doingmybest

That's what I was thinking re: more competitive internships, but I know that students from School 1 can also get great internships in the settings I'm interested in. School 1 is clinical science and School 2 is scientist-practitioner. I've heard from students at School 1 that it can be harder to get applied experience because it's a clinical science model, but it's doable. I think I'd prefer a hands-on mentor, but I'm also comfortable with taking initiative. The older lab members offer a lot of support to the newer ones, as well. Good idea re: moving to School 1's area later on. One thing I'm conflicted about is that my partner will be moving with me to either school, but they would prefer School 1 because of the area (family nearby) and I want to take that into account because 5-6 years is a long time. I think my quality of life would definitely be better at School 1, but I'm not sure if it's worth prioritizing that over specialized training. I think that's my main struggle right now.

Hi everyone! I hope this thread can be useful for those of us who are having trouble deciding between programs/offers and want to make the decision as soon as possible. I know the decisions board exists, but I think a thread specifically for psychology in this forum could be useful. I've been fortunate enough to receive offers from my top two clinical PhD programs this past week, but I'm having a lot of trouble figuring out which one is my top choice. The PIs at both programs research the same subfield I'm interested in. I've been struggling with picking a favorite since I first became interested in these programs last year; I assumed that I wouldn't get offers from both programs, so I figured I would just choose whichever one accepted me if I happened to be that lucky. Now that they've both accepted me, I don't know what to do. I want to make my decision as quickly as possible so as to not limit the options available to other applicants and/or prevent the school from taking on a great applicant; I already feel like a jerk for being so indecisive. I would really appreciate some advice and opinions to help me make this decision. Here are some pros and cons for the programs: School 1 Pros Perfect location; where I eventually want to settle down PI is very well-known and well-connected in our subfield and our research interests align well Better stipend Got along very well with other grad students/enjoyed lab culture Cons PI is hands-off and sometimes expectations are unclear, so I would have to take the initiative if I need support or guidance Not specialized in the types of settings I want to work in, but I can still get those experiences during internship May have trouble developing therapeutic/assessment skills; program is more research-heavy and I'm not going into academia School 2 Pros PI is very warm and kind, adapts mentoring style to student, very close with students Research interests align pretty much perfectly Program is specialized for the types of settings I want to work in (although I might want to work in different settings in the future or change career goals) More hands-on clinical experience Cons Dislike the location Slightly worse stipend (about $5000 less than School 1) and additional fees, but should still be affordable for the location PI isn't as well-known because they're early in their career, but I'm not sure how much name recognition matters because I'm not going into academia Thanks for any support.

School: Central Michigan University Type: Clinical PhD Date of invite: 1/13/20 Type of invite: Email invitation to Open House Interview date(s): 2/14 DM for PI. Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend.

I’ve seen discussions about facial piercings in other threads, but does anyone have any recommendations for ear piercings? I have several cartilage and lobe piercings and I would rather not remove them, but I’d be willing to if they come off as unprofessional.

I feel this! I spent about an hour watching campus and town tour videos for my top choices last night so it’s even easier to visualize now.

I’m really starting to feel the financial strain of applying to grad schools. I’m very fortunate to have already received 4 interview invitations, but I’m having a hard time paying for flights on top of application fees, holiday gifts, and other life expenses. I wish clinical/counseling programs paid to fly interviewees out. ?

I do, too; glad to know it's still appropriate for this situation. I'm still in undergrad and most faculty sign off their emails with Dr. and only use first names if they prefer that so I started second-guessing it.

Hi all, When a PI signs off their email with their first name rather than Dr. Lastname, does that mean you should address them by their first name? I’m inclined to go with Dr. Lastname, but I also don’t want to be too “formal” if they prefer going by their first name.

School: Sam Houston State University Type: PhD Date of invite: 12/16/19 Type of invite: Phone call from PI, email in a few days Type of interview: In-person Interview date(s): 1/31 DM me for more information!

I'm no expert, but it doesn't seem like it makes a difference. I applied on the deadline or the day before the deadline for all of my schools and I've already heard back from a few. Every program sends out invites at different times, though, and this is still very early in the admissions process, so don't lose hope if you haven't heard back yet. Also, to folks who are frustrated when people don't put their PI in their post: consider DMing the poster; some people aren't comfortable posting potentially identifiable information on a public forum, but they're fine with a DM.

School: University of Toledo Type: PhD Date of invite: 12/16/19 Type of invite: Email from administrative assistant with PI and DCT CC'd Type of interview: In-person Interview date(s): Either 2/7 or 2/10 Happy to share more information in a private message.

Yes, it is.

School: Kent State University Type: PhD Date of invite: 12/11/19 Type of invite: Email from POI Interview date(s): 1/24-1/25 or 1/31-2/1 I'm so excited! Feel free to PM me for initials. Best of luck to everyone!