schpsy92

I'm in a similar situation as you because I applied to school psychology doctoral and specialist programs too. If I was you, I would pick the Ed.S program because it sounds like a great deal - good funding, accredited, good job placement, and comfortable campus feeling. The Psy.D program has the benefit of being a doctorate but that's really it (based on the way you described it). If you want to work in the schools (at least for a decent amount of time), I would do the Ed.S.

Also, has anyone had a specialist-level interview yet? If so, what questions did they ask? I'm just curious since most of the interview questions I've come across are more related to doctoral-level programs.

I PMed you!

I know that some school districts prefer that school psychologists come from a NASP accredited program, but you can still become NCSP (National Certified School Psych) even if you come from a non-NASP program. Also, if you're going to an APA accredited program, I wouldn't worry -- I think school districts would understand that you are more than capable

Yeah I don't think that matters since EdS programs cannot be APA accredited.

I just got offered an invite for Hofstra's program today

I feel the same way ... if this snow doesn't stop in the NY Metro area, we're never going to get any decisions (and I may go crazy due to absolutely hating snow)

Hi everyone! I have an interview coming up in 2 weeks, and I will be staying with a friend the night before (who attends that college as a undergrad). Is it acceptable to bring my luggage / a backpack to the interview with me? I plan on catching a train home right after the interview is over.

Congrats! I would say something like "Thank you for the offer, <accepted school> is one of my top choices, but I am still considering other offers. I will let you know of my decision as soon as possible!"

Wow, this is really helpful -- thanks iphi!

I think it's perfectly acceptable to request a Skype interview since you are so far away. Congrats!

What I've heard from school psychology practitioners (both specialist and doctoral) is that if you want a doctorate, it is best to get it before you start working -- so get it the first time around. Many doctoral programs do not transfer the majority of your specialist credits, so it's like your starting as a first-year/second-year student again. I've also heard that Columbia TC notoriously takes 1/2 of its school psychology Ph.D program from its specialist cohort.

So I applied to Columbia TC too (for M.Ed in School Psychology) and was offered an interview and I also have that "registered/waitlisted" tab as well, so I don't think it means anything!

Congrats on Delaware, they have a fantastic specialist-level program!

Anyone apply for Fall 2014 entry to TC? I got invited to interview for the M.Ed in School Psychology program earlier today

Thank you! Haha yes, that was me. Hopefully they contact you soon about the doctoral program!

Got my first interview at Columbia TC (for M.Ed) !

Thanks! I just ordered the book off of Amazon. I'm glad it's helpful with lingo explanations because I feel like school psych is a ton of abbreviations like IEP FBA etc that I want to know during interview time And for interview days / open-houses, I feel like that business casual is fine. But I bet some people would disagree with me, and believe that you should dress more formally.

I hate this "waiting game", but hopefully we'll all start to hear back from some schools soon about interviews / open houses! I don't expect to hear from the Ed.S programs that I applied to this early, but maybe the doctoral ones!

Does anyone have a suggestion on a good book to read concerning current issues / trends in school psychology? I'd like to learn more about the field and some of its "hot terms" (e.g., RTI, FBA, IEP etc) before interviews.

I officially submitted my applications last week! And now the waiting begins ...

Yeah I've had the same experience at my college with everyone pursuing clinical psych. Most don't even know what school psych is, but that's our "hidden gem"

It might be a good idea to apply to a school in your current state, so you can get in-state tuition, which is usually a reasonable price (at least in comparison to most private schools).

I'm also applying for specialist / doctoral level programs in school psychology for Fall 2014! It's important to remember that specialist level programs are generally less competitive than doctoral ones, but they are still relatively competitive compared to other graduate fields. I'm applying to 2 doctoral and 3 specialist programs, which I feel is adequate. I think that the 7 schools you have listed would be fine. Personally, I wouldn't apply to a program that I wouldn't be at least somewhat happy going to because then, what's the point of even applying? So in conclusion, I'd say apply to around 5-8 programs if your stats are relatively competitive. Best of luck!

If you want to work in the schools, school psychology is the only "applied" one that would allow you to do so (at least without jumping through numerous hoops). The other two are more research-focused and would allow you to work in academia for the most part. Also, school psychology only requires a masters (you can get a doctorate in it though), while educational and developmental psychology pretty much require a Ph.D to get a job with it.