Hi. I'm a rising senior (undergrad) planning on applying to doctoral programs this fall in need of some guidance. Right now, I am leaning towards applying to Psy.D. programs. I just don't love research. I am pretty neutral about it, but I know it is something I don't want to do for my career. I know all about the funding situation, but I am fortunate enough to be in a financial position where that is not a major concern. Obviously, I would still prefer funded programs. Because of my neutral feelings regarding research and my preference for clinical work, I have been pretty set on the Psy.D. for Clinical Psychology. However, am I limiting myself? I know a lot of people do Ph.D. and don't end up going into research. However, am I competitive enough for Ph.D. programs? Further, is taking a gap year absolutely necessary? I really wouldn't want to work as a research coordinator. Many people have advised me to take a year or two to gain more clinical work, thereby having a stronger application. Is there any shot of me getting into Psy.D. or Ph.D. right from undergrad? Honestly, my plan right now is to apply to some Psy.D. programs (only a few/reach schools), kind of hoping for a miracle. Then, I will take a year off when that miracle doesn't happen and get more clinical work and apply again. Does this sound good? Am I limiting myself? Do I have no shot? If I have no shot, please tell me. It's really hard to understand where I fit in compared to other applicants.
GPA 3.91/4
Taking my GREs this summer. Probably a little lower on math.
1 year as a research assistant in psychometric lab.
Leader/trainer for school's crisis/listening hotline (3 years)
This summer I had an amazing internship at the Child Mind Institute, but it was delayed until next year. For the summer, I have taken up remote positions.
Remote Summer RA at Montclair State (College COVID study)
Remote Summer RA at Rutgers (Social-Emotional learning/school intervention lab)
Remote Summer RA at Rowan (anxiety + depression research)
Writing a psychology thesis next year about college admissions (def psychology based, but not really THAT clinical)
School extracurriculars: multiple leadership positions in sorority, Psi Chi secretary
Past jobs: Summer camp counselor for 3 years, summer internship at school in education technology.