Oddtimes

For what it's worth, here's my experience. I have two bachelor's degrees, and I did pretty poorly during the first one (B.A. in Liberal Arts with concentrations in psychology and marketing). I graduated with a 2.9 and had two semesters where I got "WFs" in all of my classes. I actually failed my first intro. psychology course. However, I did better my final year, getting a 3.4 in the fall and 3.7 in the spring. Three years later, I went back for a second bachelor's degree with the intention of trying to get into grad school. I completed my second degree (B.S. in psychology) with a 4.0 (around 60 additional credits). So, there was a steep incline in my GPA. I also took part in research, presented a poster at a regional conference, got a study published in an undergraduate journal (which hardly counts as a publication) and had strong letters of recommendation. This was enough to get me into a Master's program but not enough to get me into the two doctorate programs I applied to. So, I went on to get my Master's with the goal of going on to a Phd. I graduated with a 3.98 and made sure I was involved in research as much as I could be. I also presented at two more conferences, one state and one national. Again, I made sure to build relationships that would lead to strong letters of recommendation. In the end, I applied to five doctorate programs: 1 clinical, 1 social, 3 counseling (all at least decent programs with APA accreditation). I was outright denied at the clinical and social programs, which are notoriously hard to get into. I was waitlisted at all three counseling programs, one of which sent me a letter not long after the interview saying that the faculty member I applied to work with left the program, so that was a no go. Ultimately, I got an offer from ONE program at the beginning of April, and I accepted. Oh, and my GRE scores were far from great (around 78th percentile in verbal, 23rd in quantitative, and a 3 in writing). So, I'd say it is possible to overcome a poor undergraduate GPA (and crappy GRE scores), but not without a lot work. You can have a weak area or two if other areas are strong. It also depends on how competitive the programs are you applying to.

The survey is now closed. Thanks to all who participated!!

No, I haven't. Thanks for the heads-up!!

Hello Everyone, I hope it's okay that I'm posting this here (I also posted in the lobby): I would like to request your participation in a very brief survey (5-10 minutes) regarding your opinions about religious behaviors. I am collecting data solely for the purpose of completing a required class project. Therefore, this is relatively informal and not required to be approved by any IRB. If you would like to participate, click/copy the link below https://bsu.qualtric...4IoVdi503vPlV8p Thank you!!

Check out the Counseling Psychology program at Oklahoma State. Good stuff going on there.

Thanks for your response! I guess that's my concern. It seems most positions I'm interested in specifically state that you need a Phd in either clinical or counseling psychology. Although I will have a Phd in educational psychology, my transcripts, internship, and license will be virtially identical to someone in a strictly counseling psych. program. I think the only reason it's referred to as a Phd in educational psychology is because it's housed within the education department (which I think is pretty common among counseling programs).

Hi Everyone, I'm currently getting ready to begin a an Phd program in counseling psychology. Technically, it is a Phd in educational psychology with a specialization in counseling. When I was comparing programs, I found that this program offered the same courses as other counseling psych. programs (most being CPSY courses not EDPS), had similar research interests, required an APA approved predoctoral internship, and prepared you for the same licensing exam. I tentativley plan to work in the federal prison system and have been looking into employment opportunities that offer student loan repayment. My concern is that all of these jobs specifically require a doctoral degree in either clinical or counseling psychology. Does anyone know if it might be problematic that my degree is technically going to be a doctoral degree in educational psychology with a specialization in counseling even though it is virtually structured exactly like other counseling psyc programs. For example, if I applied for a job as a prison psychologist, do you think they would just look at my CV, see Educational Psychology, and then disreguard my application? I would appreciate any insight. Thanks!!