MyDogHasAPhD

Well I spoke to one of my POIs at length last week over the phone. She did talk to me about how she trains people to teach in academia and to become researchers. I had no teaching on my CV but plenty of research. Maybe I should just send the update to her since I know she is at least some what interested in working with me?

Hi guys, Can someone give me their opinion on this? In the last few weeks, I've had some pretty solid opportunities arise for my Spring semester that would definitely strengthen my teaching experience (tutoring other undergraduates in psych courses and teaching refugees English as a second language, as well as other cultural components of life through my job). Because I had little teaching experience to put on my CV at the time my applications were due, do you think it would be a good idea to send an update to my POIs letting them know that I will be having these opportunities prior to becoming enrolled in graduate school? Also, do you think it is a good idea to send an update on GPA? Transcripts were sent before Fall grades posted. In my case, it pumped my Psych GPA up from a 3.86 to a 3.91 so not anything major but still something. Thanks!

Best news all day!

Has anyone heard of funding being less or more if accepted into a program based on GRE scores?

I was lucky enough to attend an undergraduate program where they have a ton of research opportunities for undergrads to head their own research and work closely with faculty, otherwise it would have been really tough! I feel that I have a lot in my application to offset the lower than average quant. I reached out to one of my POIs prior to applying to ask her if my GRE scores would be an automatic disqualification and she said not to worry, that it was one small ding in an otherwise very strong application. I will say that absolutely none of my research I did in undergrad (which was basically two full years of heading my own studies) has little to do with my graduate school research interests but it was at least alongside a social psychologist and was submitted to conferences as social psychological research. That's really all I have going for me. I wouldn't worry so much about whether or not your research is aligned with the research of your potential POI. All my professors told me that they care more that you've had experience in a lab and know the basics (less to teach you) than having researched in what they're researching. What I want to do is so specific that there is no way it would have been possible for me to do research without some serious grant money as an undergrad. In my SoP, I basically made the case for the fact that I did have experience, in a lab, designing and executing a study and that I knew how to analyze the data enough to complete my study and present the findings a few times. I think that's what they're looking for more so. I don't know the acceptance rate of the P&SC area. I did look at the previous years acceptances and it doesn't seem like that many people apply, but that is just based on the amount of people who report the outcome of their application on this site, so it's hard to really gauge. I know in general, UMich is tough and they probably can pick from really top candidates so as much as it would be a dream for me to get in there, I am not getting my hopes up.

I really hope that is the case! I got A's in stats and research methods. I am pretty sure all three of my letter writers, who were either my research mentor, honor's thesis committee members, or a faculty member whose lab I worked in, spoke to the fact that my Q score was not an accurate depiction of my abilities. I seriously vacillate between total confidence or the thought that I am not getting in anywhere! There is no happy medium in my mind! I wish the waiting would enddddd....

I have pretty strong research experience and my grade in stats and methods reflect competence. I just am an awful test-taker. I addressed the low quant score in my SoP. GPA is a 3.91. I hired a private tutor, took Kaplan courses...I really feel hopeless that it will get much higher. The good news is that I raised it from a 141 (Don't pass out) to a 154 in the course of 4 months. I took it four separate times. I just don't know why but the GRE math really messed with my mind. I did speak with my POI at NC state and she said she cared more about writing abilities than the GRE scores. I just wish they wouldn't automatically disqualify you at the higher tier programs when every other aspect of your application is strong. I feel hopeless that my GRE will improve more than it already has. Do you know if GRE scores have consequences on funding? I have heard some mixed opinions on that.

As far as fit goes, it was probably the best program I applied to but unfortunately, I feel that my GRE scores are going to really keep me out of a program of that caliber. Here is sort of a general question to whoever has some insight: Do you think that GRE scores are as toughly scrutinized for admission to non-clinical PhD programs? I did moderately well on the verbal (78%), very well on analytical (98%), but after attempting four times, I could not raise my Q score over the 50th percentile. I applied to two community-clinical programs but am fairly certain I did not get in, probably due to the low Quant and lack of pubs. I am hoping that they may care less about the GRE in the social/community programs I've applied to, such as UMich P&SC.

Is it New Hampshire? I was looking frantically when I accidentally missed one of my deadlines (Northwestern...still kicking myself. Thought it was the 15th of December, when it was the 1st. HOW COULD I DO THAT??!!!!) I came across New Hampshire and so desperately wanted there to be a fit but alas, there wasn't. The school that is due this week is SUNY Albany, in case anyone is looking for a last minute addition

One of my applications isn't even due until Thursday.... the waiting is here to stay for a while... ughhhhh!

Wow! That thread is pretty awesome. That link is really informative. Gives an idea what to possibly expect. My prospective school is not on there but it's still helpful!

Good points! I definitely will check previous years to see when I can expect some word. The POI that I have been speaking with has an NIH grant. Not sure if there is funding built in it for a graduate student though. She mentioned on the phone that she was not sure if she would definitely be getting a graduate student and if so, how many. She is a brand new faculty member though so my hopes are that they'll provide her with what she needs (including a grad student!). The funding situation has always freaked me out a little bit because I'd hate to not be able to attend a program that wanted to admit me due to funding!

Hey social psych friends. This is my first application cycle. Does it generally take longer to hear back from social psych programs as opposed to clinical? I did apply to some clinical programs, but only those with a community emphasis and the two that were clinical, I am quite certain I did not get an interview (most invites have gone out, but I haven't received any official rejection yet). However, my top choice which is UMich P&SC, I haven't heard anything from yet and the application was due on December 1st. Is this normally how it goes? I did have a preliminary phone interview from my POI at one program and it seems as if they are making decisions in the coming week so I am wondering if this is the case for most other non-clinical programs. Also, for those who may have more information, how often does funding not happen for social psych programs? It seems that most clinical programs tend to almost always fund. Anyone have any insight on any of this? Thanks guys! Hope you're all hanging in there. I think I am starting to go a bit crazy. Good thing I am on a message board with a bunch of psych people

Same exact situation!! I am panicking and sad!

If anyone reads this who posted that they received an interview notification from the University of South Carolina, mind messaging me who your POI is? Thanks!

Anyone else apply to North Carolina State Public Interest or UMich Personality & Social Contexts?

Same here. Instantaneous regret....

Applied for NC State Phd Psychology in the Public Interest. POI emailed me early this week to set up an "off the record" phone interview (whatever that means). Spoke with her at length yesterday and she informed me that they will be meeting late next week and will be sending out official interview notices at that time and admission decisions will be decided and applicants will be notified by mid-February. I am hoping that receiving that phone call was a good sign! Haven't heard from anyone else yet but I applied to some pretty heavy hitters (UMich, Arizona State, and University of South Carolina).