PsyDuck90

You would have to talk to the program directly to get the best answer. However, as long as you are graduating before the start of the fall term, it shouldn't be an issue, as you are not delaying your acceptance.

A lot of programs have cut-offs of 3.5, so that may be a snag. If you get high GRE scores, that can counterbalance it a bit. You can also apply for some masters degrees, as an MA gpa will show you can do graduate level work. Also, if you're applying for PhD programs in clinical psych, I would strongly caution you against geographically limiting yourself. The statistical odds of getting into an individual program are about 1-2%, with an overall probability of about 8%-10%. It is very competitive. The biggest admissions factor is often research fit. If you start geographically limiting yourself, you decrease your odds of admission. You can always go back to California once you complete your educational requirements. California and NYC seem to be some of the most sought-after programs with significantly more applicants each year than other solid programs away from these areas.

I think as long as you clearly weren't in pajamas, a ratty old t-shirt, or shirtless, you're probably fine.

It probably depends on the school, but I would assume so, especially because many PhD programs will ask applicants if they want to be considered for the Masters if they aren't accepted to the PhD program.

Gotcha. I think if you're interested in getting a PhD in the future, B may be a better option anyway just because it's more in-line with your research interests and will probably set you up for successful PhD applications.

Is program B an MA or PhD? Also, based on your descriptions, you have way more positives for program B. The only thing you seemed to mention for A that isn't available at B is graduate housing. You can usually find apartments near college campuses. Also, grad housing, in my experience (including other friends), is usually just glorified dorms.

Yeah....that just sounds like a really bad advisor. Why were you paired with someone who is not within your area of interest? If there is a better research fit, that may be a good out as it isn't based on characteristics of the advisor if you don't want to cause any drama.

Please, please, please, if anyone on this board feels like their anxiety/depression is overwhelming, or they are having trouble coping, see a mental health professional. If you are averse to medications, that technically isn't the 1st line of treatment to begin with. Therapeutic interventions are usually the name of the game. If you are currently in school (undergraduate or graduate) most colleges have counseling centers on site that provide free services. It is ok to see someone. Mental illness is not something that should "just be part of life."

If that have already stated they have decided to potentially not make anyone permanent, I don't see why you would really need to say anything just get. If they offer you a permanent position, you could tell them at that time. I would just wait until you're about a month out unless it somehow seems pressing sooner.

You're more likely to get a number of responses if you post this in the Psychology sub-forum.

Yeah, I should probably add that I only asked for feedback from one POI because I already established a rapport with them and we had been emailing back and forth throughout the application process. I would not recommend "cold-calling" POIs for feedback.

Personally, if everything else is equal, I'd probably prioritize the program that would allow me to walk out with less debt. PSLF and other forms of student loan forgiveness aren't guaranteed to stick around, and interest rates for student loans can really shoot up the overall cost. You don't want to spend forever paying off grad school debt (especially if you already have undergrad debt added on top).

Something along the lines of "thank you for the opportunity to interview with your program. I was hoping you could provide some feedback on how I can improve my application for the following cycle."

Do either of them offer funding? That would be a factor for me. If you would be happy with either program, I would then consider quality of life factors. How much debt will you have to take out? What's the cost of living like? If the program quality is equal, I would focus on the other factors that will affect your next few years and beyond (in regards to loans).

Research experience and products (posters/pubs) will mean more than your undergrad GPA. If you don't have any as of yet, it may be better for you to spend extra time getting research experience and applying in 2021, as i don't know how much you'll be able to accomplish in the time before 2020 apps are due.

While some faculty may look at the low undergrad GPA as a negative, most probably won't care as you have a high masters GPA (indicating you can do graduate level work) and a high GRE. You are definitely not the 1st person to bomb undergrad and then get it together later in life, and you won't be the last.

I don't think it's a problem to bring your spouse to the city. You were admitted and therefore most likely moving there. This affects your spouse's life just as much as it does yours. It's up to you if you'd like to disclose this information, but any program that frowns upon that probably has a few other red flags too.

Last year, I interviewed around that date and heard back about a month later.

I think it might be nice. She may just be nervous and not know what to say, so you reaching out and saying hi and introducing yourself may help put her at ease.

I'm not sure if you would be considered an employee for loan purposes. However, to qualify for the non-profit loan forgiveness in general, you have to be making regular, monthly payments for 10 consecutive years on an approved income-based loan repayment program.

As @buckeyepsych said, I wouldn't worry too much about getting more clinical experience. The main thing is really research. Try to get conference posters/presentations and publications if possible. That will mean more than potential clinical experiences. More clinical won't hurt, but more research will have a greater impact.

Your plan sounds good as is. You don't need to do a formal post-bacc or MA. You already have a research connection and a plan to improve your GRE, so as long as you follow through, you should be on a good path. Also, part of graduate school is being able to be a self-learner and self-motivate yourself to accomplish tasks. Therefore, honing those skills would also help you once you get into grad school.

I would visit anyway. This way you know you are making the most informed decision. An unofficial acceptance is usually a green light, but there's always a chance something happens.

Most likely, having an LOR for him would be a benefit, as that means you already have an advocate at that university.

It really depends on where you end up. In some places, you need a car, while others have very good public transportation available. A lot of college towns will have a good transportation network, making it easy to get around town. With that said, I would suggest you start saving now if you have the means to do so. Worst case is you don't need to buy/lease a car and end up with some emergency savings. The stipend probably wouldn't be enough to buy a car. Even if you lease, you usually need a down payment of some sort.