stereopticons

A lot of places have a PhD in Experimental with a specialization in whatever field you choose (developmental, social, cognitive, etc.), which is usually separate from the Clinical PhD. I don't think the programs like that and the ones that are specifically PhD in Cognitive, etc. really have any substantial differences. It seems to have more to do with how the program and the department is organized. It probably doesn't matter much--I suspect you'll be doing the same work and same research regardless.

I don't know for sure, but I would assume they would look at the converted transcript because it would be easier to compare to people with US degrees. I do know that most places ask for a translated transcript. With your GRE scores that high, though, and a pretty high GPA on the US scale, in addition to all of your publications, I seriously doubt that they would throw out your application in the first round. You look like a good applicant to me! Good luck! Hopefully someone with more knowledge can help.

I love research, and most jobs that I want to do that allow me to keep doing my own research require a PhD.

Aw, man. I emailed her a few months ago asking if she had any positions open and she said she didn't know yet. Of course now I've already renewed my lease and accepted another job.

I tend to agree more with BrianM, though maybe not as vehemently. There are substantial differences in the way you study for and take a test for a class compared to the way you study for and take a standardized test. They are testing different things. The GRE is not an accurate representation of how you will perform on tests in class, your studying abilities, or coping style. I understand the general point of the GRE; admissions committees need something "standardized" on which to base the first round of admission decisions. Once you get past that, the emphasis is more on what I consider to be more relevant aspects of your application, like research experience. Obviously, the system is not perfect. Most everyone hates the test (naturally). Many people who would probably do very well in grad school do poorly on the test, even if they study extensively, and yes, even if they are excellent test takers in class. Anyway, my advice to the OP is that yes, it probably is worth the time and money to invest in a class. Whatever you did last time for studying obviously worked, but you need just a little more. I know that sometimes adcoms frown on people taking the GREs too many times, but with a clinical program, you'll need them to be higher to even get past the first stage of decisions.

Ugh, that's really disheartening. I mean, I guess I can see the reasoning, but it really is unfair. It makes me worry even more about this upcoming application season, which will be my third attempt.

But what if I didn't make a bad impression, and instead it was down to me and one other person who was a slightly better fit? Then it just seems totally unfair.

Are you serious?! Then I'm totally screwed. Did they give any reasoning for that?

Most Masters students at William and Mary go on to good PhD programs as well.

Well, it is definitely NOT a time to relax. But it did help me figure out my interests. I had kind of vague research ideas and the immersion in research you get in a good MA program can help to solidify and articulate what you are really interested in.

It's not really my area, so I don't know of a lot of programs, but I know Virginia Commonwealth University has a good developmental program that may be close to what you're looking for. It's a good school, but probably a little less competitive than the schools you have listed. Good luck!

They are all competitive. There are no "safety" schools because of the sheer number and quality of applications.

True, William and Mary does not accept people they can't afford to fund. You get a full tuition waiver plus a stipend, and usually summer funding as well. It's a pretty sweet deal and a great program. But because of that, it's gotten incredibly competitive. They only accept 6-9 people per year out of over 100 applications. There are 6 people in my cohort (graduated this year) and 7 in the incoming class for the fall.

I've always felt this way about the SATs. They don't seem to actually mean anything except that you can take standardized tests.

I agree with ILuvPsych2013. My research interests became clear as I did research. A lot of people going into my MA program didn't have a clear idea of what they wanted to do, or were generally interested in lots of areas of psychology. I also know a lot of undergrads at my current school who have worked in several different labs that were unrelated to each other to figure out what they wanted to do. Read some articles in several different areas, too. That might help you see what kind of research is going on now and spark some interests. Good luck!

That is a lot of questions. I'd like to start off by saying everyone has a different path to grad school and their career. That said... 1. No. I'm not an expert on clinical programs, but I imagine that since they are even more competitive than other psych programs, taking time off to get some clinical or research experience would probably help you. 2a. I keep seeing people bring up that people give preference in admissions to people without a Masters, but I have never heard of this being the case. Because programs are so competitive, few people seem to go directly from undergrad to PhD programs. I can't see how getting a masters would hurt you, but you could also just get some experience without the masters. 2b. I don't know of any specifically clinical masters programs, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. I think it may depend on what you want to DO with your clinical degree (I know there are masters degrees specifically in forensic and counseling psych). Do a search and see what comes up. 3. Yes, it will matter. Your masters GPA may not matter AS MUCH, depending on the focus of the program (if the program is more research focused, they may care less about your graduate GPA). 4. I think that depends on the program. Look at the program website or contact the program administrator to ask about funding.

So I didn't get accepted in to any of the schools I applied to for the 2012-2013 academic year. I had a couple of interviews. I am going to apply again in the fall (oh joy.) and I have a few questions for those of you who may have been through this process more than once. -Do I scrap my entire list from last year and start over? I applied to 10 places that I thought were a pretty good range of "prestige", but were probably a little top heavy. -Do I also scrap my personal statement from last year? Are people going to remember reading it if I submit a similar one? -How does it look if I apply to the same places again? Do people frown on this? Does it show determination and perseverance? -How does the whole emailing the POI thing work, since I feel like I just emailed them. Do I send another email saying "hey, me again, are you taking students again this year?" This was actually my second time through the process, but there were two years between when I applied the first time and this year, and I applied to a lot of different schools. I also didn't get any interviews the first time around. So, any advice you guys may have about starting the application process over again would be greatly appreciated.

I don't think I understand this part of your post? I don't see that having a Masters will ever hurt you when getting in to a PhD program. Honestly, it's gotten so competitive that not many people do end up going into PhD programs directly after undergrad, it seems. Anyway, I agree with what everyone has already said about living in DC. It's a cool place full of interesting things to do and experience, but it is expensive and a little sketchy in some parts. If you're ok with public transportation, trying to live in a different part of the district, or even outside of it, may be your best option. If you're really uncomfortable with it, go to the Masters program.

No. Honestly, I don't know for sure about RA jobs, but in a funded masters program, your stipend is probably going to be just enough to get by. RA jobs are usually grant funded, so they are probably not much better. If you're looking to get paid well right out of undergrad, you might be in the wrong field.

As I was reading this, I kept waiting for you to get to some massive pro for IIT, but it never came. So the answer is no. Sure, it'd be nice to live somewhere cool like Chicago, but that's not what you're going to grad school for and is certainly not worth a difference of $80,000 plus cost of living. You sound happy with the Louisiana program. Stick with that.

I think we've disagreed about this before, but I have to disagree again. I had neither a low undergraduate GPA nor a lack of psych coursework, and I am really glad I did my (funded) masters program. A funded RA position may not give you the opportunity to design your own research, for instance. There are definitely opportunities in both positions. I don't think you should rule it out as an option just because you have a high undergraduate GPA. That being said, since PhD programs have gotten more competitive, more people are applying to masters programs, which makes them more competitive as well.

What lewin00 said. There's no way to tell. I have 4 years of research experience, a masters degree, publications, good GPA and GRE, and I still didn't get in anywhere. It is extremely competitive and extremely random. Apply to as many programs as you can afford and a broad range of programs. Apply to some masters programs, if you don't have a masters degree already. No one is going to realistically be able to tell you your chances of getting in to any program at this point. Sorry to be a downer, and I'm not trying to say you won't get in because there really is no way to tell.

The new NRC rankings separate some programs (clinical for one school may be higher than social at the same school). The rankings also seem more comprehensive and informative. I don't have the link right now but it was posted in a similar thread in this forum previously.

No, experience writing is not enough if you are applying to an experimental type program (which I assume you are). You need experience executing a research project, beyond just writing critiques and lit reviews. Try emailing professors in your area and asking if they need volunteers on their lab. It seems the best way to get experience without quitting your job.

As an undergrad, I had three conference presentations and one in prep manuscript. Leaving my MA program, I have 1 officially published, 2 revise and resubmits, 1 under review and a whole bunch in prep, including two first author papers. I also have 7 or 8 conference presentations. I applied to 10 schools and did not get in to any (assuming at this point). Clearly, publications are not everything.