jynx

I applied to Clinical Psychology programs this year, and I actually found that most schools I applied to "strongly preferred" that recommenders use their online form. So when you're filling out your app, you write in your recommenders' email addresses, and it sends them the form. The only thing is, this is very time-consuming for your recommenders, because each school has a different form, and sometimes there are technical difficulties. Different recommenders will feel differently about this, though; two of mine filled out all 14 online forms without complaint, but one of them said she didn't have time and opted to write a generic letter and upload it to interfolio.com. From there, I was able to send her recommendation to most of the schools on my list. However, about 3 of the 14 schools required the use of their online form, and would not accept recommendations sent in any other format. Applying to 20 schools should be fine. You're expected to apply to 15 or so for Clinical Psych, and your professors will know that. Just supply them all your materials well in advance of the deadline (about 2 months is good).

Like newms said, asking for a phone or Skype interview should be fine. But I'd definitely tell them the reason is that you can't afford it; if you tell them you can't make it because you live 8-10 hours away, it may come off sounding like you don't feel like the program is worth the time it would take to go to an interview.

Don't lose hope! Especially so early on! The programs I'm applying to only accept 3-5% of applicants, and somehow I remain hopeful despite having no publications under my belt. It's not over til it's over, and thinking about worst case scenarios is only going to make the whole process a lot more anxiety-provoking for you. If you are rejected from all the programs you applied to (which seems highly unlikely given your credentials), THEN you can think about what to do. But for now, it sounds to me like you have absolutely nothing to worry about.

I definitely agree with everything everyone else has said. I want to reiterate: the more research experience you have, the better. Clinical psych programs are ridiculously competitive, and having at least a year of research experience is ideal. I only had 9 months in my lab, though, and I've gotten a couple interviews (but I seem to be the exception; most other applicants I've met at interviews have over a year of research experience). Also, make the most of your research opportunities; you said you're just doing grunt work, but try to get as involved as you can. Ask about findings, read relevant papers, and offer to take on more responsibility. Showing enthusiasm really helps. Same goes for your internship. There are a few factors to consider when trying to figure out where to apply. Reputation is definitely one of them - US News & World report ranks psychology programs across the country, but it is not the ultimate authority on how good a program is. It will just give you a general guideline. The other important factor to consider is fit with faculty interests; this is EXTREMELY important. What do you want to research? Find someone who is doing work in the specific field that you want to do. The way I decided where to apply was by looking at top ranked programs (I used the ranking in The Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology), then going to every department's website and reading over what every clinical faculty member was researching. It's a grueling and time-consuming process, so give yourself lots of time! I highly recommend the Insider's Guide. It was really helpful. Also, find a faculty member or grad student whom you can ask questions about the process. Pretty much the only way to get through it successfully is to know someone you can ask for advice.