psychapplicant21

I will be 28- I have had moments were I've felt concerned about being "too old" but I will say the generic age is just a number and that for clinical programs in particular I would make a confident guess that the average age of entry into a program is quickly rising given how competitive the admission process is now. For those feeling worried about being too old, you will probably have a much "easier" ride because life experience and strong resilience is needed for these programs. In addition, older students may have more research experience/publications so may find certain aspects of the program less difficult compared to younger students with less experience. more experience both professionally and in life is always golden.

I wondered if anyone would be willing to share their experiences asking the program/POI if they would be willing to negotiate the stipend if you have received a more competitive offer at another program? If so, how did you approach this and were you successful? I have heard conflicting messages on this and I know it is dependent upon the program etc.

Mine was a mass email I think and it was for the Clinical Ph.D.

I'm an international student applying to the US (I have 3 interviews so far). Honestly the process is not any different in terms of the application. The only thing that is different is you need an F1 visa. Also some PIs/programs may not fund international students but pretty much all of the ones I came across in the US do.

Does anyone know if USC is done with interview invites?

School: NIU Type: Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Date of invite: 1/11/2021 Type of invite: formal interview invite directly from PI Interview date(s): Feb 15th-18th 2021 DM for POI: DB

Yea this was my thought process too, and I initially fell for the posts lol. It is insensitive because there are many applicants who have strong applications and come from diverse backgrounds so seeing these sort of stats would add even more anxiety to an already insanely competitive season.

I'm sorry I had to say something but I can't believe there are people who are actually posting false interview invites. This is really unacceptable on so many levels.

School: University of Rochester Type: Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Date of invite: 1/8/21 Type of invite: Email directly from POI for formal invite to interview weekend Interview date(s): Jan 29-30th DM for POI: Yes

My first interview invite, as a second time applicant who got zero interviews first time round this feels so surreal!! School: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Type: Clinical PhD Date of invite: 1/7/2021 Type of invite: POI emailed directly Interview date(s): Feb 19-21st 2021 DM for POI: Yes!

Thanks I just wondered if you had emailed them to ask about this specifically?

Was this a mass email? I didn't receive any email about this?

I'd be up for this!

Yeah me too, I'm also curious to know what other programs are saying. Does anyone else think it would be useful for each clinical program to report more specific stats on research experience (number of years in paid positions, publications, presentations, conferences etc). I feel after all the effort, time and money we spend investing in this process it would be nice to have more information about those candidates who get accepted. After all it would save faculty time not having to reply to emails from candidates who don't get interviews. I wonder if it would be worth emailing programs after the application season to ask if they will do this? It would be useful to hear peoples thoughts on this.

Thanks for sharing!! Is anyone else surprised by these stats? I would have thought paid research experience would have been more than 18%?

I hope everyone is doing ok.. remember to be KIND to yourself. This is an insane year to apply regardless of the increased competitiveness most programs are reporting. It's hard not to feel disheartened but this is only the beginning of interview season, don't give up hope yet! Good luck everyone!

I would go for it, it seems like you have a reasonable chance and you have research experience which is v important. Perhaps apply to a few programs where there is a very close research fit with the faculty member. There is always so much to learn from the application process and if you have the funds to apply this year it could be helpful in determining specific ways to improve your application next round, if you don't get an offer this time.

I'm happy to look at your statement too if you want to send it to me by DM

Thank you so much for your helpful advice and encouragement

I will DM you!

If you are unsure what the format is for a program (and it is not stated on the application instructions on their website) you could email the graduate admissions or the graduate admissions program coordinator in the program and ask?

I agree I think as Clinical PhD applicants it is already competitive and we should not lose faith! It definitely seems to be the minority not accepting students rather than the majority. It is in these programs interests to keep the admissions open (remember they get money from application fees etc).

I'm so sorry you experienced this, it sounds horrendous and extremely unfair. You are clearly a highly resilient and determined individual for sticking a job under those circumstances for so long. I don't see why you should have to remove this experience, and I doubt admissions would contact this Professor unless they are your LoR (which I assume they are not). I don't think you should worry, and in fact you should be extremely proud of yourself for continuing to perform at a high standard, given those incredibly difficult circumstances. Best of luck to you and I hope you get accepted this year (and I hope your mentor will be kind)

I know it's very discouraging, sorry to be the bearer of bad news. However, thankfully it seems to only be a few programs so I think we should try to stay optimistic!

Michigan State University clinical program is not taking students for Fall 2021