Jump to content

SoundofSilence

Members
  • Posts

    230
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    4

Reputation Activity

  1. Like
    SoundofSilence reacted to PsychQueen222 in Clinical and Counselling Psychology Canadian Masters Application Forum Fall 2024   
    Hi! I've had a few interviews but I found that a lot of the advice on how to prepare online isn't really accurate. I definitely recommend reading up on the PI and their research, and having a good understanding of how your previous research relates to theirs or how it prepared you to contribute to their research. Generally speaking, I find that the structure of the interviews is as follows: 
    1) Introductions: You'll likely be asked to briefly speak about yourself. I think this is a good opportunity to talk about your research interests but also a time to really show the interviewer your personality and who you are outside of academia. You could be a great fit on paper but you also want to show that you have great interpersonal skills and are an interesting person overall.
    2) Specific questions: Personally I've never actually been asked how my research prepared me to work in X lab or how my research experience aligns with the PI. You'll definitely be asked about your career goals and why you chose the program and school. I've also always been asked about my stats experience. 
    3) Info about the lab: This is the majority of the interview and it's usually just the PI talking about their research and current projects to see if you'd be interested and a good fit. 
    In terms of tips and tricks, I'd honestly say that a lot of the professors won't ask the questions you're anticipating so it's really up to you to make space to speak about things that will make you stand out. For example, they won't ask why you think you're a good candidate directly so when they're speaking about their research you have to make an effort to jump in and explain how you could contribute. I also think it's always good to frame your 'weaknesses' as strengths. In my case, I've taken advanced stats courses but I've always been really awful at stats lol so when I'm asked about my stats experience I always say that it's something that I've struggled with in the past but I'm excited to be challenged during my MA. You want to show that you're not only ready to learn, but you're also prepared to face difficulties throughout your degree. Try to prepare a few questions as well. This doesn't necessarily have to be about their research (although this shows you've prepared and are interested). I think the mindset you should have going into your interview is that you're interviewing the PI as much as they're interviewing you. Sure they might think you'd be a good fit, but are they a good fit for you? Questions to consider: What is their supervision style? What's the lab culture like? What kind of resources and support do they offer their students? How do they help their students achieve their goals? Do their values align with yours?
    Overall, I think going into it expecting a rather casual conversation rather than some kind of intense interview is the best way to go about it. I think PIs are usually really receptive to students that show genuine excitement about pursuing a graduate degree. After all, grad school is hard and they want students that are passionate about the work they'll be doing. 
    At the end of your interview, I suggest asking the PI is they could share the contact info of some of their current and past students. Just like we have to submit letters of recommendation, we should be asking the same of them. They might seem like a great supervisor but you might speak to their students and get a completely different story. 
    Sorry for the longwinded answer but I hope this was helpful! Best of luck on your interview(s). Be confident and you'll do great!
  2. Upvote
    SoundofSilence reacted to psychowannabee in Research experience from a doctoral program vs an MSW or MHC program   
    I echo what @SoundofSilence have said. A lot of your plans of "transferring" into a clinical program after a year or two of psy.d and "working on the side" to beef up your research experience are a tad bit unrealistic and simplistic. In reality, those are extremely rare to happen and you can't put all your eggs on tha basket and hope that it works out. Doctoral programs requires a lot of work as you are balancing multiple things at once ( as a student, TA, clinician, researcher, the list goes on). There's a reason why most APA/CPA accredited programs limit their students to working 20 hrs a week outside of their academic duties as it can be extremely difficult to do all of those while prioritizing your research as a doctoral student. 
     
    As it has been mentioned, doctoral supervisors do look up your past academic history and taking a program (the psy.d) with the sole purpose of leaving it in 2 years as a stepping stone for a phd is a huge red flag. You can imagine what kind of letter of rec you can get from your potential psy.d supervisor if you intended to leave their lab in the first place. The idea of transferring to an insitution is not as easy as you make it seem to be. You will be reassesed just like everyone else (under grad, people with MA), and it doesn't give you an advantage to apply as a previously admitted psy.d student (in fact it might hurt) unless you came out with tangible, quality experience (pubs, etc.).
     
    Also, unless you're going to be coming out of a masters thesis after your year 2 in the program, then your "doctoral research experience" doesn't really hold any more value than any other research experience that you gain in a post-bac or an experimental thesis. 
     
     
    It seems like your parent does have a big control over how you make your academic decisions. I'll be honest, from the sounds of it, they don't seem to have a good grasp of how competitive this field is (which is understandable, many families of clinical/counselling phd applicant's don't, even mine). "Just get in" to grad school right after undergrad is just an unrealistic expectation for anyone who wants to go into this career trajectory. If you haven't already, I would clearly highlight what it takes to get in. In essence, they are essentially forcing you to make academically unwise decisions and brute-forcing you to programs, despite you needing more experience to actually get in. 
    As harsh as it sounds, the clinical/counselling phd admissions process is like an extreme version of Hunger Games. Your situation is similar to someone getting sent to the games with only an army knife in your pocket (and being expected to win it all and take home the prize) while everyone else you're competing with has a full set of weapon/armoury and years of training . All odds are against your favour. 
     
     
    If you want a true opinion. If I were in your case. I would go for a post-bac 1-2 years position or an experimental masters (with a thesis) and milk those experiences as much as possible. Get the most quality research experience that you can so that you become competitive in fully funded PHD programs where you won't have to rely on your parent to fund your education and hold you back from making wise academic decisions.
  3. Upvote
    SoundofSilence reacted to PsyDuck90 in How transferable is the clinical experience and research experience from an MSW program?   
    They typically take positions as research coordinators as full time jobs between undergrad and grad school. Even in my PsyD, most of us had extensive research experience such as being a research coordinator or first author publications prior to starting. 
     
    You would have to talk to your research supervisor about that. Some are more open about students getting on things quickly, while others may have certain amount of time earned before getting onto a poster or paper. It’s really dependent on lab and supervisor. 
  4. Upvote
    SoundofSilence reacted to PsyDuck90 in How transferable is the clinical experience and research experience from an MSW program?   
    It’s a numbers game. Clinical Psych PhD programs often have a cohort of about 4-7, while med schools take in over 100. There are just literally significantly less spots per program. There were just shy of 4000 applicants in this APPIC match this year. Meanwhile, a little over 33,000 MDs and over 12,000 DOs participated in the residency match this year. 
     
    Make sure to get your name on some posters and maybe even a publication if you can. Applicants for clinical psych PhD programs typically have several years of research experience, with multiple research products, sometimes even 1st author publications. The biggest factor is also research mentor fit. Your research interests need to be a strong fit for the mentor you are applying for. 
  5. Like
    SoundofSilence got a reaction from PsychBear92 in Major DON'T in the interview proccess?   
    I will echo @PsyDuck90 - the important (and more difficult) part is getting to the interview. The "don'ts" are pretty typical of any interview - try to listen to others, be personable, avoid contradictory discussions (unless that is encouraged or a safe space), don't go overboard in showing off/ drinking too much alcohol during social events, etc. This guide may help: https://mitch.web.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4922/2017/02/MitchGradSchoolAdvice.pdf Altough it's targeted at clinical psych (and I'm not sure if that's relevant for you) it still has valuable advice and examples for interviews and writing research statements.
    What does help is preparing a small "elevator pitch" - besides your POIs, you will meet many other people that might not know a lot about you, so it is useful to have a quick description about yourself and your interests. Also, having lots of questions helps - they show you did your research on the program and they help you get a good sense whether it matches your needs as well.  
  6. Upvote
    SoundofSilence reacted to PsyDuck90 in PSYD programs with mediocre GPA   
    A few thoughts: given your lower undergrad GPA, I would maybe consider a master's program to show that you can excel at graduate level work. A high master's level GPA can counterbalance the low undergrad GPA. Most PsyDs require a minimum 3.5 GPA. Additionally, what is that you want to do as a day to day? Depending on your goals, you may be able to achieve them with a master's level licensure, such as a mental health counselor or clincial social worker. "Practicing psychology" is a relatively vague term, as there are myriads of ways people can practice psychology, including being academics with no clinical responsibilities. 
  7. Like
    SoundofSilence got a reaction from babooshka in 2022-2023 Clinical Psychology Applications - Canada   
    I finally got rejected by McMaster! It only took like forever. I wish there was a way to ask for my application fee back :))
  8. Upvote
    SoundofSilence reacted to PsyDuck90 in gap year student deciding between masters, psyd, or phd - help!!   
    The difference between reputable PsyD programs, such as Rutgers, Kean, and William Paterson compared to balanced PhD programs is negligible. Also, most students entering those programs have similar research experiences to students entering scientist-practitioner model PhD programs. I would keep trying for RA positions-look on listservs, cold email researchers who you are interested in working with, and ask your advisor if they happen to know someone (use your network). If you can't find a paid RA position, would you be able to dedicate some time volunteering in a lab of your interest? Honestly, a master's is usually best for people who maybe didn't have as great of a GPA and need to make up for it. However, there are some, like Wake Forest, which are fully funded and have a strong record of placing graduates into PhD programs. While research experience (especially products like conference posters/presentations and publications) is an important part of the application, so is research fit. You want to be applying to programs that have a strong mentor fit, as you often apply to work with a specific individual or lab. So you also want to spend some time really thinking about what you want your research to focus on and your career goals after graduation, and it's ok if these change over time--its incredibly common. 
  9. Upvote
    SoundofSilence reacted to PsyDuck90 in Career switch in late thirties   
    What degree are you looking into? A masters degree is going to be different from a PhD. Also, a clinical degree is going to be different from a research-only PhD such as social psych or developmental psych. Answers will definitely change depending on what type of degree you're aiming for but for the sake of answering your questions, I will answer based on clinical psych PhDs, which are also the most competitive. 
    Pre-reqs will be program-dependent but they are typically some combination of research methods, statistics, abnormal psych, and lifespan development. You should be looking at programs based on research match of available faculty.
    You need research experience. Whether that is from a formal RA position or volunteering or through work is a little more variable. Faculty want to know you have a grasp on the fundamentals of research, and products (conference posters/presentations and/or publications) to show that you can take initiative on a project. Additionally, many people spend years honing their applications with research directly related to their interest area. Some faculty prefer non-traditional students, so your background may be appealing, especially if your CS experience includes a lot of stats/modeling and the use of programs like R. 
     
  10. Like
    SoundofSilence got a reaction from Brycen Reed in Favorite Author/Book Question   
    I received this question during an interview, many maany moons ago, for a program in MFT. They asked about a recent book outside of psychology, instead of the favorite one.
    The worst part about it is that I was being honest and told them I recently read Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide and both interviewers looked at me like I had two heads. They didn't know who he was or why I found it a good read and slightly funny. It was bizarre to say the least.
    I don't regret being honest. I think it's the best policy. Some may not get it (see example above) - it's ok, you should be in a place where they get it/you.
  11. Upvote
    SoundofSilence reacted to PsyDuck90 in Equal emphasis PhD clinical psych programs?   
    PhD students on average get the same as,or actually more clinical hours throughout their training compared to PsyD students. If you're using the Insider's Guide book, the programs themselves are the ones providing the rating on their research/clinical emphasis. Typically, programs that bill themselves as a clinical science model (like UC-Berkeley, SUNY-Stony Brook, SUNY-Binghamton, etc.) are going to be interested in preparing academics. PhD programs that are scientist-practitioner are going to usually be equal emphasis. That being said, some labs within a program may be more academic focused than others, so you have to look at the specific faculty you're interested in working with. The small cohort university-based PsyDs will typically also be equal emphasis. The large-cohort for-profit programs typically have a much smaller/non-existant research requirement. 
  12. Like
    SoundofSilence got a reaction from Susieq22 in Major DON'T in the interview proccess?   
    I will echo @PsyDuck90 - the important (and more difficult) part is getting to the interview. The "don'ts" are pretty typical of any interview - try to listen to others, be personable, avoid contradictory discussions (unless that is encouraged or a safe space), don't go overboard in showing off/ drinking too much alcohol during social events, etc. This guide may help: https://mitch.web.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4922/2017/02/MitchGradSchoolAdvice.pdf Altough it's targeted at clinical psych (and I'm not sure if that's relevant for you) it still has valuable advice and examples for interviews and writing research statements.
    What does help is preparing a small "elevator pitch" - besides your POIs, you will meet many other people that might not know a lot about you, so it is useful to have a quick description about yourself and your interests. Also, having lots of questions helps - they show you did your research on the program and they help you get a good sense whether it matches your needs as well.  
  13. Like
    SoundofSilence got a reaction from Psyche007 in FALL 2024 Psychology   
    Hello there,
    First of all - being ambitious and aiming for competitive programs is not bad at all. If you feel you are competitive enough, why not?
    However, there are other things more important for your future then where you went to school. Sure, having a grad degree from a prestigious school can open many doors, but so can many other less "prestigious" universities. It really depends what you want to do with the PhD after - are you going for an academic career? Industry? We could help more if we could get a sense of what your long-term plans are.
    Also - applying to these programs is not just about ticking boxes - get a good GPA, get this research experience with famous prof., etc. You really have to have very clearly defined interests when you are applying and the relevant experience to match. For example, for UK PhDs you'll probably need a set thesis topic from the start; for a US PhD you need relevant experience in your PI's area of research and a degree of research productivity. How you talk about your experience is also important. Whether your lab supervisor has an h-index of 40 might be less relevant if they don't provide you with a strong letter of reference, or they don't recommend you strongly to their network. 
    When you have a clear idea of what you want to do with the PhD, you might also realize that the best school for you might not be Harvard, but that it might be some state university with many grants and a strong research record or history of placing graduates in respected industry roles. And it's also important to note that you need to do a lot of research regarding the different academic systems where you are applying. Australia is different than US who is also different compared to UK or other countries. Do you want to stay in that country after?
    And for your last question - professors are used to giving students reference letters and they understand that your dreams might not include their lab in the future - that is ok. However, if you strongly give them the impression that they are only a safety/ last resort, they might not be as enthusiastic to admit you to their lab. From my experience, as long as you work hard and show respect, many professors are glad to support students applying to other labs and happy for them when they get into a "better" program. 
  14. Like
    SoundofSilence reacted to babooshka in 2022-2023 Clinical Psychology Applications - Canada   
    It's now a running joke between my friends and I that we keep getting slapped in the face with these automated emails, haha. Even past April 15th! And I say this as someone who both worked at and attended Mac in the PNB department. It's mildly aggravating and I wish they would just get it together and send rejections. I'm still waiting on any kind of word from 4/6 schools, which I'm pretty sure did not happen last year. My reaction every time I get these is essentially an upside-down smiley face. Wishing you luck in getting your rejection, as awful as that sounds! We need closure, haha. 
  15. Like
    SoundofSilence got a reaction from babooshka in 2022-2023 Clinical Psychology Applications - Canada   
    This is sort of random, but has McMaster always waited so long just to send rejections? I woke up to another "file under review" email from them, and was confused for a moment, like "what month is this?" :)) I get it, I didn't interview, many competitive applicants, just send the rejection already. Enough with the automated emails.
  16. Like
    SoundofSilence got a reaction from hopefulK in 2022-2023 Clinical Psychology Applications - Canada   
    This is sort of random, but has McMaster always waited so long just to send rejections? I woke up to another "file under review" email from them, and was confused for a moment, like "what month is this?" :)) I get it, I didn't interview, many competitive applicants, just send the rejection already. Enough with the automated emails.
  17. Like
    SoundofSilence got a reaction from clinicalpsychhopeful5 in 2022-2023 Clinical Psychology Applications - Canada   
    This is sort of random, but has McMaster always waited so long just to send rejections? I woke up to another "file under review" email from them, and was confused for a moment, like "what month is this?" :)) I get it, I didn't interview, many competitive applicants, just send the rejection already. Enough with the automated emails.
  18. Like
    SoundofSilence got a reaction from clinicalpolarbear in 2022-2023 Clinical Psychology Applications - Canada   
    This is sort of random, but has McMaster always waited so long just to send rejections? I woke up to another "file under review" email from them, and was confused for a moment, like "what month is this?" :)) I get it, I didn't interview, many competitive applicants, just send the rejection already. Enough with the automated emails.
  19. Like
    SoundofSilence reacted to PsychGiraffe in 2022-2023 Clinical Psychology Applications - Canada   
    The way I can describe this process to you is the same way every clinical MA and PhD student has described it to me thus far; it's a crapshoot. I mean it. Having those years of experience is great including the one publication, but you just have to keep doing more or less the same thing. Changing your application materials also can make a difference, such as reference letters, LOI, etc.
    DM me maybe and we can have a video chat to discuss at length? I could type an essay here and still not be done.
  20. Upvote
    SoundofSilence reacted to ClinicalPsychBean in 2022-2023 Clinical Psychology Applications - Canada   
    Accepted SFU Clinical yesterday!! Let me know if anyone else on here also did and would like to exchange contact info
  21. Like
    SoundofSilence got a reaction from peachpits in 2022-2023 Clinical Psychology Applications - Canada   
    Woohoo! Congrats! Must be an awesome feeling  ?
  22. Upvote
    SoundofSilence reacted to PsyDuck90 in Counseling Psych PhD vs MFT PhD   
    The MFT degree is license-eligible at the master's level only, so the person could only bill as a master's level provider, regardless of the PhD. The counseling psych PhD is a doctoral level licensure. Unless you intend to be a TT faculty at an MFT, I don't really see the benefit of the PhD vs just the master's for an MFT. A counseling psychology PhD will allow for the person to bill as a licensed psychologist and conduct doctoral level assessment, as well as therapy. 
  23. Like
    SoundofSilence reacted to psy2223 in 2022-2023 Clinical Psychology Applications - Canada   
    Just accepted my invitation to the UVIC Clinical Lifespan Development program!! If you are accepting @peachpits I'll see ya there! Third rounds the charm for me. Sending all of the well wishes to everyone here!
  24. Like
    SoundofSilence got a reaction from psy2223 in 2022-2023 Clinical Psychology Applications - Canada   
    Woohoo! Congrats! Must be an awesome feeling  ?
  25. Like
    SoundofSilence reacted to peachpits in 2022-2023 Clinical Psychology Applications - Canada   
    Just got an offer from UVic off the waitlist!!
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use