swil92

Definitely explain your situation (without mentioning other interviews) - say you are really interested in an interview, but you cannot afford it. Ask if you could do a Skype interview instead. They tend to understand that people can't afford these things.

It is your call. I am surprised how uptight faculty are now that I am admitted and in the program. I personally wouldn't wear it, even though I think it is super stupid if they think anything less of you for it. edit: If it is a small stud, I don't think it would be a problem.

Re: nose rings It is your call. I am surprised how uptight faculty are now that I am admitted and in the program. I personally wouldn't wear it, even though I think it is super stupid if they think anything less of you for it.

Usually dress slacks, nice shoes, nice shirt, and maybe a sweater or jacket. I have seen people wear nice jeans and a blazer or sweater, too.

also hard cider

F*ck buddy

Can't you just apply for a travel grant through whatever professional association heads your discipline? Like I can apply for travel grants from the American Psychological Association to help cover costs traveling to our annual convention. Would something like that work?

You sound like a competitive candidate for school psychology. Just make a quick note about your quant score in your SOP and/or maybe have one of your recommenders comment that that score isn't representative of your abilities.

pot leaf

Usually, you look at the professors' pages on the school website. You decide which professors you might be interested in working with, based off their research interests (for you, it might be something more applied - perhaps if they list a certain population that they specialize in working with?). Also, google search the professors you might be interested in working with and read recent articles they've published.

If you are interested in being a consultant for businesses, I suggest I/O psychology (there aren't many programs offering a terminal masters degree in general psychology, plus it wouldn't afford you many job opportunities, should you decide not to pursue a PhD). It is good that you already have a few years of research experience, even if it isn't in psychology. My best suggestion is to volunteer to work in a psychology research lab at a local university. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, based on what you said, I'm not sure if you realize that psychology is primarily a research field. The applied subfields (I/O and clinical) are also primarily geared toward turning out researchers. Many terminal applied psychology programs tend to be geared toward preparing students for entry into a PhD program. I'm not sure if you can get a job as a consultant with only a masters in I/O - I would double check on that one. Also, even if you aren't interested in research, I would strongly advice against revealing that in your personal statement, interviews, and any interaction with faculty until you are well into your program, regardless of whether you applying to masters or doctoral programs. Edit: Your grades and GRE scores are good enough for entry into a masters program (your verbal GRE might be a little low for doctoral). The rest will depend on your SOP and LORs. Make sure you have a good relationship with at least one professor who can write a strong letter, then two more that can attest to the fact that you're sane. You should be good to get in to a masters (probably unfunded).

When I got rejected post-interview, it was always a generic rejection. But, whenever I emailed the faculty about it, I got answers (e.g., other candidates were a better research fit; my lack of teaching experience). I left each interview with a good sense of whether or not I would be accepted. My gut feeling was right in each case. My actual rejections usually came a few weeks post-interview.

I would also recommend not talking about your research interests or the subject area you wish to study the entire time. They want to see that you're a person outside of your research interest (because they'll have to spend a lot of time around you - they want to see that you are relatable). But still be professional (i.e., don't talk about getting hammered).

I would also check out Villanova and Wake Forest - not sure if there is anyone there interested in suicide, but I have heard of students getting funding. Also consider doing a terminal masters degree in quantitative psychology - you'll be just as marketable because you will have obtained quant skills. I would absolutely try to get at least four poster presentations on your CV. Also, have you done an honors thesis? It is important to do your own independent research projects, start to finish (that makes you look good).