Hi everyone!
So before I share some of information about myself, I do want to share that these forums have been incredibly helpful. Before 'joining' thegradcafe, I found the suggestions/tips listed on here about applying to grad school extremely useful, so I hope that whomever is reading my message (current/future PhD applicants) can make use of it!
That said.... This is my FIRST time "officially" applying. During Fall 2014, I was in my senior year, had multiple responsibilities/projects going on, and did not feel comfortable applying at ALL. I graduated in May 2015.
Background of "Basics":
- GPA = Eh for overall (Summa cum lade, not so shabby but not 4.0 material) and 3.83 for Psych
- LoRs = Strong (Former VA director, Graduate Chair, and current director of Lab/Research Center I'm working for now)
- GREs = Horrible. (Did VERY poorly, used week prior to exam to study). Didn't retake them because... life (work/deadline approaching, etc). Let's not talk about these, they make me want to cry every time I think about it.
- Experience: 2 1/2 years research experience (During and after graduation- Worked for VA for a 1 year, 4 diff labs, 1 publications, 9 presentations/3 university conferences with 4 posters, TA experience in stats for a year, and currently working at the post-grad level as a paid RA/Coordinator for a research lab) AND ~5 months clinical experience at the post-grad level as well.
- Extra fluffiness for the CV: Generous competitive research grant for honor thesis (largest amount/award funded by program); recognition by department/chair/dean during senior year, several accolades there; leadership involvement in undergraduate honor societies, large community service hours, tutor experience for HS students, etc.
I applied to: Auburn, UNC-Greensboro, Washington University in St. Louis, Utah State University, University of Central Florida, and University of Missouri-St. Louis (Trauma/combat PTSD related)
Anyone submitting apps to these programs? Where are my PTSD/Trauma/Combat veteran population peeps? How are the rest of you feeling? This period has me stressed out, breaking out (literally) etc. The usual I am assuming for those of us on here, right?