PsyDuck90

If you think you can improve your score and study more for the test, and you can financially afford it, I would retake it. Rarely does retaking a standardized test and improving negatively impact your application packet.

I think your best bet is to reach out to your program. Sometimes current students may be looking for a roommate in their place, etc. No, I'm not, but I've lived in the area for the majority of my life.

NJ is pretty pricey. In the New Brunswick area, a studio or 1 bedroom by yourself will probably run a minimum of $1200 a month plus utilities. Your best bet is to probably try to connect with others in your program to try and find a roommate. Can you ask your advisor if they have some sort of student group? What areas to look at also really depends on if you have a car. The Rutgers bus system is ok from what I hear. The regular public transport in the area is atrocious. You can look at New Brunswick proper, but chances are everything is either crazy expensive, a bunch of undergrad party houses, or potentially unsafe neighborhoods. Highland Park is an option a lot of grad students choose. North Brunswick, Somerset, Franklin Township, and Edison are also potential options. Again, this all depends on whether or not you will have a car. Edison also has a large Indian population, so there are tons of Indian restaurants and grocery stores.

I did a joint BA/MA and graduated in spring 2015, but the last year was just my thesis (ran into a few hiccups) so the last time I had a class was 2014. I then worked full-time in a non-academic setting until the July before starting my program. I was definitely out of school for awhile, but I've been settling in pretty well. People come from different backgrounds, and at least in my program, the coursework has been challenging but the faculty try to make sure that no one is falling behind. The great thing about small cohorts is small classes where it is feasible for the faculty to try and tailor things a bit more closely to student needs.

As a clinical student finishing my 1st year, just take this time to relax. Read anything your PI gives you, but otherwise do all the things you won't have time to do in a few months. Enjoy the summer. You will be spending a minimum of 4-6 years eating, sleeping, and breathing psych and stats. You don't need to do it now.

There are many reasons why an otherwise qualified applicant gets rejected, even after the interview stage. I know my program interviews about 50 people got 10 spots. Even if they like everyone, it's impossible to accept everyone. There may have been someone with just a little bit better fit than you or something. I think it depends on the program, but some might see it as a sign of your tenacity and strong interest in the program.

Actually, you can get lucky in the Washington heights/Inwood area. Morningside heights, where the main Columbia campus is situated is rough. I would also check out parts of the Bronx and Queens. Most of Brooklyn has actually gotten more expensive than parts of Manhattan.

My guess is that they have x amount of scholarships and someone who was offered that one declined, so you were next on the list. That is great news though for if you do decide on that program.

Can you ask your PI to show you how they do it?

I don't think you necessarily have to get straight A's, but I wouldn't just start neglecting all the class responsibilities. Technically, I assume your offer is contingent on your performance and graduating GPA being appropriate. So like, if you get some B's is one thing, but if your last semester is all D's and F's, that may be an issue.

I had 1 apartment with roommates and that turned me off to them forever. That being said, most roommate horror stories I've heard of were undergraduate situations. Take this as you will, but everyone I've known who was a grad student and roomed with another grad student got along fine. Some issues, but that will always happen when you live with other people (family or significant others included). Typically, 2 doctoral students will be more mature than the average undergrad roommate.

Given how varied licensure laws are from state to state for mental health counseling (less so for MSW), I would prioritize the state I'd most likely live and work in, as well as cost of the program. LMHC and LCSWs aren't known for making a ton of money, especially at the start, and student loan interest accumulates quickly.

It means they reached a decision on your application and the decision letter can be found on the student application portal. Click on the link provided, log in, and follow the directions given to access your letter. Based on the wording, I would assume the decision is that you got in, but you have to log in to be sure.

Doctoral programs as a whole are not "easy" to get into. I don't know if this direct question really has an answer given the emphasis on research fit in doctoral applications, as most programs have a mentor model. When you assume all generic variables are equal, research experience and mentor match are going to be the deciding variables. Therefore, that should be the main factor in your decision. Also, as a side note, the academic job market is heavily saturated so you should look into the job opportunities available in industry for any of these degrees.

1. There a few factors with this decision. As MarineBluePsy stated, you should peruse the Psych forum and take some time to think about what you want. If you want to pursue an LMHC, it is better to do that in the state you intend to practice. MHC laws differ across states, and programs typically align their program requirements to that of the state they are located in. An MSW is another option to look into if you want a master's level therapy license.clinical social workers also provide therapy and are easier to transfer across state lines. There are also more billing options (they can bill medicare, while LMHC cannot). If you want to be a psychologist, that is a doctoral level degree. A master's in psychology is not a license-eligible degree and is more so an option is you want to pursue a psych doctorate and need to compensate for a low undergrad GPA, need more research experience and can't find a paid research assistant position, etc. You do not need to get a master's before applying to psych doctorate programs. In terms of number of schools to apply to, this again will vary. It depends on how much money you have for applications, research interest matches with mentors, etc. For clinical psych or counseling psych PhDs/PsyDs, people typically apply to approximately 10 programs, and it is recommended to focus on research match rather than geographic location. 2. Graduate programs are ineligible for things like the Pell Grant. When you fill out FAFSA, it is strictly to be eligible for federal student loans. PhDs are mostly fully-funded through the school. With masters programs, it depends. Some have funding, and some don't. It is always recommended to not take out loans if you don't have to because compound interest rates means that you will be paying more for your education as time goes by. 3. This will vary from individual to individual. Some people drive, others ship their stuff and fly. You have to look at what makes the most sense for your situation. Also, if you have parental support that you feel comfortable taking, awesome. Again, this is something that will be unique to every individual. 4. This would be a question to ask your program. Because grad students aren't eligible for federal grants, it may not make much of a difference. 5. Again, this varies. Some programs will provide tuition remission and a living stipend (usually you are an RA or TA on campus). Some people work (easier to do with a master's program than a doctorate). Some people get financial assistance from family or have a spouse. And others take out loans. I know you said you do not want to take a year off, but you are very young, so you have plenty of time. Think about what your career goals are, and then look at the options available for those goals. For instance, if your goal is to become a therapist, you can go the master's level route. Or, if you want to do therapy, but also assessments, then you would need a PhD or PsyD in clinical psych or counseling psych. If this is the case, it is honestly better to try to work as a paid research assistant in a lab for a year or 2, get publications and posters, and then apply to fully funded programs. The Psych sub-forum is filled with tons of info for you to check out, and you can also read "Mitch’s Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology," found here: http://mitch.web.unc.edu/files/2017/02/MitchGradSchoolAdvice.pdf

Megabus and Bolt Bus are going to be your cheapest options. Also, every weekend may not be feasible. Grad school is a lot more reading and homework than undergrad, so you may not have time to make that trip every week.

Yeah, programs typically take applications during a certain time period. For PhD, it typically is from September to December or January. They then select students based on the applicant pool.

You don't need to keep communicating. If you'd like, you can send an email stating you're excited to start in the fall but are curious if the PI has any suggestions for readings or anything that you can do over the summer to prepare to jump in at the start of the semester. If they give you suggestions, do them. Otherwise, enjoy your summer. The PI isn't going to forget you exist.

I'm not personally familiar with either of those programs. Can you reach out to current students and ask about their research experience? Also, find out if the program keeps records of how many students go on to PhD programs.

I would select the program with the most options and best track record for students publishing research products (posters, pubs) as that is what will set you up for success in PhD apps. A 1 year program may make it difficult for you to get any publications out in such a short time frame.

I would probably follow the advice of current students. If anything, you can register for 2 classes for fall and if you feel like you can handle another, you can do 3 in the spring semester. Side note: it's really interesting how different fields/programs operate. In my program (and what appears to be the norm in my field), we have a set curriculum: year 1 fall, these 4 classes: year 1 spring, these 4 classes, etc.

Do you know what the norm is for students in your program? I would try to ask current students what they have done and how much work each course requires a week so that you can figure out how much time you need to devote to coursework on top of research and other responsibilities.

To be perfectly honest, have you thought about strengthening your app and reapplying next year? From the sound of it, you aren't thrilled with either program as a whole or the research fit of any faculty. The way you describe both seems like settling. I, personally, would consider the possibility of rejecting both offers and trying again next year for programs that have a better research fit. A year delay is better than 5 years feeling miserable or even "meh" about a program.

New Brunswick has a huge Latin community. According to the US Census data on Wikipedia, New Brunswick is 49.93% Hispacin/Latino. Central NJ is suburban, but New Brunswick has tons of restaurants, bars, the state theater, and is about an hour train ride from Penn Station if you really miss the city. While not as large of a city as NYC, New Brunswick is still a city, and being in a northeastern metropolitan area, is relatively liberal. I'm not super familiar with the LGBTQ+ scene in the area, but I know it exists. Rutgers in and of itself has a huge graduate program which adds to the diversity of an already very diverse city.

Research fit is one the biggest factors. Look at papers of research within your interest area and see where those faculty are. Also, check out this thread: