guy248

Thank you, this was very encouraging. I'll need to start thinking on how I can spin my work experience and other "non-traditional" aspects as a positive. Nothing yet. Just my 1 manuscript currently pending publication. I have reached out to both my labs asking for more work in line with posters/pubs, but nothing has really started yet.

Hello everyone, Last time I wrote here it was to seek some advice regarding a major career shift and starting an education in Psychology. 8 months later, I can't be more happy with my decision. As I am a mature student, with relatively little points of reference or connections, I was hoping the kind user's of this form could assess my chances of getting accepted into a PhD program in Clinical Psychology (specializing in Neuropsychology) for next year and also offer my any advice on how to improve my application. Here is an outline of the major criteria: 1. Schooling: -BA (History) -BFA (Music Performance) -Also completed multiple undergraduate courses required for most PhD Clinical Psych programs -GPA: 3.7 or higher (still pending) -Currently studying and preparing for my GRE 2.Work Experience: -Currently volunteering as a Crisis Responder for a mental health organization -Working part-time as an English teacher. -Previous work experience as a full-time teacher, heading the Music and History departments of a high-school. 3.Research Experience: - Completed undergraduate thesis for my BFA (Music) -Undergraduate manuscript (Neuropsychology) currently under review for publication (Mindpab) -Currently completing a course for training Research Coordinators (CRC Basic training, through NUCATS) -Volunteer RA for a Neuroscience lab specializing in the treatment of the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease -Volunteer RA for a Neuropsychology lab specializing in the assessment and treatment of head trauma in athletes I think that about covers it. I am honestly terrified of next year's admission process, being a mature student with only so much free time means I've gone pedal to the metal these last few month's to try and cover all my bases. My ambition is to apply to Clinical Psych PhD programs throughout the USA (I am a Canadian citizen), I have been narrowing down specific faculty and programs that suit my interests and current research experience. I am also doing my absolute best to accumulate as much research experience as possible, this has proven difficult being so far removed from my undergraduate days. I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read through this and offer any advice/support they can. Thank you!

I really appreciate all these answers. Thanks so much everyone, you've given me a lot to think about!

Hello everyone, I am a 28-year-old Canadian who currently holds two degrees: A Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music) and A Bachelor of Arts (History). I've been out of school since 2015, working various full-time and part-time positions while I've done some "soul searching." Recently, I've begun to realize I've always had an interest in Psychology and working as a Therapist/Counselor. Upon this realization, I've been intrigued by two programs: "Masters of Counselling" at Athabasca University, and "Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology" at Yorkville University. These two are the most exciting options for me because they are entirely online. I currently work two part-time jobs, and online scheduling would give me the flexibility to retain those jobs while I attend classes. What worries me is that I have no prior history taking Psychology courses. I read the outline at Athabasca, and they do have some undergraduate requirements related to Psych courses, but at Yorkville, that does not appear to be the case (But they do state Psych majors will be favored). So my question is: Do I have a chance at pursuing this type of degree? Should I bother applying for these MAs knowing, I have no Psych background. Here's a small list of things I do have, and that I hope are relevant: -Awarded Cum Laude with both my degrees -Awarded three different Scholarships during my two Undergraduate degrees -Was accepted to complete an Undergraduate Thesis during my last year -Worked two years full-time as the Head of Music and Head of History Department in a highly respected Private School Do I have a chance? If not, could anyone advise me on what I should do to start my pursuit of this goal? I would appreciate any input, especially from people in a similar boat!