Hopefulgrad87

I am interested in pursuing School/Clinical Psychology doctorate programs. I have some professors and research lab PIs I can use, and have used in the past. However, I have been working in Applied Behavior Analysis in a clinical setting for over a year now, with ages varying between 2 and 18. I have been supervised by 3 BCBAs and they can speak to my passion for working with kids, especially with behavioral problems, ability to build rapport, my scientific mindset, attention to details, etc. Would it be frowned upon to have one of the BCBAs, who owns the facility, to be a letter of recommendation? Or do I need to just stick with research PIs and past professors? Thanks in advance!

But how long should they be. I interviewed with 2 profs (one was POI, other was a close friend of theirs) and 4 grad students (2 from the lab of the POI and 2 from other labs). Should the thank yous be longer for the POI/both profs? Should all be short? I am always afraid to be an annoyance as I know they get many emails every day.

I, too, would like to know. I am also very socially awkward, including formal interviews. I also have a mixer after the interviews, as well as an informal dinner with my POI and the lab the night before. I've been reading other lab members' interests and papers they first-authored in case I don't know what to talk about. But what about other faculty? Like you said, are we just supposed to act like we know them? I also don't want to come off as only work-minded! (Not trying to hijack thread btw. Just saying excellent question!)

I appreciate the help. I keep practicing, but I keep finding myself messing up. I hope I'm just overthinking everything. Thanks!

Thanks for the update! I greatly appreciate the insight

So, for questions like "Tell me about yourself" or "Why this program?" or even "Tell me about your research background," how long should my answer be? When I practice my answers out loud, the "Tell me about yourself" one ends up around 20-30 seconds. I go a "One word that best describes me" approach, and give broad examples. For "Why this program?," my answer clocks in at around 15-40 seconds (depends on with whom I am speaking, as they don't always know all that I expect the POI to know). And my answers to other questions are normally pretty concise. Also, I try not to rehearse my responses word for word, so they vary there too. Any suggestions on length of answer to some of the more common/expected questions? Thanks for all your help, everyone!

Alright, thanks for all the advice guys!

Are you sure I wouldn't need any? I was just concerned because different sources have suggested to carry some in case faculty I interview with don't have a copy. Not to mention, I've changed jobs since I applied, do my CV has changed. I guess regular paper, if any, then?

I've read all sorts of views on it, but I'm not sure of the answer still. On what type of paper should I print my CV that I bring with me to interviews? I've heard from some just to use regular geberal purpose paper, while others say nothing short of Southworth 32lb 100% cotton would suffice. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

Alright, thanks for the input!

Thanks for your quick reply! I've made very sure there's no means of obtaining them through Google. As for requesting through the library, I am using my ex's login for access, as my previous school has disabled my account since graduating. At least one of the journals does not appear to be one this library subscribes to. I'm not exactly sure how this would be handled in this case. If I did request it from the POI, you don't think it would appear like brown-nosing or anything? Thanks again!

I am trying to get access to the POI's recent articles, but the last 5 or so are all still too new to view through my current research engine means (using campus tools). I'd need to pay $40 to read each. Is it okay if I ask to read it from the POI? Or is this frowned upon? Thanks!

Alright, I think I got some good ideas. I greatly appreciate your input! And it is reassuring to hear that it isn't uncommon. Thanks again, everyone.

Thanks for the replies. The reason I am wondering about mentioning the breakup is because before I moved, I was at a job that was very relevant to the clinical work I'd be doing in the grad program. Though, my new job has a different age group and settings, but same principles. Won't she wonder why I decided to readily to pick up and move from the previous, more relevant position if I just say because I got offered a new job?

Since I submitted my personal statement, I have broken up with my girlfriend and subsequently moved to a new state. I have an interview and my new job is relevant to the work. When the interviewer asks why I moved, how truthful should I be? If I mention it was due to a relationship ending, this could be worrying to them how I'd handle it in grad school or they may think I was too open with personal details. Thoughts? Thanks!