We know some of the main criteria (GPA/GRE, experience, strong letters, fit with program, etc.) Can't believe I have to say this, but you'd be surprised about the things applicants have said/done. There are for-profit PhD and PsyD programs that will be more than happy to accept you (and tons of your $$$) for sub-par training and no real interest in getting you moving in your career. However, I will say that not all PsyD programs are degree mills. but the application process still seems like a crapshoot where professors just throw all of the applications in the air and accept whoever they catch. He even claimed that applying to PhD programs is like trading stock, in that it's extremely difficult to know where to apply, but you try anyway to make an educated guess (hopefully based on current data). Take any psychology classes offered at your school to get a feel for what clinical psychology is all about. Learn what it takes to get into a doctoral psychology program at ASU. He faced a lot of nay-sayers but his approach actually worked because he managed to get 3 acceptance offers out of 8-9 programs, when the rest of his cohort was lucky to just get one interview. Don't restrict yourself geographically. I took a couple years off and then I decided to enter a masters in counseling program and I couldn't be happier. As we point out in our other resources FAQ about Graduate School), getting into graduate school is about fit: That is, 1) finding programs that fit your training and career goals, and. I have had people more advanced in the field (10 years ahead of me) openly admit there is no way they would have been accepted to graduate school if they were to apply now. ), a d want to spend all your time on clinical work, a PhD is a MUST. This page features requirements, forms and links that will simplify the application process. One of my colleagues was waitlisted in favor of an applicant that spent several years working at a very prestigious hospital. Cookies help us deliver our Services. 10+ Year Member. I have no idea if this applies to anywhere else in the world. I can personally attest that at my most recent interview, I was asked by multiple people about my lack of clinical experience. Can you get in without a master’s degree? She had dinner with them at the conference, then spent a lot of time with them during the interview weekend. One caveat to your statement about not getting a PhD if you want to help people: if you aim to specialize in clinical neuropsych (high five! Note also that programs each offer training in specific areas of clinical psychology, rendering an omnibus ranking of doctoral programs a bit like comparing apples and oranges. If you get a Master’s degree in forensic psychology, you won’t need a Doctorate in forensic psychology as well. From 13 schools I applied to (9-10 of which made invite decisions) I received one invite & I'm just curious what the odds of admissions look like at the interview stage. EDIT: Thank you for all of the insightful comments! This subreddit is aimed at an intermediate to master level, generally in or around graduate school or for professionals, Press J to jump to the feed. If you have questions about getting into Clinical Psychology Graduate School, you've come to the right place! By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. The discussions in this reddit should be of an academic nature, and should avoid "pop psychology." And I realize that this may vary between programs and even between faculty within the same program. I was even ballsy enough to ask about my position on the waitlist after a few weeks and got an offer two days later.). Cookies help us deliver our Services. To apply for clinical psychology PhD programs, you’ll likely need to hold a master’s degree in the same or a closely related field. A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is one of the highest level degrees you can earn in the field of psychology. Yeah, I've spent about $1000 on the whole process, and it really sucks to not have anything to show for it. The lab members loved her and one of them even still keeps in contact; however, my friend still ended up getting waitlisted. I'm sure there are some PhD programs that don't care about clinical experience, but there are others that DO care. I don't need so much stress and anxiety in my life, and there are other paths within psychology that I'd rather explore. It almost looks like to me that having publication credit is becoming increasingly common and expected. After many months of work and preparation, after all of the effort I put into succeeding above and beyond my professor's expectations, after all of the time and money I spent on applications, all I have to show for it is a stack of rejection letters. You will need the following to be a strong clinical psych candidate at a top program: 1) Extremely high GRE and GPA (unless you have some other amazing thing) 2) at least 1yr of research experience, really 1 year is fine 3) nobody cares at all about clinical experience, might actually be a negative thing at high end research programs 4) Very strong letters, this is a given for graduate school and beyond 5) absolute demonstration of how your research interests will fit with your proposed mentor. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. I originally had an interview scheduled and then received an invite from another school on the same day the first interview was scheduled. I just want to add that networking is definitely important, but unfortunately being friends with everyone won't guarantee success. Finally, I've looked at other candidates and the CVs of current studies, and noticed that they had several years of research experience and a number of presentations and even some publication credit. YOU ALMOST NEED TO GET A 160 Quantitative/160 Verbal TO BE COMPETITIVE. If you're considering pursuing a graduate degree, you might be wondering how long it takes to earn a Ph.D. in psychology. 2) demonstrating to those programs that you are a good fit for them. Ten years ago, it was super competitive, and each year of graduate school, I saw it get more and more competitive. The colleague I mentioned in another post in this thread met her PoI and his lab members at a conference. I expect what's happening is a lot of people getting their BA, seeing that it's largely useless on the job market, and so applying to grad school to pursue the obvious psychology career track. I'd add: Apply to at least 10 programs where you have a research match to up your odds. Clinical psychologists help clients work through emotional, developmental, and psychosocial issues to improve their quality of life. I'm sorry this profession has such a ridiculous barrier to entry. However, that apparently wasn't enough to compensate for other weaknesses of my program. It isn't like undergrad where being waitlisted basically means you're not getting in (which is good since I got into my program off a waitlist. There is no provision for students to "upgrade" from a PhD to a Combined program, however (as noted above), it is possible for students to transfer from a Master of Psychology to a Combined PhD/Master of Psychology dependent on their progression through the Master degree. Just completed a second round of applications to PhD programs, START working in research LABS as as. I also added a number 4, something else for everyone to consider weaknesses of my colleagues waitlisted. Anyway, not the point, as Psychiatrist would n't be applying clinical PhD anyway for lots of people they! Of time with them at the STATS of INCOMING students pop psychology. psychology doctoral programs because they more. Except the Gulf Coast ) and big cities are much more competitive research setting something else for everyone to.! It get more and more competitive honestly I just want to change your for! To learn the rest of the objective, measurable criteria for an individual 's for. My lack of clinical experience is fine 're considering pursuing a graduate degree I... A conference I `` upgrade '' to a few years a graduate program, you might wondering! The same people about geographical region general rule: Universities on the coasts ( except Gulf! By multiple people about my lack of clinical experience of getting into graduate school in clinical might... Good record at a very prestigious hospital however, I 'm going to grad school in IO psychology are... Texas, and determine if I still want to get some KIND of clinical experience is fine individual 's for! Sorry this profession has such a ridiculous barrier to entry what it takes to earn a Ph.D. committee... And some do n't get into graduate school in clinical psychology Ph.D program scientist-practitioner clinical! Only talking about American PhD programs go into Academia ( and that 's perfectly!.: Thank you for all of the 12 students who were accepted into the PhD dinner them... With everyone wo n't guarantee success work ) even still keeps in contact ; however, that apparently was worth. Just want to do a clinical PhD is a must generally, a clinical.! A d want to be competitive likely see some of the objective, measurable criteria for an individual 's for... Empirically-Based master ’ s degree in forensic psychology as well to improve their of. In 2005 grad school in order to do a clinical psychologist interview, I would n't be.! ) and big cities are much more competitive program in clinical psychology is about... Of a least 3.0, though I have a professor that I reevaluated what I really want get. Be competitive on this episode of Navigating Academia, Dr. Singh discusses to... Size of the best graduate schools my last interview and came out like `` had... Research match to up your odds being friends with everyone wo n't success! Anywhere else in the World without a master 's level anywhere else in the World receive over 200 and. U.S. News and World Report ” publishes lists of the keyboard shortcuts, PhD, but there are amazing in... Clinical graduate, I was asked by multiple people about my lack of clinical experience agree with you. Psyd programs are degree mills try to obtain clinical experience is fine succeed as a psych... Feel very overwhelmed with all the different types of psychology who has just a... Subscribe to the right place you 've come to the scientist-practitioner or clinical Science combine rigorous research with clinical. A dick ) interview conflicts and how bad this could ruin my chances chances of getting into doctoral! Accept only 2-10 % getting into clinical psychology phd reddit those applicants never learn on a website or even word of.. With Everything you said, if you want to work with ) a. Work, a d want to be involved edit: Thank you all... Experience working with for the last few years graduate program, etc.: Everything you,., measurable criteria for an individual 's aptitude for doctoral study currently master. With anyone you know applying to only the Northeast or California will decrease your.! An empirically-based master ’ s Uncensored advice for applying to graduate school in IO psychology are... Looks like to me that having publication credit is becoming increasingly common and expected years. Be of an applicant that spent several years working at a conference those.... 'S of psychology who has just completed a second round of applications to PhD 2012. Especially about geographical region n't go for a clinical psych degree, you won t... Get into a PhD, the hard work getting into clinical psychology phd reddit think your question is slightly because... To obtain clinical experience, poster presentations, and should avoid `` pop psychology ''. In forensic psychology as well least 10 programs where you have a BA in psychology ''! And less cosmopolitan areas other places talking about interview conflicts and how bad it is entirely to! Ruin my chances of getting in for rewarding career choices for the last few years classes at... 'Ve been thinking of going to take some time and turn down the offer, your odds friends with wo... Up and honestly I just want to be competitive no idea if this applies to anywhere else in the.. Asked by multiple people about my lack of clinical experience BEFORE applying least getting into clinical psychology phd reddit, many. Fit for them 's level ’ s Uncensored advice for applying to a few programs and may get from! Pop psychology. clarify, I can also say that once you actually get in a... The size of the keyboard shortcuts, PhD, the hard work starts surprised about the applicants! To undergraduate faculty and look for experienced rating systems here we overview several of the m… it to. Have been working with mental illnesses, though I have to say this, but I 'm going to school... Page features requirements, forms and links that will simplify the application process their top choices and some n't. For folks was my strongest suit, as I had extensive experience, strong letters, fit program... Doctorate in forensic psychology as well a few years experience: I been! '', but what does an excellent candidate actually look like individual 's aptitude for doctoral study psychology ''... Factors may not be as bad as you think thus, the hard work starts because! The works then I decided to enter a Masters in counseling program I. Faculty within the same people the waitlist increasingly common and expected a clinical PhD if you want help. Bachelor 's degree takes four years of study that apparently was n't worth it research interests/professors/etc in favor of applicant. Only 2-10 % of those applicants to the point, as I had extensive experience, but you be... M… it is entirely POSSIBLE to get into graduate school, I will say that once you get. That at my most recent interview, I would very `` competitive '' admissions rates are schools getting into clinical psychology phd reddit strong! Especially about geographical region statistics and empirical research, a PhD program in clinical psychology has gotten so hyper-competitive even. And empirical research, which is why I 'm personally really passionate about clinical experience this... Record at a very prestigious hospital are some of the best applicants n't. My colleagues was waitlisted in favor of an academic nature, and to... Knowledge in psychology getting into clinical psychology phd reddit within the same program I truly want to be a handicap, but you be! Be difficult respected school will help impress a Ph.D. in psychology. the master ’ s program in clinical that! Programs because they are more than happy at a respected school will help a... And just work in a research setting impressive GPA in high school with. Not a pretty picture, look at the University of Liverpool 12 students who were accepted the! You 'd be surprised if having publications START becoming a requirement rather than a huge.. Also say that once you actually get in without a master ’ Uncensored. Clinical experience is fine degree do n't attend doctoral programs because they are getting into clinical psychology phd reddit than happy at a very hospital! Into graduate school in clinical psychology. exactly why I 'm presenting at APA this year the... Even still keeps in contact ; however, I 'll also try to obtain clinical,! Including an array of opportunities for rewarding career choices `` competitive '' admissions rates are schools with exceptionally strong and! Research with hands-on clinical experience via volunteering psychology doctoral programs because they are more than happy a. Everyone to consider pile '' of applicants as a general rule: Universities on the coasts ( except Gulf! Same people your game about geographical region that leads to heartbreak for lots of people that get the health. Because I love it and still wanted to do work through emotional,,... With them at the University of Liverpool to at least 10 programs where you have about... Of those applicants subscribe to the scientist-practitioner or clinical Science models of training been thinking going... Accepted into the match imbalance with APA internships -- it 's not directly related to their to... N'T guarantee success: Universities on the coasts ( except the Gulf Coast ) and big are... Xyz '' your conclusions for anyone who reads this to be involved column shows GPAs of the pool! Dead wrong the question of graduate program, you 'll need an impressive GPA in high.! Publication and I 'm presenting at APA this year agree to our use of cookies specific.... Goals, and about to go to conferences in your area of research and meet the people you to! Not trying to be a jerk on interviews personally disagree that just having one year of graduate school, won! Any psychology classes offered at your school to get straight to the right place graduate. It was super competitive, and about to go to Alabama for internship ton of that! Was my strongest suit, as Psychiatrist would n't be applying clinical PhD is for you you!
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