neuroJ

If you're going to get loans you'd fill out a FAFSA. However, 'funding' isn't a loan or a grant. It's more like a shitty, shitty, paycheck, so you have to do the paper work that you would for a job W-2s or W-9s or something, but you don't have to fill out a FAFSA application (at least from what I've seen).

Hi myanlee, nessa had some really good advice, when programs evaluate candidates, they are not so much looking at a set of credentials as they are trying to figure out if the candidate would be a good fit for the program- that is they have research interests that line up with certain faculty. Taking the time to get research experience will be really valuable as it will help shape your interests, and will demonstrate to admissions committees that you are capable/interested in doing clinical research. On the topic of studying for the GRE: it's great that you're starting so early. I think one important thing to do is to just add words to your vocabulary. Tons of words. On the order of a hundreds or even a few thousand words. It's not necessarily a hard thing to do, it just takes a loooong time to do it. While a lot of the GRE is certainly about learning 'how' to take the test, I think there's nothing that is so straightforward and helpful to do as learning new words. You can start with vocab lists that prep books provide. Also, don't just learn 1 definition for each word: the GRE test writers like to use the less common 3rd and 4th definitions of words.

I would say don't count your chickens before their hatched- unless you have it in writing that you're getting a promotion, it wouldn't seem worth it to throw away the school opportunity. (that said, remember: grad school is in fact, a trap and is no guarantee of an amazing job)

With the proviso that I'm not in a clinical program (though I applied to one or two schools), I think it depends on the type of work you do. For instance, administering structured interviews would be easy to consider clinical experience, but just doing a little data entry in a clinical lab would be a bit of a stretch (though likely still valuable in its own right if you're applying to research oriented programs).

Yup. Not much to gain, plenty to lose. That said, if you find yourself dragged in to a conversation on politics, don't freak out about it, but do try to steer away from the topic as best you can.

Another potential method is to join research societies of the subfields you're interested in. Some societies advertise RA opportunities submitted by their members through their email list or journal.

The answers here all good ones but let me stress the research one. An example of what you could do would be to volunteer/(hopefully find a paid position) as an RA for a lab that does work on some clinical topic (say PTSD or depression). These labs often use structured interviews to assess their experimental participants, and often have well trained RAs conduct the interviews.

Quick follow-up. Just realized you said you were a junior. Kudos for being so on top of things! One thing that may be a great idea for you is to try to go to a conference or two in the next year (if you have a poster to present great, if not it's also really beneficial). It's a great way to meet people and to find out about other exciting work. (They're also a lot of fun).

schoolpsych_hopeful has it right on for looking for schools- you should be focusing on your fit with potential advisers and to this point, your research mentors are a great resource for you. They probably have a sense of what you're interested in and can point you towards faculty you would want to work with. Another way to look in to schools is to go to specific research papers you think are interesting and find out more about the authors. To answer your other question, you definitely sound like a well qualified applicant! I believe that students are often accepted to top programs directly from undergrad, so don't let that stop you. Of course (and hopefully this won't happen for you) it is sometimes the case that very well qualified applicants don't get in the first time they apply (happened to me). Part of the reason this process is so tough is that you really do have to find a program that is a good match for you- sometimes that just takes a while, and can be easier the second time around, so sometimes having to apply multiple times ends up being a good thing. So really, there's no reason not to apply- you very well could get in, or in the worst case scenario, you will have to apply again, but you'll be much better prepared for it. Best of luck!

I know this is general advice that you have probably heard before, but I think it's a really important (and it took me forever to learn to do this): To find more labs, the best thing to do is read papers written by people whose work you are interested in (in your case Davidson, Egner and Wager). It will help you in writing your SOP and from the common citations in work you find interesting, you will be able to discover people who you might also want to work with.

Chin up psych01, rejection feels terrible, but everyone goes through it. I know how you feel, I felt broken when I was rejected the first time round, my self-esteem was so constructed around 'being smart' which meant I would never fail. But everyone fails- that's how you learn things. Your stats seem solid enough- I don't know if right now you would be competitive at one of the top programs, but it seems like you're on your way to having a really good application. It seems like there are several things you can do to improve your chances. The first, like Musicforfun said, is to try to improve your GRE score. 1240 is good but it would be better to bring it up. The nice thing is you can totally do that- I think the GRE tests not necessarily any innate ability but more your level of preparation and skill at taking the GRE test. It's a skill you cna improve on- all it takes is concentrated effort. Just add words to your vocab- use flashcards and sentence writing any time you get a free moment and practice the math section. The math section has a pretty finite number of types of problems, the more you do them, the easier they'll get. You might even want to consider taking a class. Also, you could try taking the psych GRE - though I have never heard of it influencing admissions all that much, it's at least a way to signify you are serious about doing psychology. Make sure you have a really solid understanding of what you want to do and how it relates to who you are applying to. GRE and GPA are gatekeepers- they'll get you in the first round. Getting in to grad school is really, really about fit- if profs don't understand why you are interested in their work they won't look at you. Also, I really think just being older helps. You will know yourself better (and therefore write a stronger personal statement), hopefully have some more research experience (try to stay involved any way you can in psych research during your time off) and will also seem like you are applying to psych grad school because it's what you know you want to do, not simply just something to do after undergrad. Good luck! Don't let a fear of a round of rejections hold you back from applying- you'll be much madder at yourself later if you don't try.

I completely agree with this. I think it is really important to get research experience as soon as you can- I was able to start my freshman year and it gave me the chance to try working in several different types of labs. Moreover, as sesquipedale said, if you start early in your undergrad career in a lab and stick with it, you will have the time to develop some valuable technical skills that can make you an even more attractive candidate when you go to apply to grad school. Profs who are choosing between candidates how have similar 'numbers' (GPA GRE etc...) are likely to favor a candidate who won't need a long training period just to be 'caught up to speed' on research techniques. Summer research programs are another reason to consider starting at a research university right away- these programs are something you generally apply for your sophomore or junior year and not only look great on grad apps, but can be really fun, and rewarding experiences (both in terms of intellectual and personal development). I am not sure how it works to apply for these programs from community colleges, but if you have already been working in a lab for a little while, I believe you have a much chance at getting one. Again, it does come down to financial realities- it's never a good idea to put yourself massively in debt, so if money will be a major problem CC may be a great option. However, another thing to consider is that starting research experience early really gives you a leg up in finding scholarships/fellowships both during your undergrad career. It will also help you get in to more competitive graduate programs- programs which generally have more and better funding for students. So in short going to a CC for your first couple of years could potentially be penny wise but pound foolish: if you want to go to top grad programs, and you are aggressive about finding research and funding opportunities, starting your career at a research university could ultimately be the prudent choice. tldr; starting research your freshman/sophomore year can be invaluable; bolstering your ability to get into grad school and secure funding during your undergrad and grad career. *caveat- this was written from a more 'hard science' oriented perspective. It really depends on what type of field you think you might want to go in to.

Hey quark, If you're looking for short walk then the Vilas neighborhood would probably be a great place to start for you. There are some undergrads but much of Vilas has a more grad student/young family feel. A little further away would be the willie/jennifer street area. It's a real quick bike ride and it's close some really great restaurants/bars/coffee shops. I also have several friends who have been happy living on East Johnson- though the closer you get to the capital on the near east side, the more undergrads you'll find. If you want to avoid the undergrads stay away from Langdon/west gorham area as well as west Mifflin/west washington/parts of the basset neighborhood.

hi neuropsych, I wouldn't really worry about funding too much... while specific details of financial packages vary depending on what school and program area you apply to (I haven't seen too many social cog neuro programs per se, you will likely be applying to a couple different types of programs), I get the impression that most all psych PhD programs are funded (tuition remission + stipend).

It does feel good to be decided, although now I can't wait for it to be september! I'll probably be doing grad housing. I just don't think I'd be able to find a place off campus that I'd be happy with without having a bit of time to do it in person. Besides, rent's so cheap and it's right there...