MacDuff

Others may differ with my opinion but I would worry more about the line sounding like a cliche as opposed to humorous. Keep in mind that you're trying to represent yourself as a professional-level student and that humor is a relative term. What you may find funny may not be to someone else and could backfire on you. I'd air on the side of caution. Good luck!

As cogneuro suggests, wait until you receive your subject test score results in the mail to determine how well you did since your scaled score will be calculated based on the results of all other test takers who took the exam on your test date. Note that the psych subject test is NOT scored on the same scale as the GRE general test; the scaled scores range from 200 to 990. The range of scores, however, tends to be much smaller. Generally speaking, a score of 700 is usually in the range of 80% -- a very respectable score. Congrats! I recommend checking out the GRE psych subject bulletin on the ETS web site for further information on the scoring process and breakdown by subscale. Good luck to all!

In addition to what the posters above have suggested, I highly recommend that before you blind email any professors volunteering to work in their labs, that you first read some of their current publications so that you can communicate why they should be interested in taking you on. That is, demonstrate that you have a genuine interest in their field of work and are aware of the methodologies they tend to employ. If you have the time and money, you may also want to invest in taking an introductory psychology course, a methods course, and/or a statistics course if you haven't already done so. Definitely mention in your email to the professor(s) any special research skills you may have (e.g., statistical knowledge, software programming knowledge, etc.). Good luck!

Hi, clou99. I think you can determine the answer to your question by taking a hard, honest look at what your longer term goals are. I have a somewhat similar profile to you -- I worked outside of academia for several years earning a six figure salary before returning to school in my thirties -- and had to make some of the same choices you are facing. Ultimately, I had to determine whether I wanted to continue pursuing a career path that brought prestige and a nice income but that lacked intellectual challenge, or return to school to pursue a degree in a field I am passionate about and that I can see myself remaining curious and challenged by for future years. For me, the answer came after serious reflection for a year about what I wanted my life to look like and how pursuing a career in academia met more of my personal and professional goals than my former career path. Sure, living on a very modest stipend isn't all that fun but there's not a day that goes by that I regret my decision. I have a partner who is unbelievably supportive so that definitely made the transition easier. But it was also harder inasmuch as I felt I was letting down my end of our relationship in terms of what I was contributing to our joint income. But, similar to coyabean, living an inspired life is more important for both me and my partner so in the end the choice wasn't as difficult as it first appeared to be. Rest assured that there isn't a right or wrong choice; it's about what the best choice is for you. Good luck!

johnmalcolm -- Sent you a PM. Cheers!

One more possible option: Is there an opportunity to participate in an honors program or to write a senior thesis at your school? If so, definitely take advantage of the option; it will provide one more way for you to stand out as a committed, talented applicant. Good luck!

Hi, johnmalcom. In my Ph.D. program there are students who've entered with undergraduate majors in mathematics and physics. If you're coming with a strong background that includes science courses, you should be just fine. Your plan to supplement your current knowledge base with some core psychology and statistics courses is perfect. Best of luck to you!

Congrats, weeble!

Touche!

Oh, this thread gave me a good chuckle. It sounds like linguist conversations are much like social psychologist conversations: P: "Oh, so you study psychology. You're analyzing me right now, right? Wondering what kind of mental disorder I have?" Me: "No, not at all. I'm not a clinician or therapist. I study social psychology -- not abnormal -- and plan to become a researcher on stereotyping processes." P: "Uh huh. Well, I've got this friend who's been really depressed lately..." I think I'm just going to say I'm a CPA from now on. NO ONE asks any further questions of them.

I agree with the above poster about focusing your search on the best research fit. If you tell us a little bit about your area of interest (e.g., judgment & decision-making, intergroup processes) you may be able to receive some more specific suggestions for about programs to look at. Also, do speak with your current advisers/mentors as they are often able to share inside information about programs that those of us on this board (i.e., students) do not yet know. Best of luck!

Hi, lawgrad. You may want to check out the International Society of Political Psychology (ISPP) membership directory to start. I know that political psych professors are sometimes housed in different departments at universities (i.e., not always in psych departments) so it's best to check around in the social science and political science areas, too. Good luck!

Here are some stats on different psych program admissions rates by subfield for 2003-2004. Note that the clinical psych acceptance rate is inclusive of all clinical programs; the acceptance rate for APA accredited clinical psych research programs is around 11%, which is slightly lower than the social psych acceptance rate. I have a feeling this year's acceptance rates are, in general, lower... http://www.psichi.org/Pubs/Articles/Art ... spx#Table1

Congratulations, Sahana! In the event no one in this subforum has cost of living information to share with you about KU, you may want to post your question in the "City Guide" section on this site, which is dedicated to answering city-specific questions. Cheers!

Congrats on your official decision, socialpsych! Now, back to that thesis writing, eh?