Wotan

First off, thanks for the kind words. I've been feeling really confused and down about this the past week. My mantra this entire process was, "just one is all I need!" now that I have it and seriously consider the financial aspects, I realize it's more complex than I made it out to be. The sad thing about this is that I *really* like the research going on there, and I'm afraid I wouldn't find that elsewhere. When I applied I felt like I had a good fit for all but maybe 2 Programs. I suppose maybe not good enough a fit I'm skeptical about the education in the sense that they offer a quarter long class on projective testing (I have strong feelings against its place in Psychology) as well as about half of the faculty report they are psychodynamic in orientation. Without going into a protracted discussion about this, we could say ny feeling about that mirror my feelings concerning projective testing I've inquired about the financial award letter, so hopefully they provide something. I'd hate to delay a year (I'm itching to get moving ahead) but it may be the best option. I'll keep you all posted.

Howdy all (long time lurker, finally posting). After applying to 10 schools, I was interviewed and accepted into only one clinical psych PhD program. My dilemma is that it is 1) unfunded and 2) I'd probably graduate with a quarter million dollars in debt 5-6 years from now 3) I'm questionable about some facets of the quality of education. I like the faculty, the interview was fantastic, and the research prospects are definitely interesting. Hell, even the idea of moving (west coast school) is a strong positive consideration. After discussing with my advisor, she strongly suggested I decline it if I don't get funding through a scholarship or fellowship. She explained to me that I am a strong applicant, and that if I apply again next year after possibly publishing some manuscripts I'm working on and boosting my GRE, I should have a better array of options. I'd have to take out a GradPlus etc. My credit is not so good (recently fallen into collections with my bank - was out of a job for awhile). Not even sure I could borrow the money (no cosign available) What terrifies me is that if I turn this down, there won't be a future offers next year. I've seen the rejection letters I have received, where record numbers of applicants have applied for a scant number of spots. I don't see things getting "better" for me next year. I could possibly improve my GRE scores, but I'm not optimistic about this (I had more time when I studied over the summer, now that I'm working and trying to volunteer I don't see it happening). Publications are always variable, so I'm on the fence with them. My CV in a nutshell: GPA: Summa cum laude (honors thesis completed), BA GRE: mediocre (1k) Volunteer work: Crisis Center (1+ years, I train new staff, received award for service, related with concentration of study) 2 years in mid tier university as RA (becoming more coordinator like position) 2-3 manuscripts pending publication 1 international poster presentation 1 university poster presentation 1 year top tier university as RA 1 national poster presentation pending work with known researcher in my specialty Currently employed with two clinical / behavioral positions (private). I think many of you can appreciate the anxiety I'm going through regarding this. Honestly, I don't think I'm any better applicant than most. Since any change would be so negligible, I think, I don't see my status really improving. Advice?