blindblonde

I'm not a 100% sure where the school gets its ranking from, but it is a statistic thrown out there every now and then. I can at least tell you that everyone in my class who applied to PhD programs got into one last year (and good ones at that, such as Cornell, University of Chicago, and U of Oregon's social program). They offer rigorous coursework with a strong emphasis on developing research skills, which is a reputation well-known among professors in psychology. Generally, Wake Forest, William and Mary, and Villanova are the tossed around as the top three general masters programs in varying order. I just suggested Wake because I went there and because I know there are good personality researchers there.

I am currently in a social-organizational program at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. To address your concerns (which I had as well), here is a list of answers: 1. The Dutch program does not have coursework exactly, but some one to two-day workshops that are taught in English. If you want to take other courses, there are English and Dutch courses available. 2. The funding is very good, but you have to see if positions are available in your area of research (similar to the States in finding potential adivosrs who are taking students). 3. The application process (at least for me) was much easier than the states, and not as rigid. It was more like applying for a job than applying to grad school, if that makes sense. I had to give CV, grades, references, writing sample, and a cover letter...I think that was all. One key thing was that I was required to have a Master's degree prior to starting (since the Master's program and Ph.D programs are separate in the Netherlands). Message me if you want more details on this subject. 4. This part is up to you, and it was a concern of mine as well. Basically, as long as you have a decent publication record and keep contacts at conferences in the States, you should be okay. I am not exactly sure about this part yet since I recently started my program, but it seems that your fate is in your own hands. Feel free to message me with any questions--I'll be happy to help. Good luck!

Hi there! I read over your description, and it seems like you are a little bit all over the place in your interests. However, I do agree that the MA track is a good idea, and I do have a recommendation for you. Going into a general master's program is a good idea for sorting out your interests and figuring out exactly what you want to do. It also helps if you did not major in psych (even if you have taken several psych classes) or have other weaknesses in your application that you can iron out before going for the Ph.D. I earned my M.A. from Wake Forest University, which is a) a top-notch Master's program and has several good personality professors that may interest you. I had excellent raining there, and had a competitive application when I applied to Ph.D. programs in social-personality last year. If you would like more info, just send me a message and I'll be happy to answer them. Good luck!

I just realized I haven't updated on this site in a while. Life & my master's thesis have taken over, and since I have made a decision, my compulsive need to check this site has decreased somewhat. So my application process took an unexpected path in late February-early March. I went to an interview at Rochester, was wait listed and rejected. My professor of interest at Rochester recommended that I apply to a school he collaborates with at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Quick version? I received info about the school (app deadline in 2 days), submitted my application, and a couple days after that I had an interview (in which they flew me out to the Netherlands for three days on my spring break). I was accepted to the University of Groningen while I was there, which was beyond awesome. I also was accepted to SUNY-Albany, but I ended up turning them down (uncertain funding, and I couldn't pass up living in Europe for 4 years). Crazy twist & turns, that's for sure...but I'm at least going to get my Ph.D.!!

The only one on your list that I applied to was Rochester. I went there for an interview, was wait listed & rejected last week. They only accepted 2 people this year since they had less funding.... Congrats on your acceptance to Kansas though!

In my humble opinion, it doesn't matter as much as where you go but who you work with when you're there. I would opt for a lesser ranked school if I knew I was working in a lab with similar interests, or someone who is well-known in the field. To me, I could care less about ranking, but I have to look at the whole package of a school to determine I can be happy there for 5+ years--which really is the bottom line in this whole process.

As for the attire for interviews, it is your call. I opted to wear a suit, and most of the other applicants (but not all) did wear one as well. There is no "suit-mandate", but here is my logic: a) it is far better to be overdressed than underdressed, and you can always take the suit jacket off if you feel that you are overdressed. Good luck!

Don't necessarily discount a master's education. I'm currently finishing up my my M.A. in experimental psychology at highly ranked master's program. If you find a good master's program, it can really boost my application. I know compared to my application two years ago, I am much better off. Besides, don't give up yet. There is still time, and if all else fails, you can just re-apply next year. Psych grad programs are pretty competitive, and getting at least an interview should indicate to you that your application is not that bad. If anything, adding to it will only increase your odds next year. Be patient, and good luck!

Out of curiosity, has anyone heard from WashU? I've seen posting for other areas within the department but nothing for social.

I heard from Buffalo on Jan. 26, a few days after my phone interview. I suppose decisions depend on the individual professors, so it may vary depending on your PoI. Did your PoI say anything during the interview about when he or she would contact you again?

Hello, I had a few overlaps with you. I had a phone interview with SUNY-Buffalo, but was rejected. I also have an interview at Rochester a week from Friday (2/20). I have not been "officially" rejected from Missouri, but I found out from my person of interest that I did not get the interview invite...although I haven't been technically rejected. I do not know anything else though. Good luck!

I will also be at SPSP...I have a poster (Session F). PM me if you would like to come by & chat!

I received an e-mail this morning from my potential advisor inviting me to interview at University of Rochester. Interview weekend is in late Feb. I'm so excited! 8)

Yep, that was me--and thanks! I was shocked that the phone interview wasn't leading up to an in-person interview and that I would hear so soon. I think the interview went fairly well, but I suppose I will see next week!

I do not know if anyone else is applying here, but I have a phone interview (contacted by e-mail by my potential advisor) with Washington University in St. Louis. Yay for finally hearing something!

I was debating on posting on my schools, but I'll go ahead anyways. I applied to eight schools: Missouri, Duke, Rochester, Michigan State, Michigan, Carnegie Mellon, SUNY-Albany, & Washington University in St. Louis. I noticed that ammo posted some info for a couple of these schools, but all you can do is wait it out and try to keep your spirits up. I just remind myself that a couple of years ago (when I was applying clinical before attending my current master program) I was given an interview offer two weeks after other people on the forums received interview offers. You can't read the admissions committee's minds (unfortunately), so all you can do is wait. ?

Hi all. I am new here, although I have been hanging around the clinical people at Student Doctor Network for a while. I just wasn't aware of this forum! 8) Anyways, I'm applying to social-personality programs, and I still haven't heard anything yet. I hate waiting, but hopefully things will work out. Good luck!