Jay's Brain

Unfortunately, solid research experience isn't that unusual. In psychology programs you essentially have to have solid research and academics to land in even a masters program.
When the job market plummeted about the time of your UGrad, the grad school market became even more saturated. Psychology was one of the worst programs for that saturation because of it's increased popularity. Now schools have really tough choices regarding amazing candidates. 
You will be facing off against students with very similar portfolios and less of a 'gap' between their schooling. I suggest either taking a few non-matriculated classes, retakethe GREs, etc. Get back involved in academics. Then you'll move from an average looking student on paper to a 'whoa this guy's determination is amazing. Yes!'
But do NOT give up. You can and will get in. It may just take more work and resources than you initially planned.

In my opinion there is more hard science based courses in a MS program vs. a MA, however I am not entirely sure and I would suggest looking at the curriculum for the schools you are interested in. For my undergrad it was essentially harder to get a BS than a BA in psychology. I would also say it depends on what you want to do with your career. If you are interested in research and pursuing a research based PhD than I suggest applying to MS programs where a research based thesis is required.

From personal experience here: At my university there are actually some high school students who join labs sometimes for the summer (Biochemistry and Synthetic labs). My personal experience, I joined a research lab my first year. I joined a protein biochemistry lab, when the PI asked me what I knew about proteins, I said: "It's the squiggly colorful stuff" (no joke). I had no background experience, no background knowledge, and yet I was able to join whereas many were rejected. I've wondered for years why I was chosen above all others at the time even though I was the most underqualified individual my PI has ever accepted. I think it comes down straight to personality. Our personalities were very similar, and the most important thing to my PI is enthusiasm, and I was very excited to work in a lab. Anyways, long story short, I ended up becoming one of the best lab students she's ever had (her words not mine). I should mention, mine is not at a big research heavy school, and the labs can be somewhat competitive due to this (everyone wants to join, not much room). All I can say is, give it a shot, you might get surprised. Show that you have a real desire to work in that lab and true interest in the research, and that might be all thats needed to get you in. Can't tell you how many people I've seen that just wanted to join the lab with no interest in the research, and just want experience or a rec letter. Those people, no matter the accolades or grades, have gotten rejected 10/10 by my PI.

Hi as someone who has been there, and done that, and then spoken to other fellow graduate students, there's never a truly right time to do it. Obviously, writing your tests earlier will mean having more time and less stress! For me, I wrote my GRE the first time at the end of summer between 3rd and 4th year. A long story being short, I retook the test twice the summer after I graduated, and then the Psych GRE in Fall (both my top 2 choices for schools required it). I ended up using my first set, and wasted quite a bit of time and money, but earlier means that you have a chance to make silly mistakes I did (hopefully you won't have to the first time around). I would say that the General GRE is a refresher on basic quantitative skills (up to high school), whereas the VR, as others have highlighted here, requires an extensive knowledge of vocabulary. To be honest, starting now won't be a bad idea, BUT I think you'll find yourself most productive when you've actually set yourself a date and have a 3-4 month plan of action. Since you're in between undergraduate years, studying now might not have the added benefit of retaining much of the information you've acquired simply because you'll find yourself bombarded with info to learn during the school year. 
TL;DR  - know what the GRE is, and what are the concepts you'll need to learn. Feel free to crack open some books to get an idea, but studying now likely won't maximize your success that a few months of diligent, dedicated studying prior to your test will do. 

i find that this might have to do with traditions and historical purposes, and, perhaps, some form of political accommodation between the natural sciences and psychology. I study neuropsychology (as close to the "hard science" realm of psychology as there can be!), and came from an undergraduate institution that issued BSc. for psychology programs due to the depth of scientific and empirical rigour the program entails. Yet, at my current graduate institution and my undergraduate institution, the Masters programs in Psychology are distinguished as M.A. over MSc.

I can say with absolute certainty that the MSW students in my area do not get enough training that is science based nor are they prepared for the myriad of consequential job responsibilities. Working with local state organizations (e.g., Child Welfare Services, Department of Human Service, etc.), I've seen many Social Workers make assessments, recommendations, or suggest interventions based on past/personal experiences. When asked how decisions were made and if they had a set of procedures (specific to situations or populations), I learned that decisions were commonly based on other cases or personal beliefs and no such procedure existed. Which worries me deeply - how do we know Social Workers are not influenced by biases in making their decisions? I've also witnessed Social Workers who categorize individuals into a immutable mold: "Oh, they've experienced sexual trauma? Well, then you can expect to see [X, Y, and Z] from them. They will not like [X, Y, and Z], so be sure not to do any of those things. Only [X, Y, and Z] will help in this situation." Perhaps, this is only my experience. To improve practice and service, attention needs to be focused on the ways that Social Workers form judgements and make decisions with an aim to have the most efficacious outcome. And, that's where research comes in, how do we train competent Social Workers - who are expected to make crucial assessments or provide counseling - when they simply do not know/implement the science? To be absolutely clear, I am not saying a MSW is lesser than a PhD. I am saying that a MSW should not be tasked with responsibilities nor make crucial, lasting decisions that are above their training level. 

Just a reminder to everyone that there is always a chance, and to never give up  So this is my first time applying to a clinical program. I don't have any publications yet, I didn't go to any conferences, and my general GRE scores were not good. I applied to five universities around the Toronto area. For the past few months, I have not heard a thing from either university, and have only been getting rejection emails. In the beginning of April, to my surprise, I received an interview invite from a supervisor at York who I did not initially apply to. I was so excited to go to this interview, as I already thought there is no chance at this point in the year. Today I got officially accepted to the York Clinical program! I am still in shock, and so so happy! 

I just got accepted to York's CD program and I am literally in tears! I am definitely accepting (LOL been rejected everywhere else)! If you are planning to attend PM me! I'd love to meet my fellow forum stalkers! 

I think it's very reasonable to contact your POI, especially after an interview. From experience, it's always appreciated when you thank your POI after the interview, and I would think it rude not to do so (just as you would send a thank you note after a job interview). It doesn't have to be very long. I would actually just ask about when I should expect to hear back during the interview (like at the end of it). Only if it's been a long time that you haven't heard back, or if you have a decision to make, I would send an email asking about it. I'm sure the POI understands, remember that they've probably been through the same thing, and remember it quite well  

That could be faculty member dependent, and also varies by how many students they may have had on their shortlist. I suggest asking them for an update just for clarity. Otherwise, you might not hear back till later like you said.

Also, keep in mind that CGS-M opens April 1st. That can also be used as a status check for those still waiting! 

We actually have to take the GRE as well

From what I hear, offers have begun being sent out individually first by the PIs, and then officially by the graduate office when received. You should be hearing back soon for those at the top of the PIs' lists. 

We actually have to take the GRE as well

We actually have to take the GRE as well

To those asking about York CD- all invites to the Open House have gone out. However, just because you didn't receive an invite does not mean that you are ruled out. You will hear official word in the coming weeks. This process is such a roller coaster, and unexpected, wonderful surprises do happen! 

I just got recommended for acceptence at UNB!!!!!!! I'm going to go cry now. 

There's certainly a few things you can ask non-POI faculty members! You can ask them about the culture of their program, for one thing. Hearing it from more than one source is a good way of checking to see what the strengths and possible weaknesses are, and to get an idea of what to expect. They will probably draw from their own grad students' experiences, so you'll get a sense of the dynamics of the other labs and see how comparable students are doing (i.e., what kind of resources are available, how the other faculty members treat their grad students, what opportunities do they get that you can think about when you're in the lab of choice). Also, ask them about the opportunities for collaboration! What kind of research roles can you find yourself being involved in outside of your own lab? Does your POI work alongside the other ones and publish regularly? (fact check: you may also want to take a look and see if they do!)
All the best!

I've heard through the grapevine that a lot of CD applicants have heard back from their prospective POIs at York University about attending the Clinical Open House on the 2017, but not so much for the Adult Clinical area. I would recommend reaching out to your POIs to check in with them for sure. But, as a helpful tip, just because you were not invited to the Open House does not mean you are unsuccessful! 
Shall update those of you that are anxiously waiting if I hear anything! 
 

Got an invite for York Open House today!

There's certainly a few things you can ask non-POI faculty members! You can ask them about the culture of their program, for one thing. Hearing it from more than one source is a good way of checking to see what the strengths and possible weaknesses are, and to get an idea of what to expect. They will probably draw from their own grad students' experiences, so you'll get a sense of the dynamics of the other labs and see how comparable students are doing (i.e., what kind of resources are available, how the other faculty members treat their grad students, what opportunities do they get that you can think about when you're in the lab of choice). Also, ask them about the opportunities for collaboration! What kind of research roles can you find yourself being involved in outside of your own lab? Does your POI work alongside the other ones and publish regularly? (fact check: you may also want to take a look and see if they do!)
All the best!

There's certainly a few things you can ask non-POI faculty members! You can ask them about the culture of their program, for one thing. Hearing it from more than one source is a good way of checking to see what the strengths and possible weaknesses are, and to get an idea of what to expect. They will probably draw from their own grad students' experiences, so you'll get a sense of the dynamics of the other labs and see how comparable students are doing (i.e., what kind of resources are available, how the other faculty members treat their grad students, what opportunities do they get that you can think about when you're in the lab of choice). Also, ask them about the opportunities for collaboration! What kind of research roles can you find yourself being involved in outside of your own lab? Does your POI work alongside the other ones and publish regularly? (fact check: you may also want to take a look and see if they do!)
All the best!

@thewaitinggame hey, i attended the UofT recruitment weekend and i interviewed with my poi as well as 4 other people who were in the same field of research but had a slightly different focus than my POI, i dont think it necessarily means that your POI isnt interested in you it just might mean that more than one person is interested in you, so, in short its a positive sign!  hopefully the person that contacted you's research is also interesting to you as well

I know this is a stressful time for many people here and I was in the same boat many times over and over (still haven't gotten in lol). But I just want to remind everyone that at the end of the day- this is just a graduate school program. I know it means a lot and may get you started on your career path, but all of you have the capability already there. Find what gets you fired up and makes you happy and follow it. Do it whether you get in or not and you will be happy anyway. This is just one option but what's needed to have fulfiling careers is already in you so try not to make this into more than it is- just one more option of making your career dreams come true. You will make it happen either way if you really want to and it will be just as amazing when you do  

thank you jay's brain for the update!

Through the grapevine...some of the CD faculty have begun to contact students. I'm not sure about the adult clinical area yet. Open House slated for Feb 17 I think