SportPsych30

I emailed a few schools about interview dates and here's what I've received so far:
 
UC Davis: Feb 3, interview invitations should be sent by the end of the week
 
UOregon: Clinical Jan 27, other programs Jan31-Feb 2, interview invites should be sent by the middle of next week
 
UNC–Chapel Hill: Feb 7, didn't say when invited would be sent out
 
UC Berkeley: Feb 10-11, invitations will be sent out Jan 17

I just view it all as an investment in myself, and investing in my future.. This optimistic view is subject to change depending on admissions decisions, haha.

I like it. 

So just as an update: I found out recently that I have an interview next month at Princeton University. Which is exciting! But I stand by my original statement. It'd be nice to go to a school like that, with great resources, blah blah, but it's not essential.

I had several family members recently tell me that I could only apply to master's programs straight out of undergrad for any field. When I told them that I had only applied to PhD programs, they panicked and told me to hurry up and finish some master's degree applications so I could still be considered for some schools.

Seriously?

It also bugged me when I got invited for an interview and they all said "See, we told you you'll be fine".

@Kaister,
 
I can give you my experience as an undergrad related to this topic. For my first semester of undergrad-reserach, my PI took on two undergrad students to be his RA's on a project that he had already designed. We studied the affects of reminders on tolerance for violence. Basically each step of the way he would have us do what we thought was the correct next step, and he would lend some advice as we went. For example, with the poster he had me write up my own version of each section, then went through and made it sound much more academic and corrected any errors. He was simply an onlooker for both conferences that we have presented at, and surprisingly he listed me as the primary researcher (first author) on the poster and in the conference program booklets. He said that I deserved this recognition for my hard work.

My next semester, he sponsored and supervised an individual research project which was the perfect opportunity for me to sort of expand his work involving aggression into an area of my own interest– Sport Psychology. I am still working on this individual project, but he is no doubt there to help me with anything and everything. He likes me to try everything myself first, as to get the most experience for my graduate studies.  Truthfully, he is about as good of research supervisor as I could ever ask for.

Don't let Pinkster see this thread. 

To me, the question "Why is the research you're interested in important" is not the same as "Why are you interested in the research topic?". Depending on the situation, it could mean "Why should X pay for this research?" but to me, it really means "How does your work fit in with current human knowledge about this topic?". I think if you answer this last question, then all of the above (why would anyone care? why should people pay for it? etc. is also included). Think of it as if you were going to write this up as a scientific paper. In the introduction, you generally want to state the problem, discuss current knowledge and show how your work/project contributes to the current body of knowledge. 
 
So even though the interviewers probably know exactly why, it could be a test to see if you understand the "big picture" of your research problem!

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!

Seems like if you wanted to protest the use of the GRE, there are more useful and productive ways than to limit your career based on programs that don't require it.

Coincidentally, I just ran into this post which is a beautiful example of why GREs are a horrible scam. This post is a perfect description of what the GRE is testing for, the ability to take the GRE:
 

 
So the question is, why would you trust your education to a department, or university system that believes this is a useful way to choose students? Granted, many departments only use it to 'cull' their applications - but there are some, even in the social sciences and humanities who actively describe how important the GRE is to their admissions. This might be up your alley - but for those of you who think it's BS - find a program that recognizes the BS when they smell it and doesn't use the GRE (or any standardized test for that matter) - or that requires it only because their institution does, but does not consider the score (there are many doing this now).

I love this thread!

I get this one frequently. The more I hear it, the more it bothers me.

"Your husband is going to leave his job? You're all going to move? The kids too??"

I liked the question initially because I feel incredibly fortunate to have my family's support. Nobody thought it was odd when we moved to advance my husband's career, though. Other moms are (disappointingly) the worst. They often say "shouldn't you wait until the kids graduate?"

I haven't read the other responses, but I'm gonna go ahead and post my bit.
 
This is my 3rd go at it, bruh. The summary is as follows:
 
1st shot: I was a bullshit candidate, and I knew it. I had graduated from my undergraduate institution, but had lousy GRE scores and a worse GPA. I didn't know what else there was to do, and all I'd ever known was academia. That rejection hurt, man.
 
2nd shot: I had finished a year of post-bacc courses in my undergraduate University's MA in International Affairs. I did really well, but the schools still said no. I was upset, but understood.
 
This is my 3rd shot at the goal. Since my previous attempt, I worked on the 2012 Presidential Election and I'm currently teaching English in South Korea. I've learned a lot since I graduated from University and am a much better candidate than I was before. Right now, I spend most of my time carving away at my Statement of Purpose. And if I get rejected? I'm applying again, because I don't give a fuck. I've been paying my dues and I want that Graduate-level education. I've put the work in and will keep going at it until I get what I want, because I've put in way too much work to quit now.

Not expecting anything till next month, at least. But that doesn't stop me from constantly refreshing my inbox

After reading through the Neuroscience thread I thought it would be nice to get some news from people applying to Psych programs. Having looked through last year's timing, it looks like most programs send invites a little later--more like January. Anybody hear anything promising yet?
 
Would be nice to share the stress with some other people

I'm on my third attempt as well! 
 
As an undergraduate I figured I'd go on to graduate school, but I decided to enter the "real world" after graduating from college to get some experience first.  By 2011 I had two years of professional research experience, was published, was resolved in my decision to pursue a graduate education, and decided to apply for PhD programs (Fall 2012 start).  I applied to 5 schools... and was rejected from all.  I was disappointed, but looking back (of course hindsight is 20/20) my research interests weren't as solidly developed as they should have been, and the schools I chose weren't perfect fits.  Lesson learned.
 
I figured another year of professional experience wouldn't hurt, so I reevaluated my research goals and applied again for Fall 2013.  8 schools this time... once again, rejected from all.  As you can imagine, by this time I was feeling pretty dejected.
 
The application process was both mentally and financially draining, and it didn't help that as soon as the rejections came through, it was time to start up applications again for the next year.  However, as I stepped up to bat for the third year in a row, I decided that I was no longer going to take a hit-the-submit-button-and-wait-for-things-to-happen approach.  My third attempt would be my final attempt.  It was time to go all in.
 
I had always read up on publications and emailed professors before applying to programs, but this time I decided to go above and beyond.  I read books and journal articles and volunteered at a program related to my research interests.  I really honed in on exactly what I plan to pursue in graduate school.  I "linked" with professors on LinkedIn.  I emailed program directors, graduate counselors, graduate students, and professors.  And I began to get responses. 
 
And then... (and this is where my plan really goes off the road)... I invited myself for an interview. 
 
Yes, I invited myself for an interview.  I asked a professor if it would be okay to swing by to discuss his work while I was in the area, and he agreed.  Unfortunately "in the area" meant buying a plane ticket and flying across the country.  But he didnt' need to know that, and I was determined to do anything within my power to get my name out there.  Our informal interview turned into an entire afternoon of chatting and touring his lab, and by the end I knew that his program was the perfect place to pursue my graduate application.  I was so determined to get involved with this program that I invited myself out once more to meet additional members of the program.
 
Was this an unorthodox approach?  Yes.  I know that. 
Was it crazy?  Maybe. 
Was it worth it?  I have no idea.  I'm still waiting. 
 
It was a bold approach born out of a desperate situation, but it was also an incredibly valuable experience.  I've learned just how badly I want this.  I've learned how to network.  And, above all, I have discovered a determination and a confidence I didn't know I possessed.  I still have no idea if it will pay off in the end, but at least I know I have tried my hardest and can live with this being my third and final attempt, no matter how things work out 

This entire forum made my day!!!
 
Recent conversation I had with my mom:
 
Me: Mom I finally submitted my grad school application!
Mom: when do you hear back?
Me: not until march 
Mom: Oh wow...hey there's something I want to talk to you about (said this in a super serious voice...sat me down and everything)
Me:...oh no what's wrong? (heart is racing-thinking someone died)
Mom: Nothing is wrong, hun you know that you won't stay young forever...and you know...marriage & babies....
Me: Ma are you serious right now? I'm having an existential crisis as I apply to graduate school and you want to ask me this?
 
**Please tell me why me settling down is more important than my graduate school applications? Oh and I'm only 22 wtf 

banana hammock :3

"Today, I went on the internet to ask for help with writing this weird autobiographical thing you're asking for in this very application - the one you're reading right now, how very 'meta.' The internet sort of ignored me, but that's ok, because some random person wrote this and I copy and pasted it for you to see. The person who wrote it wants you to know he's a professional legit author and "I'm famous bitches!" and that should apparently be enough to get me in. Oh yeah, I'm also blonde, cuz that's what you're looking for in something autobiographical right? Seriously, can you be more vague? Regardless, he says he's still famous - bitches - and that it will all work out and that a simple copy-paste will solve all my problems. I'm leaning toward believing him, because he's famous - bitches.
 
Sincerely,
Applicant."

Results search.

Hey! I'm not sure which program you are applying to, but there is a really great post on Student Doctor Network on when interview invitations went out  for each school last year for Clinical and Counseling programs. Here is the link to the post: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/2012-2013-official-psychology-phd-psyd-interview-invite-thread.965257/
 
Hope it helps with your anxiety!

Not me. This was practically my home page, I'm sorry to say.

My current mood regarding my app, SOP, portfolio, resume, transcript...
 

 
I'm sure it will change again in a few minutes.