Terelia

Woww sooooooo officially received an offer of acceptance into York! I am very excited!!!
I have been applying over 7 years to clinical (in the meantime completed a masters in personality and measurement, and have been working as a research assistant over the past 3.5 years, with ample publication opportunities). 
Also... if any others are headed to Toronto and would like a roommate, or even someone else to shop housing with for moral support, please let me know. Toronto living on a student wage might be a ~*struggle*~. 
Hope all of you are holding up - this process is very stressful and it can be so difficult not to take rejections as a reflection of personal competence/worth. I was so close to giving up this dream, but I am honestly grateful for the time it took because I feel so much more prepared now. Best of luck to everybody ❤️

My program (and all the ones I ever applied to) funded your stipend through a TA or RA position, so there's no supplementing option. And when I say no outside work is allowed, I mean nothing that will send you a W2 or 1099 (in the USA) at the end of the year.  I'm at a public uni, so my contract for my stipend is literally with the state, and if I'm busted working elsewhere I lose my funding. So unless I'm working for cash under the table, side jobs are a no-go... I am lucky enough to be married, and have teenagers that work for their own spending money, but even with that the cost of living here is killing us and I need to take out a certain amount of loans to keep a roof over our heads.  Academia cares nought for the basic survival of it's graduate workers.
 

This is my third time applying. The first time I didn't have any interviews, the second time I was waitlisted but ultimately rejected but remain hopeful for this cycle. 
My next step after being rejected the first time was the get a research assistant job. I also emailed numerous professors looking to volunteer work on the side. Because of covid, I even emailed professors at universities outside of my province to see if there was any volunteer work available remotely. This actually worked well for me and I was able to do remote volunteer work with a professor in Ontario who ended up being a reference for me this year. I also ended up doing some volunteer work for Kids Help Phone - I don't think that has made any difference on my application but it was a good experience and confirmed my desire for clinical rather than just experimental. 
In terms of coping, the first time wasn't that bad to cope with for me personally. I was upset but shook it off pretty quickly. I kind of expected the get rejected because I know things are competitive and knew that my application could be stronger. 
The second time was awful though. I felt miserable for weeks after I got rejected if I'm being honest. My best friend got accepted to a school (which I was very happy about for her) but you can't help but feel a little envious even if you know it's wrong. I also knew she was moving away for school at that point and the prospect of working from home alone for another year while waiting to apply again really sent me spiraling. 
I did let myself feel upset for a bit but eventually, I just turned my focus to what I could improve on. I made lots of lists of things I could do and just started working through those lists - it helped me to focus on something I could change rather to focus on something I couldn't (easier said then done though - believe me, I get it). I leaned a lot on my family and friends for support when I got rejected and it helped me a lot. 
Hope something here helps! Feel free to PM me

Interesting to hear about your experience/ perspective on working as a RA vs. doing a master's - everything seems so PI dependent!

This is my third time applying. The first time I didn't have any interviews, the second time I was waitlisted but ultimately rejected but remain hopeful for this cycle. 
My next step after being rejected the first time was the get a research assistant job. I also emailed numerous professors looking to volunteer work on the side. Because of covid, I even emailed professors at universities outside of my province to see if there was any volunteer work available remotely. This actually worked well for me and I was able to do remote volunteer work with a professor in Ontario who ended up being a reference for me this year. I also ended up doing some volunteer work for Kids Help Phone - I don't think that has made any difference on my application but it was a good experience and confirmed my desire for clinical rather than just experimental. 
In terms of coping, the first time wasn't that bad to cope with for me personally. I was upset but shook it off pretty quickly. I kind of expected the get rejected because I know things are competitive and knew that my application could be stronger. 
The second time was awful though. I felt miserable for weeks after I got rejected if I'm being honest. My best friend got accepted to a school (which I was very happy about for her) but you can't help but feel a little envious even if you know it's wrong. I also knew she was moving away for school at that point and the prospect of working from home alone for another year while waiting to apply again really sent me spiraling. 
I did let myself feel upset for a bit but eventually, I just turned my focus to what I could improve on. I made lots of lists of things I could do and just started working through those lists - it helped me to focus on something I could change rather to focus on something I couldn't (easier said then done though - believe me, I get it). I leaned a lot on my family and friends for support when I got rejected and it helped me a lot. 
Hope something here helps! Feel free to PM me

Just received formal interview invite to UBCO! DM for POI

This is my third time applying. The first time I didn't have any interviews, the second time I was waitlisted but ultimately rejected but remain hopeful for this cycle. 
My next step after being rejected the first time was the get a research assistant job. I also emailed numerous professors looking to volunteer work on the side. Because of covid, I even emailed professors at universities outside of my province to see if there was any volunteer work available remotely. This actually worked well for me and I was able to do remote volunteer work with a professor in Ontario who ended up being a reference for me this year. I also ended up doing some volunteer work for Kids Help Phone - I don't think that has made any difference on my application but it was a good experience and confirmed my desire for clinical rather than just experimental. 
In terms of coping, the first time wasn't that bad to cope with for me personally. I was upset but shook it off pretty quickly. I kind of expected the get rejected because I know things are competitive and knew that my application could be stronger. 
The second time was awful though. I felt miserable for weeks after I got rejected if I'm being honest. My best friend got accepted to a school (which I was very happy about for her) but you can't help but feel a little envious even if you know it's wrong. I also knew she was moving away for school at that point and the prospect of working from home alone for another year while waiting to apply again really sent me spiraling. 
I did let myself feel upset for a bit but eventually, I just turned my focus to what I could improve on. I made lots of lists of things I could do and just started working through those lists - it helped me to focus on something I could change rather to focus on something I couldn't (easier said then done though - believe me, I get it). I leaned a lot on my family and friends for support when I got rejected and it helped me a lot. 
Hope something here helps! Feel free to PM me

This is my third time applying. The first time I didn't have any interviews, the second time I was waitlisted but ultimately rejected but remain hopeful for this cycle. 
My next step after being rejected the first time was the get a research assistant job. I also emailed numerous professors looking to volunteer work on the side. Because of covid, I even emailed professors at universities outside of my province to see if there was any volunteer work available remotely. This actually worked well for me and I was able to do remote volunteer work with a professor in Ontario who ended up being a reference for me this year. I also ended up doing some volunteer work for Kids Help Phone - I don't think that has made any difference on my application but it was a good experience and confirmed my desire for clinical rather than just experimental. 
In terms of coping, the first time wasn't that bad to cope with for me personally. I was upset but shook it off pretty quickly. I kind of expected the get rejected because I know things are competitive and knew that my application could be stronger. 
The second time was awful though. I felt miserable for weeks after I got rejected if I'm being honest. My best friend got accepted to a school (which I was very happy about for her) but you can't help but feel a little envious even if you know it's wrong. I also knew she was moving away for school at that point and the prospect of working from home alone for another year while waiting to apply again really sent me spiraling. 
I did let myself feel upset for a bit but eventually, I just turned my focus to what I could improve on. I made lots of lists of things I could do and just started working through those lists - it helped me to focus on something I could change rather to focus on something I couldn't (easier said then done though - believe me, I get it). I leaned a lot on my family and friends for support when I got rejected and it helped me a lot. 
Hope something here helps! Feel free to PM me

This is my third time applying. The first time I didn't have any interviews, the second time I was waitlisted but ultimately rejected but remain hopeful for this cycle. 
My next step after being rejected the first time was the get a research assistant job. I also emailed numerous professors looking to volunteer work on the side. Because of covid, I even emailed professors at universities outside of my province to see if there was any volunteer work available remotely. This actually worked well for me and I was able to do remote volunteer work with a professor in Ontario who ended up being a reference for me this year. I also ended up doing some volunteer work for Kids Help Phone - I don't think that has made any difference on my application but it was a good experience and confirmed my desire for clinical rather than just experimental. 
In terms of coping, the first time wasn't that bad to cope with for me personally. I was upset but shook it off pretty quickly. I kind of expected the get rejected because I know things are competitive and knew that my application could be stronger. 
The second time was awful though. I felt miserable for weeks after I got rejected if I'm being honest. My best friend got accepted to a school (which I was very happy about for her) but you can't help but feel a little envious even if you know it's wrong. I also knew she was moving away for school at that point and the prospect of working from home alone for another year while waiting to apply again really sent me spiraling. 
I did let myself feel upset for a bit but eventually, I just turned my focus to what I could improve on. I made lots of lists of things I could do and just started working through those lists - it helped me to focus on something I could change rather to focus on something I couldn't (easier said then done though - believe me, I get it). I leaned a lot on my family and friends for support when I got rejected and it helped me a lot. 
Hope something here helps! Feel free to PM me

Personally, I kind of wished that I would have applied to other masters programs as "back-up" plans the first two times I applied. Finding research assistant jobs can be kind of difficult depending on your location and from my experience, you can only get so much out of a research assistant position. A lot of my research assistant positions haven't really gotten past the "surface level" stuff (ie. data collection, participant management/recruitment, etc.). I haven't had that many opportunities to work on papers they way that you likely would in a masters program. However, every supervisor is different so some people may get more opportunities that others. The big upside is that I'm still living at home so I've been able to put away a lot into savings over the last two years which is comforting. I also thinking taking time away from school has been good for me stress-wise and allowed me to appreciate research more because I'm not working to get a "certain grade."
With a masters, you're expected to be taking a significant role in a research project and ideally working towards a publication on that project (and maybe others depending on the program/supervisor). You'll also get more experience in statistics through course work and with a thesis - and likely have a good strong reference at the end of the program. The potential downside - it might cost some more $$ and I think depending on the program, it's a bit frowned upon to leave a program after a masters but people change their minds so it's really not the end of the world. 
Because I'm on my third cycle, I would have likely had a masters this Spring if I would have applied gotten into a masters program immediately after completing my undergrad BUT I couldn't have predicted that two years ago so it is what it is. 
That's just my experience and my thoughts - I'd love to hear others weigh in on this though!

Personally, I kind of wished that I would have applied to other masters programs as "back-up" plans the first two times I applied. Finding research assistant jobs can be kind of difficult depending on your location and from my experience, you can only get so much out of a research assistant position. A lot of my research assistant positions haven't really gotten past the "surface level" stuff (ie. data collection, participant management/recruitment, etc.). I haven't had that many opportunities to work on papers they way that you likely would in a masters program. However, every supervisor is different so some people may get more opportunities that others. The big upside is that I'm still living at home so I've been able to put away a lot into savings over the last two years which is comforting. I also thinking taking time away from school has been good for me stress-wise and allowed me to appreciate research more because I'm not working to get a "certain grade."
With a masters, you're expected to be taking a significant role in a research project and ideally working towards a publication on that project (and maybe others depending on the program/supervisor). You'll also get more experience in statistics through course work and with a thesis - and likely have a good strong reference at the end of the program. The potential downside - it might cost some more $$ and I think depending on the program, it's a bit frowned upon to leave a program after a masters but people change their minds so it's really not the end of the world. 
Because I'm on my third cycle, I would have likely had a masters this Spring if I would have applied gotten into a masters program immediately after completing my undergrad BUT I couldn't have predicted that two years ago so it is what it is. 
That's just my experience and my thoughts - I'd love to hear others weigh in on this though!

This is my third time applying. The first time I didn't have any interviews, the second time I was waitlisted but ultimately rejected but remain hopeful for this cycle. 
My next step after being rejected the first time was the get a research assistant job. I also emailed numerous professors looking to volunteer work on the side. Because of covid, I even emailed professors at universities outside of my province to see if there was any volunteer work available remotely. This actually worked well for me and I was able to do remote volunteer work with a professor in Ontario who ended up being a reference for me this year. I also ended up doing some volunteer work for Kids Help Phone - I don't think that has made any difference on my application but it was a good experience and confirmed my desire for clinical rather than just experimental. 
In terms of coping, the first time wasn't that bad to cope with for me personally. I was upset but shook it off pretty quickly. I kind of expected the get rejected because I know things are competitive and knew that my application could be stronger. 
The second time was awful though. I felt miserable for weeks after I got rejected if I'm being honest. My best friend got accepted to a school (which I was very happy about for her) but you can't help but feel a little envious even if you know it's wrong. I also knew she was moving away for school at that point and the prospect of working from home alone for another year while waiting to apply again really sent me spiraling. 
I did let myself feel upset for a bit but eventually, I just turned my focus to what I could improve on. I made lots of lists of things I could do and just started working through those lists - it helped me to focus on something I could change rather to focus on something I couldn't (easier said then done though - believe me, I get it). I leaned a lot on my family and friends for support when I got rejected and it helped me a lot. 
Hope something here helps! Feel free to PM me

This is my third time applying. The first time I didn't have any interviews, the second time I was waitlisted but ultimately rejected but remain hopeful for this cycle. 
My next step after being rejected the first time was the get a research assistant job. I also emailed numerous professors looking to volunteer work on the side. Because of covid, I even emailed professors at universities outside of my province to see if there was any volunteer work available remotely. This actually worked well for me and I was able to do remote volunteer work with a professor in Ontario who ended up being a reference for me this year. I also ended up doing some volunteer work for Kids Help Phone - I don't think that has made any difference on my application but it was a good experience and confirmed my desire for clinical rather than just experimental. 
In terms of coping, the first time wasn't that bad to cope with for me personally. I was upset but shook it off pretty quickly. I kind of expected the get rejected because I know things are competitive and knew that my application could be stronger. 
The second time was awful though. I felt miserable for weeks after I got rejected if I'm being honest. My best friend got accepted to a school (which I was very happy about for her) but you can't help but feel a little envious even if you know it's wrong. I also knew she was moving away for school at that point and the prospect of working from home alone for another year while waiting to apply again really sent me spiraling. 
I did let myself feel upset for a bit but eventually, I just turned my focus to what I could improve on. I made lots of lists of things I could do and just started working through those lists - it helped me to focus on something I could change rather to focus on something I couldn't (easier said then done though - believe me, I get it). I leaned a lot on my family and friends for support when I got rejected and it helped me a lot. 
Hope something here helps! Feel free to PM me

This is my third time applying. The first time I didn't have any interviews, the second time I was waitlisted but ultimately rejected but remain hopeful for this cycle. 
My next step after being rejected the first time was the get a research assistant job. I also emailed numerous professors looking to volunteer work on the side. Because of covid, I even emailed professors at universities outside of my province to see if there was any volunteer work available remotely. This actually worked well for me and I was able to do remote volunteer work with a professor in Ontario who ended up being a reference for me this year. I also ended up doing some volunteer work for Kids Help Phone - I don't think that has made any difference on my application but it was a good experience and confirmed my desire for clinical rather than just experimental. 
In terms of coping, the first time wasn't that bad to cope with for me personally. I was upset but shook it off pretty quickly. I kind of expected the get rejected because I know things are competitive and knew that my application could be stronger. 
The second time was awful though. I felt miserable for weeks after I got rejected if I'm being honest. My best friend got accepted to a school (which I was very happy about for her) but you can't help but feel a little envious even if you know it's wrong. I also knew she was moving away for school at that point and the prospect of working from home alone for another year while waiting to apply again really sent me spiraling. 
I did let myself feel upset for a bit but eventually, I just turned my focus to what I could improve on. I made lots of lists of things I could do and just started working through those lists - it helped me to focus on something I could change rather to focus on something I couldn't (easier said then done though - believe me, I get it). I leaned a lot on my family and friends for support when I got rejected and it helped me a lot. 
Hope something here helps! Feel free to PM me

I graduated from my undergrad in 2020, so this is my third application cycle (though I took last year off). My undergrad supervisor suggested I get more clinical research experience to improve my application. I live in a smaller town in BC, but I was able to find a job as a clinical research coordinator at a medical research company. I have now been here almost two years and have worked my way up to being site manager. For jobs, I would take a look at clinical research companies, both private and through provincial health. Some of my cohort opted to enter a 2-year diploma program to pass the time.
Regarding coping, it took me a while to figure out what works for me. I am at a point now where I am at peace with the fact I may not get in to clinical psych, despite being more than qualified and passionate. I have researched other jobs I would be interested in and have created a plan on what I will do should I be rejected from all the programs I applied to this year. I also have kept myself busy by finding online courses and diplomas I can take. I am working on one in forensic psychology and completed my probation officer training, this has been super helpful as someone who loves learning! 
I hope you hear from a program this year, but if not there are so many options out there and you may end up grateful taking some time off, I know I am!

for students who did not get in on their first round, after undergrad could you please share what were your next steps, how you coped or when you started looking for other research jobs etc. I am super nervous as I have nit got any interviews yet and am wondering when to start looking into backup plans or jobs to fill time until next cycle
Many thanks!

This is my third time applying. The first time I didn't have any interviews, the second time I was waitlisted but ultimately rejected but remain hopeful for this cycle. 
My next step after being rejected the first time was the get a research assistant job. I also emailed numerous professors looking to volunteer work on the side. Because of covid, I even emailed professors at universities outside of my province to see if there was any volunteer work available remotely. This actually worked well for me and I was able to do remote volunteer work with a professor in Ontario who ended up being a reference for me this year. I also ended up doing some volunteer work for Kids Help Phone - I don't think that has made any difference on my application but it was a good experience and confirmed my desire for clinical rather than just experimental. 
In terms of coping, the first time wasn't that bad to cope with for me personally. I was upset but shook it off pretty quickly. I kind of expected the get rejected because I know things are competitive and knew that my application could be stronger. 
The second time was awful though. I felt miserable for weeks after I got rejected if I'm being honest. My best friend got accepted to a school (which I was very happy about for her) but you can't help but feel a little envious even if you know it's wrong. I also knew she was moving away for school at that point and the prospect of working from home alone for another year while waiting to apply again really sent me spiraling. 
I did let myself feel upset for a bit but eventually, I just turned my focus to what I could improve on. I made lots of lists of things I could do and just started working through those lists - it helped me to focus on something I could change rather to focus on something I couldn't (easier said then done though - believe me, I get it). I leaned a lot on my family and friends for support when I got rejected and it helped me a lot. 
Hope something here helps! Feel free to PM me

hi has anyone heard about oise school clinical child psychology interviews or Guelph's child and adolescent psychology program?
Thanks!

Just a friendly reminder to those that may be receiving rejection letters.....


There are so many additional amazing career opportunities that exist out there!! Not being accepted into a program this year doesn't mean you won't have a fulfilling career. You can apply again, and the time until then is not time wasted. 

:) ❤️ 

School: University of Victoria (Clinical Neuropsychology)
Date of Invite: January 17
**This is an informal interview invite which determines who moves on to the formal interview**
I hope this is helpful for anyone waiting on UVIC! Apparently they received 400+ applications this cycle which is insane. Feel free to DM me for my PI's initials

Ooooof, I cringed so hard reading that statistic. Thoughts and prayers to UTSC applicants for sure. How do you even systematically pick out of so many applicants?!

Just received interview invite from UWindsor! Can DM for POI

School: UTSC
Date of invite: Jan 14
Date of formal interview: Feb 14-16
I spoke last week with two faculty informally and got this today. I feel ecstatic, even knowing that I might not make it all the way - please do not give up. Seems like 3rd time's the charm after all. Thanking this community so much for its support over the last three cycles  
 

I haven't heard anything from more than half of the programs I applied to - no informal interviews, no emails, nothing since before the application deadline. I haven't even seen people positing about these programs yet so it is more than likely that they haven't even started sending out interview invites at all. 
Speaking from previous experience, I didn't get an interview last year until the end of January/early February. I cannot stress enough that it is still so early and that often the process is very POI dependent. 
It's my third year applying and my biggest advice is to step away from gradcafe (and maybe your inbox/computer too) when you need to. It's exciting to see interview invites but I know it can also be very discouraging. It's a great place to get advice but can also cause some of us to spiral in ways that aren't helpful. Take breaks, go for walks, or try to chat with friends and family about topics not related to school. 
Hang in there! Your time will come
 

I haven't heard anything from more than half of the programs I applied to - no informal interviews, no emails, nothing since before the application deadline. I haven't even seen people positing about these programs yet so it is more than likely that they haven't even started sending out interview invites at all. 
Speaking from previous experience, I didn't get an interview last year until the end of January/early February. I cannot stress enough that it is still so early and that often the process is very POI dependent. 
It's my third year applying and my biggest advice is to step away from gradcafe (and maybe your inbox/computer too) when you need to. It's exciting to see interview invites but I know it can also be very discouraging. It's a great place to get advice but can also cause some of us to spiral in ways that aren't helpful. Take breaks, go for walks, or try to chat with friends and family about topics not related to school. 
Hang in there! Your time will come