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JoePianist

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Posts posted by JoePianist

  1. 15 hours ago, EileanDonan said:

    At what point after interviews are over is it appropriate to reach out to a POI with whom you had a prelim (but not formal interview) to inquire for feedback?

    Also, if anyone has any helpful email templates for this sort of inquiry and would be willing to share, it would be muchly appreciated...

    Wait at least four weeks following interviews to contact your potential POI for a status update. However, if you need to know sooner due to a pending offer, you can contact them sooner.

    This is how I would write the inquiry email – feel free to customize the following as you see fit:

    Email subject line: “Eilean Donan - Request for Application Update”:

    “Dear Dr. X,

    I hope this message finds you well during this busy season. I remain excited about the prospect of continuing my training under your mentorship. If possible, can you provide an estimated date by which I can expect a decision made about my application? 

    I greatly appreciate your time and consideration. Please let me know if I can provide any further information as well.

    Best Regards,

    Eilean Donan”

  2. 6 hours ago, Schy said:

    This is one of the reasons why I didn't apply to certain programs. If I can't tell from your lab website/social media that you're making an effort to be anti-racist than I know that I wouldn't have a good time spending 5+ years in that area/lab. 

    The lab I'm HOPING AND MANIFESTING that I get to be apart of did a really good job of showing its interviewees that they care about social justice. While the PI is white and majority of her doctoral students are white (one latina in the group), everyone made me feel so welcome and we talked a lotttttttt about the disparities in healthcare. As an ethnically black women, but racially Asian these things felt important to me because I don't always feel 100% comfortable in completely white spaces. 

     

    lol i have no idea why i worded it that way, but the point is im biracial but appear more asian than I do black. 

    Yay! A fellow Blasian!

  3. 3 hours ago, NotYourMothersGrad said:

    On the note of competitiveness, diversity, and disadvantages - have any of you who have interviewed noticed just how many white applicants and white grad students there are in the labs you're applying to? I know whiteness doesn't = inherent advantages 100% of the time, but it feels very weird to me the faculty, current grad, and applicant racial and diversity background that still seems homogenous..

    Yeah, it’s been that way in the psychology field pretty much forever ? 

  4. 6 hours ago, kch16 said:

    Before things on the forum get too hectic I wanted to bring this back around. As a first-time applicant I am extremely disheartened by the way the field handles admissions. Have things only recently gotten this bad, or have they always been this way? Is there anything we could possibly do to address it as a concerned group (e.g. open letter)?

    The admissions process appeared about as bad as when I had applied 4-5 years ago and finally received a single admissions offer to a PhD Clinical Psychology program. I applied for two consecutive admissions cycles. I agree that there needs to be an overhaul to the admissions process across all doctoral psychology programs. I’m unsure if there’s been any prior attempts for applicants coming together as a group to appeal for this level of change. 

    In terms of who to contact with complaints about this admissions process: For doctoral Clinical Psychology programs, I think that the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP) may be a possible idea. For the broader psychology field, the American Psychological Association may be an organization to which groups can send complaints. 

    Of course, the risk of sending such complaints (if not anonymous) could possibly be certain program directors choosing not to admit any applicants who who were a part of these complaints.

  5. 14 minutes ago, wheelsup9234 said:

    Hi everyone!

    I have my first interview for a Clinical Psychology Phd program coming up and I'm freaking out and feeling extremely unprepared. I have a few questions that I would appreciate advice on!

    1. I've read Mitch's guide and intend on asking questions mentioned there but is that enough? Should I be asking questions specific to the PIs research? What kind of questions?

    2. That brings me to my next questions. I have very little research experience. And by very little I mean I helped with data collection in a lab in undergrad and have done lit reviews and helped with a minor publication after graduating.That's it. I feel uncomfortable talking about research design, statistical components, etc as I'm not knowledgable and don't have experience. I don't even know how to go about formulating questions about the PIs research. Will this be detrimental to me? How much do they expect you to know ahead of time. I do have my master's already but there was zero research done in my program. It was more clinically driven. 

    3. I know I'll need to have some research ideas in mind but will that be enough to just have an idea on what I want to research? For example, "researching efficacy of interventions for cognitive aging" or is that too broad? I just know I won't be able to produce a hypothesis and have methods and design thought out as I just don't have the experience. Is it okay to say something along the lines of "I'm interested in xxx but have little experience with designing research studies..but I am eager to learn and take any advice into consideration" 

    Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm so nervous and definitely struggling from imposter syndrome. 

    1. Don’t worry too much about memorizing an entire tome of questions. Focus on being yourself and approach all interviews as relaxed, natural conversations with fellow humans. PI’s really brighten up when interviews are more like engaged, reciprocal conversations.

    2. Your interviewers already recognize the extent of your experience from your applications, so focus on being confident and upfront about what you know and that you’re excited to learn more!

    3. Yes. It’s not expected for applicants to have a specific program of research already carved out. It’s okay to be a bit broad when describing your current research interest. The way that you described your area of interest is good enough, in my opinion!

  6. 3 hours ago, justtryi said:

    Hello! So I think I messed up and honestly I just want to gauge how bad this could ruin my chances. I originally had an interview scheduled and then received an invite from another school on the same day the first interview was scheduled. I didn't think much of it because the school I originally got an invite from had multiple interview days, so I just called the person who sent the email (someone who works in their psych office) and asked if I could move my interview day to one of the other days. She said that was absolutely fine and I thought nothing of it, they just emailed me about my updated interview with the PI CC'ed, and I replied to the PI and thanked her for her flexibility. Now I've seen a post or two in other places talking about interview conflicts and how bad it is to reschedule. Did I mess up? All I can do now is apologize and profusely thank the PI I applied to for her flexibility again, but I just want to be prepared. Thanks!

    Based on what you describe, I guarantee you 100% that you haven’t hurt your chances for admission at all. You’ve already thanked the PI for their flexibility – don’t send another email to apologize ?

  7. Just now, YONO said:

    Ugh I just updated most of my schools to rejected / presumed rejected because 1) I'm being a pessimistic lil biotch, and 2) they probably are rejections at this point! 

    I applied 2 years ago and got interviews at 2 top-30 programs and now I can't get any interviews and my CV is way better??? 

    I guess I will just never be a psychologist and will have to start a commune somewhere in the caribbean where we subside off the land just get drunk on the beach every day. Let me know if you want to join!

    I’ll join you.

  8. 9 minutes ago, psychrenaissance said:

    Fordham just sent out an email with the following:

    "We write to inform you that the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program (CPDP) has extended all admission interview invitations, and all available interview slots are now filled. The CPDP will not be extending any additional interview invitations. As noted in our previous communication regarding the program admission process, only candidates selected for an interview are considered for admission.  

    We realize that this news is disappointing. The admissions committee faces the daunting task of selecting a limited number of candidates for interviews from a large pool of strong applicants. This year is especially challenging, with a record number of applications for only a very small number of admission slots."

    Well, that's finalized. :(

    Fordham certainly doesn’t mince words... 

  9. 8 hours ago, rainbow56 said:

    Absolutely! Anyone can DM me as well if they want to chat :) (Apologies in advance for how long this is)

    Since last cycle I ended up maintaining a connection with a PI I interviewed with and was waitlisted for last year (obviously didn't end up getting in) and we have been working together on a research project. I cannot stress enough that if you end up getting waitlisted at schools you interview for and nothing else works out keep those connections and make it clear you are still very interested in their work/program and plan to re-apply for their lab next cycle if they accept a student again. Then mention briefly that you would love to collaborate on research with them should any opportunities be available. If they seem receptive to that, follow up a few months later and show you are truly interesting in that connection/opportunity. 

    I also ended up getting really lucky and finding work on a study that is directly related to my research interests, so that gave me a tonnnn of really thorough and focused experience. This really helped me to be more refined in my interests and showed that I had experience in it and know that is what I want to work with.

    In this study I was also able to get extensive experience both with research and clinical work, as I conducted 100+ clinical interviews with participants. If you have any opportunities for research work that also allow you to integrate direct clinical work with your population, that is so helpful in showing you are a well rounded candidate for all the demands of these programs. 

    Lastly it is allllll about connections. Immediately after finding out I wasn't getting in last cycle I spent months reviewing each and every program and each and every faculty member in every clinical phd program to find the best fits and build a list I could share with my colleagues in the field. I know networking it literally everyone's least favorite thing but it is SO important. I reached out to past and current colleagues/professors, colleagues of colleagues, and shared with them both my potential programs and POIs. From there I was able to form a few connections with faculty in the programs and I feel that gave me a HUGE leg up not only in having a connection but also being able to say I already spoke with someone in the program and have more info on it than just from the website and from that I am really interested in your program for xyz reasons (shows dedication and thorough interest). 

    Hope this helps with trying to organize thoughts for your year in between cycles, though I hope it doesn't come to that for you :) Wishing everyone luck! 

    Yup – As I said earlier, applicants with existing connections to their potential POI will nearly always have the edge in applications. Very happy to hear this worked out for you, @rainbow56!

  10. 8 hours ago, rainbow56 said:

    First of all 100% in the same boat with having a hard time focusing/staying motivated at work right now. This process is so grueling and going through it during all the current contexts just makes everything so much more difficult and heavy. Everyone reading this please be gentle with yourself and practice what we hope to preach. Prioritize self care right now.

     

    I just want to chime in that if this is truly what you want to do, do not give up. I was in the same place this time last year during my second cycle. Truly feeling as though I could not bear this process again; emotionally, financially, all the things. A year later and I feel SO grateful that things didn't work out the way I had hoped/expected last cycle. On my third cycle now I feel so much better prepared (mentally, skills-wise, more focused on my goals for grad programs and beyond) and this year I have SO many more options on the table (4x as many invites for fully funded programs) including my top choice program I've been trying to get into for years. 

     

    I know it is so hard in this moment, and backup plans just don't feel like they can stack up yet start to feel like the only option, but if you truly want to pursue this field in this way do not lose hope. If you have to reapply next year inquire about application fee waivers and other financial resources, this really helped me this year. It is easy to feel like life is flying by and that taking another year will be a "waste of a year" but that extra year can be so formative if you make it and can lead to even better opportunities the next cycle. 

    (big hugs) ?

  11. 11 hours ago, seeyounextyear said:

    Ugh thank you so much! I had been going to her lab's meetings every week for the whole semester and then to hear this is just heartbreaking. And not to mention this is my second year applying to work with her. She said I was an alternate but everyone said yes to interview. Thank you for the kind words

    Damn, that’s legitimately brutal. Hopefully you get accepted elsewhere so that this POI regrets not extending you an invite.

  12. 13 hours ago, txpsychology said:

    Hi all - Need help.

    I'm driving myself insane. So, one of the schools I applied to sent out interview invites about 1.5 - 2 weeks ago. I assumed a rejection due to not getting an invite. However, I never received an e-mail stating anything else (no official rejection, no "check your portal", whatever). I just looked at the results page (as I obsessively refresh every couple hours while I'm at work lol), and someone got a "check your portal" e-mail today that was ultimately a rejection. So I checked my e-mail - nada. Checked my portal - nada. I feel like I'm in a weird limbo. I've never applied to doctoral programs. So, WTH? If I'm not interviewed, and not notified of rejection, am I maybe waitlisted for an interview? Or maybe they forgot me lol 

    Thank you, anxiety, for this endless spiral of "what the hell" 

    You’re only waitlisted for an interview if the program tells you so.

  13. 16 hours ago, EileanDonan said:

    A lot of this begs the real question: what is separating those who are likely to be accepted from the rest? And is there anything the rest of us can do to place ourselves in that position?

    This is the dirty secret: Applicants who already have pre-established connections to their identified mentors through their current or previous PI will always have the edge in applications. It’s the same deal in job applications for any career field: Employers trust who they know.

  14. 1 hour ago, reidallen said:

    I hope this isn’t a stupid question, but are programs required to inform you of rejections or should we just assume we got rejected as we near interview weeks? I’m too anxious to reach out to programs or wait this long to hear back :(

    No, there’s no “requirement” for programs to notify applicants about rejections unfortunately. If a program does send a rejection letter, it’s typically sent in April. If you had submitted your applications in November or early-December and don’t receive any updates by the end of this month, it’s perfectly fine for you to email the program and politely ask for an update on your application. 

  15. 3 minutes ago, EileanDonan said:

    On a similar note, have you noticed any particular trends in PI opinions on having/not having an honor's thesis? I didn't end up having the chance to do one myself, and I know most great applicants typically did one.

    I haven’t been involved in the admissions process; but according to my own advisor who’s served on the admissions committee for UAB’s PhD Clinical Psychology program, admitted candidates typically have little-to-no research publications. In our program, it’s also common for admitted candidates to lack an honor’s (undergraduate) thesis or a master’s thesis. I, myself, didn’t have any research publications nor any thesis when I received my offer of admission.

  16. 1 hour ago, tryingtostaypositive said:

    Thank you for that, it's nice to not feel alone. 

     

    Unfortunately, a lot of things are complicating my situations. Visa issues, long distance relationships and personal finances so this was probably my first and last try to apply for Clinical Psych. Prepped my whole undergrad for it (like everyone else here I am sure), today just feels dim...as if I let a lot of people down. I know I won't feel this in the morning but it seems almost cruel, commuted for hours to work at a lab where I did grunt work before I could get to write a paper, gave up many many many outings and opportunities to make good memories with friends all with the goal of getting into a clinical psych program. I am so appreciative of the sweet reply this prof gave me but it just makes me feel a little mad at the world cause it feels like I literally couldn't have done any more than I did hahah ok sorry. emo rant over. 

    (Big Hugs) ? If I may provide any insight or advice as a fifth-year PhD Clinical Psychology student, you’re more than welcome to send me a message!

  17. 4 hours ago, Gavindorf said:

    Edit: I'll add that the most annoying question I got was "Why don't you have any publications?" because what sort of answer could make you happy....like it's not my fault none of my undergrad PIs like to publish?

    To neutralize any questions pertaining to “Why don’t you have X?”, tell them it’s a goal you’re actively working, describe any barriers you encountered (e.g., lack of publication opportunities for undergraduates in PI’s laboratory), and describe any recent plans or efforts to obtain that goal. 

    4 hours ago, rainydaychai said:

    "Why didn't you get into grad school last year" [this was on my second app cycle, interviewing for the same program a second time] ?

    This question is basically gauging your ability to self-evaluate and your willingness to seek and integrate feedback. Interviewers basically want to hear that you sought feedback on your previous application and how you applied that feedback for this current application cycle.

  18. 4 hours ago, PsychBear92 said:

    I spoke with Clinical Psych grad students at my alma mater about this, when I was deciding between PhD and PsyD. They gave me the recommendation that I shouldn't mention interest in clinical practice in my statement if applying to PhD. Personally, the impression I received was either don't mention it or tread lightly. FWIW, my undergrad institution is an R01 research-focused university, so it might be different at a scientist-practitioner program. 

    @EileanDonan I agree with PsychBear92’s suggestion. Unless you’re applying to a PsyD program, your personal statement should focus heavily on your interest in research. If you do touch on your interest in clinical work, make sure you follow it up by connecting it back to research (e.g., saying how clinical work informs better research). 

    Ironically, when applying for your internship year as a fourth- or fifth-year doctoral Clinical/Counseling Psychology student, all internships prefer applicants to focus on their interest in CLINICAL work on the personal statement, rather than research ? The reason is that internship year is primarily a clinical year – at most, an internship may provide an intern with 4-8 hours/week to engage in research work while the remaining 36+ hours/week is reserved for clinicals, lectures, and receiving mentorship.

  19. 19 hours ago, PyschMama said:

    I truly hope so too.. I really wish they would get rid of it entirely. It's such a useless indicator of your success as a grad student.. researcher and clinician. It's also biased and flawed and elitist on top of that.

    @EileanDonan @PsychApplicant2 @K3lD1Psych I am a BIPOC male and tended to score badly on the GRE (Verbal & Quantitative combined ~305) despite my 3.8 undergraduate GPA with pre-medicine and engineering courses. Still, I was able to get admitted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) PhD Medical/Clinical Psychology program and proceed to ace all my graduate coursework, research, and clinical training. I am now towards the end of my program and am currently interviewing for multiple elite pre-doctoral internships, including a couple of Ivy League’s.

  20. 19 hours ago, rainbow56 said:

    Last year with the GRE included I only received 1 invite from a funded program (and it was a lesser known program). This year without the GRE I've received FOUR invites so far all to funded and well known programs.

    Screw the GRE ? My hope is that programs realize how useless it can be in determining who the best applicants truly are 

    Standardized tests should be abolished

  21. 11 minutes ago, clinical_sike said:

    I am so sorry that this happened to you. You did not deserve that, especially if the PI knew in advance that they were exploring other career opportunities 

    Unfortunately, this is just how things work for academic faculty; they tend to look after their own self-interests first. Unless they’ve already committed to accepting a new job position, they don’t want to scare away good mentees for their lab if they ultimately decide to stay; and so, faculty tend to not disclose their consideration of transferring out.

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