[Fall 2021 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD]

For UF Counseling Psych PhD: If we haven't heard anything from yet, should we assume rejection? Do all POIs do prelim interviews? Thanks! 

[Clinical/Counseling Psychology Interview Advice]

59 minutes ago, PsyDuck90 said:

1. Make sure you are prepared to discuss anything that's on your CV, especially any posters/presentations. So if you've got something that you presented a few years ago, make sure you refresh your memory. 

2. Be familiar with the current work your POI has put out in recent years. Make sure you have a pitch on what you can bring to their lab. Maybe have an idea or 2 for potential projects, just in case they ask. Why does their work interest you? What skills do you bring to the table? 

3. Be familiar with various aspects of the program overall. Have a good response if/when they ask why this program. Research match is 1 (very) important part of it, but what else about the program do you like? Are there particular practicum placement options you like? Are there specific course offerings that stand out? Outside of the standard curriculum required for APA accreditation that is. Reading through the student handbook (should be available online) is a really good way to assess program culture/policies/expectations/etc. 

4. Have questions. Have questions for your POI, as well as any other faculty, and any current students you may meet with. Make sure these questions aren't easily answered by reading the online written material or the handbook. Use the available information to craft questions that show you have spent time looking into this program and are invested in it. Don't be afraid to ask the same question to multiple people. You can also ask questions about the city/surrounding area, especially to current students. 

5. I cannot stress this enough. Be a person! You are not a robot with 0 personality. While you obviously want to remain professional, be you. You will be in this program for a minimum of 4-5 years. That means the faculty and other students will be engaging with you for a number of years. They are looking for capable, but they are also looking for people they can see themselves working with for 5 years. Being likable goes a long way. I just got my letters of recommendation for my next round of externship applications, and all my letter writers devoted the last paragraph to how likable and responsible and easy to work with I am. I don't think they all unanimously thought that was important to include by accident. People like working with people they like. Be natural and be you, since that's who you'll be for the foreseeable future.

This is really helpful, thank you!!

[Clinical/Counseling Psychology Interview Advice]

This is my first time applying, and I would also love advice from others with more experience!

[Fall 2021 Clinical & Counseling PhD/PsyD]

Does anyone know if there's any truth to the results post saying UNC Chapel Hill sent out their interview invites already? Their website says the last day to get an invite is January 15, but I was wondering if anyone here knew anything, or if any of y'all have heard from them.

Hope everyone is doing well! This waiting period is tough, but we got this! ?