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I was accepted into a Master's program that starts in the Fall. I need to take 12 hours of pre-requisite undergraduate courses in the first year, and the actual program is 60 hours. Im considering taking at least a few pre-reqs online this summer in order to streamline the process, while working. The only issue is that if I am not in schools this summer I will have time to work more = more money saved. Any thoughts on which option might be best?

A few suggestions for accomodations (from someone with a disability who uses services:) -Locate a campus map and find all of the elevators, ramps, shortcuts, and convenient parking and highlight it. Plan your walking route accordingly. Think of it like Mario and you're trying the fastest route to the tunnel without getting eaten by plants. (That could happen in real life...) -A handicap parking placard can definitely help with accessibility, especially in high volume areas. Or any other parking tag that lets you park in closer (sometimes graduate students can use faculty parking.) -Purchasing an assistive device to aid with walking may help you, and planning the easiest route to use it. I use crutches periodically, and had to change my route to avoid hills, large cracks, etc... -Finally, the student accessibility/disability office may or may not be helpful but is worth a shot. They often assist with locating services on campus, including transportation (like is there a shuttle service available.) Many universities have accessible seating that you can request! You could also work out any other accomodations you might need. I hope that helps! There are certainly some cultures that are more discriminatory than others, but a great way to screen the campus culture is to look at their accessibility office. If they have a ton of information and resources on hand, hopefully you will have any easier time at that school.

I also really got the most benefit out of Magoosh, and I used their free version on their app and online! It has a lot of assessments to find out your weak areas and then work on those. The ETS book can be helpful if you are able to organize your studying and not spend a long time in one area. I would start with doing a practice test/assessment. A lot of people find success in studying for 30 minutes-an hour a day during the week and then maybe extra time on the weekends. If you can manage it, planning two study sessions (early in the day and later) might help you stay practiced. I found this study plan extremely helpful and comprehensive. https://magoosh.com/gre/2011/2-3-month-gre-study-guide/

University of Texas at Tyler MS in Clinical Psychology. Sam Houston State MS in Clinical Psychology. Harvard MA in Clinical Psychology. Columbia MA in Clinical Psychology. Loyola University MS in Clinical Psychology. Those are a few I have heard of are all pretty different. A few programs are available that have a thesis and significant research, which might benefit you. It depends on if you are looking for professional licensure at the Master's level, or a preparation for doctoral study? If you DO decide to study MSW, I would definitely recommend as much psychological research experience as possible.From what I understand, clinical master's programs are effective if they have a lot of research experience (since that is what doctoral programs are looking for.)

I got accepted to and will be attending a terminal MS in Clinical Psychology program!

I definitely had one of the worst interview/visit experiences ever, lol. Ironically it was previously my top choice school that I thought I would love. I ended up not liking it at all. -Started the day with accidental peanut exposure. Had anaphylaxis and used epi pen and Benadryl. -Interviewed with faculty while on epinephrine and Benadryl. I think I did extremely well, considering. ? -Got lost during campus tour. Broke almost all of the silly campus traditions. (My fault.) -Got first degree burns from hot coffee. Still not sure how that happened. -Endured put-downs, patronization, and passive aggressive comments from other interviewers all weekend. I think I'm the worst interviewee ever. I'm super glad I visited though, I have zero plans to apply to this program in the future.

I wasn't the best at managing my money for this round. But by my estimate: GRE prep: $79 GRE: $200 Send GRE scores: $200 ish Applications: $750 Background checks: $80 Transcripts: $50 It rounds out to about an even $1300. Fortunately I spent little on travel. It does bite a little that I got rejected to all doctoral programs, but that's to be expected.

I'm starting a MS terminal program in Clinical Psychology this fall. This program leads to licensure as a psychological associate, and an optional license as a professional counselor. My ultimate goal is doctoral study in clinical psychology. My undergrad is not in Psychology, and I am going in with no research experience. I want to be as strategic as possible while in the program to plan for future doctoral study. My options: -Work as a research assistant -Opportunity to attend conferences, be published etc... -Specialize in neuropsychology -Become counselor as well as psychology associate I plan to do clinical work and research after graduating, for awhile before doctoral study. With that in mind, would I benefit me to also be licensed as a counselor if I really want to be a psychologist?

School: University of Texas at TylerProgram: Clinical Psychology MSDate of Notification: 02/24/2017Method of Notification: Phone call from directorThoughts: After rejection from 6 doctoral programs I am thrilled to be accepted, especially since my undergrad is not in Psychology. This is a well reputed program that is close to family, and a great option for me. The stress is over. lol

School: Louisiana Tech Area/degree: Counseling Psychology PhD Rationalization: Was less competitive. Comment: Coping tactics: None needed.

I started a Master's program the fall after graduating undergrad while also working full time. I ended up quitting the Master's program after realizing I wanted so much more from my graduate studies, and that I was ready to take a bigger leap. This gap year has helped me define EXACTLY what I want out of my program and after graduating. I've had a remarkable amount of clarity and I'm so excited to start in the fall. I'm very ready for a change and to be back in academia (which I love.) And FWIW, I've had a very challenging year after graduating undergrad, but that's helped me know exactly what my purpose for grad school is. For me, it's fulfilling my life's calling.

My vent (which is a little bit funny): 2 weeks after interviewing with my top choice school, received a rejection letter from my POI basically saying that I wasn't as competitive as other applicants. 3 weeks after interviewing I received a SECOND rejection letter from the admissions office telling me that I wasn't competitive at all. I'm starting to think they're trying to tell me something...

1) If you are able to provide a lot of documentation and a thorough plan with student disability services, it may be easier to set up a plan with your advisors/supervisors/professors. How much you disclose is up to you, but if it makes your life easier it may be worth it. They may also be able to help with language processing strategies if you need help in that area. 2) If you are able to reduce your hours or do part-time, I would recommend it. 3) Establish emergency plans if needed. If you end up in a hospital or have an emergency, your faculty will know what to do in advance. See if your school allows students to take breaks, and for how long. 4) Informal accomodations can be very helpful. They got me through my student teaching semester which included extra absences, breaks during the day, extended deadlines. 5) Self care! Talking to a counselor or advisor may help you with adjustment and also lifestyle modifications to make things easier for you. 6) Getting any assistive devices or accomodations you may need can help a ton. I'm in the US, but I will be getting a handicap parking permit. I hope you are able to figure this all out. If you have any questions feel free to message me. I've found that university faculty and staff have been very accommodating and helpful once I told them everything that was going on.

My plan A would be a doctoral program but I knew that was a long shot as I am switching career fields. I applied to 4 plan B schools and one I'm really excited about. It's a 60 hour program with multiple professional license options. I plan to do that, work in the field and do research. Clinical Psych is crazy competitive so I'm glad I applied to backups.

I'm going to sound like a grinch, but commercialized American Christmas. I hate the crowds. I hate Santa stuff. It now lasts from November- December 31st and I count down the days until I don't have to be around people again.

Some Master's programs will let you take prerequisite courses in your first year of the program. If not, it definitely would be best to take them at an American university. There are Clinical Psych Master's programs that lead to licensure- some states (like 26) have Licensed Psychology Associates, as well as Licensed Specialists in School Psychology, and Licensed Professional Counselors.

I applied to UT Dallas, University of Oklahoma, UT Tyler, and OSU. All in completely different programs lol. I have an interview invite to OU but haven't heard from the others yet.

I can only answer for my Master's right now. I have a tuition exemption through the military that I can use for the entire MS program. I will apply for scholarships/fellowships to gain extra money (I get them as just money. Pretty sweet.) The school offers assistantships, I'm going to see if instead of deducting from tuition expenses I could just get paid more? It's a pipe dream lol. I will be looking into any extra types of funding I can get. Since I have disabilities I am always eligible for certain federal programs, if I find myself in a difficult place. For now this is a really sweet plan because I can't accrue much debt due to disability, unfortunately. My state is generous with their funding, thankfully.

I've found the same! If you are really concerned about research, there are definitely PhD feeder programs that a exclusively research based. The program I'm interested in has research, it's not heavy but the opportunity is there. I'm looking at doctoral programs in medical schools, so fortunately those usually are less-research heavy. There is another possibility- if you attend a school that does a lot of research, you might be able to get a research job there outside of the usual RA position.

I've been interviewing at doctoral programs and the factors that seem to get people admitted are significant research experience, publications, experience with assessment, and clinical experience. If you can be an RA while also doing your own research that would make you more competitive. Counseling and Clinical are both competitive doctoral programs to get into. My plan while I'm in my Clinical MS program is: -Work as an RA. Conduct my own research. -Travel to conferences, present, listed on publications. -Study for and retake the GRE to get a stellar score. Maybe study for 6 months + prior. Also take the Psychology GRE. -Join Psychology organizations and national groups. -Get as much assessment experience as possible. That is idealistic of course. In reality I will probably do assessment and clinical work and research after Master's graduation which I hope will make me experienced.

I'm a woman and for my interview at a competitive school I wore a skirt suit. I wore a dress and yellow blazer for the student social. The other interview was more laid back so I wore my suit skirt, and my yellow blazer. I wore lace up flats and black tights with both. Some interviewees did not wear suits and wore dresses, or dress pants with matching blazers.

Depends by state and programs. One I applied to had full funding which covered rent and living expenses, and at least half of tuition. The other doesn't ever cover tuition (comes short a few thousand.)

I live in Texas and you can definitely live off of 20k + a year. Austin rent might be a little pricy but if you live with roommates will be fine. America has an income tax that you pay once a year. We deduct taxes from each paycheck, so you may pay once a year or get a refund. The sales tax rate is 6.25% We don't have a state property tax. Heres an idea of the cost of living: https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/austin

Most Clinical Psych programs will want substantial Psychology undergrad coursework. I think taking courses for grades to show your grasp on Psychology would be best. All of the programs I have researched or applied to have a set grade standards for courses. If you can do your classes from top universities for grades that might make you more competitive. You will want to take courses in statistics, data science etc... You might talk to your former lab supervisors and see if they can recommend you to a Psych or neuropsych lab. If you are able to do so I would recommend doing a Psychology research Master's program, where your academic work is research and you can be an RA. There are a few of these "feeder programs" available, one of which is UT Dallas. That might let you do research in the area you are interested and make you more competitive. If you can't do that, getting 18-24 hours of prerequisite Psych courses will behoove you. An option you might have is starting an RA position in a research center that also has Psych or neuropsych based research, and then trying to be an RA in that program. For example- a medical center in a lab that wants you, then seeing if you can move to one of the labs you need to be in. I am by no means an expert, but I'm also changing career fields post-bachelor's so I wish you luck! And when it comes time for you to apply to Clinical programs, there are some with an evolutionary perspective/scientifically based that you might be a great candidate for.

For anyone waiting to hear from Texas A&M, rejection letters have been sent out.