Sharbar
-
Posts
31 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Posts posted by Sharbar
-
-
6 hours ago, PsychologyLife1 said:
So I’ve been waitlisted at Ottawa. Any insight on chances of getting off waitlists?
It's really so dependent on who the POI's first choice candidate decides to do. Typically, faculty will submit two names (sometimes three) as a shortlist, and their first choice gets the offer fo admission. If the candidate decides to accept an offer from a different school and rejects the offer in question, then the alternate (the waitlisted individual) will get admitted. Sometimes, towards the end of the application cycle, if not all the spots are filled in the program, a POI may decide to admit their first choice as well as their alternate. This happened in my lab! So, things CAN happen fairly quickly, but it can also be a little while before you have your final answer.
5 hours ago, nerdy_metalhead said:Anyone has any insight on OGS ? I know for UTSC, deadline is in May (way after all the decisions were made). Anyone knows if they do perhaps rolling acceptances for OGS? For example if you receive CGS-M, you may email your POI to inform them and it is possible (albeit unlikely) that you might get acceptance if you were rejected before. Anyone knows when the decisions on OGS come out? And whether the same reasoning applies here?
I know people who have been accepted in both instances (CGS-M and for OGS). If you're able to secure your own external funding, there is a small chance you could get accepted even if you were initially rejected! Always worth letting your POI know
1 hour ago, ventiamericano said:Hey! Everyone else here did a great job in terms of explaining the difference (or more so similarity) between the two degrees, but I just wanted to add to what @Sharbar said re: privilege to diagnose. My supervisor actually just discussed this recently in a meeting but yes, Sharbar is correct and conveying a diagnosis is a protected act that only registered clinical psychologists can do. Other professions can provide forms of treatment (whatever they may be), but you need a PhD in Clinical specifically (and registration with the CPO) to convey a formal diagnosis. Definitely something to keep in mind depending on what your career goals are/what populations you want to be working with. Congrats on the acceptances!
Thank you for clarifying! Breathed a small sigh of relief that I wasn't misinformed and in turn, misinforming other people!
-
33 minutes ago, J-Shot said:
Is it true that those with a PhD in Counselling Psych can't diagnose/do formal assessments? I was under the impression that all professional psychologists (school/counselling/clinical) could provide a diagnosis (at least in Ontario "C. Psych" is short for "certificate of registration as a psychologist"). I could be wrong though!
I've always been told that only clinical psychologists can engage in those acts, and it largely has to do with competence and the areas of training a program offers in order for you to be able to declare an area of competency. A part of this is because *typically* (there obviously may be exceptions to this depending on how the program is built) other psychology graduate programs don't train you adequately enough for competence in diagnosis and assessment. Counselling psychology programs typically focus on systems perspectives that traditionally don't see much utility in diagnosis whereas clinical psychology programs do, by virtue of its theoretical orientation. It would be possible for a counselling psychologist make diagnoses and do formal assessments/interpretations if they've had extensive practicum experience doing these things, but because counselling psychology programs typically don't offer as much formal training in this nor with the same amount of rigour as clinical psychology programs, it may be a natural consequence that a someone coming out of a counselling psychology program is unable declare these things as their competencies. Graduates of all clinical psychology programs are expected to be able to do assessments and diagnoses whereas graduates of counselling psychology programs are not. Keep in mind that counselling psych and clinical psych have different orientations and focus so the training will be tailored differently, which then lends itself to different areas of competencies.
Take everything I say with a grain of salt however, because it's possible that I may have been misinformed
! I don't think that changes the crux of the message though: give due consideration to what it is that you want to do and how you want to be informed in your practice. Hope this helps!
-
49 minutes ago, Psych_School said:
Hi Everyone!
I have been admitted into two programs - one MA/PhD in clinical psych and a MA/PhD in counselling psych (both CPA accredited). I prefer the research of my POI in counselling psych much more... is there a big difference in practice between clinical and counselling psych at the PhD level?
It really depends on what you want to end up doing in terms of clinical practice. Like the others have said, in terms of providing psychotherapy, there may not be huge differences. HOWEVER, if you wanted to do any formal assessment/diagnostic work in your clinical work, you would have to be a C.Psych which means you need to have graduated from a clinical psychology program. Counselling psychologists are not permitted to do any assessment/diagnostic work (unless it's in school psych and you're working with children and doing assessment/diagnosis around learning disabilities and such). Diagnosis of DSM disorders is regulated in Canada and only clinical psychologists and medical doctors are permitted to do this.
There may also be differences in your mode of training. As the others have said, clinical psychology tends to focus on psychopathology. Counselling psychology tends to deal with systems theories and focus on that more so than psychopathology. Accordingly, training in a clinical psychology program may equip you better to work with most clinical populations than counselling psychology programs (which trend to be geared towards working with more problems in adjustments/daily living/relationships).
Yes, research fit is important, but you should also give serious consideration to what your ultimate goal is, because the two degrees, though similar, will get you different end results and opportunities.
- statsguy69 and Willy36
-
2
-
On 2/28/2019 at 6:30 PM, Stickyknow said:
Hello Canadian fellows. I'm wondering what do you do after you accepted the offer. Do you email your POI and let him/her know? And then what? waiting for September?
I think it's always good practice to email your POI to let them know personally that you're accepting the offer. The POI will obviously find out sooner or later because he/she will have been informed by the program so they can let their alternate (if any) know that the space has been filled.
Once you accept the offer, you'll get a formal acceptance letter and likely a welcome package along with emails to the email account that you applied with, with instructions on how to set up an email account, what to do once you've accepted etc. The school won't leave you hanging
the last step: enjoy the heck out of your last summer free because you'll wonder what hit you in September!
-
1 hour ago, a display name said:
Hi! So I’ve seen some rejections and a waitlist posted for a school that I applied for but didn’t interview with (Manitoba), but my status on their portal still says “under review in department”- I’m guessing that as it’s so late that I must be rejected (I had received a rejection from them by this time last year), but it seems strange that my portal hasn’t updated when it has for others. Anyone else have experience with this? Thanks guys and congrats to everyone who’s received an acceptance!
I believe first round of offers were sent out earlier this week and all the faculty concluded their interviews a couple of weeks ago
-
2 hours ago, cep said:
Hi everyone,
I have been a long time lurker on this forum and specifically this thread, since the beginning of this application cycle actually, and finally decided to cave and make a post myself as I have a burning question and would love to hear your opinions. I applied to 5 schools this time around, and I feel so lucky to say that I have received two offers! I am also waiting to hear back from what might just be my top choice school post-interview, but I am still trying to rank them at this point. (I'm not mentioning school names to retain my anonymity if possible-although my question might give one school away. Not that there would really be an issue with revealing my identity, but lurking has felt safer for some reason haha. Perhaps it's because clinical psych admissions just feel so fragile considering all we go through to get here, who knows.)
So, for my question: one of the schools that I was admitted to is a "fast track" program, which offers a PhD but no Master's, whereas the other one that I was offered admission at and the one that I am waiting to hear back from are typical in that they offer both Masters and PhD. Apparently the fast track program was recently "revamped" to solve very long time to completion problems. I was wondering if you guys had any idea about whether or not there might be a drawback of sorts to going to a program that only offers a PhD but no Masters degree. Obviously in most of Canada you need a PhD to be licensed anyways, so I'm kind of figuring the Masters might not be needed, but then on the flipside that's also very valuable research experience and publication opportunities that I could miss out on... plus "letters" that I won't have compared to potential competition for future jobs/grants etc. who do have a Masters. Maybe I'm overthinking this, but I'd love your opinions.
Anyways, thanks everyone for being so helpful and supportive during the stressful past couple months. This thread has been dangerously addicting, but everyone is so lovely, including so many people I met at interview days over the last month!!! I wish you all the best in your applications
TBH, I could not imagine going directly into a PhD program. A master's program prepares you for the amount of work that you will need to put into your dissertation. A PhD proposal and defence is obviously held to a higher standard, and to go into it without having experienced what it's like would be challenging. However, if you have experience in a research-based master's where you had to go through the process, then it'll probably be okay!
Just keep in mind that a clinical psychology program is demanding because of programs' expectations for you to do everything other masters/phd students do regarding research, but you have more coursework and practicum expectations over and above that. A masters will prime you for all of this and ease you into it, where as jumping into a phd might be a bit of a rude awakening.
Having said that, if the program has bee specifically tailored for you to jump right into the PhD, maybe it won't be so bad! It wouldn't be a bad idea to talk to some of the current students in that program and get their take on it. Hope this helps!
-
On 2/23/2019 at 2:49 PM, Desperate Clinical said:
I've got a little bit of a dilemma and I thought maybe someone here would have some insight into this:
I've been accepted into a couple clinical psychology programs which I have been wanting to do all my life. I am extremely grateful so I hope I don't come across as unappreciative but I'm feeling intense feelings of imposter syndrome. I am currently finishing a master's in another field and I'm feeling inadequate when I compare myself to other applicants. I'm afraid my writing is sub-par and that I'll embarrass myself in the program. The supervisor at my #1 choice school has a reputation of being tough and I'm afraid I will disappoint them and get yelled at or feel stupid.
I've applied to some counselling master's degrees and MSW programs and now I'm feeling slightly like I should just do these instead because I'm not good enough/won't make it through the PhD. I'm just worried about looking stupid. To top it all off, I'm a bit older... and i'm worried about having children while being in a PhD. Is this feasible in a clinical psychology PhD program?
I'm aware that this is probably not the place to post these things but I'd love some insight if anyone has any.
Edit: my master's did not prepare me at ALL for the rigour that is clinical psychology. Not to be rude but the program I'm in now was likely a waste of time.
Have confidence in where your training has gotten you thus far. Everybody in the program will feel similarly to how you feel regardless of their previous training (if they don't feel it now, they will feel it shortly after the program starts). I was in a similar boat as you (I started my program last year) - I'm definitely older with a course-based master's in counselling and a few years of working first in research, then as a psychotherapist.
The POIs have gone through so many cycles of interviews and offers that they generally have a good sense of who will succeed and who won't. If you've been accepted, then clearly, they see potential in you! This is especially true if you've been accepted into multiple programs. Don't settle for a counselling degree unless you feel like clinical work is all you want to be doing with no assessments/diagnoses; that was the most limiting thing for me as a psychotherapist and the reason why I wanted to pursue more schooling even though, technically, I already had a career. You'll kick yourself later for settling later.
Lots of people have children while they're in their training. It's a long training process and most programs are understanding of the fact that LIFE GOES ON OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL!!! In fact, I know several people in my program who not only have a child, but have multiple children under the age of 5. You make it work!
Re POI, I'm not sure what your criteria for having chosen the POI you did as your #1, but again, it's a long program and you should prioritize fit in terms of personality as well as research. I also know people whose dissertation defences have been delayed because of interpersonal issues with their advisors. Remember, this is the person who will guide your professional and educational development for the next FIVE YEARS minimum (not including residency in PhD6). They could be the most brilliant and accomplished of them all, but if they don't give you adequate support, then it'll only be challenging for you.
I know that was a bit long winded, but hope this helped! feel free to DM me if you want to chat further
and congratulations!
-
19 hours ago, Psych.kitty said:
well, fourth year trying and given that i havent gotten any acceptances, it looks like another year of rejections. does anybody have any tips regarding where to focus their energies and how to improve their applications? I have a high GPA, good GRE scores (though now I have to rewrite since it will expire), a masters in personality and measurement (yet no publications yet save one in the undergraduate journal and a book chapter), several conference presentations, and about 5 years volunteer experience collectively between RA work and dropping in at the mental hospitals. any help at all would be extremely appreciated
I’m so sorry to hear that
it certainly doesn’t look like it’s an issue with a lacklustre CV for you - you have quite a bit of experience. like what the others had said, emailing POIs ahead of time (I emailed mid September) asking if they’ll be taking on students, briefly describing your research interest and experience would be a big help. I also attached a copy of my CV in that initial email for their convenience. With the profs that did get back to me with, I also inquired about their future directions for research to show my level of interest.
I’ve also been told that for certain programs, it doesn’t look good if you list too many POIs in your application as it may show a lack of focus (unless they’re doing similar research. I say this cautiously because listing only one would be riskier, and all the POIs I contacted recommended listing more than one (though i was accepted into a school where I only listed one POI against her recommendation).
if you know anyone in programs already, it may not be a bad idea to ask them for a copy of their SOP to get a better idea of what successful applications look like, and also have them read over yours when you’re done.
It’s possible that it was a matter of fit re research interests for you and your POIs. I’ve been told from a previous cycle’s POI that there was just someone else who was marginally a better fit than I was - so it’s very cohort (of your application cycle) dependent as well.
Lastly, I’m not sure where you’re applying to, but have you considered broadening your net? If you’re gung ho about getting in as your only goal, then this may be something to seriously consider if you haven’t done so already. A lot of people apply only to ‘it’ schools (ie York, Ryerson, Victoria, UBC) primarily becaise of its location, larger programs etc. I think given that there are so few clinical psychology programs in the country, every program will be fairly competitive but the ‘it’ schools definitely have more competition than some of the other schools in the county (ie prairie or maritime schools). A lot of the current grad students I had spoken to in the past have said something to the effect of “if X was teaching in the Yukon, I would’ve gone there”. POIs and admissions committees have been through so many cycles that they’re pretty good at picking up on whether the applicant is sincere and serious about them vs only applying for the location, convenience, etc (this is certainly not to imply you are not sincere or serious about applying!!)
sorry about the essay of response here. Hope this helps!
-
3 hours ago, Dylia said:
Hey guys, I just got an email from my poi saying "You are currently on our admission shortlist. I will let you know if anything changes with your status". Does it mean that I am on the waitlist or there's a higher chance of getting in than that? Thanks!
If you were interviewed it likely means that your POI extended an offer to someone and you’ve been waitlisted for admission if that person declines. Best of luck!
-
17 minutes ago, Anne said:
I didn't get a rejection email, and quest says no decision yet. I was short listed and did a preliminary interview but wasn't invited to Interview Day. So I figure my rejection will just come a bit later. Anyone else in the same boat?
If you were shortlisted it might be possible the decision is still pending. I wasn’t invited for an interview
-
If anyone was curious about Waterloo, they just sent out their rejection emails!
-
To echo those who wrote above, it might be your best bet to take a couple of years to gain some research experience. It will not only help with your CV but also see whether research is something you do enjoy doing - a lot of people think they like research until they realize the competitiveness of securing funding, the grind of collecting data, the (usually) long process of getting things published etc... You may find that clinical psychology isn’t for you because the training is a scientist-practitioner based model, and you prefer to do clinical work instead, in which case a counselling degree might be more appropriate. A lot of undergrad students pursue clinical psychology because of the prestige and also because they simply don’t realize that there are other mental health professions out there they could pursue. Anyway, I digress.
in terms of publications, it’ll be difficult for you to get anything academic published on your own without the support (I.e coauthorship) of a PI who holds a publication history and usually a PhD. Also, not all RAs get authorship in all labs even if they’re the ones collecting the data as authorships also can be a competitive thing. Also, being an RA does NOT mean that you get to do your own research in most labs - those are research students. RAs are usually responsible REB applications, data collection, participant recruitment, supporting grant submissions etc., ergo “research ASSISTANTS”. To this end it might be more beneficial for you to contact a professor at an academic institution you have access to and ask them if they might take you on as a volunteer research student.
i assume that you are wanting to apply to a Canadian program since you graduated from UoT (university of Toronto?). Having an honours thesis will definitely be to your advantage. I think the above poster’s situation is a bit unique in that it’s not common to simply get publications without doing an honours thesis at the undergraduate level. If you don’t have an honours thesis then the program may require you to do some additional course work before starting the masters level coursework. Because Of the limited number of Canadian programs, only “cream of the crop” applicants whose interests align with the POI are usually the ones admitted - most will have an honours thesis. So you can see how not having one might be to your disadvantage.
Don’t lose hope though! It’s a competitive process and it may take a few rounds but if you’re persistent and continue to work on your CV, you’ll find the school and POI that are a good fit for you.
Good luck!
-
Just received email from POI that I’ve been recommended for admission and I’ll be receiving an official offer in the mail shortly
this group seriously kept me sane through my insane anxiety. Thank you all ?
- +ve regard, brainiac6, FacelessMage and 2 others
-
4
-
1
-
As I continue to stew in my anxiety, I’m wondering generally how long profs take to get back to their interviewees post interviews??
Its been a week since my clinical suitability interview and I’m dying to know ??
-
56 minutes ago, +ve regard said:
Thanks @Sharbar I have an MA in counselling psych too. I've only applied to one program because I'm stuck geographically
I was mostly discouraged from applying to PhD directly too but I was advised that if I can demonstrate equivalency with my MA then there was a tiny chance...
32 minutes ago, +ve regard said:It's true but the thought of re-doing essentially the same degree again is daunting. Do some people do this?
I decided to do the whole thing because the training for counselling vs clinical psych is a bit different (plus my masters was course based) so I personally didn’t feel the counselling training equipped me well enough research and clinical practice (re assessments) at the PhD level.
I imagine it might be slightly different for those who hold a thesis based masters.
@+ve regard wish you the best!
-
9 minutes ago, +ve regard said:
Is everyone here applying to the MA programs? I did my MA years ago and am now applying for PhD - anyone else in the same boat?
It's more of a canoe, adrift in a sea of hopes and dreams
I also have a masters (though not in clinical - in counselling) and all programs have made it clear that they would prefer to admit me at the masters level. I think most programs work this way except for one program out east (I think it’s UNB) that does direct entry into PhD. On the rare instance they may accept you directly into the PhD but I don’t think this happens too frequently.
If your masters is in clinical I don’t know what that would mean. It might be possible to go into PhD but it’s also possible that they may ask why you decided not to move on to the PhD since most, of not all, clinical psych programs in Canada aren’t masters terminal programs.
hope this helps and good luck!!!
-
7 minutes ago, Desperate Clinical said:
Good luck!!!
Thank you
-
So U of M has a slightly different process - phone convo with POI and if that goes well, a clinical suitability interview with the director of psychological services. I’ve been told at that point it’s up to the POI to rank and send out offers.
I’ve completed both interviews, and now waiting to hear back. I’ve emailed the POI and the director after each interview to thank them for their time.
Now I’m just stewing in anxiety and debating whether to email the POI again to express my continued interest..... bad idea? Thoughts??
If I did email I don’t even know what exactly I would say.. ahh! This is a painful process ?
-
1 hour ago, PsycUndergrad said:
I don’t know her POI, sorry!
Thanks anyway
-
40 minutes ago, PsycUndergrad said:
My labmate had an interview with Regina. I think she was contacted by her POI there but I’m not sure.
Would you happen to know who her POI is and DM me??
-
Not sure if anybody here applied to Regina, but if there are, has anybody heard back yet?? Granted, applications were due just about 2 weeks ago so it might be early yet, but seems like historically, people hear back around this time..... ?
-
33 minutes ago, Psych.kitty said:
anybody know why rejection emails come at different times? I haven't received one from UBC but no interview invites, so I'm not sure why I haven't heard back yet (rejection or otherwise).
I’m not too sure about UBC but generally speaking, programs will sort through the applications, and have a “rolling process” where they will interview their “top choice” applicants first. If they are not able to fill all the spots, then they’ll move on to a second batch of students they would like to interview. With regards to rejections, if the admissions committee knows that an applicant is a hard no, they will send out rejection notices. Hope this helps!
- Jay's Brain and Psych.kitty
-
1
-
1
-
Notified by POI at U of M after prelim interview that I can expect an invitation to formal interview ?
-
Received email from U of M POI for prelim interview tomorrow
SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships & CGS D 2022-2023
in Waiting it Out
Posted
Does anybody know how to actually accept the award???