clinpsy001

Hi everyone, I'm starting graduate school in the Fall and currently on the market for a new, reliable laptop. Unfortunately, I know nothing about laptops/technology (I've been using a MacBook since 2009 for leisure and work laptops for data analysis and paper/poster presentation) and would really appreciate some advice! Here's some qualifications: 1) Inexpensive, because come on. I'm going to be a grad student. 2) Lightweight. I really hate using heavy laptops and would love to have a lightweight laptop that can be easily transported. 3) Battery life. I'm currently in an LDR and would like to be able to work on the plane. My current (work) laptop dies within an hour, so ~5-7 hours of battery life would be ideal. 4) DVD drive. I'm planning on coding interviews that are stored on DVDs, so this is a necessity. I am interested in various Chromebooks, but realize they (and many new/thin laptops) come without these. How is buying external DVD drives for use in laptops like this? 5) It needs a decent processor because I will be using SPSS, R, and Mplus. I really appreciate anyone's help on this!!!

only one school asked about my lack of clinical experience-- how i knew i wanted to go into clinical without having much clinical experience. it likely won't come up, but if it does, have an answer for how you know you are passionate and ready for a program in clinical psychology versus another type.

Oof, fun time to weigh in on this! I just wanted to vouch a little for texas. I completed my undergraduate in Houston and will be attending Sam Houston in the fall. This is certainly not where I thought I would be (I've always felt a draw to the north east) but the program and funding was too good to pass up. Texas is as a whole misrepresented in the media. I'm not sure of the school in question, but the big cities (Austin/DFW/Houston) are predominantly liberal and incredibly diverse. In fact, University of Houston is the second most diverse campus in the nation! Sure we have our problems such as PROP1 not passing, but overall you'll find it to be surprisingly inclusive. As for campus carry, that is another problem you'll have to think about. It unfortunately will go into effect in August, and it's completely understandable if that's something you're not comfortable with. However, if this is one of the big reasons you don't choose to come to Texas, PLEASE tell the university administration that that is part of the reason you chose not to come. With enough data proving that this law will decrease enrollment in Texas universities, we may be able to overturn it! Also, part of the reason I chose SHSU is the fact that I can comfortably live alone. Cost of living in Texas is incredibly reasonable, and most of the friends I have in current grad programs across the state live alone or with their SOs. Overall, this process is entirely personal and I hope that you find the place that best suits you!

I echo what Plasticity says. I received multiple invitations and acceptances this round and my GRE scores are less than stellar (162 Verbal and 150 Quant). Bolster your CV as much as you can, but don't spend time worrying about minute details. There were programs I didn't apply to because of cut offs, or tips from previous applicants warning me of algorithmic based application screens, but there are so many other factors that will make you a unique and competitive applicant!

If you're interested in forensics, I highly recommend checking out Sam Houston. It's a great clinical program with a forensic emphasis similar to John Jay, fully funded, with incomparable internship match stats. http://www.shsu.edu/academics/psychology-and-philosophy/psychology/doctoral-program/