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doingmybest

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Posts posted by doingmybest

    Deciding Between Programs

    in Psychology Forum

    Posted

    2 hours ago, PsyDuck90 said:

    This is tough. However, I would actually be more inclined to go with option 2. While you can hope to gain these experiences on internship, you often have a better chance of getting more competitive internships if you have some similar experiences in externship. When you say that school 1 is more research heavy, do they identify as a clinical science model or still a scientist-practitioner model? If scientist-practitioner, then you'll probably get solid clinical training. Also, think about what kind of mentorship you thrive in. It's 1 thing to say you have to have more initiative. It's another to know you'll do it. 

    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.

    2 hours ago, Modulus said:

    If your goals are clinical practice, 2 seems like a great option to me.  As for location, it is very rare to stay in the same location for grad school and career.  You can go to location 1 for internship or work after having a great learning and training environment at 2. 

    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.

    2 hours ago, Itzik said:

    Option 1 is my choice personally. Especially if you aren’t determined to make it in academia I think the hands off mentoring style is fine because you won’t need that much guidance week to week. And then you mentioned location and stipend are better. That’s your outside life right there. 
     

    overall, I see option 1 is the clear choice 

    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.

    Deciding Between Programs

    in Psychology Forum

    Posted · Edited by doingmybest

    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.

    Interview Attire

    in Psychology Forum

    Posted

    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 is stressed* venting thread for Fall 2020 Applicants

    in Psychology Forum

    Posted

    2 hours ago, Justice4All said:

    I'm having a hard time fantasizing about programs smh. I start daydreaming and visualizing myself in a few of my top choices. I know it's bad to get hopes up, but never doubt the power of manifestation right ???‍♀️

    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.

    Fall 2020 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD

    in Psychology Forum

    Posted

    1 hour ago, Clinapp2017 said:

    I would always default to calling them doctor until they tell me otherwise; this is still even a thing in grad school because some professors care a lot more about the respect element of being called "Dr or Professor" than others. 

    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.

    *I is stressed* venting thread for Fall 2020 Applicants

    in Psychology Forum

    Posted · Edited by doingmybest
    added second paragraph

    11 hours ago, psychologygeek said:

    A question for you all: does WHEN you apply effect WHEN you'll hear back? For example, some of the people I'm reading have heard back from these schools around a week after the application deadline. I submitted my applications closer to the deadline, so will I hear back later?

    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.

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