psychstudent123

Hey guys, This is my first time submitting applications, so I'm a little confused about the process. I'm submitting applications for PhD and Masters programs in clinical psychology. I have written and uploaded all of my personal statements and submitted the contact information for my three letters of recommendation. Can I go ahead and submit my application? Or do I need to wait until my recommenders complete the recommendations?

Hey, I am a rising senior psychology student. I'm planning on applying to graduate programs (both Ph.D and Masters) for clinical psychology. I was wondering if anybody could give me some feedback about my status so far. I have done a good amount of research in the past year regarding different programs, and I know that they are extremely competitive. In my current situation, I'm not sure what I should do. GPA: Currently, my cumulative GPA is a 3.32. Unfortunately, I had a rough start my freshman year, and earned some grades that killed my GPA. Since freshman year, my GPA has dramatically increased. My applications are due at the beginning of December, so this is the GPA that admissions will see. This is the weakest area of my application, and I'm very worried that my application will be tossed out because of my low GPA. GRE: I have taken the GRE once. V: 158 Q:149. I was not happy with my score (particularly quantitative), so I will be taking the test again at the beginning of September. This time, I have invested a great deal of time into preparing for the test, so I do expect my scores to increase. I have been working through 2 Kaplan books as well as a Princeton Review book. Research: By the time my applications are due, I will have one year of research experience working in a psycholinguistics lab. Last semester, I presented a poster at a University wide conference for undergraduate research, and won first place in the psychology and neuroscience category. Clinical Experience: By the time my applications are due, I will have about one year of volunteer work at a local hospital. I work on the oncology ward, mostly providing emotional support to patients and their families. -I plan on obtaining strong letters of recommendation from my undergraduate research mentor, as well as two of my upper level psychology professors. I have done a lot of research on different programs, and I know that being a good match (regarding research interests) is a big part of admissions. I have chosen programs that conduct research that I am genuinely interested in, and will hopefully be able to write pretty good statements of purpose. Given my low GPA, do I stand a chance of being accepted to Ph.D programs, or should I be focusing on obtaining a masters first, to prove that I am capable of the work? I appreciate any advice!