MrsDoubleE

E/VG E/E E/E --> w/ comments like 'EXCEPTIONAL candidate', 'outstanding record of scientific success', etc... as an undergrad applicant, by the way. And not even an HM???? You can't tell me this isn't rigged. I applied in under clinical psychology- neuropsychology, where very few were awarded or given HM. Not a fair playing field. I'll still re-apply from my graduate institution, but man this is a bit hard to understand.

Great advice & reflections so far. Many of the points mentioned by @imemine @Modulus @Randi S are solid and don't require reiterating, however, I would like to elaborate a bit on one piece I think has been overlooked thus far, and that is clinical experience. I've also included some reflections from my own experience. For some background, this was my second time applying to clinical psych PhD programs. I was a drastically different candidate this time around and I can attribute that and my success to several key improvements I made in the two-year gap I took between application cycles. I hope this is helpful & adds something to this thread! I admittedly have many more tricks & reflections and I am happy to chat in more detail if anyone has questions-just PM me. 2 Key Improvements worth noting: if you read nothing else, read this Clinical Experience!!! - I found as many ways as possible to get formal clinical experience. If you are applying to CLINICAL psychology programs, the top programs that specialize in training scientist-practitioners want to see that you have experience working with some type of clinical population or in a clinical setting. Candidates with substantial clinical experience absolutely have a leg up. This can be in any area or with any population, as long as it's valid, relevant clinical experience. There are creative ways of doing this--e.g., I work in a neuroscience lab based in a research hospital, and I put time into networking with the neuropsychologists connected to our unit which led to incredible opportunities to be involved in patient clinical care in ways I didn't think possible at my current level. I loved it, I learned a ton, and as a bonus, it really impressed interviewers. Majorly beefed up my research experience - I took a full-time position in an academic hospital setting. I interviewed at several very highly competitive programs & in mingling with other candidates found that almost ALL of the most competitive candidates had full-time research experience outside of an undergrad, casual/volunteer position. Not only does this demonstrate your skills in data collection, grants, data analysis (whatever the case), but this gives you a real life introduction to what a life in research would look like, and a chance to think about what type of questions you want to try to answer as a researcher--THAT'S what future PI's are looking for. Also of Note: >> Fit, seriously, fit. You don't realize it until you are in it, but fit it so powerful. This is also not just fit, as in them accepting you, but also fit, as in you accepting them. I have a quite specific clinical neuroscience/imaging/specific-clinical-population background that finding a good fit for while applying was a challenge, but during interviews I started to see where I would be happy and flourish and where I would feel confined and limited; that was very important for me. One last thing to consider in this realm, specific to clinical psych people, do you want to be primarily a clinician (who conducts secondary research) or a researcher/academic? Choose your program wisely... >> Don't overlook the importance of your CV! Your CV should be organized, succinct, detailed, and highlight all of your best features. Send it out, have people read it, make comments, change things, and shape it up. My CV came up over & over again at interviews- POI's, interviewers, and students all referred to my CV. Your CV should work in conjunction with your personal statement-don't be redundant. >> Another tip re: grades (GPA), GRE scores, & other formalities such as writing samples; these are the things that get you in the door-put the work into it. Many top R1 programs receive between 300-650+ applications for, on average, 7 spots; they make cuts from the jump and that's just the way it goes. If you score in the 70th+ percentile on the GRE you are in the clear & you can rest knowing your application should at least get reviewed- you owe it to your mental state & your wallet to ensure you get this far. >> Finally, on interview day-yes, dress & act professionally (clinical programs are evaluating your capacity to be a professional, so demonstrate that), but don't be afraid to show your real self (within reason ?). In addition to all of the important points made by other posters, I will just add a couple of thoughts Chat with other candidates, get to know their interests and backgrounds (even if you are interviewing to work with the same POI). If you are both there, you are both qualified, there is no need to act as if they are your opponent. I ran into a few people at multiple interviews & I have stayed in touch with some candidates I met along the way about acceptances, plans, etc. THESE ARE YOUR COLLEAGUES! Some may even be in your cohort. Start making connections now. As mentioned above, assume you are being evaluated throughout your entire interview (social events, lunches, everywhere--all the time). Ask thoughtful questions, listen to current students when they talk, make small talk with other PI's during lunches (ask about their work, what it's like to live there..ect.)--showcase the many shining parts of your personality-it goes a long way. **This process is definitely stressful & so much of it is out of the applicants control. Find things about it that make you laugh or smile, find people to lean on and commiserate with when things get tough, i.e., peers who are also applying or recently admitted grad students. Feel proud when you submit your apps- it's a lot of work! Get excited about checking out new cities during interview time. Take time to get a massage, or go to the park, or just shut your brain off when you need it (and you will need it!!!). In fact, the question of how you cope with pressure and stress will come up at interviews, demonstrating that you have already started working out these skills is bonus! Lastly, good luck to all! Remember, if it doesn't work out the first time, that's just an opportunity to come back 10x stronger the next time.

Hi! I am 36 and starting a PhD in the fall, dragging my husband to a new city (I am lucky, like many of you, to have a supportive husband willing to uproot). We do not have children yet but hope to start a family! This is a crazy, ambitious endeavor for anyone to undertake and any age, but I think being a bit older we are equipped with a special set of life skills. This is a second career for me, my first was over a decade in a completely unrelated field with long, demanding, pressure-filled hours, and tons of personal sacrifice. This journey is so much more enjoyable and my end goal is to be a researcher & clinician so this is a necessary step for me. Just know that whatever you believe you can do, you can do it. If you have made it to this point, you have already shown you can handle this and more!

Drexel University! Very excited to join this program, congrats to all & best of luck on new adventures!