Hi all. I am in need of some advice... Goal: PhD in clinical psych. Education: BA in psychology. 3.1 cumulative GPA. My low GPA is a reflection of my freshman and sophomore years when I blew off classes that I deemed uninteresting or too easy. I ended up retaking 2 or 3 classes, including gym!!!! I began to take college more seriously at the end of my sophomore year, and I started taking my psych major classes. Deans list junior and senior year. GRE: Average scores. I definitely have test anxiety.. I've taken several Kaplan GRE practice tests at home and score 160+ on Q and V. However, my highest official GRE scores are: quant: 153, verbal: 151, writing: 3.5. Research experience: 1 year working in lab under a mentor/professor/clinical psychologist at my university. I performed a variety of tasks including help writing/editing a NIH grant, my mentor's clinical research, EEGs, performing diagnostic tests.. I also had a supervised practicum for 6 months my senior year. Following graduation, I traveled abroad and completed a supervised internship where I worked under a neuropsychiatrist and with several psychologists. I ended up being first author on a journal article.. however, it has yet to be published. Since returning to the states, I have been working in an inpatient psych hospital. I would like to attend a top university for my PhD because I want to work with the best researchers in my chosen field. My plan right now is to apply and attend a masters program. I know I will be able to attain a much higher GPA in a masters program compared to my undergrad. I'm hoping a high masters GPA + additional research experience from the program will be sufficient for admission into a top clinical psych PhD program.. That being said...... Do you think this is a smart route to take!? What types of masters programs would likely admit me? Will my undergrad GPA be overlooked if I am successful in a masters program? Also, how does the ranking of a masters program impact PhD admission? I want to make sure I attend a masters program that will definitely help my credentials when applying to doctorate programs. Does anybody have experience of being admitted into top PhD programs despite a low undergrad GPA and average GRE scores? I sincerely appreciate any and all input!
