joanneprada

Hi, congrats on your first interview. I have my first in-person interview coming up this week for a doctoral program. Although it’s not for a forensic psychology program, I am pretty much prepared to answer questions regarding my research interests, my research experiences, why I applied to that program, why I’m a unique candidate compared to others that applied, what are my strengths & weaknesses. Make sure to learn about the specific program you’re applying to & be prepared to give a brief “about me” statement. I hope this helps! Good luck!

Teachers College, Columbia University- Counseling Psychology PhD! ???
 

University of Texas at Austin, PhD counseling psychology. Excited to be living in the great state of Ted Cruz *sarcasm on 1000000%*. But really, I am excited to move to Austin and join this program!! 

University of Texas at Austin, PhD counseling psychology. Excited to be living in the great state of Ted Cruz *sarcasm on 1000000%*. But really, I am excited to move to Austin and join this program!! 

University of Texas at Austin, PhD counseling psychology. Excited to be living in the great state of Ted Cruz *sarcasm on 1000000%*. But really, I am excited to move to Austin and join this program!! 

University of Texas at Austin, PhD counseling psychology. Excited to be living in the great state of Ted Cruz *sarcasm on 1000000%*. But really, I am excited to move to Austin and join this program!! 

University of Texas at Austin, PhD counseling psychology. Excited to be living in the great state of Ted Cruz *sarcasm on 1000000%*. But really, I am excited to move to Austin and join this program!! 

University of Texas at Austin, PhD counseling psychology. Excited to be living in the great state of Ted Cruz *sarcasm on 1000000%*. But really, I am excited to move to Austin and join this program!! 

I am also in this position wondering the same thing, I saw some people have posted acceptances into the master's program on the results page. 

By "having more diversity," I assume that you meant to enhance diverse perspectives. You can enhance diverse perspectives and not be a person of color. Someone's racial background is not the reason they were admitted into a program, they were clearly a good fit with the PI. Although you meant no harm with your question it rubbed me the wrong way because of how rude it is to assume that someone's status as a racial/ethnic minority only made them a stronger applicant and you're lack of "diversity" is what made you a "weaker" applicant. This process sucks and we are all going through it. There's no need to try and make someone feel as though they only got into a program because they are a person of color, that's just pure ignorance and entitlement. Again, I'm sorry you are going through this but you should really watch how you phrase your questions and comments.

By "having more diversity," I assume that you meant to enhance diverse perspectives. You can enhance diverse perspectives and not be a person of color. Someone's racial background is not the reason they were admitted into a program, they were clearly a good fit with the PI. Although you meant no harm with your question it rubbed me the wrong way because of how rude it is to assume that someone's status as a racial/ethnic minority only made them a stronger applicant and you're lack of "diversity" is what made you a "weaker" applicant. This process sucks and we are all going through it. There's no need to try and make someone feel as though they only got into a program because they are a person of color, that's just pure ignorance and entitlement. Again, I'm sorry you are going through this but you should really watch how you phrase your questions and comments.

By "having more diversity," I assume that you meant to enhance diverse perspectives. You can enhance diverse perspectives and not be a person of color. Someone's racial background is not the reason they were admitted into a program, they were clearly a good fit with the PI. Although you meant no harm with your question it rubbed me the wrong way because of how rude it is to assume that someone's status as a racial/ethnic minority only made them a stronger applicant and you're lack of "diversity" is what made you a "weaker" applicant. This process sucks and we are all going through it. There's no need to try and make someone feel as though they only got into a program because they are a person of color, that's just pure ignorance and entitlement. Again, I'm sorry you are going through this but you should really watch how you phrase your questions and comments.

By "having more diversity," I assume that you meant to enhance diverse perspectives. You can enhance diverse perspectives and not be a person of color. Someone's racial background is not the reason they were admitted into a program, they were clearly a good fit with the PI. Although you meant no harm with your question it rubbed me the wrong way because of how rude it is to assume that someone's status as a racial/ethnic minority only made them a stronger applicant and you're lack of "diversity" is what made you a "weaker" applicant. This process sucks and we are all going through it. There's no need to try and make someone feel as though they only got into a program because they are a person of color, that's just pure ignorance and entitlement. Again, I'm sorry you are going through this but you should really watch how you phrase your questions and comments.

By "having more diversity," I assume that you meant to enhance diverse perspectives. You can enhance diverse perspectives and not be a person of color. Someone's racial background is not the reason they were admitted into a program, they were clearly a good fit with the PI. Although you meant no harm with your question it rubbed me the wrong way because of how rude it is to assume that someone's status as a racial/ethnic minority only made them a stronger applicant and you're lack of "diversity" is what made you a "weaker" applicant. This process sucks and we are all going through it. There's no need to try and make someone feel as though they only got into a program because they are a person of color, that's just pure ignorance and entitlement. Again, I'm sorry you are going through this but you should really watch how you phrase your questions and comments.

By "having more diversity," I assume that you meant to enhance diverse perspectives. You can enhance diverse perspectives and not be a person of color. Someone's racial background is not the reason they were admitted into a program, they were clearly a good fit with the PI. Although you meant no harm with your question it rubbed me the wrong way because of how rude it is to assume that someone's status as a racial/ethnic minority only made them a stronger applicant and you're lack of "diversity" is what made you a "weaker" applicant. This process sucks and we are all going through it. There's no need to try and make someone feel as though they only got into a program because they are a person of color, that's just pure ignorance and entitlement. Again, I'm sorry you are going through this but you should really watch how you phrase your questions and comments.

By "having more diversity," I assume that you meant to enhance diverse perspectives. You can enhance diverse perspectives and not be a person of color. Someone's racial background is not the reason they were admitted into a program, they were clearly a good fit with the PI. Although you meant no harm with your question it rubbed me the wrong way because of how rude it is to assume that someone's status as a racial/ethnic minority only made them a stronger applicant and you're lack of "diversity" is what made you a "weaker" applicant. This process sucks and we are all going through it. There's no need to try and make someone feel as though they only got into a program because they are a person of color, that's just pure ignorance and entitlement. Again, I'm sorry you are going through this but you should really watch how you phrase your questions and comments.

This is just an inappropriate comment that I would encourage you to reflect on. It is  invalidating of Justice's efforts and abilities. Of course we always strive for diversity in Counseling Psychology, just as we strive for other social justice goals. And even the most qualified applicant can always do more to have a stronger application: more pubs, better scores, etc. At the end of the day, it's fit that matters. 

Yikes. I really understand your frustration, having also interviewed at just one place. However, I think you should take more time to focus on your social and interpersonal skills--things that can't be measured on paper. To me, this comment comes across as arrogant, while also reducing Justice's qualifications to just having an "upper hand" by being a minority. (whether you intended for it to come across that way or not). I'm sure you interviewed extremely well, but it's insinuating comments like these that can potentially tank your chances...

I'm really glad you posted this since I feel the EXACT same way. I got into a program I was afraid to tell people that I was even applying to due to fear that they would judge me for aiming too high. When I got the news on Friday, I was calm. I have yet to celebrate. I think it's a mistake and that the offer is going to be retracted. This is my second time applying as well. My first time, I applied to 4 schools and got 0 interviews. Now, all of a sudden I have an offer from my top program and it feels...odd. I wish I could celebrate, but really, I'm in limbo. I don't think it's real or that I'm qualified. I keep thinking that my POI feels bad for me or something and that's why he selected me. I also keep thinking that things will crumble once I get there and they realize I'm really not capable. As much as I want to celebrate, my mind is filled with imposter syndrome.
I think for me, I must have told myself for months that I was a complete failure. After not getting in the first time, I felt so terrible about myself. It made me work hard, but it cost me my self esteem and confidence. Now, I'm supposed to be happy, but my mind refuses to accept that this is real.
I think it's good. I'm a spiritual person and this experience has taught me a lot about faith, happiness, and hard work. This week I'm bound to celebrate and you should to. Because truthfully, we did earn our spots and should be proud! The worst thing about becoming a psychologist is knowing all the cognitive fallacies. We are smart, capable, and best of all...admitted. Nothing separates us and the people who were lucky enough to get in on their first try. We're all here now, and for that, I'm choosing to be humble yet proud and letting all guilt subside by rereading that admission letter .
 
Congratulations!

I was accepted to BV if you want to DM and talk more.

School: University of Texas at Austin
Program: Counseling Psychology 
Acceptance Date and Notification: February 14th. Phone call from POI.
I plan on accepting, just waiting to hear back for more details about funding! 
 
 

School: University of Texas at Austin
Program: Counseling Psychology 
Acceptance Date and Notification: February 14th. Phone call from POI.
I plan on accepting, just waiting to hear back for more details about funding! 
 
 

School: University of Texas at Austin
Program: Counseling Psychology 
Acceptance Date and Notification: February 14th. Phone call from POI.
I plan on accepting, just waiting to hear back for more details about funding! 
 
 

Has anyone who interviewed at UT Austin last weekend heard back?

Hey there! Thanks for your advice! I think I'm going to start applying to few other labs that I can tie to my interests as a volunteer RA and see if it goes anywhere from there. Worst case scenario, I can just say I volunteered at a lab for about a year and learned a few extra skills even though I don't have any publication yet.