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MnMz98

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  1. Upvote
    MnMz98 reacted to Modulus in Reflections & Advice from Fall 2020 cycle   
    My two cents from applying to clinical psychology programs FOUR times and having a wholly different experience this time around:
    Selecting Programs Apply to the maximum number of programs for which: You can make a compelling argument for research fit with a faculty member (see below for further fit discussion). You can honestly imagine yourself attending. Do not overthink this one, but don't under-think it either. If you find yourself considering something as a "safety", but when you imagine yourself only getting that offer, you feel like you would consider reapplying, you might want to drop that one from your list. Your individual budget/finances allow. If possible, do not geographically limit yourself. Apply to fully-funded, accredited (APA and/or PCSAS) programs. If you stray from this advice, your mileage may vary and the rest may not apply. Attempt not to "pre-rank" the programs in your mind, either by your own assessment of who/what/where you think you'll like, or by relying on some external ranking system. PhD programs are not "ranked" like undergraduate programs.  Beyond funding, consider the research productivity (quantity and quality) of the particular lab you are entering and the post-docs/tenure-track positions achieved by recent grads. Review program and faculty websites to ensure your intended mentors are considering taking students this round. Unless the faculty member’s web page specifically says they do not want applicants to reach out, send a brief, polite e-mail expressing your interest in applying (and/or inquiring as to whether they are reviewing applications for their lab).  If you find yourself at a conference or talk with faculty members to whom you are applying, you may make a polite, quick introduction there instead (or additionally). You want your name to ring a bell when they read applications. Applications and Interviews Fit is everything.  Research fit. Do your research on your research interest. As others have said above, there is a huge difference between a candidate who can talk about how they want to work with "kids with anxiety" or "study drug use", and a candidate who is familiar with the specific literature in their area of interest (especially that of the faculty member to whom they are applying to work with). It is even better if you can prove your ability to conduct research in this specific area. (More on that in a later section.)  Re-iterating from above, but don't apply to programs you (or others) perceive to be "high-rank" or "prestigious". Apply to work with individual mentors who happen to be employed by specific institutions. Consider the fit of "your list". This is something that I personally really struggled with in my previous application cycles. While it made sense to me why I was applying to so many "different" programs/mentors (I was originally interested in the forensic area, which is admittedly not as well defined as others), I know that it made it harder to tell a clear story about what I saw next in my life. Don't present yourself at a fork in the road--know which path you're traveling down. If an interviewer (or application) asks you to list other programs you are applying to, you want them to say "Oh yeah, that makes sense, my colleague so-and-so is there." Personality and attitude. You will be spending more (waking) time with the folks in your lab than probably anyone else in your life for the next 4-6 years, so both your potential mentors and lab mates are considering this. They want a sure thing. This means walking a fine line so that you're not too stiff and formal and hard to read, but also that you avoid any sort of faux pas.  Be you. Don't be afraid to mention hobbies or interests outside of academia. There are labs/mentors out there who really want someone who has no life outside of their research, but if that isn't you, don't pretend it is. Don't be formal, don't be informal. Be appropriately collegial.  Be the best version of you. My recommendation is to talk to those who know you best. Ask about how you present yourself. Ask for honest feedback about things you typically do and say that may not bother them, but that they can probably see as red flags. My friends and mentor both heard from me, "Be completely honest. Is there anything you see me do or say that you want to say, 'Oh no don't do that in an interview!', even if you really think I know better than to do that." The answer will hopefully be something small, like "you wring your hands when you're nervous" or "sometimes you talk too quickly", but even if it's big business, you'd rather know sooner than later.  Scores open doors, but your CV is the key. I think everyone knows that you need to have a good GPA and GRE to get into grad school--but this is really only important in the first stage of application review. I think (hope) it will become less important there too--and have seen movement towards that as programs begin to realize that these scores (especially those from standardized tests) do not uniformly reflect potential to succeed in graduate school and have systematic biases that work against individuals who have already been marginalized in other ways (i.e. racial minorities, low SES).  Some universities say that they holistically review all applications and have no strict cut-offs. This might be nominally true, but I don’t think it changes the base advice. If one of these scores is particularly low, you're going to want to have an explanation if asked in an interview. You additionally will want at least one of your letter writers to be able to speak specifically to how it is not a true reflection of your performance and potential (more to come below). This is one place where connecting with faculty before submitting your application can also help—essentially you want to have a reason to be pulled from the initial pile of applications into the smaller pile that undergoes full review.  More important in showing your ability to be a productive, successful graduate student is proof that you are already producing and succeeding. While it is possible to gain admission to a Clinical Psychology PhD program without presentations or publications, applicant pools are becoming increasingly, almost impossibly competitive. The vast majority of fellow applicants on my [ten] interviews this season were Master’s degree students/recipients or laboratory managers/research staff in positions which allowed for independent research contribution. Choose your letter writers wisely.  Anyone can write a nice, positive letter that suggests you’re a relatively stable, capable human. Do not include more than 1 letter of this generic quality. For at least two of your letters, you want a writer who can and will go above and beyond to provide specific examples that show your potential and indicate true enthusiasm for your future career. Relatedly, do not choose writers solely based on the prestige of their position or institution, or even their eminence in the field if they cannot speak specifically about you. The admissions committee is reviewing your CV, not theirs. For example, you should choose the pre-tenure, direct supervisor for your undergraduate honors project instead of the famous emeritus professor whose class you took alongside 250 other students.  I’ve got lots of insights on this, but these are the main points. Feel free to PM me with any questions about this grueling process.
  2. Like
    MnMz98 reacted to imemine in Reflections & Advice from Fall 2020 cycle   
    Hey all! Last year, someone started a reflections and advice thread, and reading it gave me valuable perspective as I went through the process this past fall/winter. Now that we're all one year older and wiser, I was thinking we can share some insights for next year's batch of applicants!
     
    These are some things I learned from this process:
    - Don't do this alone.  Looking back at my first draft of my SOP versus the final draft after months of meeting with one of my professors for feedback, it's night and day. I would have been so lost if I had insisted on doing everything by myself. Having a good support system is so, so, so important.
    - Publications are overrated.  My biggest anxiety during the app process was that I was at a major disadvantage because I don't have any publications. However, I was pleasantly surprised that PIs seemed so interested in my prior research despite never publishing. I really do think they care more about experience and potential than publication record.
    - Recommendation letters matter WAY more than you think they do.  I was shocked by how often my letters were brought up during interviews. The non-academic content of these letters also carries a surprising amount of weight. PIs are looking for genuinely decent people that they can get along with, and they get information about your character from your LORs. 
    - Interview visits aren't meant to be formal/stressful.  Every one of these visits was so fun and relaxed. I was shocked by how few candidates were left at that point and how informal everybody was. It was great just to meet so many interesting people and gain the insight I needed to make my decision. 
    - You're going to end up where you belong.  I always assumed it would be impossible to get into my top programs. What I didn't realize was that since my top programs were the ones where I had the best fit with PIs' research, I would actually be more likely to get into those programs than ones where I was less of a fit. I found my perfect program match, and they found their perfect match in me!
    - You DESERVE your success.  Ultimately, as competitive of a process this is, people do succeed. That person will (at some point, if not this cycle) be you, and when it is, be proud! You've earned it. 
  3. Like
    MnMz98 reacted to PsychPhdBound in Reflections & Advice from Fall 2020 cycle   
    Do literature searches to identify your potential PI's and apply based on research fit, not rankings. There is no school that should be viewed as out of reach or a safety school, it mostly comes down to fit so apply with intention.
  4. Like
    MnMz98 got a reaction from -Resilience- in Fall 2020 - Where are you going?   
    Spalding University 
    Clinical Psych, PsyD
    Fall 2020
    I am so excited to join this program! Not sure when it will feel real that this part of the journey is actually over. I don't know what I will constantly stress over now haha.
  5. Like
    MnMz98 got a reaction from Giovanni’s room in Fall 2020 - Where are you going?   
    Spalding University 
    Clinical Psych, PsyD
    Fall 2020
    I am so excited to join this program! Not sure when it will feel real that this part of the journey is actually over. I don't know what I will constantly stress over now haha.
  6. Upvote
    MnMz98 reacted to Psychological Yam in *I is stressed* venting thread for Fall 2020 Applicants   
    schitt's creek!
  7. Like
    MnMz98 reacted to mmmmcoffee in Interview Tips!   
    hey - just wanted to say thank you to the people posting about their interviews as they have them! they definitely help ease some of the stress
  8. Upvote
    MnMz98 reacted to PsychPhdBound in *I is stressed* venting thread for Fall 2020 Applicants   
    Ugh, he sounds like someone who would be an awful advisor. This was an awful interview because of him, not you! You're amazing and brilliant and absolutely qualified to be in a PhD program. Doesn't sound like someone I'd want to work with for 5-6 years. I want to be somewhere where I'm appreciated, not that makes me cry during first impressions, but I know this is a very personal process.
    About the letter, that is unfortunate if it's true (not that you're lying but that he might be exaggerating), but hopefully your LOR writer wouldn't have agreed to submit a letter if they didn't believe in you. 
    Try to stay strong but if you need some time to sit in the disappointment, then you take it! I'm in my own pit today :).
  9. Upvote
    MnMz98 reacted to cxh1054 in Fall 2020 Clinical/Counseling Interview Invites   
    That's a real shame.  I have noticed through this process that it is very limiting to people with limited resources or other commitments.  I work full-time in a position with a lot of dates at work that I cannot miss, for instance.  For people with demanding jobs, families, or financial struggles, the process seems very limiting (to the extent that it almost seems like intentional gatekeeping).  I've been fortunate that nothing has had to stop me from attending an interview yet, I've had a fair amount of good luck around dates. 
  10. Upvote
    MnMz98 reacted to psychfemme in Fall 2020 Clinical/Counseling Interview Invites   
    I've seen some people get interview invites and rejections from some of the universities I've applied to (e.g., michigan state and university of nebraska lincoln). I haven't heard anything, invite or rejection, and all of my applications still say that they're under review. What does this mean? 
  11. Like
    MnMz98 reacted to emotional in *I is stressed* venting thread for Fall 2020 Applicants   
    I need a little vent session because I feel like I am going a little coocoo.
    I am extremely grateful to have multiple interview invites, but the excitement tends to quickly dissipate the moment I book my travel arrangements. I am not a big traveler, and I get super depleted dealing with the airport and flights. And now..... I basically have every weekend booked for an interview for the whole month of February and the first weekend in March.... x_x
    To make matters worse, even though I am pretty easy going and sociable, I am introverted by nature,  so I do need my solo time to just collect myself and recharge my social batteries. I am concerned at the fact that I will be lodging with current grad students, and having the pressure to always be on my best behavior.
    All these factors compounded with the main stressor of interviewing for doctoral programs is making my head spin to be quite honest. I am trying to take one step at a time, but it's so difficult when it's only two weeks till my first interview weekend (aka when the chaos begins).
    Any advice for how to cope or techniques that helped you keep sane during the interview mayhem will be greatly appreciated!
     
    P.S. I hope everyone is taking care of themselves during this crazy time! (I had to up the amount of times I meditate throughout the day lol.)
  12. Like
    MnMz98 got a reaction from Keepin'ItPositive in Fall 2020 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD   
    Ugh I've heard nothing! Stttrreessseedddd!!!
  13. Like
    MnMz98 got a reaction from bruno516 in Fall 2020 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD   
    Ah! I'm so sorry, that feeling sucks! Best of luck with other programs, and thank you!
  14. Like
    MnMz98 reacted to Douglard in *I is stressed* venting thread for Fall 2020 Applicants   
    You sound incredibly qualified, and like you took all of the necessary steps for strong applications. I know this whole process can be disheartening and confusing. Also I can complete relate about the pricey application fees and mental health distress that comes from investing in these programs. However, I would encourage you to also take time to take care of yourself these next few months. Yes, your family and friends don't completely understand what you are going through, but you deserve their encouragement and support. 
    This is my first time applying as well and I just received my first formal rejection letter today. I actually asked the program for their feedback on my application and found it super helpful and reassuring. Maybe a few of your programs could offer you that as well, so that next time you can fine tune your applications to better meet their fit. 
    It sounds like you are super committed to this field so don't give up hope just yet! ❤️ With time you will only become more qualified and an even stronger candidate. Best of luck! 
  15. Upvote
    MnMz98 reacted to PsyZei in *I is stressed* venting thread for Fall 2020 Applicants   
    At 27 I had not even started college yet- instead my last education milestone was graduating from high school in the lower third of my class (and was honestly just happy to have graduated). I didn't even start undergrad college until I was in my 30s- much less masters. I totally know the feeling you are talking about (I literally have children closer to my next oldest cohort-mate's age than I am) AND neither of us is behind. Our journeys are ours. Getting this education and working towards the career is important to me (and I assume you), not the age I do it at. We've both got this ?
  16. Like
    MnMz98 reacted to bruno516 in Fall 2020 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD   
    Incase anyone is wondering, I emailed University of Denver and they should contact everyone by tomorrow 1/23. Eeeeek ?
  17. Like
    MnMz98 reacted to Psy-aye-aye in Fall 2020 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD   
    Wright PsyD will be sending out decisions next week
    Denver PsyD will finish sending interview invites early next week
  18. Like
    MnMz98 reacted to SendMeAnEmailPlz in Pissed off at this whole process (clinical psych PhD)   
    All is well my dude. You have 3 interviews to clinical psychology programs; the most competitive graduate degree in the country.
    There will always be someone with more interviews, more publications, and a higher salary. This field is filled with rejection at every step of your career. Schools will reject you, internships will toss your application in the trash, and reviewers will tear your manuscripts to shreds.
    It sounds like you worked hard to get where you are. But there are others who worked just as hard who have weaker applications because their PI wasn't a productive scholar or who couldn't afford to volunteer for 20 hours a week.
    You've made it pretty far. There are thousands of qualified people who would kill to be in your shoes. I urge you to be grateful and enjoy the process.
  19. Like
    MnMz98 reacted to Stressed&CoffeeObsessed in *I is stressed* venting thread for Fall 2020 Applicants   
    Hi everyone! I just wanted to offer some encouragement during this super stressful, ridiculous process.
    This is my third time applying for programs. The first time, fresh out of undergrad but feeling lucky, I applied to 5 PhD programs. Got waitlisted at one (which I'm confident was an accident) and was rejected from all the others. On a whim and literally while in my Social Psych class, I applied to a Clinical Psych Masters program and got in with a full assistantship! I figured I'd get more experience and try again.
    Second time, during my Masters, I was feeling super confident and prepared and awesome with all this experience I'd gotten, so I applied to 11 places to cast a wide net and waited for the invites to come flooding in. Spoiler alert: they didn't. I got one interview and was promptly rejected. Oof.
    This time, I'm a research coordinator at Cincinnati Children's Hospital with even more experience, and basically have to get in this time if I don't want to retake the GRE again (I DO NOT). I applied to 10 schools and, as of right now, have 4 interviews, 3 of which are at my top 3 choices. I'm still waiting to hear back from one more school, so at this point I'm feelin' straight up okay.
    All of this isn't to say that I'm some expert or anything because I obviously don't have any offers yet and for all I know I could be in for round 4 ? but I just want to say this:  let's be honest, your timeline may not be what you imagined it to be. Mine definitely wasn't; I turned 26 yesterday and I thought I'd be almost done with my PhD by now. But that doesn't mean that what we want won't happen for us. It just may mean that the path to get there takes a few unexpected turns. Let's keep our heads up, maybe have an extra glass of wine, and try to be as kind and encouraging to ourselves as we are to each other. ☺️
     
    Edit: This came out VERY cheesy, my b. Basically: even if it doesn't happen this time, that doesn't mean it won't next time. We're all smart, qualified, freaking cool people.
  20. Like
    MnMz98 reacted to MegedE in Fall 2020 Clinical/Counseling Interview Invites   
    School: University of Denver
    Type: PsyD
    Date of invite: 1/16/2020
    Type of invite: Email from Director of Admissions
    Interview dates(s): Friday, February 21st, Saturday, February 22nd, Friday, February 28th, or Saturday, February 29th  
  21. Like
    MnMz98 reacted to MegedE in Fall 2020 Clinical/Counseling Interview Invites   
    I saw that U of Denver sent out some PsyD rejections yesterday and the day before. If I didn't get one yet, does that mean anything? Or do they send out rejections in small batches or something? Thanks in advance!
  22. Like
    MnMz98 reacted to webbz_world93 in *I is stressed* venting thread for Fall 2020 Applicants   
    Me, trying to remind myself that I’m not complete trash after dealing with this stress the last few weeks: 

  23. Like
    MnMz98 reacted to Aghhhhh in *I is stressed* venting thread for Fall 2020 Applicants   
    1st time applicant here in the same boat--just one interview! It's stressful knowing that everything pretty much rides on this one school's decision, but I keep having to tell myself that they invited me because they DO want me, and this interview is really just a personality check.
    I think what is most embarrassing, for me, is having all of my mentors & friends tell me that I was going to get so many interviews...and then this happens lol. I'm mortified just thinking about having to go back to my letter writers in April to tell them that I didn't get in anywhere and ask them to submit their letters again in December ?
  24. Like
    MnMz98 reacted to webbz_world93 in *I is stressed* venting thread for Fall 2020 Applicants   
    This process sucks.
     
    That is all. 
  25. Like
    MnMz98 reacted to impicklerick in Fall 2020 Clinical/Counseling Interview Invites   
    Hope you hear something soon! Good luck!!!
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