EileanDonan

Is anyone else frustrated with the lack of communication from departments when contacted directly? I've emailed two with a basic yes/no question and never heard back. I know they're busy, but it literally takes 5 seconds to send a response that can really help ease someone's mind. Given that our app fees are what's helping to support these programs, it seems like decent courtesy to me.

For what it's worth, I finally caved and emailed GSU to confirm the invite situation. I'll post if I hear back. Likewise, if someone has info regarding RL's interviews and is willing to share, I'd appreciate it!

I applied here actually! Haven't heard back though - do you have any insight as to their interview invite timeline?

For what it's worth, I will echo that going to a school with excellent resources from the get-go is preferable. Unfortunately, some people don't consider that as 17/18-year-old's. They might not even know to think of such a thing - it's not like most people understand what it takes to succeed in clinical psych fresh out of high school. Some parents don't know how to appropriately guide their kids in this way either. Another major element is that some people may not have the choice to go to an R1, perhaps due to familial and/or geographical constraints. I didn't. Does this mean that some people shot themselves in the foot from the get-go without even realizing it? It's not like you can discuss these sorts of issues in your grad statement or interview. PI's never seem care about your life's story when it's directly pertinent to why you aren't as "accomplished" as some others. You never know what someone else may have had to go through to get "even this far." Trauma, health issues, family issues, financial difficulties, all the above...these have a very real, tangible impact on the paths of many aspiring clinicians and researchers. RE: jobs, I would be very interested to see some stats on how many apps it takes to secure a decent position on average. I'm sure some folks (R1 grads) don't have too hard a time, but I can state that even with applying across the country I probably sent maybe ~250 apps(?) to no avail. I only even got my current one through volunteering, and it took quite some time before funding came through for me. If anything, I think it would be fantastic if faculty and admins across the field were more in-tuned to the experiences and sacrifices of those who come from a SLAC background or are otherwise disadvantaged.

As someone coming from the same background, I would like to wholeheartedly second this. Getting a lab position has been a nightmare for me, even before COVID. Even now, my current position isn't exactly the most robust experience compared to that offered through other labs. I can't afford an MA, and neither can many others. Unfortunately, these sorts of things don't come across in a CV, thus making you seem less "competent" compared to other applicants who were in the right place at the right time with their school/work.

I had thought of this too; it would hardly be the first time that the "powers that be" saw fit to retaliate. I'm sure some PIs/admins would be sympathetic to our plight, but some wouldn't feel so inclined to rock the boat if it's not their own boat that's sinking (at least from their perspective). At the absolute minimum, concrete suggestions for change would need to be offered (i.e. don't just complain for the sake of complaining), but it's hard to identify which areas would see maximum improvement from realistic changes. Sure, removing the GRE would be an interesting place to start, but where does that leave those who use the test to "prove" their academic worth when their undergrad GPA is low? Some PI's can really fixate on the quant side of your app. There are a multitude of issues implicated in all of this...

That's what I thought, but I know some (including myself) received an email late last week stating they were still reviewing materials. It's a bit confusing. ? Do you think it would hurt at this point to email for clarification?

Is anyone else surprised we haven't heard more concrete info from GSU? I keep vacillating between emailing them or leaving it.

Absolutely all of this. I shouldn't have to spend every year feeling like I'm just gambling that my hopes and efforts will come to fruition. Nevertheless, the reality is that in order to see the difference that we want, there need to be more programs for us to go to. Supply to meet demand. Unfortunately, money doesn't actually grow on trees, which is what a bunch of the root issue boils down to. You need funding to start and sufficiently run a good program, not just more degree mills. I would be very interested to see any preliminary calculations on what what funds would be necessary to normalize everyone (decently qualified) getting in at one, absolutely two cycles max.

Has anyone heard whether there's a downside to not sticking it out in your current lab for closer to two years? Or if you get a new position in late spring or summer, would POI's be put off if you've only been in your current position for ~6 months?

Thanks so much for the thoughtful comment! I was already planning on reaching out to the PI's I had direct contact with, and this has steeled my resolve to do so. It's so hard to network even in the best of times, nevermind COVID, but it's nice seeing it actually work out for somebody. Quick follow-up Q: what are your thoughts on reaching out to current grad students during the summer or so? I'm afraid this might come across as too random or me trying to "game the system", and they might mention me as a weirdo to the PI. But I know it can be quite informative too.

Aaaaaah I'm still dealing with the exact same problem! My current RA position is quite flexible in timing (although this has come with a cost...looking at you HR), and my PI is quite understanding about my goals. So I do at least have an emergency backup - I won't be jobless. But applying to new positions has been frustrating. I wish I could have gotten one of those two year positions last year (came close!), but I'm determined to apply again next year (not getting any younger here) so I am forced to ignore amazing openings. So yes, I'm only applying to jobs that either don't mention a commitment or state that the opening is just a year with possible extension. Of course, they might end up asking you to commit for two years during the interview anyway. I hate having that convo. ?

Would you be comfortable sharing some thoughts (whatever you're comfortable with!) on what you did since your last cycle that made you better prepared for this one? I'm in a weird situation with my current lab and I feel that I should be getting broader experience, but I swear finding a new position is almost as tough as getting a grad invite. ?

I'm thirding what everyone else has said. I'm also thoroughly 100% certain that this is the path that is right for me, and I know I would always sincerely regret doing anything else. It's okay to take a break for a bit to recoup and clear away the burnout (looking forward to doing that myself). But I'm also planning on throwing myself back in the ring again next year. Perhaps you could consider finding a position in a new lab if you feel the current isn't sufficiently supporting your goals/interests? I'm in the same boat myself, and actively looking for other options. I feel this way too. ? It is embarrassing to share all ended up being for naught. Hoping I'll have some new recommenders by next cycle, but who knows.

Hm, that's interesting. Case closed then? Also, I applied to the same PI!

That's an interesting theory, I suppose we'd have to try checking back through prior posts. I applied to the clin-neuro track! Any of the other GSU folks here willing to share which they chose?

Oh wow no kidding. ? I guess it wasn't just a fluke then. I think I'll hold out for the rest of this week, and possibly email early next week depending on how things go. The last post on the results page for the program is confusing then.

Do you think it's worth emailing them to clarify? ? Its seems that either they actually haven't sent them all or someone needs be brought back into the loop.

So I'm confused: I got an email from the grad office at GSU (assumed generic) discussing how they had so many applicants this year and were still reviewing my materials. But from what I gathered here, they actually sent out all invites last week. I thought we confirmed this? Is this is just a lack of interdepartmental communication? ?

Ugh, I was afraid of this. I get the appeal for PI's, but this gets quite close to gatekeeping territory for me. Especially with COVID, networking has become even more difficult. ?

I've started having this issue too. ? Keep your head up and take my invisible updoot!

Just to confirm, have you tried cold-emailing distant labs for RA jobs? I find it almost tempting, but I'm also afraid of making a fool of myself. PI: "Why is this rando contacting me?"

For real, I'll be doing a lot of peeping around lab websites this coming year. ? I think this is a fair concern. Can you imagine if we had a central system like med school applicants?! We wouldn't know what to do with ourselves. Still, there's a reason for the competitiveness. In addition to PI's wanting competent students, there simply isn't enough "product" (programs) to satisfy the "customers" (us poor sods). And that ultimately boils down to funding. At what point will this bubble burst?

Oh wow look at that, my bad. Not sure how I missed that. Technically speaking that's better than some schools, although I imagine the average quality is significantly higher. I wonder what happened with the big uptick in last year's cycle?

I believe they normally get ~700, so I can't say I'm that surprised. You'd have to be absolutely god level to get in this cycle.