ParisGeller

A couple ideas: 1) Most schools I applied to only looked at my last 2 years for GPA. So if you don't include those first 2 years where you didn't do as well you might be in the clear GPA-wise (although I'd check and make sure the programs you are interested in only use the last 2 years!) 2) GRE scores are a relatively "easy" (although horribly un-fun) thing to improve, as other posters have mentioned 3) If your GPA is high enough, I don't see many advantages to a degree in an unrelated area (sociology) or in a program where you won't get much relevant course experience (like the MA psych you described). I know many people who have got a lot of lab experience after their BA (a couple as lab managers which is nice because it's paid, but often has less actual hands on research experience because you deal with a lot of logistics of running the lab like hiring RAs and dealing with money; a few worked in a couple labs to really flesh out skills of interest like working with a certain population AND gaining different statistical skills; one who got a great lab that let her design and run an entire project). So taking a degree just for the sake of it might actually harm you by distracting you from relevant psychology experience. If you're able to fund yourself with a part time job I think you have a great shot at getting a volunteer position! 4) HOWEVER, if you can mold the Sociology degree into one that really fits with your clinical interests it could help you stand out in an application. I would really make sure your research experience is super relevant to clinical though.

Background: I am a psychology major who completed my degree and an honours thesis this year (graduating in May!). I will be attending graduate school at another university starting in September. Question: I am looking into conference opportunities to present my thesis and have found options in October. However, they require travelling across the country. I know there are travel grants available through my graduate school but I am wondering if I will be eligible if the research I want to present was conducted with a professor at a different school. Does anyone have experience with this?

When I hear "online M.A. in clinical psychology" my mind automatically jumps to the conclusion that you either were not accepted to any in-person programs, or you knew you were not a competitive candidate for those programs. Furthermore, although I'm not sure how research and practicums work in online programs, I assume that you may be disadvantaged when applying to PhD programs as your program would likely be less prestigious and it may be harder to make personal connections for future reference letters. HOWEVER, if you have a solid reason for choosing an online program (for example, family or personal illness) then showing you were able to work hard to still get your degree despite obstacles could help you create a convincing personal statement for future applications. Basically my 2 cents would be it'd be better to take a gap year and apply into some solid non-online programs if you're set on pursuing a PhD.

Regarding UBC SSHRC - My friend received an offer for them (she will be declining to go to a different institution)

Does anyone know how you receive this money if you are awarded it? I accepted for September so will I receive a cheque? Does it happen in installments? Good luck to everyone on the alternate lists!!

*disclaimer* I come from a Canadian context so I'm not sure if it'll be the same everywhere For most CPA accredited counselling programs I've noticed they have higher acceptance rates (although sometimes this difference is 6% compared to the 4% acceptance rate of a CPA accredited clinical psych program I applied to), lower GPA requirements, and usually offer a course-based option that is less rigorous, suggesting counselling is easier to get into. HOWEVER, I think it mostly comes down to your background and goals. Are you extremely research oriented, have extensive research preparation, have a psychology publication? Do you want to work with clinical populations? As most clinical programs are more heavily research-focused and prepare you to work with actually clinically diagnosable populations, this might indicate you are a better clinical applicant. Are you extremely counselling focused or have extensive mental health-oriented preparation (e.g. volunteering with a crisis hotline)? Are you more interested in therapy than research? Do you have a particular non-clinical group you'd like to work with (e.g. immigrants)? This might indicate you are a better counselling applicant. There's so much overlap between the 2 that you can pretty much shape your application to make it suitable for both. I've applied to both types of programs and got accepted to both! I'm just still in the phase of trying to decide what I want (which should be your top priority above which is easier to get into, as despite the overlap, the programs are very different).

I applied to Alberta, Calgary and OISE for counselling. I'm wondering if anyone has heard anything at all from UAlberta? Also, I interviewed with Calgary but haven't heard yet... any news there?