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!