Applemiu

I agree. Also being passionate about a subject helps a lot. Show your passion for stats.

I don't know exactly that I want my research focus to be, though, and I know I'm passionate about teaching, so really I'm more focused on placement than on exactly what each professor at any given university is writing about. I pretty much feel like I'll find something interesting to research wherever I go, and the professor here with whom I've talked most in person about this basically told me that focus is super overrated and that he wouldn't really recommend even doing a soc PhD if one doesn't get into a top ~20 ranked program. (...) Why--how--am I supposed to stop thinking about that? I'd rather go to the higher-ranked school where every graduate gets a good professorship than worry about fit. Is that so wrong? The fact is that nobody has ever gotten into a top 20 program because he likes teaching and the best way to get a job is to be in such a program... Those programs are all research oriented. They could tell you: "If you like teaching so much, why not a master or another kind of degree? Why a Phd?." They are not going to "hire" you just because you would like to be hired. And for your own sake, don't ever say aloud "I am sure I will find something interesting to research wherever I go". I suggest that you read more the posts in this forum and most importantly talk to more people in the field. By the way, some Phd programs have a "teaching track" for sociology. I know there is one at NYU. It could be worthwhile to check those out.

As a fellow non-citizen, I would just like to remind you about something that you already know: not only you will need to find someone willing to employ you (this is what everybody has to go through) but also someone that likes/wants you so much that he/she is going to sponsor you for a VISA. So, it is going to be hard. I am not saying don't go for it, but just think about it; be aware that you will need to excel to gain a position (to excel as a professional and in your job-hunting skills) and have a plan B ready.

I would do a little bit of research myself before asking POIs for articles. Just check the last things they published (so you can also see whether they published anything recently). The pdfs are often on their websites.

Right, unless it is specified on the website or unless you ask a professor or grad student working there. Or check the "results" page on this website, maybe you will get something.

Yes, that's enough. Just do that rather than thinking too much about "rank" etc. The admission to grad school is a different process than the admission to college. Sorry, but unless any of your relatives was a tenured professor, there is no 'leg up'. Again, don't think too much about that stuff, think about researching institutions for what they are doing, that is, research.

Some Masters in General psychology or Social Psychology are funded.

Yes, better mid-october so you leave yourself one chance to retake. Always leave yourself a margin in everything, if possible.

Thank you guys! I also found this comment: "Also, from what I understand a strong writing score doesn't help you much--AW is really only looked at if it is exceptionally high (perfect) or really bad."

Everybody talks about verbal and quant scores, but how much important is the writing score? With one week left before the GRE, how much should I focus on practicing writing essays rather than solving math problems or learning vocabulary? I feel that the writing score is less important. What do you think? By the way, I am applying to Social Psychology programs. Thank you!

That's a great score for a practice test with no preparation. Anyway, to maximize your chances, I would take it with some preparation but not at the very end. So I would take some time off in the middle of October.

You need to show that you have done your homework: that you have an idea of what you want to study in grad school and that you have investigated the department to make sure it suits your needs and interests. That said, after you get in you are free, within certain limits, to choose a different path.

Actually a friend of mine got into the Long Island University Phd program with the same kind of background (one clinical internship). She also got some other offers. So definitely apply! Even if you don't get in anywhere, having applied will help you tremendously next cycle.

Because the rest of your application seems strong, the Q score may not be an issue; but to be safe I would retake if possible. Just aim for 160. I know this is not a great answer.

To get started, you need to volunteer. What are the universities in your area? Check the Psychology Department websites for descriptions of the psychology labs, see what interests you (or even what does not interest you). Many labs have a link like 'get involved' or something like that. Email the lab manager (usually a grad student). Don't email the professors. Also check the department website for more general tips about how to get involved in research etc. Some departments have 'open houses' every semester where students can meet the lab managers. If you are not a student, to get in is a tad more difficult, but I know former students that have successfully applied and got RA (research assistant) position. If possible go to the department (the physical building) and look for flyers etc. You can also start participating in a couple of experiment as subject and see what is like. When you contact a lab manager, keep the email simple, practical, a little upbeat. Don't write 'I want to get into a phd program and I need research experience'. I would not mention the word 'phd' at all. You may vaguely mention that you are 'interested in grad school' but maybe I would save that for the interview. Write a little bit (a little bit: one or two sentences) about yourself and your background, and then that you have started to get interested in research reading this or that and now you would like some experience to see what's really like etc. Don't be too intense; I know it is difficult when we are applying for something we really want. Imagine you are applying to a position in a store or something like that. Don't forget to mention that you are 'detail-oriented' 'enjoy working in team projects' and all that stuff. Hope this helps! Good luck!

You can also get a master in Social Work and get licensed as a LCSW.

Anyways, I want to apply for clinical psychology but I know how competitive it is to get in. I'm just wondering, can I take a psychology masters program other than clinical (say, health or social psychology), and then proceed to apply for a phD in clinical psychology? You surely can, but make sure you get some clinical experience, and explain well your reasons to get into clinical psychology. Also, if I do a masters degree in a particular area (i.e health psychology), would that confine me to just attaining jobs in health psychology field? No. In addition, I'm confused what the difference is between a registered psychologist and a clinical psychologist since a registered psychologists can assess, diagnose, and treat mental disorders too? I guess it simply means that when a clinical psychologist gets registered, he/she becomes a registered psychologist and has license to practice. And if any of you can suggest programs in psychology I can go into that relates to dealing with mental health disorders, diagnosing, has more clinical emphasis…etc. i would appreciate it! Master in Social Work, for example, but there are others.

I prefer physical books and I print articles. I usually underline and take a lot of notes, and I think this approach helps boosting my intellectual productivity, but we are all different.

Make sure the "combo" course is going to be comprehensive of everything you need. I took one of those courses once and I came to regret it, and wished I had taken the separate courses instead. But if the professor is good, the reviews are good etc. go for it. Try to talk to other students that took it to be sure.

Clinical programs are very competitive. If you are below average, you should retake, as gellert says (if that's possible). It's not fun, but better safe than sorry.

This is true, but above a certain basic level what matters most are research experience and fit, I think.

I PM you with a list of possible POIs.

I think this is the working link: http://magoosh.com/gre/2013/gre-scores-for-top-universities/

There are tons of resources online! You may start here: https://career.berkeley.edu/grad/gradstatement.stm

Sorry I can't help withe the question in particular. I would say it depends on the prestige of the institution and on what you need the degree for. Anyway what i wanted to tell you is that you can't cross post your question on different forums.