
Clinapp2017
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Everything posted by Clinapp2017
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I would take it sooner, like late October, because if you need the AW to be scored, you need time for it to process. Most apps are due December 1, meaning that early November may not allow a full turn around on your scores before you need to submit your materials to your schools. What was your Quant last time, and how many points are we looking to raise it? The best way, aside from classes, is to figure out the exact areas of quant weakness you have and study the heck out of those sections (I am talking practice sets at least 3-4 times a week until you take the exam, brushing up using google/youtube tutorials on those concepts, trying to teach the concepts to a friend/family member to cement your learning, etc.). I only took it once so I can't advise studying for a re-take, but knowing my quant in some areas (e.g., permutations/combinations, trig, etc.) was weaker than other areas allowed me to maximize my effort studying.
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So..... Taking 2 years off before applying? Is it dumb?
Clinapp2017 replied to Hopefully525's topic in Psychology Forum
It’s never bad to take time, get paid, and get more research experience if you are lacking in that area. Clinical PHD programs are very competitive, so you want to have a strong research background, even if tangentially related. -
Check your program handbook. Are you getting funding from the dept (teaching or research assistant role)? If so, outside work that consumes a major amount of your time may be directly in conflict with your program’s rules (I.e., your employment contract). FWIW if you want to keep the side stream of income, you can probably keep your evening client, but you may want to ditch the majority of your day clients as the majority of clinical work and class work begins during standard business hours in early years (8 am to 7 pm range).
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MSW is probably most versatile for what you are seeking.
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Two Questions on Clinical Psych PhD Re-Applying
Clinapp2017 replied to citrus17's topic in Psychology Forum
1. No, I would not necessarily bring this up. Let your current application credentials speak for themselves. You can send them an email maybe asking if they are planning on taking a student for Fall 2020, but don't say you applied two years ago. 2. No, don't ask to speak to him about applying. Most, if not all, professors find this extremely annoying and are inundated with these requests. If anything, maybe try to reach out to him if you are at the same conference or networking event, but do not ask for advice or anything on applications. -
I did this basically; the key thing is also finding (when you get there, or before) some more senior people who can be co-mentors. It goes a long way when applying for training grants, papers, etc.
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Whatever option actually can lead to a peer-reviewed publication at the end in a journal is better. That's probably a thesis, but maybe not if the two-lab situation will let you be an author on publications. A thesis is nice to have, in general, but honestly it is SO SO SO much better when it's actually been published in an academic journal.
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Can't decide who my LOR writers will be
Clinapp2017 replied to cats and psychology's topic in Psychology Forum
1. It could hold weight if he has a good reputation, generally speaking. Sounds like a good option. 2. Nah... if they don't know you long enough, not worthwhile in comparison to others. 3. I would say this person can speak strongly to your work ethic, so yes, good LOR. 4. Interesting speciality area... didn't know one could specialize in this for clinical, but cool! Yeah, I would say have this person write one. 5. Probably not, unless you want to apply for schools where you know for a fact teaching is valued. Teaching is often seen as a means to an end, and far below research, though honestly I feel like we should care more. Anyways, enough of my soap box, probably not worthwhile is my pointt. -
If counseling or per clinical work is the long term goal, there are good online MSW programs you can look into. Online Psyd are also not good if you are somehow thinking you’ll do your doctorate online, though I understand the needs driven by your family life.
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Most wont know funding situations until late September. I’d hold off until at least then. Pretty sure templates can be googled for this. Don’t exceed 4 sentences max, and be sure to read recent work from their lab to show that you can read up on them and that your interests align with their CURRENT work. Nobody has the time or wants to ready long emails from prospective students. You can attach a good, spell-checked version of your CV which you can direct them too for more info about you.
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Fall 2020 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD
Clinapp2017 replied to dancedementia's topic in Psychology Forum
That score is fine. Most schools want around a 320 (which you are at) and increasingly people are recognizing inherent bias that the GRE carriers (such as relationship with SES). Would not worry about it - I also never heard of anyone saying less than 75% hurts. -
I was able to get in straight from undergrad to an excellent clinical program. Partially the stars aligned right (a.k.a. prospective mentor and I strongly matched on interests and the needs of her lab), but my stats were very similar to yours (better GPA, but state university). Your GRE scores will also be very important - a 320+ will be good to get you past the GRE hurdle with ease everywhere (it will balance a so-so GPA). If not on a Fulbright in your situation, masters aren’t worth it. You have the academics and research experience a Masters would give you. I would advise a RAship with the intent of getting at least 1 first or second author pub. Really push that pub you may be on this fall and get it at least submitted to a journal by the time you apply. Happy to discuss more over pm.
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Help me decide? Biomedical Schience vs. Clinical Neuropsy
Clinapp2017 replied to Zhili YY's topic in Psychology Forum
Narrowing down your focus would be advisable. This is too vague and won’t gel well with mentors. I would pick at least a handful of disorders that interest and what neuropsychological/clinical aspect you are most interested in pertaining to these disorders. -
Help me decide? Biomedical Schience vs. Clinical Neuropsy
Clinapp2017 replied to Zhili YY's topic in Psychology Forum
Any research experience? Without it, Clinical neuropsych is probably off the table (more competitive than general clinical, IMHO, simple because there are less clinical neuropsych folks out there). What about pursuing an MD where you can focus on basic science and work with patients? Or does medicine not interest you? -
Accepted PhD Position But Now Want to Decline
Clinapp2017 replied to psyche132's topic in Psychology Forum
A phrase "a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush" comes to mind. My opinion as a student who hopes to be a PI one day: backing out now for any reason besides a major illness or personal problem would be terrible, if not black-ball you outright from that bridge and any bridges connected to that bridge. The field of psychology (and whatever sub-discipline you care about) is really small. If you piss off even a small handful of people (your PI, that program, any students), word can travel fast to other institutions. As has been noted elsewhere, plenty of good PIs come from not "top-tier" schools. In fact, the top-tier thing isn't really an issue in some disciplines (e.g., clinical) relative to other disciplines; what matters is your scholarly output. Will you be able to generate a lot of pubs/posters/etc. with your mentor at the place you have accepted? If so, it's okay. A lot of people get cold feet (me included, and I am in a wonderful lab at a wonderful program in a great city). I would encourage you to sit this out and not back out and burn the bridges. -
Fall 2020 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD
Clinapp2017 replied to dancedementia's topic in Psychology Forum
This is a bare minimum. As mentioned, a 160/160 (or 320 combined) will clear most hurdles for sure. -
Overwhelmed by the transition to Doc Student
Clinapp2017 replied to topsailpsych's topic in Psychology Forum
If you have other students in your lab who are more senior or older students in the program, you should connect with them when you move to your new location. I moved across the country to a city I had only visited twice before, and connecting with them was great as it helped me get some friends and feel like I could get a lay of the city and stuff before school started. -
Fall 2020 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD
Clinapp2017 replied to dancedementia's topic in Psychology Forum
1. It helps, for sure. I would advise taking the psych GRE, if you can, to demonstrate efficacy in all psych concepts you may be missing. But probably not required if you majored in psych and now have an MA in it. 2. TA experience is not considered, really. What would be better is RA experience and/or posters/pubs to prove research productivity. 3. There are lots of threads throughout here on advice. I'd say if you can clear hurdles with GPA and GRE, I would really spend a lot of time working on your personal statement. This makes or breaks a lot of applications. Really tailor it to ALL programs you are applying to and the work of specific mentors. Tell your story... what got your interested in psych (DO NOT DISCLOSE YOUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS)? what did you do in college to learn about it,? what did you do in MA program? What is your research experience? What are your goals? How does attending such and such school help you meet those goals? -
Clinical Scientist v. Scientist-Practioner
Clinapp2017 replied to higaisha's topic in Psychology Forum
My opinion: Schools declaring they won’t seek APA again are bluffing. APA runs this country in terms of internship and beyond, so let’s be real. Also my opinion: the terms are largely manufactured, pedantic distinctions that were made so some people could get some fluff publications about “ways to advance the field.” The best programs will provide you will solid training to go either direction or balance both on the clinician vs scientist spectrum. -
Can a lab manager position hurt PhD admission chances?
Clinapp2017 replied to neurosoc's topic in Psychology Forum
No, it doesn't hurt. If you are able to stay for 1.5-2 years and get some posters and (even better) 1-2 publications, even better. -
dear psych students, what would be the best route
Clinapp2017 replied to Anvrchist's topic in Psychology Forum
I am not sure why you needed to open a second thread on the same topic instead of posting in the thread you already made about this topic a couple of days ago... I have nothing to add except that I firmly believe a research assistant position would be wise to apply for and work at for ~2 years after undergrad if you do not have research experience now and want to pursue a PhD in Clinical that from a non-diploma-mill institution. I am also not sure what you mean by "job in the field" with your MA in psychology. I echo the above in saying that many MA in psych programs are not license-eligible, fundamentally meaning your "jobs in the field" after the MA would be completely unrelated to your training in most cases. -
If you want to be a “clinical psychologist” you need a doctorate to officially hold that title in the USA. If you get an LMHC you can be a therapist/counselor. The latter is usually more expensive (assuming you pursue a funded PhD) but takes less time. Do you want to do research or clinical work? The somewhat fallacious (but also true) split is that PhD in clinical work value research whereas most PsyD and masters programs do not. The clinical training, frankly, is equal at both, you are just more prepared to innovate and disseminate new diagnostic and treatment tools with a PhD in clinical psych.
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You can always ask. A person I know from limited means is getting $2000 to move (not even that far) to an ivy for grad school. It will be reimbursed later, so not upfront money, but better than nothing.
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Same as any other skype interview. Do your homework, be well-dressed, ensure internet connection if possible, etc. Good luck and congrats!