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  1. Like
    xxxxxxxxxx got a reaction from chimi_the_changa31 in MS/MA in mental health counseling or MSW?   
    I don't know what stage you are in your education (current undergraduate? recent graduate? post-bac?) but this PDF should be able to help you narrow down your interests after reading the differences in career trajectories/degrees.
  2. Like
    xxxxxxxxxx got a reaction from Coffee_and_Psychology96 in Need advice - what are my chances of getting into Clinical Psych Program PhD program?   
    Excellent advice, for anyone concerned about their GRE scores. Networking works wonders. High GRE scores are not the golden ticket to graduate school, but low ones will certainly prevent excellent applicants (such as OP, myself) from getting their applications reviewed. I’ve heard from previous mentors that anything below 50% percentile gets you thrown in the “No” piles, especially out of hundreds of “equally competitive applicants” on paper. 
    Let me just say I personally detest the GRE and have very strong negative opinions on it. I know it kept me from “getting interviews” my first application rounds. In my most recent round, my scores were mediocre at best, and I focused on all other stellar portions of my applications to get interviews (publications, research experience, LoRs, networking opportunities, etc).
    Best of luck to you in this process, you sound like a very competitive applicant.
  3. Like
    xxxxxxxxxx reacted to SendMeAnEmailPlz in Pissed off at this whole process (clinical psych PhD)   
    All is well my dude. You have 3 interviews to clinical psychology programs; the most competitive graduate degree in the country.
    There will always be someone with more interviews, more publications, and a higher salary. This field is filled with rejection at every step of your career. Schools will reject you, internships will toss your application in the trash, and reviewers will tear your manuscripts to shreds.
    It sounds like you worked hard to get where you are. But there are others who worked just as hard who have weaker applications because their PI wasn't a productive scholar or who couldn't afford to volunteer for 20 hours a week.
    You've made it pretty far. There are thousands of qualified people who would kill to be in your shoes. I urge you to be grateful and enjoy the process.
  4. Downvote
    xxxxxxxxxx reacted to helpmeugh in Pissed off at this whole process (clinical psych PhD)   
    *Hi I'm just venting here but feel free to chime in about how much you have felt fucked over by this process*
    I'm just very upset about how this whole process is going for me so far. I have three in-person interviews lined up but my coworkers who are exactly the same as me in almost every way have 5+. I really don't understand. I've done everything right and I feel like I should have more interviews. For context, I applied to 11 schools ranging from more "bottom tier" to top programs. I have one bottom tier interview, one mid-tier, and one top-tier lined up.
    I worked in multiple labs during undergrad starting freshman year at an R1 university with a top 10 clinical psych department Conducted an honors thesis with a very up-and-coming professor who loves me and wrote a stellar LOR (so she said) Am now at a post-bacc research assistant at an Ivy League med school/hospital Have extensive clinical training through my work and past internships/volunteer positions Have one first-author pub and another first-author under review Have one second-author pub and 3 others under review Have one third author pub under review Had great LOR's from my PI at my job and another PI who I helped coordinate her study for 3.75 overall UG GPA, 4.0 psych GPA 2 first-author posters at two national conferences multiple co-authored posters/symposiums for national/international conferences GRE: V: 167-170    M: 156-158    W: 4.5-5.0 Had my personal statement looked over my my UG PI who said it was great and I had very clear research interests.  *I am bragging a lot on here but I promise you I didn't brag this much in my app materials if anyone was wondering I just don't understand what I did wrong and why others got so many more interviews. I feel like you can do everything in your power to be an excellent candidate and still get screwed while others who did not work as hard get a shit ton of interviews? (not saying that everyone who got more interviews than me didn't work hard but I literally spent every weekend doing research this past year and a half) 
  5. Like
    xxxxxxxxxx got a reaction from MyAmygdalaDoesn'tLikeThis in Fall 2020 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD   
    Hi everyone,
    1st year clinical (Ph.D.) student here. I remember being in your place around this time last year (and several years before that), and found myself reminiscing how awful all those feelings were during “application” season. The uncertainty, checking my emails at all hours of the day, comparing my stats; background/experiences to other equally competitive applicants, refreshing the stupid forums and invites pages at every minute- ALL of it.
    It took me 3 application rounds to finally be accepted, at my “dream” institution, with a PI who I “dreamed” of working with (For reference: I was rejected from this school during previous application rounds).
    All of this to say: This process isn’t easy. It’s unfair, it isn’t for the weak. However, the field is slowly changing, especially for applicants from less privileged backgrounds. Clinical Psychology has a lot of room for growth (and revamping this difficult, confusing, and oftentimes unfair application process should be a goal for the CUDCP).
    Regardless of the outcome this application season: Please do not give up. If this is what you want to do for the rest of your life, you will get in. Do not let a lack of interview invite or rejection from a program define your self-worth/potential. Remember to practice self-kindness, and understand that there are a lot (unfair) factors at play that are out of your control as an applicant.
    I’m happy to chat and give words of encouragement for those who need it. I met some awesome folks this past Spring during my interview process (and on here!) and I am forever grateful for that. I’m thinking of you all during this difficult time and process.
    — a seasoned applicant who went through this BS misery, multiple rounds. 
     
  6. Like
    xxxxxxxxxx got a reaction from QuinnH in Fall 2020 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD   
    Hi everyone,
    1st year clinical (Ph.D.) student here. I remember being in your place around this time last year (and several years before that), and found myself reminiscing how awful all those feelings were during “application” season. The uncertainty, checking my emails at all hours of the day, comparing my stats; background/experiences to other equally competitive applicants, refreshing the stupid forums and invites pages at every minute- ALL of it.
    It took me 3 application rounds to finally be accepted, at my “dream” institution, with a PI who I “dreamed” of working with (For reference: I was rejected from this school during previous application rounds).
    All of this to say: This process isn’t easy. It’s unfair, it isn’t for the weak. However, the field is slowly changing, especially for applicants from less privileged backgrounds. Clinical Psychology has a lot of room for growth (and revamping this difficult, confusing, and oftentimes unfair application process should be a goal for the CUDCP).
    Regardless of the outcome this application season: Please do not give up. If this is what you want to do for the rest of your life, you will get in. Do not let a lack of interview invite or rejection from a program define your self-worth/potential. Remember to practice self-kindness, and understand that there are a lot (unfair) factors at play that are out of your control as an applicant.
    I’m happy to chat and give words of encouragement for those who need it. I met some awesome folks this past Spring during my interview process (and on here!) and I am forever grateful for that. I’m thinking of you all during this difficult time and process.
    — a seasoned applicant who went through this BS misery, multiple rounds. 
     
  7. Like
    xxxxxxxxxx got a reaction from Vanilla Bean in Working Full Time & Trying to Obtain Research Experience ?   
    For those looking for paid opportunities: indeed.com, type in “psychology research” in the keywords and your city/state. Professors with active labs (especially around this time) are known for always posting on there. Also, before applying to any advertised position: Make a competitive cover letter + CV that is in academic format and obtain feedback on those items from a supervisor or colleague.
    I found my most recent clinical research coordinator job through there at a very prestigious AMC after my 2nd round of applications. The opportunity allowed me to get clinical research experience and numerous pubs/presentations as well as excellent mentorship from the leaders in my specific field prior to applying last year (for the 3rd time).
    If you truly cannot quit your current place of work for financial reasons, cold e-mailing PIs for opportunities about volunteer options (esp. emphasizing your availability in the weekends/evenings) should get you some leads. Best of luck to you.
  8. Like
    xxxxxxxxxx got a reaction from amazoniangoddess in Working Full Time & Trying to Obtain Research Experience ?   
    For those looking for paid opportunities: indeed.com, type in “psychology research” in the keywords and your city/state. Professors with active labs (especially around this time) are known for always posting on there. Also, before applying to any advertised position: Make a competitive cover letter + CV that is in academic format and obtain feedback on those items from a supervisor or colleague.
    I found my most recent clinical research coordinator job through there at a very prestigious AMC after my 2nd round of applications. The opportunity allowed me to get clinical research experience and numerous pubs/presentations as well as excellent mentorship from the leaders in my specific field prior to applying last year (for the 3rd time).
    If you truly cannot quit your current place of work for financial reasons, cold e-mailing PIs for opportunities about volunteer options (esp. emphasizing your availability in the weekends/evenings) should get you some leads. Best of luck to you.
  9. Like
    xxxxxxxxxx got a reaction from Chugwater2020 in Fall 2020 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD   
    Hi everyone,
    1st year clinical (Ph.D.) student here. I remember being in your place around this time last year (and several years before that), and found myself reminiscing how awful all those feelings were during “application” season. The uncertainty, checking my emails at all hours of the day, comparing my stats; background/experiences to other equally competitive applicants, refreshing the stupid forums and invites pages at every minute- ALL of it.
    It took me 3 application rounds to finally be accepted, at my “dream” institution, with a PI who I “dreamed” of working with (For reference: I was rejected from this school during previous application rounds).
    All of this to say: This process isn’t easy. It’s unfair, it isn’t for the weak. However, the field is slowly changing, especially for applicants from less privileged backgrounds. Clinical Psychology has a lot of room for growth (and revamping this difficult, confusing, and oftentimes unfair application process should be a goal for the CUDCP).
    Regardless of the outcome this application season: Please do not give up. If this is what you want to do for the rest of your life, you will get in. Do not let a lack of interview invite or rejection from a program define your self-worth/potential. Remember to practice self-kindness, and understand that there are a lot (unfair) factors at play that are out of your control as an applicant.
    I’m happy to chat and give words of encouragement for those who need it. I met some awesome folks this past Spring during my interview process (and on here!) and I am forever grateful for that. I’m thinking of you all during this difficult time and process.
    — a seasoned applicant who went through this BS misery, multiple rounds. 
     
  10. Upvote
    xxxxxxxxxx reacted to CozyD in Sending Updated CV to Grad School Admission??   
    I'd skip it.
    I don't include submitted work on my CV at all. I only add things once they've been accepted. People have lots of different feelings about this, but my personal sense is that putting in prep/submitted stuff feels like a stretch and doesn't represent a meaningful accomplishment. The mark of achievement is peer reviewers saying the article should be published.
    Also, if I was going to send an updated CV, I would just send it. I wouldn't waste their time with a call/email first. I'd just send it with a short/direct/polite note, along the lines of "If it's possible to add my updated CV to my file, I'd appreciate it." 
  11. Upvote
    xxxxxxxxxx reacted to Justice4All in Fall 2020 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD   
    Anyone else's brain like: "omg its Jan 2- the holidays are over please read my application now!!!"
    Two weeks from now, a lot of us will be hearing some great news! I know it's hard to stay positive but as an over achiever who was  rejected by all the universities I applied to last year, I promise you that whatever happens, you will be okay. If anyone needs someone to talk to and confide in my DMs are always open :). Wishing you all success in this new year and please remember that you all are applying to literally the hardest graduate program in the country.
     
  12. Upvote
    xxxxxxxxxx got a reaction from Modulus in How do I tell my scholarship advisor about my depression issues?   
    I am so sorry for what you’re going through, OP. As others have mentioned, reaching out and seeking out immediate care from a mental health provider (Ideally: a Clinical or Counseling Psychologist) should be your first step. Stigma and other barriers for mental healthcare are real (and as a future provider myself, extremely frustrating and difficult) but you should NOT feel shame or guilt for needing help, or for anything that has transpired over the last months. Be kind to yourself. Your university should have a counseling center set up, and you should request for an appointment immediately. If your university does not have this resource available, try looking at psychologytoday.com and other resources online for locating a provider ASAP.
    In the mean time, from now until when you establish regular appointments, request to meet with your advisor individually. Do not divulge any details through e-mail, simply state you would like to meet with them and provide updates on some recent personal matters, academic updates, and that you’ve developed a pathway forward and you would appreciate their mentorship. Next, create a list of things you’re upset about and or would like to work on (i.e., maybe grades received, assignments you didn’t do so well on) and then create a separate column on what you will do to alleviate the situation. Use this time to also create boundaries between yourself and your family members, you need the space, they do not understand how challenging graduate school can be, and until you have started to work with a provider, it’s best to distance yourself from them.
     
    Again, be kind with yourself. There are always solutions to our problems, even the most complex and difficult ones. Our mood, self-esteem and psychiatric symptoms (especially those that are depressive in nature) unfortunately cloud our judgement and make us catastrophize stressful situations. 
  13. Like
    xxxxxxxxxx reacted to ydzhu in How do I tell my scholarship advisor about my depression issues?   
    I came upon this post and wanted to express my sincere apologies for what you're going through. Do know that depression is a medical diagnosis with treatment options available from professionals. I would recommend seeking treatment if you haven't already. Most programs have established mental health centers for students and faculty. I personally went through something similar as a medical student. My school was very responsive in granting me remediation options when applicable and also in giving me time off (aka leave of absence) sanctioned by my treating medical doctor. I recommend keeping in touch with your professors and letting them know of your circumstances so they can help you the best way they know how.
    Though my situation ultimately led me to drop out of school halfway, I was able to recover and-after a few years of working- am now applying to PhD programs, which in retrospect may have been a better fit for me after all. I guess what I'm trying to say is that what you're going through is not uncommon and the most important thing to remember is that things will get better with time.
    Hope this helps and hope you're able to find the help you need to get back on your feet. As a scholarship recipient, I'm sure you're a strong student to begin with. 
  14. Like
    xxxxxxxxxx reacted to buttercup8d in Abusive Professors and Supervisors   
    I created this thread so we can discuss how to deal with professors who abuse their power over students and teaching staff, and who sacrifice others' well-being for their own reputations and career ambitions. 
    I am talking about bullying behavior, silencing students if they submit complaints about their program, and verbal and emotional abuse. My guess is that this probably happens frequently at the expense of grad students' mental health. With the power dynamics, there is only so much we can do to speak out in academia.
  15. Upvote
    xxxxxxxxxx reacted to Bird Vision in Struggling with Cohort   
    I think you should take a step back and examine why you feel this way about the individuals in your cohort, rather than speak poorly of them and pass judgement.
  16. Like
    xxxxxxxxxx reacted to PokePsych in Struggling with Cohort   
    Not every cohort has these social vibes. I have some awesome RAs that I have coffee/lunch with, some people in different years, including post docs, in other labs (not in my cohort). I don't think you have to limit yourself to your cohort - or even your department for that matter. 
  17. Upvote
    xxxxxxxxxx reacted to fuzzylogician in If I knew then what I know now (Officially Grads version)   
    In my program everybody says the first year is the worst in terms of work load but I don't think they're right. It's definitely different than the other years - much more structure, more assignments and readings and less (read: ' almost no') time for research. That all can be very stressful. In subsequent years we're free to build our schedule and do research at our leisure, but I don't think I'm working any less than in I did in my first year. If anything, I'm working more. But the nature of the work is different and the ability to control my time makes it more bearable.

    The one important thing to learn in graduate school is time management. With it, it's also important to learn to say 'no'. There are just too many demands on my time and some things I just can't do, or can't do within the original time frame. I've learned to prioritize - some things I decide I won't even try to get done, others I decide to only invest X amount of time in - even if it means the final product is less than perfect (that's especially true for assorted class assignments). I try not to over-invest in my TAship so I keep careful track of how long I spend on my work and try not to overdo it, although sometimes that's difficult. The one thing to remember is that you'll have time for what you decide is important. If you make time for a social life, for breaks, for exercise - then you'll have time for those things. If all you do is work - you'll get tired and depressed and won't be able to keep it up. It's important to actively take time off, have hobbies, do other things. It's all a matter or deciding what's important.
  18. Upvote
    xxxxxxxxxx reacted to captiv8ed in If I knew then what I know now (Officially Grads version)   
    1. I wish I would have fully grasped how busy I would become. It is so much more work than undergrad.

    2. In that vein, I wish I would have done more prep work, gotten more freezer meals cooked and frozen before school started.

    3. I got excellent advice from a friend: Set a time limit and don't go over it. Let's say it is 40 hours or 50 hours or whatever. When you reach it, STOP! Even if you haven't finished the reading. There are times when you have no choice and will have to break it, but try your best to stick to it.

    4. Find a place you love and when it gets too much, go there and stay there until you have gained perspective. It could be the ocean, the forest, or our back yard.

    5. EXERCISE! I have stayed sane by walking to school most days and taking walks with my husband at night. It gives us a chance to reconnect and let's me look away from the screen.

    6. Learn to focus and cut out distractions. I installed Rescue Robot and it lets me know how long I have spent on each site and how productive I am. It is a free app and you can put it on multiple computers. I find it wonderful because so much of my time is spent on the computer or at home reading, so it is very easy to get sucked down rabbit holes. I have canceled my social media accounts as well, to cut down on mindless surfing.

    7. Try to move to your new place early if you can. Having a couple weeks to settle, unpack, and get your bearings before you are hit with school is wonderful.

    8. You will no longer be the smartest person in your class. Get over it. Also, don't be intimidated by other students. Remember they have had different training and preparation. One of the hardest things as a first year was to be thrown in a class with students who already have their master's and are studying for their qualifying exams. The only way I survived was that one of my classmates pointed it out to me and said to keep reminding myself of it.

    9. One of my biggest breakthroughs this year has been learning to take criticism without automatically assuming it means I am stupid. Important lesson!

    10. Have fun and remember you are in an incredibly privileged position. I think 5% of Americans have an advanced degree.
  19. Upvote
    xxxxxxxxxx got a reaction from Ppkitty in Fall 2020 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD   
    Hi everyone,
    1st year clinical (Ph.D.) student here. I remember being in your place around this time last year (and several years before that), and found myself reminiscing how awful all those feelings were during “application” season. The uncertainty, checking my emails at all hours of the day, comparing my stats; background/experiences to other equally competitive applicants, refreshing the stupid forums and invites pages at every minute- ALL of it.
    It took me 3 application rounds to finally be accepted, at my “dream” institution, with a PI who I “dreamed” of working with (For reference: I was rejected from this school during previous application rounds).
    All of this to say: This process isn’t easy. It’s unfair, it isn’t for the weak. However, the field is slowly changing, especially for applicants from less privileged backgrounds. Clinical Psychology has a lot of room for growth (and revamping this difficult, confusing, and oftentimes unfair application process should be a goal for the CUDCP).
    Regardless of the outcome this application season: Please do not give up. If this is what you want to do for the rest of your life, you will get in. Do not let a lack of interview invite or rejection from a program define your self-worth/potential. Remember to practice self-kindness, and understand that there are a lot (unfair) factors at play that are out of your control as an applicant.
    I’m happy to chat and give words of encouragement for those who need it. I met some awesome folks this past Spring during my interview process (and on here!) and I am forever grateful for that. I’m thinking of you all during this difficult time and process.
    — a seasoned applicant who went through this BS misery, multiple rounds. 
     
  20. Upvote
    xxxxxxxxxx got a reaction from doingmybest in Clinical PhD programs no GRE required   
    What are your professional goals? What do you envision doing with your graduate education? Have you looked at the differences between a Ph.D. and a Psy.D? What about other career fields and options (LCSW, etc)?
    Once you begin to answer these important questions, then you can move towards searching for mentors/programs/schools that can get you there. The bottom line (and you probably know this already): You are severely limiting your career options by focusing on programs that do not require a GRE.
    For the OP and or other new applicants interested in becoming clinical psychologists: For-profit graduate schools in clinical psychology are a complete and utter disaster- they are mostly known for providing low quality training/opportunities to its students  (Google what occurred to hundreds of “students” enrolled at Argosy Schools over the last few years). For the exception of URI, all reputable Ph.D. (and some Psy.D) programs in Clinical Psychology  (unfortunately) still require this exam.
    Through the process of selecting programs/schools for your graduate education, you need to not only focus on the quality of education you’ll potentially be receiving, you also need to understand that following graduation, you would be competing (again) for internship (and eventually jobs in the market) against those candidates who graduated from reputable programs, with impressive CVs, publications, and experiences obtained throughout their graduate education.
  21. Like
    xxxxxxxxxx got a reaction from CowpokeMT in Fall 2020 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD   
    Hi everyone,
    1st year clinical (Ph.D.) student here. I remember being in your place around this time last year (and several years before that), and found myself reminiscing how awful all those feelings were during “application” season. The uncertainty, checking my emails at all hours of the day, comparing my stats; background/experiences to other equally competitive applicants, refreshing the stupid forums and invites pages at every minute- ALL of it.
    It took me 3 application rounds to finally be accepted, at my “dream” institution, with a PI who I “dreamed” of working with (For reference: I was rejected from this school during previous application rounds).
    All of this to say: This process isn’t easy. It’s unfair, it isn’t for the weak. However, the field is slowly changing, especially for applicants from less privileged backgrounds. Clinical Psychology has a lot of room for growth (and revamping this difficult, confusing, and oftentimes unfair application process should be a goal for the CUDCP).
    Regardless of the outcome this application season: Please do not give up. If this is what you want to do for the rest of your life, you will get in. Do not let a lack of interview invite or rejection from a program define your self-worth/potential. Remember to practice self-kindness, and understand that there are a lot (unfair) factors at play that are out of your control as an applicant.
    I’m happy to chat and give words of encouragement for those who need it. I met some awesome folks this past Spring during my interview process (and on here!) and I am forever grateful for that. I’m thinking of you all during this difficult time and process.
    — a seasoned applicant who went through this BS misery, multiple rounds. 
     
  22. Upvote
    xxxxxxxxxx got a reaction from doingmybest in Fall 2020 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD   
    Hi everyone,
    1st year clinical (Ph.D.) student here. I remember being in your place around this time last year (and several years before that), and found myself reminiscing how awful all those feelings were during “application” season. The uncertainty, checking my emails at all hours of the day, comparing my stats; background/experiences to other equally competitive applicants, refreshing the stupid forums and invites pages at every minute- ALL of it.
    It took me 3 application rounds to finally be accepted, at my “dream” institution, with a PI who I “dreamed” of working with (For reference: I was rejected from this school during previous application rounds).
    All of this to say: This process isn’t easy. It’s unfair, it isn’t for the weak. However, the field is slowly changing, especially for applicants from less privileged backgrounds. Clinical Psychology has a lot of room for growth (and revamping this difficult, confusing, and oftentimes unfair application process should be a goal for the CUDCP).
    Regardless of the outcome this application season: Please do not give up. If this is what you want to do for the rest of your life, you will get in. Do not let a lack of interview invite or rejection from a program define your self-worth/potential. Remember to practice self-kindness, and understand that there are a lot (unfair) factors at play that are out of your control as an applicant.
    I’m happy to chat and give words of encouragement for those who need it. I met some awesome folks this past Spring during my interview process (and on here!) and I am forever grateful for that. I’m thinking of you all during this difficult time and process.
    — a seasoned applicant who went through this BS misery, multiple rounds. 
     
  23. Upvote
    xxxxxxxxxx reacted to rainydaychai in Fall 2020 Clinical/Counseling Interview Invites   
    School: University of Southern Miss
    Type: Counseling PhD
    Date of invite: December 10th
    Type of invite: Email from program director inviting me to in-person interview, followed by email from PI
    Interview date(s): February 7, 2020
    First interview invite of the season!! ?
  24. Like
    xxxxxxxxxx reacted to penguinqueen in *I is stressed* venting thread for Fall 2020 Applicants   
    A very accomplished PI said something to me at a holiday party that has really resonated with me and hopefully will help others as well. 
    I was discussing how I couldn't wait to get into a program and finally start my career/life. He stopped me and said no, you've already started. This is the early stages of your career. You are succeeding now, working as a research assistant, building a solid CV. The next step is a PhD, but it's not the beginning. 
    So, friends. You've already started. You're well on your way! Hope you all had a lovely holiday ?
  25. Like
    xxxxxxxxxx reacted to devpsych2020 in *I is stressed* venting thread for Fall 2020 Applicants   
    I feel you both! I also absolutely despise uncertainty and this unpredictable process really makes us question our strengths and qualities...
    In case anyone find helpful, I would like to share my two mottos that I religiously live by, in terms of academic/career life: 1) This is fundamentally me overcoming myself and 2) I didn't come this far, only to come this far. 
    Happy New Years, everyone. Hope you treat yourself with good food and great quality sleeps at the least!
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