osculations

You know what would be funny?  Once we get the emails and our results, we should edit all our posts so that future applicants think we got our results much, much later (like, early May).  I know, that would be cruel but amusing if we could pull it off

I'd totally disagree. If you're going to make a life altering decision and need more than a week to make your choice, you should wait as long as you need to. I feel for those on the waitlist, but I don't think it's not proper etiquette.

I totally understand and agree with you. I had one of the offers for less than a week and I was told by one of the programs I was accepted to that they do not use a wait list - they just accept a certain number and whoever accepts the offer is their cohort. I do think it is important to be conscientious of those on wait lists and I hope that you get into the school of your choice.

A genuine congratulations to you! However, I think this is a good opportunity to point out that it is not proper etiquette to hold onto more than one offer at a time. Many of us, including myself, are put on multiple waitlists and if people are holding onto multiple offers, this just holds up the whole process for everyone else. If you do have more than one offer, PLEASE do not wait more than one week to make a decision! Your decision affects many other people. Again, congratulations though!

There are quite a few programs that require you to teach, take classes and conduct research simultaneously in your first year. There's a huge difference between "need" and "want".

Have you thought about applying for lab manager positions? They are typically 2-year commitments, but at least you get paid-- you also can gain valuable administrative and research skills. And depending on the PI, there are often opportunities to get authorship on projects. I currently know of 2 faculty at great universities looking for lab managers for next fall, so PM me if you'd like more info!

Hey guys,
I am wondering what people think my chances are of getting into a Clinical Psychology PhD program. I just submitted my applications and haven’t heard anything. I have a 2.76 GPA and a 3.0 in Psychology. I have some brief research experience but unfortunately I had to quit because it interfered with my pledge week responsibilities (I’m in a fraternity).  I have some relevant clinical experience giving my frat brothers advice when they had drank too much, which was pretty frequent. My GRE scores are 148/151 and a 3.5 on writing. The president of our fraternity was one of my reccommenders and I think he probably had some pretty great things to say. I also had a professor write me one whose class I got a 3.5 in so I can imagine that one was pretty good as well. I currently DJ at a local bar on campus. I have to be very emotionally aware of what songs people want to hear. I talked a lot about this in my personal statement. I also watch Dr. Phil and Criminal Minds, so I have a pretty good grasp on how the mind works and what would make a good counselor. So wut do u guys think? Again, I’m kind of freaking out here, so any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

My research advisor thinks that the rationale behind contacting POIs ahead of time is to ensure that you list as your first choice a faculty member who is absolutely taking students that year. (Most faculty dislike being an applicant's second choice.) But I agree with what has been said above. If a POI is taking students, then lack of previous contact should not matter so long as the official application is strong.