[Fall 2021 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD]

15 hours ago, bss1234 said:

Thought I'd come on here and see if anybody could offer some thoughts/advice as to what my next steps could be: For a little background I'm a BIPOC male about to finish up undergrad this semester and so I applied to a mix of masters and PhD programs in clinical and counseling psychology. I haven't heard back from masters programs yet but I've gotten a few rejections from the PhD ones and while I'm not throwing in the towel I certainly know how competitive these programs are and apps went up everywhere this year so I'm not feeling great about my chances. I applied to a few masters programs so I could get my GPA up (3.2 so not terrible not amazing either) and get more research experience if I choose to apply again. However I have a significant amount of debt in student loans from undergrad and I really don't want to take on more debt and it's not even guaranteed that I would gain admission into a PhD program afterwards. I've been applying to paid research positions too but I know those are also just as competitive and I fear I may not be able to secure one of these positions either. Basically unsure as to what I should do next and if I should consider other research jobs that won't be in psychology but could allow me to support myself financially and begin paying off loans. Sorry to clog this forum with my situation but just wanted some ideas. Thank you in advance whoever reads this!!

Good luck as you finish up undergrad during these trying times! It is difficult for most recent grads to get into a PhD program right away. I know this is not necessarily comforting, but you are not alone in that. As for what to do next, if you're concerned with finances I suggest keeping up the effort to find a research gig. If that means working a side hustle to "volunteer" for a few months, so be it. But only do this if this will guarantee you a position (I'm very nervous about this 'work for free' culture). Ideally, though, you would get a paid position in a research lab at a University (psych would be awesome, but really any lab will do), and use their employee tuition discounts to take courses (either degree-seeking or non-degree seeking) to get your GPA up. If you don't get into a psych lab, you can always apply after gaining experience in a different department, making you a better candidate.

Personally I would do this first instead of a master's, because then you can get paid, gain experience, potentially be eligible for massive employee tuition discounts, and get more and more eligible for PhD programs in the next few years.

For context - I am about to turn 28. I got my master's right out of college (paid for with stipend luckily), but now have had to work for 3 years in a bachelor's-level research position anyways. I often think it would have been better to start out here instead of continuing my education just because I didn't think I was ready to join the work force (I totally was though). Also, age is just a number. I used to be scared to be in a grad program in my 30s but like...I'm going to turn 30 someday anyways. May as well be pursuing something I am wholly passionate about when I do. 

[Fall 2021 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD]

@tryingtostaypositive I applied to PI: CT at UCSD/SDSU! Last year they sent out interview invites a little later in January, and given the rise in applications this year I imagine we still have quite a wait.

[Fall 2021 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD]

Does anyone know if Marquette has sent out all of their interview invitations? There are some on the results page but I wasn't sure if individual PIs sent some out but not others.

[Fall 2021 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD]

Anyone hear from Marquette yet? The website says they will alert applicants invited for an interview by mid-December. I'm sure they are backed up because of COVID and many more applications, but just wondering if anyone has a tip...