kaister

Hi there, I have a bit of a past in music therapy, so I'll share what I know of it. To be a music therapist you will need either a post bac (which will require you to do all the additional needed coursework in music therapy) to obtain a BMT or you would just complete a bachelors in MT. There's really no way around that part, you will need that coursework (which includes a lot of music heavy coursework, much of what you may already have with a music minor). I honestly think you should experience what music therapy is all about. It sounds like you've been working with some music therapists, so that's great. You should keep shadowing these people and decide if being a practitioner is really what you want. I thought that I wanted to go into music therapy (was in a program for a year) because I loved both music and psychological science. I wanted to research music through a psychological perspective, so I went into music therapy. That was the wrong choice for me, because I wanted to do research, rather than mainly focusing on clinical work. I did not know this going into it because there just wasn't very many chances for me to be exposed to music therapy where I lived prior to starting the program. From my experience and knowing other practicing music therapists, it is mainly working as a practitioner. If you continue on to get higher degrees (masters, phd) then you can get more involved in the research aspect. But again, this is still going through a mainly clinical avenue. I think you need to decide what part of music you want to study. What aspect are you most interested in? Therapy, musicology, music cognition, etc. There are many areas in which you could study music. I found out I really enjoyed music cognition and I attempted that route through a cognitive/experimental psychology phd route ( I actually didn't end up there, but I was accepted to a program focused on that, so it is possible!!) Honestly it is a tricky thing to accomplish as the music psychology community is still pretty small and often scattered throughout neuroscience and music departments. The main thing is to decide which avenue you wish to take. You could go through cognitive psychology, neuroscience, musicology, etc. So I think you need to think about the job you want and the field you want to continue in. From there, you can find ways to pursue music and psychology. For me, it was important to realize the clinical vs. research difference and to decide which side I'd rather be on. Yes, you don't have to choose one and leave the other forever, you can incorporate them, but you do sort of need to make a decision which side you'll strongly pursue. Hope that helps! PM if you want any more specific advice, I am happy to share my experiences.

Aw man, I was so looking forward to reading people's hook-up stories in grad school. Unfortunately I don't have any as I've just started grad school otherwise I'd offer advice, but I have none. I think after dealing with undergrads and their stupidity (for the most part), that's an instant turn-off. I find it hard to meet other grad students outside of my department as I haven't seen any sort of grad mixers going on at my school. :/

Waaaait Journals CHARGE you to publish?? I mean I've heard of that but those are usually scams or really crappy journals that aren't reputable. But there are fields in which you have to pay to publish? Legit publishing? Really? I'm really naive to fields outside of my own, so this is fascinating...

Great to hear all these different experiences. Seems like you all have had similar experiences to mine, and at least share the same philosophy as I do with mentorship. I get that it may vary by institution/professor. I feel a little better about having the perspective I have now (you must take initiative and contribute meaningfully). I've always liked the role of facilitator, there to help and teach along the way, but not the leading force in the project. I also think that the best way to learn as an undergrad as well. Now that I know, it's not just my naive way of thinking, I can feel a little more confident in the way I'd like to mentor.

Here's a question for my fellow psych folk. I'd love to hear from both undergraduates and graduates. How does mentoring work from your past experience? For example, getting authorship on a poster. Does your professor give you a topic they've been working on and you're just expected to make the poster? Do you have to do the analysis, write-up, etc? I'd like to hear how undergraduates are mentored or graduate students, how you are mentoring undergrads or how your PI deals with undergrads in this situation? I'm hearing a lot of differing perspectives, and maybe it's just personal preference, but I'd like to hear how others deal with this. I guess in my past experiences, I've always had to do all the work, if I didn't take initiative I wouldn't get opportunities. I'm starting to see at my current school (as a grad student) that PIs are more lenient and basically write-up things for undergrads to present, if they ask. I was kind of surprised, but maybe I'm just naive. So I'd love to hear what your thoughts/experiences are. I'm trying to learn my new role as a mentor for undergrads, so any advice is welcome!

I've been learning how to deal with this the past few months. We have a bunch of undergraduate RAs, some are great, while others…echo the statement OP posted. It's frustrating and here's something of the things I've learned that maybe will help others: 1) Create an application process for undergrads who are interested in working with you. It helps to weed out those who are just there to get "credit" and don't actually want to work and learn. You'd be surprise how easy it is to weed out the lazy students just by making an application where they have to fill in and articulate their thoughts. 2) TRUST YOUR GUT. This is the biggest thing I've taken from this semester. I interview all my undergrad RAs before I take them on. I had an uneasy feeling about two we took on this semester, turned out I was right, they were very unmotivated. Left early or didn't show up for their hours, one eventually dropped out. When interviewing ask questions about what they're looking to gain out of the experience, etc and from their answers you can usually get a feel of what they're looking for, but trust your gut feeling. 3) Make it a requirement that they be able to devote good chunks of time (3-4 a day at least). Otherwise it's hard to gain meaningful experience. When you start to take on new students, make this a requirement for the lab. I find that makes everything easier scheduling wise as well. It's our job to teach them how research works and the responsibilities that come along with it. Try to give them a sense of ownership over things and that can often help make them more motivated to follow through with things. Also, address their behavior. If an RA is not showing up or doing poor work, tell them. In a very professional way of course. Let them know you see what's going on and that you want them to re-engage in the lab, and that you want to make it known you see this happening. You want to make it aware before it's too late not only to hopefully help them get on it, but also so they know for letters of recommendation. I assume most undergrads are doing this because they want experience and go to grad school. Along with their grade for the research credit, dangle the idea of a good vs. bad letter of recommendation and hopefully that'll get them to shape up. If all is lost and you try all these things and still no improvement, see if you can get new RAs. I wouldn't keep a student like that on for the next semester. I have a few I'm not letting stay on with us because of that. I will allow people to "volunteer" but I won't let these type sign-up officially. Despite all the bad that can come with it, mentoring can be really satisfying. Eventually you'll get some RAs who are really motivated and are extremely helpful!

Lalala~ feeling the craziness setting in. I just had a bout of the "imposter syndrome" and I'm just about getting over it again. It's a vicious cycle. I find that procrastinating by doing other things that need to get done a nifty excuse for not getting a paper done…so it's not like I'm completely wasting time? Hah. I can't wait for break and then to start semi-fresh with a new semester! I think I'm going to buy myself some new headphones so I can block out everything in the lab and just focus. Maybe it'll deter people from bothering me as well and force me to work!

Lulz..these threads about grad school and finding love, etc. have about summed up both my irrational and rational thoughts and fears about it all…

I honestly have no idea. From my experience they varied completely. I got a response as early as January to February and March, and also sometimes nothing at all. I know some start looking right away but others wait until after the holiday season, it all depends. From here it's a waiting game unfortunately. Check the forums and results sections to see if anyone hears anything, that's the best you can really do.

I wouldn't worry too much about the grades. You said your overall would be around 3.45 and I think that should be fine, as your other more important aspects of your application (research, potentially GRE) can and will most likely outweigh this. Focus on finding the right schools/POIs for your applications, that will be crucial. You can mention how you switched from one area to another but I wouldn't mention specifically how your freshman/sophomore years were terrible. That switch in majors can speak for itself in terms of your change in motivation/grades, and they'll see that.

Typically from January and on…but I wouldn't rule out phone interviews in December.

I plan to email a friendly reminder either tomorrow or Tuesday…lol

Ah just submitted!! Thank god it's over!! For now...

Hah, in the same boat as you gellert!

I offered them to all my letter writers and sent them to whomever requested it. I think it helps them know your application and how you'd like to be portrayed.

Is it common to have that many citations? Just a honest question. I only have a few, but in general I tried to use citations only when I was making a specific claim where it's obvious its not my info. Is that okay or do I need to put more supporting citations?

I think it's good to get a variety of experiences, but scattering yourself too much will look unorganized. I also don't like the idea of working more than 2 labs at a time, you cannot possibly devote quality time to more than that, at least in my opinion. I also believe the quality of the experience and the letters they produce mean more than lines on a CV. Though, I can feel your supervisor's frustration, my lab RAs can't/won't always devote the 8-10 hrs/week we want either because of their loaded schedules, but I doubt they're getting good experience if they are here less than that...I see them less, they learn less skills, aren't give responsibilities because they're not here enough where I can depend on them or train them properly with their time restraints. I've met undergrads with a lot of short term experience in various labs, and they don't seem any more qualified than other RAs who have been in less labs. I encourage people to get experience in various labs, because it's a good way to figure out what you like, but once you find one you sort of like enough, you should definitely stick with it, it affords you more quality experiences.

I'm in that weird lull of nothingness too. It's like I've submitted things or am waiting on things to come back to me...so really I can't do much. And the things I could get started on...I'm just trying so hard to push off. I know I'll pick it back up once school starts and then I'll be super productive...but for now it's just like twiddling my thumbs...

If your only issue is that your friends and family are far away and you broke up with your girlfriend, I say, stick it out. You'll eventually come to find a new social circle at your new school and make great new friends/relationships. I don't think it's a common thing to just switch advisors mid program, I think it's a situational specific thing, so I wouldn't put all my cards on just that notion. If you really don't want to be at that school and program, you better think hard about it before even starting. If it's a school and PI that you really like and are excited about, I would stay with it...everything else will fall into place once you start school. But, if you know this distance is going to make you depressed, then you should think about finding a more suitable program.

You don't search for schools by your stats. You search for them by your research interests. As mewtoo said, you need to figure out what it is you want to do research in, it doesn't have to be so specific to the degree that you have your thesis planned out, but you need to get specific. What branch of social psychology do you want to go in? Stereotypes/prejudice, personality, social cognition, intergroup relations? The list goes on...so I think that would be a good next step...narrowing down those focuses. From there you can better search what PI's are doing awesome research in that area. And don't worry about not being a psych major. What matters is you have some background in it already and you've demonstrated research experience in psych as well as presenting/publishing skills. That along with great LORs, are probably the most important things.

I have this feeling too. I'm just starting so I don't have a lot of responsibility yet, but I have started numerous projects and they are going smoothly and frankly, ahead of schedule. Still I feel I don't have enough to do or I'm not working hard enough. Because I don't stay late like everyone else, I feel kind of guilty, like why am I not as busy? Am I not contributing enough? Even though I do offer to share the load with others, but I guess it's hard when I'm still a newbie. I guess I shouldn't feel bad for going home once my 8 hours are done? I should enjoy this easy breezy feeling time while I have it, because who knows when it will end, but it sure is hard.

I volunteered for my "POI" in the summer and continued on as I began applications. Ended up now my "POI" is my "PI" and I think being there and showing my interest/effort definitely was invaluable. Different professors have different systems for picking their grad students but at least for my PI it was important to know the person before hand or at least be aware of compatibility. Though this will never make up for fit and competency...I know for a fact my choice is a perfect fit with my research interests and just happened to work out that way, but I will advocate that it is a good way to make yourself known and demonstrate dedication. But by no means a guarantee...I never assumed it was one in volunteering either, that would be a big no-no. PIs can tell if you're a good fit and if you're research interests are compatible, but note grad students can be a pretty good judge of that as well, so definitely think about talking with your POIs grad students. Plus if grad students know you and you're able to demonstrate genuine interest/dedication they could potentially be great advocators for you.

Is it reasonable to ask for a chair? Our lab has a few nice office chairs but are being used by other members who are full time...I just started a full-time now. The chairs I have to use are plastic (but nice plastic ones). They're okay but not for 8 hours of use. Is it unreasonable to ask for a nicer chair or should I just bring in my own? What's the typical notion here?

I would say I could spend around 50/a week. But I like to cook and I like to make home lunches almost everyday. Groceries are a bit more expensive here. There are a bunch of restaurants up Waialae Ave. very near Palolo. There is plenty of good Asian food here (Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, etc) so enjoy!