ServeNStudy

Is PGSP-Stanford considered one of the best PsyD programs out there? I feel like I have a tough time understanding what the general view on this school is since it's a relatively new program.

My understanding is that the Wright Institute has a great reputation in California and the Bay Area, but isn't as well known nation-wide. So if you already feel like the Bay Area isn't for you, this might not be an ideal fit. You do get a ton of diverse clinical training experiences, which will undoubtedly serve you well on your path to becoming a strong clinician, but it can also be useful to get those experiences in a place you can see yourself living longer term as it is pretty useful networking time. While PsyDs do currently carry less clout in the academic psych world, I think that there is a shift in the field towards greater respect for them and appreciation for the first-hand clinical expertise they provide.

I got a confusing email from PGSP Stanford that basically said "we're still interviewing people, so we're not going to tell you if you're getting in yet, but you are on a short list of candidates under high consideration, so don't say yes to anybody else if you really want to go here". I'm really not entirely sure what to make of this. On the one hand it sounds like I'm being wait-listed. On the other, it sounds like they're telling me to keep my hopes up. I'm still waiting to hear from a couple other schools, but I do really like this program and would be happy going there if that's how things shake out. Anybody get a similar email or know what to make of this? Any advice on how to get some clarification or respond? Thanks!

BU Poster if you would be willing to share your POI's initials please PM me. Congratulations!

BU Poster, congrats on your acceptance email! If you're willing, would you please PM me your POI's initials? Waiting with bated breath over here for a clue one way or the other. Interviews felt good but you never know how other candidates compare. Many thanks.

Anybody else currently in a panic over cancelled flights due to inclement weather in the NorthEast that might prevent timely arrival for interviews? I emailed the coordinator to let her know I'm working on re-booking my travel arrangements but haven't heard anything in reply. This is my first choice school and super competitive so I am freaking out a bit! Ack!

No, I agree that that response seemed overly vindictive and also not in the spirit of this otherwise largely supportive community, even if it was misguidedly in the name of protecting that community. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind and all that. Thank you for being receptive to my unsolicited 2 cents! The REAL villain here is society and it's misplaced values that lead to such a damning dearth of funding for scientific progress and mental health care. Hopefully we can all agree on that!

I have to admit that I feel the response to @YES!!!/ClinicalPSY has been a bit over the top. But I will also say that I think one of the things that makes this forum a positive asset to applicants rather than merely a place to stoke anxiety through competitive comparison is that folks really make an effort to be supportive, helpful, and sensitive to others. Frankly, @YES!!!, your posts have consistently lacked that sensitivity and simply wishing others "good luck" doesn't make up for the braggadocious comments that have rubbed so many people the wrong way. I hope that your continuing education provides you with a bit more cognizance of the impact your words have on others and compassion for those who may be dealing with challenging emotions. Best of luck to you.

Would anybody who has been through some interviews this cycle be willing to share some of the topics or specific questions that come up? I'm having a little bit of a tough time figuring out how to prep other than reviewing my own material and being sure I'm familiar with my POI's research areas...

Is it just me or has UVA (Arts & Sciences - the Clinical Psychology PhD) still not sent out invites? Haven't really seen postings for interviews there on the results page. Anybody have insights on this one?

Ugh there's two now I'm dying this is awful

Hmmmm, not exactly. I have neuroimaging and neuropsych research experience in studies focused primarily on memory/aging and Alzheimer's. And I have a bit of independent research experience in trauma. I am interested in trauma or schizophrenia, (depending on the school and faculty areas) and expanding MH treatment in underserved communities. If I don't get in anywhere I am thinking I will leave my research lab and look for a position in a psychiatric residential facility to get more clinical experience. (Though that will likely require a painful pay cut...) But maybe I should try to find a different research gig more in line with my areas of interest. Super helpful responses from people. Thank you!

I have a question for folks who received interview invitations. For the schools where you were invited to interview, did you list a single POI in your statement of purpose or more than one? And did you have previous contact (and to what degree) with that POI? I applied to 12 schools and have only received one invite, from a PsyD program, which was sort of a "safety" or at least "safer". I think I am a strong applicant with 4 years of research experience post-BA, co-authored on 3 publications, some clinical volunteer work, passionate about mental health care and research, good GRE scores, GPA is a little low, but I would think the rest of my qualifications would more than make up for that. However, I did not contact any of my POIs before applying, and I'm wondering if this might be my fatal flaw. Thanks for whatever helpful feedback you can offer! If I don't get in this time, I will try, try again! I know this is the path for me and I will make big contributions and impact people's lives. I know this is a stressful process and we can all get really caught up in the anxiety and absurd competitiveness of these programs, but let's not lose sight of the big picture here. I think we are all in this field because we want to help people and that is an incredible, inspiring thing. Thank all of you for your hard work and dedication!