EileanDonan

Thankfully my missing report showed up, just waiting on the last transcript to be finalized. As far as I'm concerned, things are out of my hands!

Same here. I can't believe it's finally over (not including any last minute errors or hiccups)... This was definitely a learning experience. Now I can use my extra time to finish up this semester. ?

I have at least one school with this issue, and I sent my scores over two weeks ago. With the deadline almost here, it's definitely causing some unnecessary grief. I'll be contacting people about it tomorrow.

Same! May the Waiting Games begin...

Hey folks! Throwing my hat in the ring as well. I'm applying to programs that offer training in forensic psych. My research interests include factors that contribute to deficient experience of empathy, difficulty in emotion regulation, abnormal pleasure-seeking behavior, etc. I'm also interested in developing new/better forensic assessment tools. Basic stats: GPA 3.81, major GPA 3.93. GRE 161V + 155Q + 5.5 AWA. Expecting solid letters from two research supervisors (one of whom was also my advisor) and a professor. 2/3 volunteered before I even asked. Research experience: ~1 1/2 semesters on a qualitative project doing narrative analysis, ~2 semesters helping on a different project from the ground up (including lit review, IRB proposal, survey design, etc). Only authorship is on an APA presentation of the qualitative project (I wasn't even third author though, so...) I've gotten generally positive comments on my PS too, should be tight by the time I apply Things I'm concerned about: I realize my GREs aren't the best, hoping my GPA will compensate for that. Not nearly as much research experience as some, but I feel like I gained some good basic skills and I know my sups were pleased with my work. No serious authorship yet however. Applying straight from undergrad Best of luck to everyone!

Hello everyone, I'm considering changing one quad course into pass/fail. It is an elective and is taking a disproportionate amount of my time, time which could be spent on my major courses, research, grad apps, etc. Transcript wise, will it look bad to grad admissions to see a pass/fail course my final semester? Also, it's a law course, so would it look bad to take this pass/fail if I'm looking to study forensic psych? Input greatly appreciated!

Hello everybody, I'm interested in pursuing a clinical Ph.D. with the ultimate intent to work as a forensic psych, so I've been eyeballing John Jay as a possibility. However, I am aware that they have only been somewhat recently accredited, and have been wondering as to the quality of their program. Is there anyone here attending the program who would be willing to shed some light on this? I would really appreciate it! Also, how rigorous was the application process? (How important is the subject GRE? Do you apply to the program itself or to a particular faculty member?) Thanks so much to whoever helps! -ED

I'm pretty well acquainted with the extreme competitiveness of applications, which is why I've been on the fence. I'm definitely going to have a backup plan - if I miraculously get accepted somewhere, then awesome, but if not, then I won't be surprised by any means.

Hk328: I haven't heard of McGill, so I'll definitely look into that. My interests lie primarily within psychopathy, sex offenders, religious radicalization, motivations for terrorism, "nitty gritty" topics. Career wise, I am most interested in doing forensic assessments, but I'm open to other avenues. I'm definitely going to try and stay on my current lab project after this year if at all possible. philopsych: I've heard stories like that, too, which is essentially what's giving me hope at this point. ? Let's just say I'll be spending plentiful amounts of time crafting my personal statement.

Hello folks, I will be graduating from undergrad this fall, ultimately hoping to attend a clinical psych PhD program in the near future. I have some questions regarding the best way to move forward. Here's some background/stats: Cum. GPA: 3.81/Major GPA: 3.93. I will have taken 12 psych courses by the time I graduate. Earned dean's list every semester and I am a member of Psi Chi. GRE: taking in a month and hoping for 157+ Q and 160+ V. Research experience: I will have acquired about one academic year's worth by the end of December. I worked in two labs - the first resulted in a project that will be presented at the upcoming national APA conference, and I am listed as a co-author....but I'm seventh in line, so it's obviously not exactly going to knock any socks off admissions. The second has involved me assisting my supervisor with building a study from the ground-up. Since I'm graduating a semester early I won't have time to do an honors thesis, or I would. I will see about pursuing an independent study if at all possible. LOR: I've had two professors volunteer to write me letters, one of which can attest to my research skills. Hoping to secure another letter writer this fall. Research interests/career plans: I am most interested in forensic/correctional/law psychology. My top school choices as of now include Fordham, Drexel, John Jay, Villanova, and similar. It has been difficult finding any clinical programs, not necessarily just ones with a forensic track, that have faculty interested in forensic matters, so I feel that my pool of choices is rather limited in terms of research fit (and I realize that this can be a numbers game). If anyone knows of any POIs that have a forensic focus, I would appreciate any tips! So, now for the actual questions: Should I just pass on this application cycle and wait another year until after I gain more experience, or is it worth applying anyway if I can bank on my research fit and any other qualities? Has anybody here been accepted to a good program without extensive research experience because of other merits, such as great fit or a killer personal statement? Any advice greatly appreciated!