[Fall 2020 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD]

On 3/11/2020 at 12:49 PM, throwaway92 said:

Is there any possibility of someone being blacklisted from programs because of a history (i.e., 8 years ago) of a mental health struggle, even if nothing about this was disclosed on the application or during the interview? Wondering whether a psych hospitalization would show up on a background check and dissuade a program from extending admission after an interview.

For context, I have been very stable since then, graduated from college with a good (>3.5) GPA, have good GRE scores, have 3+ years of clinical research experience with excellent LORs, no trouble getting interviews to clinical programs (this is not my first round). EDIT: I just wanted to add that I have 3 publications in print and 2 in press, along with a number of poster presentations at local and national conferences.

However, none of the interviews, even the ones I felt went super well, have materialized into an offer, and in most cases I have been flat out rejected following the interview with no explanation. 

Wondering if I'm just searching for an excuse in my disappointment, or whether I should be worried that my previous struggles are going to make it impossible for me to get in anywhere...

Honestly I really don't think so....I too was hospitalized many years ago, and since being hospitalized, I am graduating with a great GPA and GREs, work experience in a helping profession (omitting additional identifying information because it's a small world we're in), and am very stable. I have several presentations that are accepted for the APA conference this year. 

I was accepted to two fully funded programs (not clinical, but that wasn't my chief interest). IMO the biggest thing is personality and fit with advisor. If you don't get any acceptances this year, I would advise practicing for interviews with mentors who can give you tips on self-presentation.....are you an active listener? Are there ways in which you could be more friendly/open? 

Additionally, I count myself lucky in that I have worked in front of people for a LONG time. During that time, I've learned that little things in terms of your appearance go a long way! I'm not talking about a major cosmetic overhaul, but make sure you're taking care of yourself and that this reflects in your self-presentation. 

Little tips:
Put on those crest whitestrips for a week before interviewing - everyone appreciates a nice smile! Make sure you look good in your interview pants and shirt - don't starve yourself or feel the need to hustle in to the gym, but DO make sure that your outfit fits you at your current size well. It seems obvious, but I noticed at interviews that a lot of students seemed to overlook these details. Remember, you are essentially interviewing for a 100k grant if you are going for full funding: spend the 50$ on making sure your smile looks nice, and the extra money for a well fitting outfit if you need to (mine ran me about 120$). I am *not* rich, but I do believe that little investments like this pay off.

[Fall 2020 Clinical/Counseling Interview Invites]

Sobsobsob. Looks like I missed out on University of Kentucky!