sunflowergirl97

I think it depends on the program more than anything. In my personal experience I applied to Counseling and Clinical programs straight out of undergrad. I had a 3.6 GPA and mediocre GRE scores. I did have a good bit of research experience. The feedback that I got was that I didn't have enough clinical experience so I got either outrightly rejected or offered admission to their MA program.   I opted to join a Counseling MA program. My program isn't CACREP so I'm not required to do a thesis but I work part time in a lab on campus that relates to my interests. For this application cycle I applied to 3 Clinical and 3 Counseling. I was invited to interview at all of the Counseling programs and accepted to 2. I was rejected from the Clinical programs. I do think that I was less competitive for the Clinical programs due to me not doing a thesis or having much research these past two years outside of the part time work I've been doing. But I'll be joining a doc program this Fall and the other people in my lab also have Counseling MA's
 
From what you shared I think a Counseling MA program would be helpful for a Counseling PhD. I also think since its CACREP that could help with applying to Clinical PhDs (if you're interested in that) since you'll have a thesis. I would focus on taking classes that heavily relate to the topic you want to research, making strong connections with your faculty members, and doing your practicum/internship placement at a place that will allow you to get some clinical experience with the population you're interested in (if possible). I would also suggest looking into programs that are waiving the GRE if thats something you're worried about as well. I know many programs are continuing to still waive that requirement. If your program has a PhD program connected to it I would speak to some of the current doc students as well since some of them may be coming from MA programs as well.
I would also suggest letting your advisor know that a plan of yours is to apply for PhD programs so that they can help you make sure you're on the right track to be competitive. I hope this helps! 

well this is a lil embarrassing lol thank you for telling me

Just found out today that I've been accepted off of the waitlist!! ❤️ 

I finally woke up the email I was hoping for. Officially accepted into my dream program!!! This is absolutely crazy. Best of luck to all as you’re still waiting to hear decisions! 

Happy International Women’s day to all the badass women in the field of psychology.  Let’s continue breaking barriers and standing up for women’s rights! Hope all you women get into the school of your dreams! 

School: Howard University 
Type: Counseling PhD
Track: General 
Acceptance/Waitlist/Rejection: Acceptance
Type of Notification: DCT Email 
Date Notified: 2/25
DM for POI: Yes

Just found out today that I've been accepted off of the waitlist!! ❤️ 

Yo - programs aren't supposed to pressure applicants to make a decision before April 15th, so we shouldn't be pressuring people to make decisions, either. I keep seeing a lot of posts in the results section telling people to hurry up and accept/decline which isn't cool. Of course I'd love to have closure, but I would never pressure another applicant to make a decision. Hopefully it's no one from these threads but just in case, I wanted to reiterate this point. 

Just found out today that I've been accepted off of the waitlist!! ❤️ 

Just found out today that I've been accepted off of the waitlist!! ❤️ 

Just found out today that I've been accepted off of the waitlist!! ❤️ 

Just found out today that I've been accepted off of the waitlist!! ❤️ 

School: Howard University 
Type: Counseling PhD
Track: General 
Acceptance/Waitlist/Rejection: Acceptance
Type of Notification: DCT Email 
Date Notified: 2/25
DM for POI: Yes

Just found out today that I've been accepted off of the waitlist!! ❤️ 

Just found out today that I've been accepted off of the waitlist!! ❤️ 

School: Howard University 
Type: Counseling PhD
Track: General 
Acceptance/Waitlist/Rejection: Acceptance
Type of Notification: DCT Email 
Date Notified: 2/25
DM for POI: Yes

Hi I heard back! I interviewed on 2/12 and was told I was on the waitlist 2/18 then PI updated me yesterday I was accepted. I hope this helps! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or anything 

Hi I heard back! I interviewed on 2/12 and was told I was on the waitlist 2/18 then PI updated me yesterday I was accepted. I hope this helps! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or anything 

Just found out today that I've been accepted off of the waitlist!! ❤️ 

yay, congrats! this gives me hope.

Just found out today that I've been accepted off of the waitlist!! ❤️ 

Just found out today that I've been accepted off of the waitlist!! ❤️ 

Just found out today that I've been accepted off of the waitlist!! ❤️ 

Just found out today that I've been accepted off of the waitlist!! ❤️ 

Just found out today that I've been accepted off of the waitlist!! ❤️