[Who here has applied... THREE times?]

I also did three rounds of applications.  I wrote all new SOPs each year, made sure I spent my year on things that improved my CV and application, and on the third try got into my dream school with funding.  Sometimes, especially with competitive programs, it's just a matter of numbers, and it's not necessarily about 'you' -- you have to think of it more like the lottery.  If you're sure this is what you want to do, just keep swimming. 

[In a predicament: to visit or not to visit?]

I would recommend visiting.  PhD programs are REALLY long.  It's 5-10 years of your life.  If you can swing it financially $500 or $800 is a small price to pay for making an informed decision.  But, if you decide not to go there are other options.  I had a Skype visit with one of the schools I was looking at.  I spoke with the DGS and a couple of current grad students and I later emailed with a few more grad students.  I also asked to be put in touch with other accepted students who had attended the visiting weekend and that was really helpful.  They were able to give me their impressions, which was awesome considering they were currently in the same boat as me. 

[What to ask current grad students?]

Having participated in my deparment's visiting weekend a couple of times, here a few good ones:

 

1. Are there ever conflicts between professors, or does the department work well together? (Some departments do NOT get along, and you definitely want to know this going in.  Grad students are pretty much the only reliable way to find this out.)

2. How much flexibility does the department offer in letting you pursue your interests?

3. Is it possible to live off the stipend or do students have to take out supplemental loans?

4. What were your reasons for choosing this program?

 

And I second jmarti37's "Is there anything you know now that you wish you'd known when you started?"  This one always gets good answers. 

 

 

[SOP due Friday!! Final edits/thoughts are so appreciated!!!!]

I forgot there are only 28 days this month and this is due March 1st (Friday). I am looking for feedback on how well I specifically answered the questions asked and how to format this into a narrative without overusing transitions. Thank you for your time!

 

Provide a brief description of your background, training, and experience. Include work and experiences both within and outside of the health care field.

 

Early on in my academic career I had the opportunity of studying a semester abroad in Cuernavaca, Mexico. I had a two-month internship working with families of children with a range of disorders. There I co-facilitated psycho-educational groups, sensory activities, and games. This experience taught me the importance of how cultural competency is key to cross-cultural communication and how I would have been an ineffective co-facilitator without that understanding. Can you give a concrete example of this?  An short ancedote would go a long way in 'showing' rather than 'telling'.

 

I had a taste ("taste" is awkward - maybe connect the two experiences be saying something like "My time in Cuernavaca had such a profound effect on me I signed up for a second trip abraod, this time to Tanzania...or something along those lines.) for this experience again so I went on a one-month service-learning trip to rural Tanzania, Africa. I taught reproductive health in two village schools and prepared dinner with some of the women every night in the convent.  This experience also taught me the importance of cultural competency as a means to cross-cultural communication, but I really recognized how much privilege I have. But HOW did it teach you the importance of cultural competency?  I realize you probably have a word limit you are working with, but statements like these don't mean much unless they are backed up by something.  It might even be better to combine the two trips into one paragraph, and then talk about what you learned from both. 

 

Could you put something in here to make it flow from your last statement.  Maybe: Currently, I work as a mental health practitioner that does (doing) behavior analysis and skills training with families based on a treatment plan. Each client I have presents with a different skill set and each family provides a different level of commitment and support to their child, which has been eye opening because I get a first hand perspective on how the system affects the individual. On another hand, ("On another hand" is not a logical transition here.  How about "Additionally" or "Also".) I work at a crisis shelter for children and adolescents. Include something here about this experience - what you've learned, what you've found challenging, how it's forced you to improve as a provider, etc. 

 

 

What are your long-term career goals? Be as specific as possible. It is understood that these goals may change, and that they may not be clearly formed at this point in time.

 

I want to one day open my own practice working with all demographics. I will also spend some of my time coordinating an after school program for at-risk and disadvantaged youth. Reason being, they often lack the support of family members and the community to be successful. Why do you want to do these things?  If you have the space here, you should defintiely talk about your motivations as it will make your goals much more compelling to the readers.  Make them want to help you get where you are going...

 

 

How does obtaining licensure as a Psychologist fit into your career goals? What is unique about a professional identity as a psychologist in terms of meeting your goals?

 

As the end of my Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program draws near, I realized I have only scratched the surface of my training. Obtaining licensure as a Psychologist would provide me with an abundance of opportunities as I search for employment, but more importantly I would have the ethical and multicultural competencies necessary in this field. If you have more room on this section I would address how their specific program would best fit your goals. 

 

 

The doctoral program in counseling psychology is demanding of both time and energy, and sometimes students underestimate the commitment needed to complete the program in a timely manner. How do you plan to integrate your work as a student in the program with the other demands in your life? How do you anticipate making changes in your life so that you can successfully complete a doctoral program?

 

The PsyD in counseling psychology has a lot of demands, but within the past two years I have been very successful meeting the demands of my MFT program. I commute almost eight hours to and from school each week, work multiple jobs, and maintain an above average GPA. Commitment, time-management skills and dedication to my education have proven to be consistent throughout my graduate career. <- This sentence is excellent!  You provided concrete examples that PROVE you are ready.  With the support of my family, I am always motivated to prevail and succeed in my goals. In addition, my MFT program has done a phenomenal job of stressing the importance of “personal time” to avoid exhaustion. 

 

 

How do you anticipate making changes in your life so that you can successfully complete a doctoral program?

 

I had some difficulty knowing when to take personal time last year, but I quickly learned that I am of little value if I am tired and of have low energy. With that said, I have learned to balance work and leisure by prioritizing my obligations and I have added structure to my life by scheduling personal and family time.

 

Subsequently, as a McNair Scholar, I had three years of extensive training on how to succeed as a graduate student. Could you talk a little more about what this training included?  Being a McNair Scholar is generally seen as very favorable; capitalize on that. In addition, because my MFT program is so demanding in its expectations, I have an even greater understanding of what type of dedication it takes to be a successful PsyD student. 

 

 

Describe the academic, interpersonal, and/or personal challenges that might hinder your success as a student in a doctoral program in counseling psychology. How do you plan to address these challenges?

 

I understand how important prioritization, time-management, sacrifice, and endurance, are to be a successful doctoral student. This is the biggest endeavor I have ever embarked on, and I would be crazy to think this would be easy. Yet, I do not expect this journey to be easy, I expect this program to be the most challenging time in my life. You have not answered the question here.  They are asking you to name challenges - for example family.  "I am extremely dedicated to my family and currently spend a conseridable amount of time with them.  Although, it will be a challenge to have to lessen the amount of time I spend with them and prioritize something else, my family understands what admission to this program would mean to me and fully supports my decision to purse the PsyD." 

 

Describe the academic, interpersonal, and personal strengths you would bring to your work as a student in a doctoral program in counseling psychology.

 

I understand my privilege of an education so I am a very proactive student as I have always sought to learn more about my studies outside of class. I also have no trouble utilizing resources if I am having difficulty academically related or personally related. In addition, I work very well with others and appreciate the opportunity to learn from others backgrounds and their experiences. With that said, (This is not a logical transition as it implies you are about to negate your previous statement) I take feedback very well and am receptive to new ideas and ways of conceptualizing things which will be important tools to have as a doctoral student. I am also very resilient to rapid change and can easily adjust as things change. Resiliency is important in a doctoral program in counseling psychology because there are a lot of expectations both academically and personally and without the ability to be flexible, I can imagine “burnout” to occur quickly.  This paragraph is pretty rough and needs to be reworked a bit.

 

What concerns you the most about the prospect of embarking on graduate study in a doctoral program in counseling psychology?

 

I do have generic concerns questioning about whether I am good enough to be a counseling psychologist and the looming idea of failing myself. Although these thoughts have crossed my mind, I remind myself that they have crossed my mind before and I reflect on how far I have gotten despite some of my doubts. <- This is EXCELLENT.  Stating a concern and then showing how it isn't actually a problem is the exact formula you want to be going for.  Really good.  In addition, I understand the counseling psychology program is not APA accredited which is of concern as it would keep me in a window of things I could do with my degree. You need to address why this is not actually a concern - just like you did before.  Even if it IS still a concern, lie.  Admissions committees don't want to accept someone who is on the fence about their program. But what is more concerning is the financial investment that I will be making to earn my degree. Again, why is this not actually a problem?  Even something as simple as "I have fully weighed the financial obligations I will be undertaking, and am prepared to make this committment." 

 

What excites you the most about the prospect of embarking on graduate study in a doctoral program in counseling psychology? How do you anticipate (and perhaps hope) that completing a doctoral program in counseling psychology will change you?

 

I am immensely excited about the practitioner-scholar model that XYZ University employs as I will receive training in both research and practice. I look forward to learning more about research, testing, and assessments. I also look forward to supervision, and building relationships with my peers. I anticipate completing a doctoral degree will encourage me to hone in on my diverse skillset and be more confident with my competencies to integrate evidence-based research and theories as I practice.  I would add more here about this school's particular program.  You need to make them understand not only why you would be a good fit for their program, but also why their program is a good fit for you. 

 

Hope this helps a bit.  As far as crafting it into a narrative, I would keep the opening paragraph and the closing paragraph the same as they are now, but perhaps reorder the internal paragraphs.  Find the most logical order, maybe combine a few, and then streamline it.  Best of luck. 

[Is it OK to ask who's on the admission committee?]

I would not ask.  Some schools don't care, but others definitely do and won't tell you.  I'd walk lightly until you know which way the school leans.  As for Chai_Latte's dilemma, I would ask...and I would probably go about it through the gossip channels.  You are already in, asking won't hurt you at this point.  Are there any older grad students you could ask who might know? 

[What Are You Stress-Eating?]

I love shrimp scampi.  And yes, I totally use cooking as a way to distract myself.  Even from the things I'm supposed to be doing.  Maybe jambalaya tonight and it was AWESOME.  Also with shrimp in it. 

[Reversing a rejection with an email? Sending email while waiting?]

I think it depends on whether you have been formally rejected or if you are waitlisted.  You mention waiting in your title.  If you have already been formally rejected, no, begging will not change anything.  Asking for tips on where you can improve for the next application season is not frowned upon, though, and can lead to some great insight for next time. 

 

HOWEVER, if you are waitlisted, that is something else entirely.  You can absolutely sway a decision (in either direction) based on communication while you are waitlisted.  Supplying additional materials along with a well-worded, polite cover letter can launch you to the top of the waitlist or even make them reconsider acceptance.  When I was applying I was waitlisted at my first choice and one of my recommenders told me to treat it as if they were saying, "We like you, but we're not convinced.  Convince us."  I attended the visiting weekend, met with as many professors as I could, submitted another writing sample, along with a brief cover letter restating my desire to attend.  They responded by attempting to find additional funding for me, and eventual offered me admission along with full funding.  So it is definitely possible to sway a decision, as long as the decision has not actually been made yet.

[Keep A Word Drop A Word]

Noid light.  (Yes, that was cheating.)

[Change of Fields/Schools/Life Decisions]

It does not look bad to take a leave of absence, so I would recommend taking a leave and clearing your head a bit.  Then come back and finish the masters, as the best option is definitely to leave with the masters.  I would also work on making a contact that can provide you a LoR as this will be important when you attempt to transfer.  A TA or lecturer recommendation would be better than nothing, but a rec would carry a lot more weight coming from a prof. 

[Post-acceptance phone conversation scheduled with PhD director- Still waiting on other programs]

This may be too late, but don't sweat.  Just express your excitement about the offer and that you have some important decisions to make.  They expect that you will be deciding between other programs and they won't be offended if you don't accept on the spot.  As for questions, some important things to ask are rate of attrition, time to completion, placement rates, etc.  One other thing that is VERY important to ask for if it is not offered is the contact info of some current grad students in your field.  These students will be much better resources to you as you make a decision as they'll be honest with you about conditions within the department. 

[Cornell or UMichigan ?(applied mathematics PhD)]

Something else you might want to consider is job placements.  What kind of job do you want when you get done?  What are the two schools' placement records for that type of job? 

 

I don't think you should consider any atmosphere besides the atmosphere of the department.  It's where you will be spending 99.9% of your time.  Is there any possibility of visiting?

[Visit During Open House, or scheduling an individual visit at another time?]

In my experience the two are different, but both have their benefits.  Often for the open house the school is rolling out the big guns - there will be lots of organized activities, speakers, etc.  When you do an individual visit you don't get to see any of that, but you do get a much more personalized tour.  So, it's not quite the same experience, but you can still get the same information with a little bit of digging.  I'd do what works best for your schedule. 

[Stay home or Move away?]

I agree with kaister - make your decision based on the program itself, not the external factors.  Sounds like the two living situations would be a toss up anyway, as there are elements to each you would be happy with.  If everything else is equal...then I'd do the one that saves you more money. 

[Open house question]

Yes, it's definitely okay for you not to go.  I have organized my program's visiting weekend in the past and it is not a big deal.  As long as you are accepted, you are accepted.  Just be very polite in your email and explain that you won't be able to make it to the open house but that you are delighted to accept their offer. 

[Anyone know anything about LSE?]

I don't know anything about LSE, but I would weigh the decision to go abroad carefully.  European programs are set up very differently than American programs and can be a whole 'nother kettle of fish.  I have also heard that American universities occasionally look on foreign degrees with a bit of suspicion, but I would imagine this varies widely by field.  Maybe check with old professors or your recommenders?  They should know the field well and can give you specific advice. 

[One Acceptance - Reapply?]

I think that would depend on a lot of factors.  Taking out loans to do an MA can be a really bad idea.  On the other hand, you don't want to waste your time in a sub-par PhD program.  Don't accept the PhD program unless you are enthusiastic about it and think it will give you the pedigree and the skills to be able to go where you want afterwards.  I actually did three rounds of applications, and turned down unfunded MAs, funded MAs, funded PhDs, etc, until I found a program that was a perfect fit.  It is a lot of work to apply and reapply, but it can also be worh it. 

 

As for your question about what to do with a year off, there are lots of things:

 

-Try submitting a paper to a conference in your field.  It's a lot easier to get into conferences than most people think, and it looks great on your CV.

-Go abroad.  Most people don't think of this, but it's looked on very favorably by grad schools.  I spent a year abroad working for a NGO and I know this significantly impacted my application's competitiveness.  

-Spend the year reworking your materials.  Make your writing sample AWESOME.  Rewrite your SOP until it is the best it could possibly be.

[Penn State vs UConn - English PhD]

As someone who is currently attending a PhD program in literature, I would absolutely choose Penn State over UConn.  Don't be dazzled by more funding - as long as you can live off of the other stipend you should be placing more emphasis on the other factors.  Having someone you are interested in working with should weigh VERY heavily in your decision at this point, as should Penn's reputation...their placement rate definitely beats UConn's.  Just my two cents.

[Any word on UNC at Chapel Hill?]

Anyone else apply to their Comp Lit program?