ladygrey

Jay's Brain, Thank you for your kind words. Based on what you say, luck seems to play a role in getting accepted by programs. Of course, other components such as research experiences are much more important than luck itself. Many candidates have different background, one may have much stronger background than the other, but we never know until the end who gets in. I guess it depends on the faculty members, whether they view the candidates as the best fit for the program or not. May luck be on my side!

Psychkita, I've been looking I/O programs, and there aren't that many to begin with... They too normally pick handful of students only, but not as competitive as clinical psych. OB programs seem to accept more students per academic year, but I look at the profiles of alumni and they all have strong backgrounds from top undergrad schools. At this point, I think it is a better idea for me to not apply to grad school right after graduation, and rather gain more research experience. I doubt I can beat the other applicants who have strong scores, research experience, and work experiences. Thanks for your advice.

Constant Wanderer, I do not know how hard it is to get into clinical psych programs, but the fact that this is your third year applying tells me that it really is hard to get into clinical psych programs. To be honest, I cannot believe that you are rejected by programs with your clinical experiences and scores. Is it that normal for people like you with such experiences get rejected? I mean, how much more do programs look for especially those freshly graduated from undergrad? I hope this year would be your year, and good luck!

Hi all, I am planning to pursue PhD in I/O psychology, or Organizational Behavior. Since my school, Hunter College in NYC (City School), has no IO or OB professors, I want to get some advice from you. I know the field of IO is really small, and getting into top rated grad schools like Michigan State University or Penn State University is extremely competitive. It seems like OB is comparably larger than IO, but then, getting into top rated OB grad programs like Harvard or Stanford is also extremely competitive. Here is the thing. I was talking to my friend (who has no knowledge of IO or OB fields), and she basically told me that I would have absolutely no chance of getting into the top rated programs because of extreme competence and small acceptance rate. Is it seriously THAT IMPOSSIBLE to get into top rated PhD programs? Do you have to be an extra extra extra extraordinary student who shined throughout your whole academic years, and have at least five research experiences or published papers, and aced in ivy leagues or equivalently prestigious undergrad schools? Here is my background: School: City college in New York, Hunter College Year: turning Senior this fall Major: Psychology, plus Honors program Minor: Stats, Math Cumulative GPA: 3.9 Major GPA: 3.96 GPA in Junior year: not sure but got 1 B+, 2 As, 6 A+s. (It seems like many grad schools give more emphasis on junior/senior GPA). TA Experience: 1 semester for psych course RA Experience: haven't done yet, but HAVE to do at least 1 year for honors program requirement Honors thesis: haven't done yet, but HAVE to write for honors program requirement GRE: haven't taken yet, but am confident (not in conceded way) that I can do well I know I lack RA experience because I was so busy taking part time jobs, and my concern is that I won't have honors thesis or 1 year of RA experience done before I apply for grad programs. How competent am I? Is it impossible for me to go to top IO or OB PhD programs? Please give me your advice and share your thoughts. Thank you