Per Verbum Ad Verbum

Hello all! I have been reading up on other posts about applicants emailing POIs. I was wondering if this is something seen as necessary in all fields? Specifically, I am interested in I/O programs. Many of the Phd programs I have been researching mention that it is both common and encouraged for students to work with multiple faculty, even those in other departments. This makes it seem as if you do not have one specific "mentor" who you work with exclusively, and perhaps asking a professor if they are taking students is unnecessary. Furthermore, my question stems from the fact that I do not have very specific research interests, and would be willing to work with multiple professors at most programs. If anyone has any insight it would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you all for such sound advice! I truly appreciate the thoughtful responses and personal experiences you all have shared. I have decided to give it my best shot this upcoming fall and see what happens. I plan on applying to about 12 programs, including some masters programs. Best of luck to everyone applying this fall and to those who have already been accepted.

Hello all! Over the past year or so I have read posts on this forum which I have found to be incredibly helpful, and consequently brought me back seeking advice. I am a rising senior (psychology major business minor) at a small liberal arts university, and I am interested in pursuing a graduate degree in I/O psychology. From all of the resources I have gathered, I feel that the Ph. D. route is best for my aspirations. That being said, I am feeling a bit discouraged about acceptance to the point where applying seems daunting, and a possible waste of time/money/resources. My current credentials: GPA- I know I am fine (>3.95, 4.0 in psychology). GRE- has yet to be taken; I have been studying with a book and flashcards for the past two weeks and plan on continuing to do so until I take it in July/August. Letters of Recommendation- I have verbal commitments for 3 letters, 2 from psychology faculty (dept. chair and 1 tenured professor) and 1 from the Dean of students (I have worked as an RA the past year, and was hired for senior year to work with the professional residence life staff as the head RA and be in charge of 1 area of on-campus housing). What I am lacking, however, is what I consider to be the most important area: research/publication/presentations. I am currently working on a senior research project (a capstone project, if you will) which will be done by the time I am applying. Although I am working with a professor, it is much more of a mentorship role, as this project is graded and is a graduation requirement for the psychology degree. I am also currently working on an honors research project (required, for graduation from the honors college, which I chose to turn into another psych research project) which will not be completed by the application deadlines due to the nature of the study. There is also the possibility of a third project in conjunction with one of the other psychology faculty (once again, not to be completed until after applications are due). However, as far as publication/presentation goes, I will be attempting to submit my work for both, but at this time have neither, and will not by the time applications are submitted. Due to unfortunate circumstances in the department and the nature of being at a very small school, I was unable to work with any professors and get my name on anything. My questions are: based on my credentials, is it worth continuing to pursue acceptance at Ph. D. programs at this point in time? If not, what would the best course of action be to get there (e.g. apply for a Masters? Take a year off and acquire more skills? etc…) If so, what should I do to try and better my chances at acceptance? Reading other posts/resources and understanding the reality of the acceptance rates at Ph. D. programs, I have been discouraged lately. Any advice or insight is more than welcomed J Also, if there is any more information that I can provide which would be helpful let me know. Thank you for your time and consideration!