JerryC

I think it's fair warning. The person writing sounds like a motivated, intelligent individual who is fully capable of obtaining a job. Besides, it's not like it's purely his experience, the data drawn isn't "his experience" - it demonstrates a lot of people in the industry's , particularly those with a PhD in psychology. It's depressing to know after all of this hard work, nothing will come of it. We say pursue our passions and are encouraged to do so constantly, but really, that's all good when we're 18 and just entering the college of our dreams, where the world seems to be full of possibilities. But really, I think this is a caution for those who aspire for a PhD in psych. - that is unless, there is another knowledgeable person who can refute these claims/ data analysis.

Perhaps a bit of it may have been sour grapes, but the guy drew data - it wasn't like he was pulling the numbers out of nowhere. One of his main points - you can't get hired as a PhD due to the overspecialization of a degree in the eyes of employers. Psychology-related jobs are not only bleak, others are too.

NOTE: This is incredibly long and it is NOT written by me. I'm merely posting here to allow others to perhaps affirm their beliefs, or to dispute these claims. I've become disillusioned and extremely depressed about job aspects now... what do you guys think? Is this true? http://talk.collegec...ortunities.html Scroll down to read the posts by "PsychologyCareer" and be in for a read - it'll take a while.

NOTE: This is incredibly long and it is NOT written by me. I'm merely posting here to allow others to perhaps affirm their beliefs, or to dispute these claims. I've become disillusioned and extremely depressed about job aspects now... what do you guys think? Is this true? http://talk.collegec...ortunities.html Scroll down to read the posts by "PsychologyCareer" and be in for a read - it'll take a while.

NOTE: This is incredibly long and it is NOT written by me. I'm merely posting here to allow others to perhaps affirm their beliefs, or to dispute these claims. I've become disillusioned and extremely depressed about job aspects now... what do you guys think? Is this true? http://talk.collegec...ortunities.html Scroll down to read the posts by "PsychologyCareer" and be in for a read - it'll take a while.

Thanks guys. Any PhDs able to confirm this?

I'm currently a high school student deciding on my senior year courses. I aspire to be a research psychologist, so I am a little confused as to what mathematics course I should take. Should I take AP statistics or pre-calculus honors?(NOTE: I am not bad at math.. I was lazy so I didn't apply for the accelerated course) I've been told by some that calculus is required for psych. but some, not. What course should I take to prepare me for research in psychology?

The reason I have asked this question is because I am trying to decide between attending a prestigious undergrad, or a mediocre one. The following inferences are generalizations, and of course do not apply to every single person at the institution: The same person might appear to have a better LOR because at a mediocre school, people are less competitive. When one is placed in an environment filled with skilled people, then they have a better chance to fail to "stand out", so to speak. In other words, if one attends a prestigious university, they might be with smarter/more determined kids, so they may get overshadowed and appear "less intelligent or less (fill-in-good-trait)" to the professor. In addition, those who attend LACs tend to have a knack for writing or are trained to write so much, that they naturally become better at it. At a research university such as Davis, writing won't be as focused on as it is at a liberal arts college, which stresses writing. Also, most of the time, students who attend more prestigious universities have a harder curriculum/stronger foundation or knowledge, so GPA is lower and GREs are higher, respectively.

Well, the UC Davis student has better LORs and a higher class rank. But, the LAC student has higher GREs, and a lower class rank. This isjut paart of my thinking process as to where I want to go... somewhere mediocre where I can excel or somewhere prestigious where I may in the middle of the pack instead.

LAC=Liberal Arts College

Who would top grad schools believe as better? A student at an elite LAC in the 50th percentile in terms of GPA, with average to good LORs(Letters of Recommendation), and a lot of research; or, a student at say, UC Davis in the top 25-30th percentile with good LORs, and less research? The LAC student has a better personal statement and a slightly higher GRE(50-60pt difference)? Who would get in?

Thank you! At the moment, I am lost as to whether or not I want to "risk" my college career. In selecting psychology as my major, I know that if I cannot get into grad school, I'm pretty much doomed because the aspects of it in which I am interested by will be unavailable. I'm currently a junior - soon to be senior. I'm a fairly good student, I would say (2000+ SATs , 4.0GPA, etc.) but everyone who applies for a PhD are in the cream of the crop - that's why I'm worried. LJK, you mention not attending a liberal arts college because it would be unfavorable in terms of research experience. Does this apply for all LACs? I really love the liberal arts also... but if it gets in the way of psych, my true passion, I guess I could give it up. I was planning on attending a top LAC such as Amherst, Claremont McKenna, etc. but are they out of the question? Thank you for your time - these are some very timely responses.

Hello, all. I'm currently a high school student that aspires to a PHd in Cognitive Neuropsychology or Cog. Psych. However, factors I'm worried about: A) PHD programs - Are they really that hard to get into? I saw the acceptance rates - prevalent stats were about 300 people apply, and only 30 get in. Is it really this cutthroat in comparison to undergraduate admissions at competitive universities? B.Job Availability- How hard is it to find a job that earns at least $50000/yr? In addition, are there a lot of jobs available/emerging for these fields? Thanks!