So, I am currently in a master's program and my goal is to gain admission into a clinical psychology program (to specialize in Neuropsych). However, I JUST landed an RA position to gain research experience (my master's is not research, it's more clinical emphasis). I got my BA this past summer '19.
Option A: Apply to PhD programs this fall (2020), where I'll be in the lab for 10 months by the time I submit my apps (1 yr & 7 mo. by the time I matriculate). I will also most likely be able to get LORs from professors at my master's program.
Option B: Apply to PhD programs next fall (2021), where then I'll be in the lab for 1 yr & half by the time I submit apps (2 & half years by the time I matriculate). Extend my MA graduation until spring 2022 (i can slow down the course load, it's not a problem from that side), so then I can still get LORs from professors within the program in addition to my PI.
Option C : Same as B except that I will finish my MA in spring 2021 & spend the rest of gap years doing just my RA position alone.
So I am considering the plans above, I obviously would prefer option A (the quicker the better). However, I am just not sure on two things 1) if PhD programs would calculate "research experience" by what you have by the time you apply or by the time you matriculate? I am afraid that 10 months into my RA position would not be taken seriously (also for an LOR request from PI!). 2) If I went by option C, then I am afraid that i will run into an LOR dilemma. Sure by that time my RA PI can give me one (which is the most important I believe), but what about the other two? can I reach out to my MA professors a handful of months after taking their courses to request LOR? is that common or do you think its inappropriate? Also, I would like to add that I already have a year and half of undergraduate RA experience if that also counts!
I would like your insights on which plan is a "usual" plan and also which is most favored or the least problematic!
Thank You all,
Yoyo