JArather

Hello! 
 My experience was a bit different but I applied to a PhD programs this fall, and after an initial interview, I know that at least one program did contact one of my LOR (not sure if they contacted the others). After this, I did receive an "official" interview. I am not sure if the process is similar, but I definitely wouldn't rule that possibility out-- esp if interviews are not required. Best of luck!

So I've heard from people that "every year gets harder" for getting into psychology programs (particularly clinical psych), but this year is just insane. I'm feeling so frustrated because I got waitlisted at the only school I got an interview from, and now I might not get into grad school this year despite applying to 15 programs. This is my second time applying to clinical programs, and this time I applied with 2 years of full-time research experience (plus 3 years part-time research experience), 3 glowing LOR including one well known PI, and a paper in revision which then was accepted for publication shortly after apps were due (I notified all my potential PIs right away) plus 1 paper under review and 2 in prep, plus 4 first authored posters and a dozen other posters I've worked on as second or third author. (My undergrad GPA was 3.95 so that also shouldn't be an issue). My supervisors, an associate and assistant professor at an R01, were confident I would receive several offers this year with my CV and after looking over my personal statement as well. And yet here we are... 
I'm sure I'm not the only qualified applicant facing this. And I also know that people who are receiving offers are super amazing so no shade to them. It just sucks that funding is so down this year and there were suddenly so many more applicants. 
I'm feeling especially frustrated today because a grad student in one of the labs I work in was asking for my help with stats, and it's like if I can teach current grad students things they don't know and still not get into a program, what the heck?! Is it even worth it to keep trying to get into this field? I just feel so discouraged. 
Feel free to vent about this crazy app season or anything else psychology field / application related below. 

I’m sorry ? there are so many qualified applicants that get screwed over in this process. I think this year, a make or break factor was that some PIs were looking for applicants who had direct research experience in their field rather than those who didn’t. It’s not the most fair thing, because it’s really difficult for applicants to get direct experience. I’ve heard this ring true for a lot of different applicants; this can be a make-or-break type of thing. I’m super nervous to apply next cycle ?

I applied to Harvard for a master’s degree. Obviously very different but I am also losing my mind waiting to hear back. Best of luck to you! Hope you get in! 

I am in a v similar boat, and it is tricky. 
 
  I would reach out to the program directors/admin staff first and inquire if all formal invites/offers have been extended? That way you can know if all the *super official* offers have been extended or not. If they have not been extended, I would reach out to the PI if you feel comfortable to do so. If you've received any other offers from other schools, sometimes people like to include that to try and just say "I am still interested in this program, but might need to make a decision soon". That is a bit uncomfortable, but have seen that as a rather common tactic if you have multiple offers. 
 
 

Hi! Are you asking in regards to the admission process (ie: interviews etc) or are you asking for just like general stats/what they look for in student admission?
This is from their overall psychology phd department, but I think it will be pretty helpful for the general aspect (https://psychology.fas.harvard.edu/pro-tip). It definitely helped me through my application process, and made me feel -fairly- adequately- prepared to apply to Harvard. 
 

Keep your head up. If you don't get in this round, you can always get more experience this year and reapply. Those programs are incredibly competitive. Not getting in is not a reflection of who you are or what you are capable of. Sending positive vibes your way!

I would leave it be. You will hear back when they have made their decision. Your thank you email is enough; now it's just the hard, but important waiting game!

I messaged you!  

I am sorry that it was not the fit, would you mind sharing what PI your interview was with?

I had a prelim interview at BU, but I was rejected due to "fit" after.  Believe some formal interview dates have been sent out but im not sure what they are...