Mickey26

Hey, I wouldn't measure it based on "time"--it should be based on how prepared you feel. There is no "secret" amount of time that one must prepare to nail that interview! Personally, (1) I started by looking at my potential POI's research--really, really know their research. They will most definitely bring it up/potentially ask you which research stream you are most interested in. (2) Know the program. Download the psychology graduate handbook if there is one. Read it. Wow them if they start bringing up program specifics and you know them already--it makes you look well-informed and enthusiastic. (3) Know your application. This includes being able to talk about your specific experiences (be it research, mentoring, extracurriculars), and if you wrote a research proposal as part of your application, READ THE ARTICLES YOU CITED, they test you! (4) Know what questions you want to ask. (Check out the first couple posts of this thread--sample questions are posted). ALWAYS ask questions.  Take a deep breath, and walk in. You got this. Show them what you've got Also check out this thread: https://forum.thegradcafe.com/topic/114895-psychology-interview-debriefing/

Travellll ❤️ Need to finish Europe hehe

Yes, like others have reiterated on this thread, I think its a good idea to take some time to reflect and think about where you see yourself in 10, 20 years time Good luck!

This is like, the next-level curveball we didn't need during this already arduous and taxing process. Ugh I didn't apply to Ryerson but had no idea thats how it worked for some schools. Weird. Still trying to wrap my head around this ahaha

@doctormelodyOh, not at all insulted I'm in Canada, so I don't know entirely how the USA works, but 3-4 cycles imply clinical psychology in grad school (be it applying to a Masters that leads to a PhD, or a fast-track PhD program). I'm not 100% sure if you apply for PhD programs in Clinical Psych right off the bat from your undergrad, but based on my browsing of the forums, it takes 3-4 cycles to get into a clinical psychology program. Ahhh so it seems your focus, if it was psychology of religion, wouldn't be in clinical psychology. I would presume you would apply to a graduate program in experimental psychology or most likely, social psychology. I'm not sure how competitive those programs are, but it could be a possibility So it seems to me that a MSW you directly help people, whereas MA in Psychology (focus on religion) might be more research-based?? I'm not too familiar with Psychology of religion so I'm not sure what career prospects are possible beyond research.

Wow that's like another level of uncertainty I wasn't aware of! Regardless, sending you good vibes! ^.^

Given that schools have different timelines, its hard to predict. Its also difficult to determine how competitive you are as an applicant--fit with POI, funding, uni politics, what have you, all factor into grad school decisions. Its a long, arduous process that isn't over until it's over. There is a calendar with the interview weekends if that's any solace: https://teamup.com/ks952632ef38687f3e Keep your chin up! Good luck!

Hey, my 2 cents on this: You do not need to take the clinical psychology route in order to help people. There are much more easier, less time-intensive routes you can take. Clinical Psychology is much more than just "helping people". I cannot express how difficult it is to get into clinical psychology-- it can take up to 3-4 years of applying to get even get a single offer, and you need to LOVE research (even if you don't). So you need to really, really want to be in clinical psych in order to get in. If you are interested in psychology and helping others, routes you might consider are: Masters in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Counselling Psychology, what have you. Additionally, you MAY need a more foundational knowledge of psychology--this may include taking more courses in psychology. This thread, and the users who have posted on it, should be very helpful to you. They offer great advice so I would check it out: https://forum.thegradcafe.com/topic/115236-philosophy-undergrad-interested-in-clinical-psych-phd-what-are-my-chances/ I don't want to discourage you in pursuing clinical psychology, but I personally believe you should check out counselling psych--it seems to be more your niche Best of luck!

Oh snap, you're right. Usually the POI recommends the one person they want (unless they taking two so they recommend two) and FGS usually agrees (as long as min requirements are met). I'm surprised the committee decides WHO gets an offer of admission--its usually the POI's decision. Hmmm @Psych_101

No, but you can ask AFTER you've been accepted The only reason I cited the "7 potential applicants" statistic is because one of my POI explicitly said it in during my interview. The Grad Committee met to view ALL applications, ranked them, and then sent the highest ranking applicants to the respective POIs. Then, POIS take it from there to interview and re-rank them. I hope that helps Hey! Don't be so hard on yourself. The fact that you've even MADE IT to the interview stage clearly is a testamount to how capable you are! Applications to Clinical Psych grad school is often just a gamble, in my opinion. Like the POI, funding, everything has to be aligned in some way sometimes to make it work ugh I would focus your energy on your interview. Be, as one of my grad student mentors have said "personable and professionable". Make them WANT YOU!! Good luck with your interview!

We've already established on this thread that no, you don't just get accepted without some kind of interview. The exception being if you already work for the POI. Edit: I believe Ryerson had to have profs ranked shortlisted applicants sent to the FGS by last Friday. Sorry

I'm aware of one of the (Canadian) schools I applied to had 7 people interview for 1 spot. And this is AFTER they weeded out applicants that didn't meet the minimum requirements or weren't "exceptional" as this school put it. Sorry, its a hard fact to swallow...

Nice to finally hear something about Queen's! Thank you!!

URegina sends email called Application Status, is literally just an email telling me to log on to the portal to check if docs were received. Smh this email title ahahaah

^^ That's correct Shortlist means you essentially made it to the next stage, be it interviews/open house/shortlisted for admissions, etc

Interview invites? Usually sent by POIs, hence, may be different days. UBCO was mentioned in the previous pages in this thread, so worth a browse (sorry didn't apply so not following too closely!)

"Getting What You Came For: The Smart Student's Guide To Earning An M.a. Or A Ph.d." by Robert Peters has been heavily cited in this forum

Yayayay!!! Didn't apply to said program but super happy to hear UBCO is sending out interview invites!! Best of luck BC is gorgeous

That is precisely the predicament I'm in right now haha I'd turn down that school asap when your accepted to your actual 1st choice school. A simple "Thank you for the offer, however I must decline as I have accepted another offer" will do. The POIs (I would assume) are generally very understanding as they know how competitive and how many factors come into play for clinical psych programs. Honestly, they probably won't have any hard feelings, but notifying them in advance of the April 15 deadline would be considered good practice--that way, they can still provide an offer to a waitlisted student and not be left scrambling last minute. I hope that helps

My POI made it easy during the interview when they asked me "realistically, where does our program rank?". Definitely say "first choice" or else they may not consider you at all.

Oh my gosh, someone really likes you!! That's so exciting!! and nerve-wracking for sure. My first time applying, so I've never been in said situation; however, my two cents is that your POI is very interested in taking you! I'm also doing an open house/visit to a school, in which I'll probably be grabbing lunch/dinner with my POI, however I have been accepted to the program (slightly different situation than yours). I would just say that your POI is interested in getting to know you on a one-on-one basis? Good luck and keep me posted!

Hey, the insight provided on this thread might help: Good luck!

When your email is actually broken and you're desperately waiting for IT support to do something. Aha ? ((slowly sobs))

Hey, you're gonna have to specific the institution. Thanks.

Hi, please do not make a new thread for this. Rather, post here: Thank you.