PsychGirl1

It's not too late, there's not a "strict schedule". But you don't want to waste time on an application (and cost of sending GRE scores, etc.) if they're not taking students, so email ASAP. If a program or a faculty member specifically says it's not necessary/preferred to email faculty, then I wouldn't.

I honestly would just make a decision to apply or not. I had one or two professors who didn't respond to their emails, and I applied anyway because I couldn't find any evidence that they WEREN'T taking students, and I really loved their research and the program. For the record, at least one of them was taking students despite not answering my email.

If it's on your transcript and application package, you should probably mention it. As in, one or two sentences. You don't need to explain your personal problems- you said you felt like it wasn't a good fit, so just tell them that in one or two sentences- how you realized it wasn't your passion, and then you discovered psychology and realized that was your passion. When I went through the process, I found that discussing my past career paths (yes, there were multiple) was actually an asset, since it showed that I had tried other things and really come to realize what I wanted to do and why.

The problem will be convincing someone you're interested in doing social psych for the rest of your life, when you've never done it before on any level. A few PIs might be willing to take the chance on you, esp since you can clearly handle grad school. Your stats are competitive, but if I were you, I'd probably take a year off to take some social psych courses, get some social psych research experience, and then reapply. Somewhat to make you more competitive, but also to convince yourself (amongst others) that you know what you're getting into and that you really like it.

I'm pretty sure that type of common app will never happen in psychology :-D. But I won't stop you from trying!

"I ask that unless you wish to offer some constructive criticism or assistance in clarifying or confirming the above information, please refrain from making pointless comments." Bren, unless you're giving them the actual answers, they don't want to hear your "pointless comments" ;-)

I only had 1 prof per school, and I think that's the best approach if possible. You don't want to appear unfocused.

Talk to your research advisor- that's what they are there for.

It seems like you have a lot of basic things you need to find out and figure out about this process. I suggest getting some books about applying to clinical psych grad programs and reading them. It would be much more efficient than asking us these very broad questions. RC = research coordinator. Clinical experience is important, as is research experience- some matters more than others depending what type of program and what your ultimate career path is. You need to figure that out first, as I said above. Master's isn't required for entry into PhD programs. Some people do them for the experience beforehand. It's not required.

Lots to say: 1. Getting a job as an RA isn't a mandatory pre-req for grad school. However, it sounds like you have no research experience at all, let alone in the psych world, so I would strongly suggest getting a job as an RA/RC. Look for jobs where you will have an opportunity to do research and be on posters, manuscripts, etc. For paid positions, you can look at university job listings, hospital job listings, websites like Indeed/Monster/Craigslist/etc. If you are very highly interested in one specific area, you could try emailing professors in that area, asking if they will have any RA/RC openings or if they know anyone who will. For PT or FT volunteer positions, you can just email professors of interest and ask them if they have volunteer opportunities. When I worked FT, I did this in a local lab. 2. Grad schools: look at fit, most importantly- research fit with the professor of interest. Look at balance between clinical vs research, APA internship match rate, what their graduates do after, etc. You will have to know your career goals and research interests before you start looking. 3. Master's is optional, you can apply to programs just with a BA/BS.

If you have the time, energy, and think you can improve your GRE scores, then go for it. If not, it's a little late in the game to take them again.

^ I'd say I agree with mpheels with what I've seen at my school, across Clinical Psych as well as more basic sciences. It's a "professional" casual more than a business casual. As in, jeans are okay- but not saggy jeans with holes in them with an old t-shirt- more like dark jeans and a nice sweater. And then for more important meetings, or if you're working with clients, etc., then business casual or nicer would become appropriate. Again, I think if you work hard to find some sales at places like Old Navy, Kohl's, thrift stores, etc. (cheap places), you can get a few pieces every month that will help you develop a wardrobe. Start with basics and work your way up. Keep in mind that nobody may say anything to you about your attire being inappropriate, but that doesn't mean nobody is thinking it.

Depends on the program and school. In my field, we tend to dress up for grad school. You should pretty much treat grad school as a professional work environment, and dress accordingly- even if other people don't. Honestly, I'd spend $100 and go to Old Navy and buy some simple black dresses, black pants, a nice dress skirt/tank/sweater, etc. and get some more basics for your wardrobe that are a tad more professional. Key is to get pieces you can mix and match, in basic colors, that you can also layer. It will be worth the investment into your career.

Agreed. I got my MS before applying to a PhD program, and it is concerned a bit of an nontraditional path. Unless she meant that you should take a few years to work to get more research experience- she may have meant that it's unusual for people to go straight from undergrad to a PhD program.

If you already scanned it, you can just put a white box over it in paint or photoshop or gimp or whatever you use for that sort of thing. They probably want it for organizational purposes or cause things get lost.

I'm guessing (I have no actual clue) that one is more focused towards psychology and one more towards epidemiology? Not really sure, though. I'd call and ask to speak to someone or meet with someone about the programs and what might be a good fit for you.

What....

The best way is to look at the profiles of the schools you're applying to. If you're in the ballpark, the rest will make up for it. If you're WAY below their average scores, then you might want to consider adding on some lower tier schools to your list of applications. You can also talk to your advisers/mentors/LORs/etc. about this. They will have much more insight and advice than other applicants. But at the end of the day, you just need to make every piece of your application as great as possible and see where opportunities come up. Again, research fit is usually more important than "top tier" "middle tier" programs, or from a GRE score of a x to a GRE score of y, whatever else have you.

^ I feel like it's good to repeat things, so that people trust our advice more :-D

A decision as simple as clinical vs I/O determines your entire career, i.e. the next 50-60 some years of your life. If clinical is what you want to do, take a year or two off, get more research experience, get some posters and maybe even your name on a publication, some light clinical experience, take the GRE again, and apply in a year or two. An extra year or two in the grand scheme of your life will not matter at all, and it will likely provide you with skills that will help you excel in your grad program, and you will be in a MUCH better position. When you add up the cost and time it takes to apply and interview at all these schools, I would honestly wait until you felt confident and ready. "Other than the stats mentioned, the only thing that would stand out in my application is the fact that I've been enrolled in American schools since 8th grade and have come this far. (I speak fluent English with no accent btw). I figured that would emphasize my dedication and ability to take on a phd program."- this may help you in schools with diversity statements, but other than that, probably won't help you enough to move you from no interview to interview, if everything else is the same. (I'm not as familiar with I/O programs, though).

Talk to older students- they should have quals binders they can pass down, advice, and suggestions.

Yes, definitely have statements longer than 500 words. Mine were on average just over 1000 words, unless the directions stated otherwise. And I got interviews at about half of the clinical psych programs I applied to. I just feel like there is no way you can communicate enough in 500 words- it's not enough space to talk about your experiences, passions, and why you'd be a good fit.

500 words!!!!!! I had only had one school that was that low- surprisingly, it's the one I ended up at :-D. It was a pain in the butt to write, though. Good luck!

Personally, I strongly suggest gap years- the time will help you decide if this career path is for you, observe potential career paths in action, network, and build a skill set that will help you excel in grad school- not just barely survive. It also shows potential PIs that know what you're getting into, and you're not just applying for more schooling because you don't know what else to do with yourself. Also, I strongly believe that living a few years as an adult outside of the college environment greatly increases maturity level and professionalism, which are both incredibly important in graduate school.

Yes, definitely! I've come to realize that professors are busy with their own social lives (as your dept drama suggests), and that they won't really notice if you don't show up (unless they're your adviser). However, if you do show up and you're not engaging, they'll probably notice. So be choosier about the events you attend, but definitely try to go to a few of them. It's better for you if people start forming positive associations with you now :-D