PsychedOutHopeful

This is pretty similar to my experience during my first round of applications. I got into a program I wasn’t excited about, and wasn’t the right fit, but I really wanted to go to a doctoral program straight out of college, so I accepted. It was the wrong fit and I ended up leaving after a year and it was a really painful choice (but the right one). I’ve been working for the past few years and am now reapplying. It has been a tough process, and I really took the first round to heart/ personally. Dealing with other people is tough, but this is such a hard competitive process, and it sounds like you’re a rockstar tbh. Don’t lose sight of that- you wouldn’t have accomplished all you’ve accomplished if you weren’t talented and capable. But sometimes all the talent and capabilities in the world can’t compete with talent+capabilities + years of professional post-college experience. there’s literally nothing you could have done differently there. Keep your head up, don’t settle, and don’t give up ❤️

I know!! I’ve been following your thread haha! I haven’t, I keep going back and forth about it and stalking these threads for some insight. I mean, my initial thought is if you have done a legit search, can’t find anything recent, then asking for an updated cv so you can familiarize yourself with current projects to prep for your interview is probably not a bad thing, as you’re being proactive and showing true interest. I go back and forth too though, but that’s mostly because I overthink everything.

I would reach out the the dept/ admissions, and ask if all invites have been extended/ if you can get a status update on your application...but idk what your prior contact with your POI was like, I just think directly asking them could potentially put them in an uncomfortable position. Good luck!!

Friends. How common is it to be asked about what you want to do for your dissertation or master's thesis etc? How much detail were you asked about? Thanks!!

Oh interesting. I haven't, however I did read a tip about asking your POI to send their most recent articles/ submitted articles for review pre-interview. I'm kind of tempted by that, but also am unsure if it's appropriate (I'm also not currently a student so I don't have access to some of the larger academic search engines). IMO that would give a lot of insight into their lab. Curious what other people think! My first thought is that I wouldn't ask for "tips" if I were going to ask... but maybe specific questions to help guide your prep? I also think it depends on if you've had previous contact with your POI.

I love the idea of using your variety of jobs as strengths. That’s how I need to look at my background as well. So many good points here, thanks for sharing your perspective. All of these posts are great reminders!

That’s great! Some PsyD programs have funding (Baylor being one, I believe), and if you’re at all interested in joining the military, you can get funded that way as well (but obv incurring a service commitment). Good luck!

I think people get in straight out of undergrad for both- just less frequently for phd programs, from what I’ve seen. But I’m just one person! I think if you’re not pumped about research, and wanting to go right away, PsyD programs could potentially help you get there sooner. But of course, that’s not always the case. I actually got into a PsyD program straight out of undergrad (but I ended up leaving it) and several of my cohort were either straight out or a year removed. But I have a (very) few colleagues who were accepted to PhD programs straight from undergrad - so it’s possible either way. But if you’re a senior right now, you have unfortunately missed the cutoffs

Thank you!! I can't react to any more posts today bc Grad Cafe obviously doesn't grasp the importance of support in times of stress ? Honestly, and people may have other opinions, I don't think it's awful to reach out to the school and politely inquire about the status of your application. If you're uncomfortable doing that, you could call admissions anonymously and just ask if all the invites for interviews have gone out. Good luck!

I just received my confirmation for running the Boston Marathon this year (?). Which btw happens to be on April 15th. I grew up in Boston so that Monday has ALWAYS been Patriots Day. But now it's The Fate of My Professional Career Day. tbh, I just want to fast forward 3 months so I can know my fate ?

Thank you so much- I have liked too many things today so I couldn’t like your response (ha oops, clearly need to spend less time on here ?). Congratulations to you on finishing your undergrad and getting interviews! I really appreciate the reminders!

YES!!! Hahaha!! Those are such excellent points- I need to remind myself of them. One of my mentors said that my background is part of why they are interviewing me so not to worry about it. But it’s hard to not get in my head and overthink everything. Thank you so much ❤️ your suggestions/ framing is perfect

I don’t really know what I’m asking for but I am freaking out a bit over my upcoming interview at my DREAM school. I’m fangirling over my POI and the more I prep, the more giddy I get. I know to be excited and flattered about my interview- and I am! It’s a huge compliment! But I’m also nervous and know odds still aren’t in my favor. I have a somewhat unconventional background, and that worries me. I mean, my POI knows that, but still. I’m older than a lot of applicants, and this is my second cycle, and I just don’t know that I’d apply again. I mean, maybe. But either way- I feel like it’s all I think about! And the interview has gotten my hopes up. Ah. I just want to interview tomorrow and be like tell me on the spot!!!

I think it depends on the context? Like a grad student from my POIs lab sent me an email asking if I have any questions pre interview- and I just said something along the lines of “I’m doing x y and z to prep, but please let me know if you have any additional suggestions or input”

Depends on the program/ track! Seems like a lot of clinical, but I/O for example is a bit slower

Ugh I am so sorry. My heart really goes out to you. “What is meant for you won’t pass you” has been my mantra on repeat. I hope a new door opens for you!!

Ok building off of this, if a current grad student is friend of a friend, and that friend (unbeknownst to me) decided to email the student and cc me to introduce us- what do you guys think is the most appropriate way to handle it? I have an interview at the school in a few weeks. I panicked because the email was sent last night (I went to bed early) so I quickly sent a response this am thanking the friend for the intro and being like "I'd love to hear about your experiences at the program if you have the time and feel like it's appropriate"... but I'm stressing now as I worry that it's not appropriate, and that is in NO way my intent. AH.

You’re the nicest, thank you!

Haha! I just saw another post about the how quick the timeframe often is. I NEVER KNEW. Oy.

Oooh interesting. I didn’t know it was that quick!

Hey! Thanks so much for the reply. That was my understanding too- but I came across that post and was curious!

Hello! I have a question for people who are familiar with USUHS. If you applied for the civilian track, but would consider the military track if not accepted to civilian, should you inform them/ is that even possible? I read on some other forum about someone getting rejected from USUHS civilian but being offered a spot on the military side. Any input/ insight is greatly appreciated!! Thank you!!

Thanks so much. I’m trying so hard to be optimistic!! I appreciate your advice! Good luck to you

Hi! So I know you said you want to "help people", but what do you ACTUALLY want to do? Help them how? What do you see yourself doing? You mentioned some interests... are you looking to do research? Answering those questions may help you narrow down why you want to pursue a Master's in Psych and therefore help with apps. I'm a licensed social worker, and I'm applying to doctoral programs in Psych because I like doing assessments, research, teaching, and the neurocognitive component of psych. So basically, I think narrowing your focus, having a specific goal/goals in mind, and being able to convey how the program will help you achieve your goals and why you would be a good fit for the program, despite a nontraditional background would all be helpful components. People switch fields/ careers/ etc. all the time, I'd suggest just making sure your narrative backs up your choices. Good luck!

I appreciate that& have heard the same thing. I definitely want to be in a program with a “team player”/ supportive environment. I’m not actually going to treat anyone like it’s the Hunger Games