ravyn

Glad you posted this question (I hope more people respond!) I don't strongly want to get into academia (I can do it... but I can see it tiring me out). I like academia to some extent (I wouldn't absolutely hate teaching higher education students, I can practice my writing and improve, and I sort of have an idea of how I would like my research would develop after I complete my PhD). So yes, I can do it and I can make it work in the Ivory Tower. But I do want to explore what's outside of academia. I don't see myself purely as a basic science. I want to see how research really impacts humans out their in the real world.

Hi! I am applying to the master's for general psychology at CUNY's Hunter and City College, but I am confused about the difference between the two programs? I've seen Hunter College mentioned often in my search, but City College seemed more obscure. As someone with little insider knowledge, it's hard for me to understand if there's a big difference in reputation, types of research, quality of education, admission rate, etc. I ultimately want to do a PsyD or PhD in clinical psychology, but I didn't didn't take any psychology courses in undergrad. Any advice would be appreciated! NOTE: above message is posted by a friend using my account!!!!!

I really wish I could help. I don't know what your school offers, but it would be great if they had some established social support/group counseling. Of course, I am not a psychologist and I simply don't know your situation that well ...so I don't know what you really need, but I know that when I am feeling that low, I really need someone else to help me think differently and provide practical input. I like it when someone understands my concerns and won't just suggest medicine (unless most other things aren't working or something). But that is just me. Hang in there no matter what you decide to do in your program, though!

Thanks for responding! Even $950 is too much (it's only 80 dollars less than I am paying now in a 4 bedroom), now that I am thinking things through. I know a girl in the sociology phd department at my school and I think she pays $700 per month in Queens. A met a girl recently (not a student, though) who pays $670 a month (she said it's newly renovated). I think I'll go a bit out into Queens or Brooklyn. $850 will be my absolute max. As long as it doesn't take more than 45 - 50 minutes to go to Manhattan, then I'll make do.

Hi guys, I am already a student in NYC (in a PhD program for speech language and hearing). I was wondering what places are okay (meaning the place isn't super run down/bad plumbing with rats/bug issues) with a budget of NO MORE THAN $950 a month (meaning that everything combined... utitlies, hot water, heat/air conditioning and internet... will add up to at most this amount). I plan on trying to find a place with a friend/building mate that I met this year (this person is in the first year of a PhD program in sociology). We don't mind if we end up living with a third person. Do you guys think it's doable with such a budget or am I doomed?

OK. I am sort of going to use this to help me develop my thoughts so I sound less like an idiot outside of the Internet after I receive your input. So, one of my classes have been geared towards acoustics and speech perception, so I think I know FOR SURE that I want to stay away from that as a potential first year/second year/dissertation topic. So I now know that I am not interested in motor theory of speech or articulation or even how we hear specific speech sounds (although the idea of top-down processing is interesting ...how we inject our own knowledge into what we think we hear when certain sounds are missing) ...I always liked the idea of top-down processing in general. So I am thinking of using that topic for a class project. That or some other kind of cognitive processes (attention, inhibition or something) because I really do like those (I am just not allowed to work on my first year project for the in-class projects). Anyway, I am also not interested in looking into the acoustics of speech sounds. Some of the papers we read really looked into that (are there acoustics invariants? does voice onset time vary between the languages? ...actually, I looked at voice-onset-time in p and b as a mini project a while back, but I am not interested in looking more into that, although it was cool at the time). looking into acoustic landmarks for phonemes that make up words also might not be my area of interest. I know I don't care for speech perception in those with cochlear implants/hearing aids/hearing loss in general. I went to seminar related to auditory stuff (the talk was about pitch perception in people with cochlear implants). My long term interests don't lie there, it looks like. I don't think I am all that interested in the phonemic levels of things (like how do people tell the difference between l and r or how do we GET them to produce the phonemes correctly) So yeah. I still have more reading to do to identify what I would like to do ...so I won't stop reading about the topics I just mentioned (since the readings are for my classes lol), but I will need to add in my own readings to do on my free time to identify an area of interest. A person in my program shared a paper with me about Autistic kids reading body language because I started talking about theory of mind with the person (the person is taking a course in Autism). And another person did their dissertation on autism and scalars....ssssoooo. yeah. I will need to learn more about this stuff first before I say I found my true love. I mentioned theory of mind in one of my classes and the professor gave me a "X" sign with their fingers. The prof said it's a hot topic, but prof hates it (but then again, the prof is interested in auditory perception/audiology ...I don't think anyone in that field is interested in theory of mind). Another fear is that I hope the professors in my program can accommodate my interests. *is scared* Anyway, talk to you all later. I gotta go home!! Please critique my ideas! I gotta learn to get better at accepting critiques and using them to improve. Oh and excuse my grammar/spelling mistakes. I am too lazy to fix them.

Hi. I don't have any information about this at the moment, but I am interested in this topic too, so I am searching for information. If I find anything I'll let you know (and if you find anything, please let me know!)

Thanks guys for responding! @fuzzylogician hard to here, but yeah. I really need to rethink things with a different mindset; it's just challenging right now. Still, you're very right. I need to take small steps and not focus solely on the big picture... I just need to pick something up and run even if I will eventually change direction. I am going to try to start that process of simply reading/digging WITHOUT overthinking it. I will start tomorrow, after my doctor's appointment. @knp lol, I will try to NOT do that that last part =P But yeah, I like that advice. I just need to be honest with myself about my likes and dislikes, though.

I feel that I might be going a little bit crazy trying to decide on what I want my research topic to be about, and I really need some kind of input from you guys. I am asking you guys first before I go to my department... because I have a tendency to not understand my own thoughts ...so I don't want my department to have to slug through this all the way. And hopefully this benefits others too. I am in my 4 - 5th week of my PhD program. I have to think of a project to do for my first year project, and I do have ideas (of course, definitely not well thought out ...but ideas despite how horrendously horrible they are xD). I think it would be cool to work on statistical learning in word learning; I like how it relates to social contexts ...so how does word learning differ at home vs school (actually, I thought of this on the spot just now). Executive function as it relates to semantic processing sounds great. And definitely theory of mind is a cool idea. I am sure that there are lots of cool *cough*better*cough* ideas out there, but so far, I am not having any "jump out of bed to read read read read" great ideas. Maybe I am being too hard on myself, but I want to be more enthusiastic than I am now. On top of that, I am in a place, physically, where I am really changing as a thinking human being. A year ago, I thought I wanted whatever I did in life to have direct clinical implications in almost any capacity and almost only that. In fact, I thought I should have applied to clinical psychology programs. Back in July, I hung out with a dissertation level PhD student getting ice cream. She had let me know that if she knew me earlier, she would have advised me to apply to grad programs in clinical psych. Now, it's September. And although clinical aspects of psychology of various sorts is interesting (and in my field directly, they also encourage you to think about clinical applications), I am glad that I do not have to limit my research to the clinic. Focusing my research on clinical aspects of the field is a "small-minded" approach (I don't mean that it's close-minded ...it just seems ...small to me, like I could be doing more). In fact, I think I MIGHT have an interest in sociolinguistics. We had a reading sample about sociolinguistics last week (socioeconomic status and phonology), and I really liked it. It's not something I would have EVER imagined myself to be interested in (although that's sort of a lie ...but to make this thread simple, we'll leave it at that). I have always been a scientist because that is what I've always been surrounded by in almost all aspects of my life (you know... the heavy science like DNA and genes and stuff), because that's what I was pushed to do by others (I know, I will have to come to know that I am my own person ...DNA is cool though ...from a neurospsychology aspect!) ...I never knew that I would be interested in something outside of science. In fact, I am jealous of my new friends I made (also a PhD program at my school) who get to look at cultural aspects of life instead "can you distinguish this sound from this one?" <-- I am taking speech perception this semester lol; it's an alright class. Do you see my dilemma? I am not sure which direction my heart and brain feels comfortable going and I'd like to talk it out. It's bad to be all over the place, right?!!? Please and thank you

Nope. Just nope. So, you shouldn't involve yourself in that. What you SHOULD involve yourself in is figuring what you can do if the person leaves. Can you find another professor that would be pleasant to work with? Can you follow him to his new location (giving you a promise that you'll be in the PhD/whatever program where he goes)? ...I say this part, because I think I have heard of an instance where graduate students follow professors to new institutions ....don't take my word for it, though. Or can you not follow him and think of another enjoyable project that's more suited to the faculty with you right now. Start right now to think about how you can complete your PhD in a smooth and socially safe manner. I know you see this as an extension of your research life and I understand the concern, but this is stretching it.

I agree with the post above; it depends on the program you want to apply to. If you are looking at neuroscience from a molecular/cellular level (like how does a neuron make connections with other neurons or how does a zebra coordinate movements), then you might want to take the biology subject tests. If you are looking at neuroscience in a way that is, for example, the neuroanatomy of drug addict as a function of how far he/she in treatment (I have no idea... I am not in a neuroscience PhD program lol) ...then you might want to take the psychology subject tests. I think that in those in biologically oriented neurosciences are less likely to take the subject GRE test than those who are applying to more psychologically oriented neuroscience programs, but don't take my word on this until you ask professors or people who've already gotten in. What matters most is to figure out what programs you want to apply to and then look up what most programs require and recommend that you do to successfully apply.

I am not in the master's program ...but why should it matter if you're applying out of state? You kind of need to/is expected to increase your chances of getting in some place. I get that certification laws are different in different states and that it might be cheaper to attend an in-state school since you're taking out loans, or you might have to relocate your WHOLE family, but ...I don't think it makes any sense for them to take you less seriously for it. I wouldn't spend my time putting it in my letter of intent. I could be wrong; so ...hopefully others who are applying or already are accepted chime in; I don't want your chances of rejection to increase.

I have seen one of your posts before, and now that I have a better idea of what you want/thinking about... Then I want to tell you that you should try to find out what social work entails rather than simply listening to your parents. According to you, your parents think that social work is about dealing with drug addicts and you get low pay. It's true that social work isn't the most lucrative field; I looked online and they can make around 50K a year as a beginning salary, minimum, with a master's in NYC. If you have lots of loans that might be an issue. However, I noticed that in NYC, it is supposed to increase as you work more years (but NYC is an expensive place to live in). So if you're mostly interested in making a crap ton of money, it isn't for you, but I am sure people can survive. Social work encompasses a variety of things. You don't have to work with drug addicts. You could deal with children, criminal justice or whatever. You do the research (although I can provide some links, if you want). What's most important is that you look to see if this if the work they offer is ideal for you, and then you can look at the realities like the cost of an MSW and the culture of the workplace/burnouts and stuff. Edit: Oh, and your mom can tell you it's a terrible decision... but that's all she is doing. Look into it yourself and then you can decide if it's worth it. You will most likely be dealing with people with serious/depressing issues and on top of that, many social work organizations in the U.S have funding issues that make it a bit harder for people to do their jobs, so be aware of that and ask yourself if you can handle/tolerate the realities.

I also want to say that this seems common to me. I used to work in a biochemistry lab, and I know one person is moving on to his 9th!!!! year in a PhD program (I think it's his 9th year... he won't talk about it even if I ask; he just says he's been here "too long"). I have a feeling that he's losing faith in what it means to do research because he looked deflated as soon as I told him that I was interested in a PhD in biology (when I joined the lab, I was interested in biology/neurobiology ...not anymore).

Hi Renci, Of course, I don't totally know what's going on, but I just wanted to say that you're not t a dead end. I understand that you've put a ton of effort into getting into graduate school for a clinical master's in speech pathology. It looks like getting into the master's for SLP is what you wanted, but circumstances are not allowing it. However, they are other things you can consider doing. It all depends on your interests/goals though. So my 1st piece of advice is to think of what you'd really like to do if you weren't in a slump. I don't know if you have the time for it, but if you are interested in seeing that something in psychology would interested you, then there are post-bacc programs that might help you boost your GPA and take courses (in my opinion, courses are good because you can chat with professors and they can help you with academic/career directions). However, I think your bigger issue would be the GRE. Do you think you could study up and retake it?

Hello. I think it's perfectly fine to get into contact with them. It's a good way to see who you can work with potentially. I called my school. I talked to the program director who is also a PI of a lab, and I am happy I did. I had a good experience talking to the director and 6 months later I still find my interactions with the director pleasant so far; it was a good way to test the waters, in hindsight. I called because I am almost WAY out of field, so I wanted to make sure I would be a good fit. I don't think it should harm you at all if you call. Either they don't care to talk and will simply answer your question or ignore you; that's whatever. And at best, they will be really interested and ask for you CV and keep a bit of a conversation going, showing that they are proactive about looking into prospective applicants that they honestly want students they like. Edit:: And yes, the poster above me is absolutely correct that it's good to read their work first. Many people want to get into a psychology graduate program, so you got to really think about the work they are doing and how it will help you out in your own career. Asking if they are accepting someone is a small step. Thinking that you'll actually like doing what they are doing is a bigger one.

Thank you @juilletmercredi I went to Target in Harlem (I think??), and I know I can get basically everything an average joe would need there. However, I don't find Target to be all THAT cheap, but it's good. At least I know that I can get to it. I decided to explore and went to 110th street and Madison (I think??) in Manhattan and I found a really cool grocery store. I liked it and I think I will do grocery shopping there. I think it's called NYC Fresh Market. Do any of you know about it? Do you like shopping there? However I wanted to know if there is an alternative. Is there a cheaper store that sells good groceries in Manhattan? I went to one on a different street and did not like it at all. I highly doubt I'd go there again. Also, is it just better/cheaper to do groceries online? I am trying to make sure I pick the frugal option without eating unhealthy food all that much, since unhealthy food is the cheapest option. Let me know if I am asking too many questions and should ...just stop =P Also, let me know if this question has been asked before and answered (and then link it to me). I've browsed through this thread more than once before and I don't remember coming across such a question. I don't want to waste anyone's time.

Yes, I want to echo everyone saying that you shouldn't let 1 single person tell you that you're not cut out for the field based on one class. Also, just because you're not 10000000000% happy right now doesn't mean you're depressed and should see a specialist. What you're feeling is normal. All you did was stub your toe. People stub their toes. When the feeling subsides things will be easier to handle. Take things easy on yourself. You just graduated and that is SO awesome. Do something that you really really really enjoy, and hang out with positive people who understand your position (it might not be your parents, but you would know best). From there, do things one day at a time until you feel ready to tackle a bigger future; you got this.

Yep, that was a big worry for me. It's why I didn't think I would even WANT to apply, at all, to any PREPs. There was nothing psychological related, and if there was, it was neuroscience/neurobiology (so they don't like hearing the word "psychology" even if it's neuropsycholgy). If you do not mind, what are your research interests? I advise anyone honestly really wanting to get into grad school for clinical psych/neuropsych/cog psych/developmental psych to apply to UMASS, Hot Metal Bridge (University of Pittsburgh), ...and maybe Yale (I am not sure about Yale, but I see, on the website, that one person who interned there was a psychology person while the rest were biology or biochem & molecular people). These three PREP programs are more likely to accept you (and hopefully others in the future will too). I think it's a good idea if others can post PREP programs that will let people do research that isn't neatly in the STEM category.

Hey guys, I have a super duper freakishly serious question... What kind of sneakers should I buy for walking around daily in NYC. I don't think my old pair of sneakers will do a good job since my socks get soaked very very easily when I simply step in a small puddle. Plus, my friend said they were looking kind of flat lol. I am throwing them out. I have snow boots right now because I have been to New England for a few winters. I hope the last/are good enough for NYC. But it doesn't hurt me in any way to learn more about what kind of snow boots NYCers wear during the winter Yes, I know... very super serious question lol.

If you are currently working toward's a bachelor's, then you might be in a good position to take neurobiology courses before you graduate. 1.) See if your school allows you to take classes at another university at the same tuition rate as the school you currently go to. or 2.) Just take whatever neurobiology course your school offers. The fact that you've conducted research on Parkinson's Disease seems good; it should help you out depending on the kind of lab. What kind of lab are you working in? Meaning, what about Parkinson's Disease do they study? EDIT:: Oh and simply taking a course wouldn't significantly improve your chances, but it doesn't hurt you if you do well in it. It's better to work in a research lab, though. Just my opinion.

Thank you so much for responding, firewitch. Didn't mean to freak out; change is indeed scary for me if it's not either familiar or within my fantasy plan lol. Change will happen no matter what I do, but I do hope I can find my ....zone. whatever it may be.

Well, it's really nice. I do not think apartments in NYC are generally THAT nice... but I could be wrong since I haven't physically been to another NYC apartment. It opened in 2011. I visited it in the beginning of June. They have a gym I can access that I shouldn't have to pay extra for (they said it was free, but I bet it's included in rent lol. so I better use it at least once a week!!!). Wifi is already available for free. They have a lounge and balcony for people to chill at. I also saw an apartment with a camera that lets you see the street. I will be paying for electricity outside of the $1015 rent. Apparently, what everyone in the apartment does is divide the electric bill in quarters. ...so I don't know that will be... Oh and by the way, I don't think the superintendent showed me the "best' apartment... meaning, I don't think he showed me a dream apartment just to get me to buy it. Because when I got there he had to call various 4-bedroom apartments to make sure a student was home and would let me tour the apartment. And when he did find one, the girl was pleasant ....but had to hop in the shower. Could be wrong. Faculty members apparently live there too. Everyone smiled at me and they had no idea who I was... I simply just stood at the door waiting to see an apartment. so that was really nice. And the apartment comes furnished. So I only need to bring my stuff (so less moving costs for me since I am out of state at the moment). So, yes, it is expensive since I can get an apartment with more space for myself, but it's not like I am getting NOTHING compared to a 2-bedroom for the same price... it just means more people to deal with. I am only staying for the year ...until I get more comfortable with NYC. Hopefully some of the people who live in the building with me will want to be my roommate for the next year and find a cheaper place.

I too worry if I am doing the wrong thing by attending a PhD program this fall. I think it's Imposter Syndrome, but I am not sure. I could be a good PhD student... I could NOT be good. I won't know unless I give it my best shot. However, do I want to give it my best shot? I worry that obtaining a PhD can seem a bit pretentious for someone like me. It's not about hating research (edit:: I really like what I am learning and I've always wanted to study something more based in neuropsychology ...even my sister said I should have studied psychology-related stuff because it's more natural for me) ...it's about hating that PhD people IN GENERAL focus A LOT on getting a ton of awards and recognition. Sure, I understand that applying to fellowships, awards, scholarships and the like is how we fund ourselves in the world of research. But constantly thinking if people are admiring me or praising my work... that's something I don't want to handle. The last time I got awarded for being a good "tutor" I cried, lol. I mean I LOVE helping/teaching people and I admire the PhD student in my current lab who takes the time to explain things clearly ...not because she wants me to do everything perfectly or thinks I am stupid and therefore HAS to take her time, but genuinely likes to engage people and explain what she knows in a way that you feel comfortable with the material w/o making the concepts seem "holier than thou". I really appreciate that. She is the kind of person I want to be like. Someone who genuinely wants to help and relate to humanity. What I don't want to be is the PhD student/future researcher who is always chasing "cutting edge" research for the sake of being popular/well-known. I hope being a researcher isn't going to be a popularity contest... My question to you guys is... should I run away from my program before it's too late and never ever ever apply to another one? I am sorry that I sound so lost... Please help.