cagedbird77

Just from a personal preference, I went straight into my psych doctoral program right after undergrad. For me, it was the right decision because I felt that I would have been less likely to go into grad school had I waited. I think it's a natural transition and I actually found my first year of grad school somewhat easier than my last year of undergrad. Besides, what do you have to lose if you apply now (regardless of application fees)? And even if you don't get accepted the first time around, a lot of grad schools can give you feedback specifically on what your application may be lacking. I was doubtful that I would be able to be accepted into a doctoral program right out of undergrad but I'm happy I took the plunge and applied.

Thanks for your perspective and suggestions!! I've never really thought about confronting them about their behaviors, mainly because I'm pretty introverted myself and and I don't like to cause trouble. I'm very non-confrontational and a little bit of a people-pleaser, as I've been told by multiple family members and friends. I've gotten better though. Our summer sessions recently ended and I'm back home with family, old friends, and my boyfriend. It's nice and rejuvenating. I think being away from the grad school setting is putting things in a better perspective for me. I'm actually excited about starting the semester in the fall! Haha but not too soon, of course!

Just a bit of personal perspective, I graduated undergrad with a BS in biology and I wanted to pursue graduate studies in psychology. At my interview, they specifically asked me about my background and why I wanted to pursue psychology instead of biology. My advisor previously told me to be prepared to answer such a question so I had a good answer to give. Just be prepared to answer questions like these when you go on interviews! (I got into that psych grad program by the way!)

I have a few friends in EdS programs in Ohio and Indiana. I know they received some sort of funding but it wasn't guaranteed for all of their cohort. They had to compete for it. It was the same situation with my program. I'm in a PsyD program and funding was not guaranteed. I was lucky enough to find some generous funding though! For me, it was important to ask current grad students about the amount of funding when I went on my interview since the program did not specify how many students they offered funding to.

Some of my friends in EdS programs are spread throughout Ohio and Indiana. As far as I know, they all have a generous amount of funding for their programs, a small cohort and interactive faculty, and immediate placement into practicum into the first semester. I'm in a PsyD school psychology program and I absolutely love it. Go school psychology!!!

PsyD programs are another option if you want to go the school psych doctorate route! I'm currently going into my second year as a PsyD student and I absolutely love the applied practice aspect of my program. I am constantly applying what I learn in class into my practicum sites and my professors always gear our classes towards real-world settings and problems we may encounter. Just like with a PhD, I can also work in private practice after graduation, or even clinical settings if I desire. The only major difference between PsyD and PhD is research and the easiness in which one can become a professor after graduation. Granted, I also like research too but I get to do it on my own time and I have quite the free reign to do whatever I want. A drawback I have encountered is the lack of funding that is readily available for grad students in PsyD programs (however, our PhD program is scarcely funded too, so it could just be my university lol). I was lucky enough to get a lot of funding though but I had to really search for it.

OP, keep in mind that GRE scores are only one part of the application. Looking over your list, you sound like a strong applicant! My advisor for my doctorate program specifically said that GRE scores were one of the last things that they looked at when admitting students. I'm sure other programs might do this differently but it's something to keep in mind! I mean, you still need to do decently well on them but don't fret too much over the test. Like someone posted earlier, definitely take one or two practice tests before the real thing. I took two full length practice tests and learning how to pace myself was really valuable. Good luck and I'm sure you'll do great

Thanks to everyone who replied to this post! I've definitely taken a long look at my program and decided that it's only a small part of my life. I'm not going to change who I am just because of a bunch of sour grapes. I love my grad program and the opportunities it has given me. And I just officially finished my first year ( I had summer classes, gross haha), and I am definitely ready for the second year to begin!

I definitely see your point of view, victorydance. I always try to keep in mind my own reactions and demeanor when I'm interacting with them. I try to be as polite as possible. Maybe sometimes always offering help when they ask questions about classwork gives them an impression that I'm a know-it-all? I hope not. I just like to help people, honestly lol. I've taken been trying to take the advice of a close friend of mine and keeping the conversations I have with the members of my cohort free of academics, when possible. Sometimes, I do take things way too personally and it's something I've been working on, both in my professional and private life. Cheers to your advice! I appreciate it!

Those grads sound just fine! I'm in a doctorate program and honestly, while grades do matter, it's your research experience and work outside the classroom that matters the most. Upon interviewing for my program, they explicitly stated that while they looked at grades, anything north of a B was fine with them; they cared more about research experience and letters of recommendation. So make sure your application is full of those and take advantage of any opportunities you can outside the classroom! And you can always ask your professors why you received the grades that you did. I'm sure they'll be more than likely to steer you in the right direction!

Thanks for all your advice everyone! It definitely helps. I just need to remember that grad school and this situation is temporary, and that I'll be moving back home when it's all over. In the meantime, I'll do my best to kill'em with kindness

Hey guys! I'm just finishing up my 1st year of grad school. I love my program and school but my cohort...not so much. I have a fairly large cohort (15-20 people). Most of us came straight out of undergrad. However, we're a fairly diverse group (some are married, some live alone-like myself, some come from different parts of the country, etc.) And while I've made some good friends in my program, I feel a certain hostility from others that I'm not so close to and I can't understand it. All of us take the same classes every semester so we're together quite often. I enjoy our classes and the work, so I try to put my best effort into everything I do (I'll be using this knowledge in my career, so why not?). However, I've experienced comments such as, "Why are you doing it that way?", "You don't need to do all that extra work.", "You're going to make the rest of us look bad.", "You're a know-it-all." Some of these are told to me directly while others I've heard whispered about me. When people in my cohort ask for help, I'm more than happy to help them with the coursework. And yet, I feel like I'm being used for answers, and then mocked about the effort I put in after I've helped them. Sometimes, they roll their eyes when I offer answers in class or giggle during a presentation I'm giving. Then, they complain all the time about the amount of work we have to do, how our classes are stupid and the professors can't teach, and the professors will never know if they share answers on assignments we turn in later. This atmosphere just seems so petty, competitive, and suffocating. Also, I recently got a large sum of funding from the department. I didn't tell anyone except my closest friends in the program because I didn't want to seem like I was bragging (funding is scarce in my department already). Somehow, people found out and no one seems to want to talk to me anymore. It's gotten to a point where I mostly just want to go to class, not raise my hand anymore to contribute towards discussions, and go home immediately after. I've tried to be friends with them (I admit, I'm a bit of an introvert) but nothing has worked. I knew grad school was competitive but I didn't know it could be this hostile. I don't brag about my grades or funding, so I don't know what their problem is with me. I thought grad school would be all about collaborating with each other and helping each other but I guess not. My family, boyfriend, friends, and the few people I'm close with in the department have been really supportive and told me that they're just jealous bullies and to not pay attention to them. I try but it's hard when I see them almost everyday, and will be seeing them almost every day for the next few years. Has anyone else experienced bullies in grad school? How did you handle it? Please sure your stories and advice. Thanks!