ForensicPsych93

Before I start I am just curious in knowing the opinions of some of you out there. I am taking my GREs on Wednesday Nov 1. I have been scoring between 150s for verbal and Quant. I have been in the library studying my a** off and no I just dont get it. Verbal requires vocab, and math requires a training of logic! Ive used the best study materials out there- Magoosh, Manhattan 5llb, ETS official, Barrons flashcards.. Here are my stats: UG GPA- 3.5 UG Psych-3.4 Psych Masters Program- 3.6 Research- 3 years+ 2 research labs in my field - Developmental psychology focusing adolescent psychopathology. 5+ Conference Presentations (2 first author), 1 MA thesis 2 Recommendations from qualified PhD professors who I worked. I plan on applying to mediocre programs that focus highly on my research as fit is something I am extremely aware of considering my low stats. (Most are developmental except fairleigh dickinson.) Temple University Fairleigh Dickinson George Mason St. Johns U University of Maryland University of Michigan- The MSW + psychology program

I know for a fact it is impossible to say whether or not a person will get in but its a motivation to know you have a chance. I am applying to Phd Programs this fall for the Fall 2017 school year. I will be applying to both Clinical and Developmental Psychology Programs. Hold on, before I get bombarded with questions as to why. I am interested in Forensic Psychology but not many schools offer this as a Concentration and if they do they are not funded (palo alto, etc.). I don't require Full funding but atleast 75% Funding. Therefore, I will be applying by professors and research interest. Some of the professors we share common interest are in developmental and others in Clinical. Schools I'm applying to are Drexel, Fairleigh Dickinson, Temple U, Fordham, Uconn, St. Johns, UMichigan. Research Interest- Adolescent Development, At- Risk Population, Identity processes, Juvenile Delinquents Undergrad GPA- 3.5 MA GPA- 3.6 GRE- Will be taking them in October Research- 3+ Years in two labs. 4 Posters Presentations (2 first Author), 2 Oral presentation (1 of them was author), MA thesis, (No Pubs) Great letters of recommendation from Lab professors, and work. I am applying to specific POIS.

Hello, Im applying to mainly Developmental and clinical psych programs (first cycle). And the reason for that is because of research interest. I've seen alot of students here applying to like 50 schools but try to find a professor of interest that has published in exactly what you hope to study for in the program. Your statement of purpose should reflect that and go in depth on your research questions. I enjoy forensic psychology and sort of that field if I don't get into phd program, I will be taking the LSATs in Feb and applying for Law school. I was going to do phd/JD combined programs anyways. Law school apps boil down to this test only. Do you have research experience?

Everyone is different and what may work for others may not work for you. Im studying for the GRE as well and its very difficult watching the magoosh videos but I'm in college and i just can't afford the 1000 bucks for a kaplan in-person course. But I'm almost positive they offer a free trial class, I'd say attend that and see how well you learn. I rather spend on a tutor than a class just because if I'm paying that much, I would want individual attention, if this makes any sense. Currently, what I do is I downloaded Magoosh's schedule and printed it. I follow the schedule to the T, and knock out 10 videos a day. I miss some days so I try to watch 15 videos, etc. I feel like their are a lot of free resources. Im using course prep too, they have like hundreds of practice test that I also take everyday and get the hang of the exam. Also, theirs Khan Academy, mnemonics, Quizlet for verbal, etc. At your local library, they have many of the free GRE books that you can make copies from.

Hey, I am interested in pretty much the same type of programs as you. To be honest, I have found it difficult to find programs that truly specialize in forensic psychology (only a handful) that are FULLY FUNDED, in fact I suggest looking for schools with professors who have a certain research interest you might share. For example the school may not have a specialty in forensic psychology per say, but their are professors in that school that study juvenile delinquency or work with at-risk populations. One thing that might help is also to expand research interest within the field but also be more general to your research interest. So maybe in your statement of purpose stating your only interested in this particular population (juvenile delinquents) might not look as good as saying you are interested in "Adolescence development and predictive risk factors for deviant behavior" (Something along those lines) Also, not sure if funding is much of an issue for you but Palo Alto is not fully funded. John Jay is a reputable school, Why is it that you do not wish to apply? Look into UMASS, Drexel, & Fairleigh Dickinson (75% funded- but opportunities to gain even more knowledge).

There are TWO programs the combined PhD/JD route and the Clinical PhD route with an added concentration in Forensics. I am hoping to apply only to the Clinical PhD program and that only "requires" the GRE. The subject GRE is recommended but NOT a requirement. I just spoke to Drexel University and looked it up on their website. http://drexel.edu/grad/programs/coas/psychology-phd/ - This implies that if you want a law degree + PhD yes you must take both the GRE and LSAT. But as mentioned its certainly not required if your going for clinical phd with a concentration in Forensics.

I created this forum, and well so far my application stats are rising wanted to know the chances from where I currently stand for clinical phd programs. As of now I have 5 Poster/oral presentations (One is regional) where I am First author of 3/5 of them second on the other two. I may have several more poster presentation by the time applications come around but so far this is what I have (Just waiting on dates to for conferences). I also have a MA thesis where I am hoping will be published as well as another study. So i'll be submitting 2 papers for pub by the NEXT app cycle. My Masters gpa is 3.8 & Undergraduate=3.5. I have about 3+ years of research experience. I have great letters of recommendation. My top choices are Fordham U, Drexel U, UMass, John Jay, Fairleigh Dickinson, UCONN, Emory. I am applying to more schools but I have close to 4-5 potential professors I'll be applying to work with. Many have published in topics closely related to what I'm currently working on. I'm retaking GRE this summer -shooting for 310 (or 90^ percentile for verbal). I am very nervous of not getting in because I've been busting my a** this past year to increase my stats (I know others also are) but some post are discouraging to read. ITs hard not to compare yourself to others. Any advice on what else I can be doing. I didn't mention but I have tons of clinical experience as well (I know this doesn't matter as much as research though). But case management for DV shelter (1 yr), Camp Counselor& Tutor (special needs) -2 years.

Keep Hi, I too am applying to programs with emphasis particularly in At risk adolescents that touch on juvenile delinquency, etc. Its extremely hard because not many schools have Forensic Tracks. My suggestion is rather than focusing on tracks and programs with specializations in Forensics is to focus on what research professors have done that is very similar to what you want to do. Why? Well because many programs listed above are NOT fully funded. And personally I looked into Palo Alto in Cal, But I'm from NYC and well cost is really a big factor for phD programs. If you do not mind attending a non funded program then by all means- but it is something rather important to many so just keep that in mind when applying to programs. I suggest Drexel U. John Jay Fairleigh Dickinson- Covers 75% of tuition UMass Sam Houston U. All Fully funded & APA accredited.

Hey, Congrats On the acceptance. I recently went to a open house for the Fall 2017 and am planning on applying. Do you mind telling me some of your credentials (gpa, gre, etc.) Or u can message me- it is close to home and one of my first choices.! Please and thank you!

Hey, Masters program usually take way more students than PhD programs do. Currently, I'm in MA program and I had a lower GRE 3.3, 1 year of research exp, no pubs/presentations. I had OKAY recommendations and I'm almost done with my MA in psych. You have a great chance! - Don't doubt yourself. Check the overall profile of MA students in the programs your interested in- see what they did during UG. I think the reason I got in mainly was because I had a very good Statement of Purpose proposing, I did a lit review and showed interest in one particular psych faculty. Do you plan on eventually applying to Phd/PsyD programs?

My Program if you don't get accepted to the PhD program, they automatically send applications to MA for consideration. Masters programs usually take more students than PhD programs. So it might just call admissions or email them.

Hey, I think this a great idea mainly for Verbal section and introducing new words etc. I will be taking the GRE during the summer most likely around July since I don't want to spend most of it studying like crazy. Depending on whether I like my grades I will retake them in late October. I'm applying to Clinical Psych PhD programs. Why are you taking them? I'm not sure when you were looking to get started but I'm pretty interested.

Thanks, Yeah I actually decided to start studying now (no real reason to wait) and I'll have 3 months of preparation rather than 2. I'm working on mastering the Magoosh verbal words within the next 3 weeks and am gonna focus hard on mastering as many verbal word sets as possible seeing as I had a real problem on verbal last time I took it. For Math I'm gonna watch about 5-8 videos a day and practice practice practice. I think Verbal is honestly easier to study for me since it mainly boils down to memorizing words and learning to use them in sentences how the GRE uses it. I have actually compiled a great list of schools that I fit right in with the faculty based on some of their past publications and research interest (like 15 schools). Around August I will email them seeing if they will accept students so hopefully they will be. But I know the GRE will definitely either hold me back or definitely get me into some of my top school choices. But since I already took the GRE once and scored a 4.5 on the Analytical section- I'm not gonna worry too much on writing as most schools usually emphasize verbal and Quant. I'm also prepared to take it once more before applications if I bomb it. This time around I'm going to be super prepared. But thank youu for all your great advice and input!!!! Goodluck and congrats on those amazing scores!

Wow- Those scores are truly amazing. May I ask how long did you study for? hrs, months, etc? I too am planning on taking it at the end of june. I will begin to study for it late April because I'm waiting for my semester to finish as I have a lot going on. Is roughly two months too little time to study. I'm using Magoosh, Kahn Videos for math, Quizlet for GRE word sets, and the Manhattan Prep 5llB book. I'm planning on studying everyday for 3 hours even weekends! I am trying to get into a PhD in Clinical Psychology program and I have an OK Undergraduate GPA- 3.5 but my MA is 3.8. Everything else in my application is pretty competitive. I have 3 poster presentation, 1 publication, 3 years of research experience, tons of clinical/volunteer experience, MA thesis, and letters of recommendations from Ivy league professors who are second authors in my research. I feel like a really GOOD GRE score will definitely at least get me an interview. Would you say I have a good chance?

Hey, A 140 on both sections is very low, chances of making it into a good graduate school with those scores a truly limited. It might help to look up the scoring on ETS website. My first time around I scored a terrible 145V 148Q 5A. I made it into a Master of psych program because of great other factors (letters, research, experience, personal statement,etc)- But since I'm pursuing my PhD, I definitely need to take it again ! I am studying for it now and have found several resources that might help you. I'm a bad test taker due to anxiety and I didn't study the first time around. I am currently signed up with Magoosh, they have several plans but they are very affordable (I am doing the 6 month one and its 100$) compared to Manhattan prep courses and Kaplan courses that run well over 1000 dollars. They have dozens of Math, Verbal and practice questions. They also have study guides, a app for words (Learn them all- If you choose not to go with Magoosh- The app is still FREE). Also sign up with Quizlet, dozens of people post Barrons 2000 verbal words, you find millions of GRE words- its cool because you can test yourself, play games, etc. In addition to Magoosh math videos- look up Kahn academy math videos on youtube for more basics. Find what way you learn best and practice. My test anxiety was due to under prepping- So take the GRE practice test as much as you can. Practice the strategy of it. I forgot to mention I am using Manhattan Prep 5llB book- Its literally just practice questions. I am waiting for my semester to finish to study for 2 months - (Everyday 3hrs). It'll be a killer sacrifice but the opportunity to attend a fully funded PhD program is well worth it. There are dozens of practice questions online- use them because the GRE is timed so time yourself when you practice. Hope this helps!

Hi, It is definitely possible to still get into a funded clinical Psych Phd program. A 3.5 is a great gpa, my brother got accepted to Northwestern U. and Fordham U. with a 3.0 gpa and several other programs. He took the GREs and scored 168V 164Q 5.5W (took them twice)- So he always attributes his acceptances to this but their are WAY more factors. He worked as a psychology assistant at a private practice, had 1 publication with another under review when he applied, 3 years of research and more than 4 poster presentations - 3 of them were national. If the conference is WELL-KNOWN than it might be of your interest to submit an abstract and see if it gets accepted. Also it was great networking for him since he gave his poster summary's with his email and detailed information attached. It comes down to letters of recommendation, personal statement, and research exp. (poster, presentations,pubs, etc.) Your GPA and GRE are simply scores that tell them if your able to do work at the graduate level- Most schools have a minimum gpa of 3.0- Since they get so many apps this is a quick and easy way of eliminating students. Once you meet the minimum qualifications- if its a clinical program, chances are a faculty or group of faculty will evaluate your application and experience. This is what decides if you even get an interview. Once you have the interview it'll solely depend on your personality and if they think you'll fit in. Ultimately, you need to show them that they need you and how you'll be an asset and valuable student to their program. Its totally possible- Don't lose hope or cut yourself to short. I will be applying to programs during the Fall :D. Good luck

Hey, Thats awesome that your gaining research experience. It's important to note that faculty love seeing that you can take initiative and run your own research. I was working as a research assistant for over 2 years until I finally entered a lab and told the leading professor that I was looking to put together a group of students to help me with MY research. I have 2 college poster conferences this semester and 1 regional conf. coming up during the Fall along with a Masters Thesis. I'm also submitting it all for publication even if they get denied faculty will appreciate the effort!. I think the experience in the lab is definitely necessary for mentorship, Letters of Recommendation , learning the basics and etc; But if you really want to exceed and make your application all the more competitive, try working towards presenting and getting at least one publication. A big tip, look at the CV's of current students there and contact them if they have similar interest, look for places they've presented if at all, there research interest, their POI, etc. Goodluck

WOW, Thanks for the advice. I got an okay UG GPA at 3.5 but my last two semesters were extremely high. I also am getting my masters but I do want to really good in the GRE's considering I don't want it to be a reason I'm not accepted. I guess I have to start working on those things early- Goodluckk!

I plan on taking the GRE's twice before my application cycle. And I'm interested in applying to both but I'm really looking into Professors of interest. My list of schools is longer but around August I will begin emailing faculty and seeing if they are accepting students for Fall 2017. Depending on what they say I will disqualify some schools or add others. I was told you can look damn near perfect on paper but if the program is big on mentors than they care more about you FIT into that program rather than your school records. I will have a lot of research and clinical experience, several poster presentations, and submission of publication, and awesome letters of recommendations. I am most definitely shooting for damn near perfect GRE's, and Im killing myself studying but those are the minimum scores I'm shooting for since a lot of students have gotten in with those particular GRE scores. If I get higher than what I'm shooting for than Awesome! Rutgers isn't a big important school for me, in fact I am probably not even going to apply but I figured I would since its close to home.

Is john jay the only program you are applying to ? I live in NY and wanted to stay here but being a fit into these programs seems like a better idea, so my list of schools have definitely changed as of recently. But you should check Fairleigh Dickinson- they also have a Forensic track

Hi, Yes I checked it out and will definitely be applying there

I totally agree with @psychgradstudent, a PhD degree doesn't always lead to a research career. In fact there are people with PsyD degrees that go on to do research. But I never said it did lead to this. Each program is very unique to the other. However, you will find that PhD programs have a larger emphasis on research during your time in grad school than a PsyD programs which emphasize clinical experience. But you can expect to do a little of both in BOTH programs. Meaning if you decide to go for your PhD, expect to conduct research and do clinical work- same goes for a PsyD. After attending numerous grad school open houses and speaking to current students at the schools of my interest, many of them had years of research experience (PhD programs) or worked as RA's prior to applying to the program. And for those who didn't have any research experience, had 1-2 years of clinical experience along with near perfect GRE's, grades, and letters of recommendations, etc. Each application is seen individual but It will ultimately boil down to what you want to do and whether you are a good fit. I am applying to PhD programs because I like the research emphasis rather than the hands on approach. But I still very much plan on doing clinical work. If you apply to both PsyD's and PhD programs, then yes balancing out the two areas is very important. But figure out what it is you want and most importantly where you FIT. I was simply referring to getting into the school, what sets students apart are poster presentations, national conferences, and the letters of recommendation for PhD programs. I applied to one PsyD program last year and found that it was not a good fit, however I had little to no research experience and many good internships and clinical work. That goes to show you can possibly get in without research but for PhD its rare. I would email some professors/students of the schools of interest and find out what students they usually accept and the overall environment. Also on most websites they have the curriculum- Do your research. I have several internships in my resume but I'm trying my hardest to get some work published for research. In many PhD programs you have to decide on a Professor of interest to work with or someone that matches your research interest. And so their decision is often based on students they feel will be an asset to the school. But let the school tell you yourself because again all programs are different.

I'm not a PhD student, I'm a psych masters student and I am doing research with both PsyD and PhD students. I also have friends in the program. Also I will be applying to PhD programs during the fall of 2016. So far from what I've gathered is that for PhD programs- you want to focus on research experience and getting publications/poster presentations. Now thats not to say having volunteer/clinical internship experience is bad- however a PhD is research based so they want to know you can handle the work and think like a scientist. A supervisor is a supervisor whether they focus on clinical work or research, they are there to help guide you into what you want to do. I joined a research lab with a professor who focuses on creativity and adolescence. I like forensic psychology -__-! The point is I was able to use his data collection on creativity and apply it to more my area & look at creativity in juvenile delinquents ;). If your looking into PsyD programs then more volunteer/clinical internship hours is your main concern with some research on the side. I suggest focusing more on research and if you can fit in a part time internship of experience it wouldn't hurt either. I am filling up my CV with Research all year even if its data entry and over the summer I'll be working as counselor for a trauma center. Hope this helps

Hi All, I know its super early but I figured starting a discussion on the next Psychology PhD cycle during Fall 2016. I will start applying to the programs during late August 2016. I'm really nervous but I rather work hard to enhance my overall CV and application.- I am currently working on a lot of research and I have 2 poster conferences coming up within a month. I will be doing my Masters thesis during the Fall. I graduated with a overall 3.0 (undergrad) - last two semesters were 3.7. I have internship experience working as a case manager for abused women. I worked with kids with autism and adhd. I have research experience from undergrad where i was third author and i mainly did data collection/entry. This summer I will do more research and be a counselor for a trauma center. My areas of interest are adolescence psychopathology and crime, drugs, etc. I'd love to study forensic psychology though because I also would like to study domestic violence amongst across cultures. I'm applying to Fairleigh dickinson, LIU POST/Brooklyn (both), Adelphi, John Jay, Seton Hall, St. Johns, Rutgers, Yeshiva & Hofstra. Its a long list also I'm taking the GRE in 2 months, My goal is to get a 155Q 160V- 5A. Any other tips besides looking for fit? What are my overall chances

Hi just curious in how How exactly did you study to achieve this?