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I was pretty certain that I was a weird culmination of clinical/counseling/social/neuropsych focused. I have worked in the direct care world for several years (5 now) helping schizophrenics, developmental disabilities, etc. And in those 5 years, I was getting increasingly frustrated with the policies around them. Several of my clients are severely limited by treatment plans, programs, and increasingly severed funds. So, I went into a counseling M.A. program, planning on pursing a doctoral later on. I focused on faulty treatment plan development, interventions, etc. Now that this program is coming to a completion, I've been struggling to find research fits hardly anywhere... except apparently at places such as John Hopkins Public Health: Mental Health department. The research interests fit like a glove! However, with that in mind, I've read on here that a counseling M.A. is not quite qualifying enough for the DrPH direction. So I'm wondering if I need to reevaluate this direction, or if I'm on the right path. Also other qualifiers I might need. Other stats/info: Undergrad GPA: 3.42 Current Grad GPA: 3.95 GRE: V: 154 Q: 145 A: 4 Retaking them in a few days, but it doesn't look like they're budging much Research Experience: 2 1/2 yrs undergrad; completing a "bias in treatment plan development" research study Work Experience: 5 years community mental health; 2 1/2 years teaching ethics, Psychology, Eng Comp, A&P, 3 years Graduate Assistant for the Psychology Department: tutoring statistics/psych classes & administrating the departmental research pool Other: 2 years on the ACA ethics competition team Thanks for any feedback.

When picking up a minor, I suggest combining a practical skill with a social science; or social science with an applied/practical skill. For instance, professional writing, business, etc. Either way, it won't matter much in the Graduate School hunt, but it does in the job hunt. It shows variety in your skill set.

Can you tie in your scores into your narrative about how you grew as a person? How your experiences molded your perception and view of school psychology and your career? If you cannot, it looks like just that "accept me despite...." But if you can figure out a way to discuss your professional and personal growth (using your scores as an example of that growth), you may be better off.

Check into the programs and see what they say about GRE requirements. Some, GREs are only a 'part of the application package' for others, eligibility is based on it. You may be able to make it into a program, but that might disqualify you outright from others.

Most people assume that to go into private practice they need a PhD/PsyD. It looks more prestigious on the wall and shows how much you know. In reality, the more internships and real world experience you have, the better off you are. Practice is a hands-on skill. Taking on summer internships concretely helps you get you those skills. A PsyD/PhD does help, but in knowing the theory, not knowing the practice. It will train you to be a more capable evidence-based practitioner and expand your awareness of other intervention techniques. Just because you know them; however, does not mean you can use them effectively. Luckily all of these programs help you get the internships to get that experience. The question is, if you see someone 28 years old as your therapist, would you rather have them tell you: "I've worked with other clients who's struggled this way too, let me show you tools that helped them." or "I studied this topic thoroughly and know all the research." Neither are bad, just one makes you more directly competent quicker than the other.

I really dislike when I hear people way that 'it's not that tough.' There are many of us out there that follow systematic and thorough study plans, take and retake the test, and still end up below the 160 mark. Not for lack of intelligence, just for some reason it does not click. In that case, personalized tutoring (upward of a grand) can be best solution.. I'm not saying that lwalker is in that boat, but it's actually disheartening to hear people say "it's not tough, come on, give it a try." That being said, if you can figure out your weakpoints and find a way to productively study for them, do so. Unless the school says otherwise, consider them finite cut offs. I suggest calling schools to find out how flexible they are, or adding in schools that say something along the lines :" Applicants with GRE scores below these minima, but who can provide other evidence of strong academic credentials, will be seriously considered." Temple University has a 1150 minimum, but for great GPA and experience they're flexible. Also consider, why does it have to be clinical psychology? Does your interest span other research fields: counseling, social, health, developmental, etc.? Could a PsyD also get you the credentials you need? You may have more options than you think for school choices.

If you are sure you want practice only, I suggest looking at licensed masters level programs first. LPC programs will qualify you a bit better. Honestly, getting a doctoral may not really 'help' you professionally as much as you might think. If you decide to get a doctoral though, research is still important. Even the PsyD (which is a practice-oriented degree) they are training future scholars and evidence-based practitioners. Having a research baseline is important for both. That being said, research should be more about intervention techniques and strategies than anything else. Yes, it is difficult finding research positions out of college. Like any other job out there, you have stiff competition. I suggest instead of trying to do one or the other at a time, try to incorporate both! Talk to old faculty about research your interested in doing on your own. Be inspired by your clients and the system around you. I worked in the field for 3 years before going back for my masters. I can tell you, I started reading and designing research experiments throughout that time. Perhaps create quality and satisfaction surveys for your company. That will allow you to merge interests easily.

I work on-call at a group home for adults with schizophrenia. I also have Graduate Assistantship throughout my masters in counseling. While the department suggests against it, there's no rule saying I cannot do so. However, if/when I enter a PhD program, I will not be overworking myself like I am now. I just don't get enough from this GA stipend to live off of, only a bit over $6,000 for the year.

I am finishing up my MA in Counseling, and 9 hours can become a lot quickly. I have a Graduate Assistant requiring 20 hours a week, a part-time job, and a 20 hour internship. Really, figure out if you'll be able to multitask during any of these activities. For instance, I can work on school work during some of my jobs. But, if you will not be able to double up on projects, then I highly suggest keeping to the 6.

Huh, they updated the webpage. Thank you for double checking then! Last I saw it was closed. I know what you mean by Clinical being a better platform. My experience is in Schizophrenia, BPD, Autism Spectrum Disorder etc., and I want to research ethical dilemmas in counseling practice. But, despite the social/clinical slant, I'm opening my options to cognitive and neuropsychology as well. I'm interest in all aspects of it, so by doing that, hopefully don't shoot myself in the foot!

Hi, First off, for Fall 2016, you are still good to go. I would suggest getting yourself organized soon though. Application deadlines are December 1st at the earliest. Figure out who you would like to write your letters and inquire about how effective and strong a recommendation they can give you. I like to contact them in September (plenty of months warning with room for error). Take practice tests and get your GREs over with. If you need a subject GRE, that will be trickier. They only offer those twice a year, and the deadline passed. Figure out best 'fit programs.' And all the rest of the application details. You have months to go, but time is difficult to come by during the semester itself. As for the programs, consider if your interests work in other areas as well. I'm not saying that you should not go for clinical, rather, expand your options to include other fields. There's forensic, law, social policy, etc. If you limit yourself to clinical or counseling, your up against all heavy competition. I'm not saying you cannot do it, but if you can have additional options, you may be feel better going into it. Your background and masters should not hurt you. Just clearly portray your goals and expectations in the SOP.

Social psychology is one of the most competitive programs in psychology to get into. They're looking for fit, so, in your case, it will be tricky to prove it with minimal/non-existent research experience. You may want to narrow your choices are really find out the best way to market yourself. I suggest looking at maybe some I/O programs as well, and see if they're research interests you as well. They have a social element, but would help demonstrate a link. There's also some research in economic decision-making, etc.

I used this book a little while ago for ideas: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1462518133?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00 It has a section in it for schools that have research in specific areas- eating disorders are among them. It might help you out. Some of the faculty areas, etc., are a bit different. But it's a great starting point.

Job hunting is a difficult task, and takes very different skills. You are competing in a market flooded with qualified researchers. Really, research jobs are incredibly hard to come across outside of academia already, so consider the resumes in their hands! Those with 5+ professional years will have preference over someone in retail. Or even someone working 1 professional job in the past. Previous lab experience is great, but you're still considered "entry-level." So, expect some serious competition. Anyone looking for a job needs professional experience as well as the paper credentials for a strong enough resume, and constant follow up, to even make it to an interview. I've had atleast 4 jobs that, when I followed up with them, I heard, "you were the next person on my list to call!" If your lacking enough professional experience, unfortunately, you need a lucky break, job hunting skills, and the willingness to work from the bottom wrung upwards. Volunteer work in your research area is great. Volunteering in research labs is fantastic, and working in your field (even if not in the exact career you want) is a better step. If direct care, treatment, etc. isn't something you want, consider other jobs you can do.

I think because cognitive and developmental psychologists tend to see themselves as mixed medium researchers.

Clinical Social and cognitive neuropsych, with a little evolutionary thrown in. I want to research morality from the all angles as the scientist, practitioner & advocate. So it's a little broad.

Sure, dating is a possibility. Most people I know who have successful relationships in graduate school though are not dating other people at that university. They had an established relationship, or friendship that turned into a relationship, prior to school starting. But that's just my observation.

If you can skip a masters program, it will save your coffers. It's rare that you'll get funding you can live off of for a masters program. I work a GA position for tuition waiver and receive about 750 monthly. However, I still take out have to take out loans. However, if you have no idea what you want to do in the field yet, it is beneficial to work more. I'd suggest avoiding the masters and working in research labs, but that's just because I feel that fiscally, it would set you up better, and you'll still get relevant experience. I'm happy with returning for my masters. I was able to get involved on campus, tutor for the psychology department and explore independent research experiences. That being said, I knew what I wanted to do before this program because of my 3 years in a professional clinical job and PT teaching job. I just needed to get back into research. The masters was the easiest way for me to do so. Financially, I wish I could have skipped it, but it's been a great experience otherwise.

Yes, clinical is incredibly hard. A department can accept as little as 3-10 people for an academic year. Depending on which faculty member needs researchers, they may be able to accept 1 new applicant. Most of these programs have well over 300 applicants. So the odds are slim. Most of the competitive applicants have strong scores, research experience and some work experiences. The committee needs to know what the applicant wants to do with those experiences. And based on that knowledge, they determine if you are the best fit for their program. You have to be qualified, but qualification has little to do with the end result. Look into your I/O programs. See what their acceptance rate is, who is getting the funding, and what you want to explore. It will be more difficult since you haven't done any research yet, but you'll get a better gauge of what your chances are.

Without making sure to balance your life, and attending to self-care, yes grad school makes it worse. With constantly new stress every few weeks, deadlines to make, research expectations, etc., grad school is full of enough stress to make a non-anxious person stressed out. One of my first-step, self-care techniques is to be a ridiculous over-planner. I like to make lists and schedules. I know I won't follow them, but I make them anyways. My schedules are made to have deadlines in a week ahead of time. That way, I'll conduct my lit review early, stress about the deadline, and still have time to complete it in the end. I also have a comfortable home to come back to. That's key for me. I have two cats that greet me at the door and secure my lab as soon as possible. I might read, play some keyboard, or watch television. Plus, knowing that I can only get myself up early about 3 days before I crash, I plan on that. I organize my activities based on my sleep schedule. So, once during the week, I'll go to bed super early, and usually plan needing to move until 10:30 am at the latest on the weekends. I also participate in something called a farm share. Where, when my loans come on, I buy into the season for fresh produce. It forces me to eat healthier, and schedule meals/cooking throughout the week. Plus, then I don't need to worry about food coming in when I have less money in the bank. My boyfriend picks up the meat and starch bill, I pick up any fruits. Really, self-care is find out how your body works. What are your food/health/recreational needs. I'm a homebody, so am content with staying in throughout the semester. And I find making schedules calming.

By chance, did you get a full chem panel done? It looks like a similar problem to what I have. When I mentioned my symptoms, my practitioner said that it looked like it may be depression, but he wanted to rule out any other concerns first. After the panel, I was found to have lymphopenia (low white blood cell count) and low red cell anemia. So I realize that a lot of that digestive/over sleep issue is my body fighting off possible infections. I've learned, when I care about it, to monitor my food intake, eat a ton of iron foods, and I will crash and need 10 hours of sleep one day. I just learned to schedule it.

The high GPA will help cushion 'decent' scores. Check into each of your programs for any 'hard deadlines.' But if they're more flexible, you may be fine. I'd be more worried if you had a 3.4 GPA. Since that would be in a 'lower' range as well.

1. No way that's legitimate. I'm worried about the materials and scale that she's using. "How often do you worry about your school/work life?" Always, doesn't mean I'm depressed. It means I have an anxious brain that thinks up stuff while I'm asleep. Those scales are often slanted and misrepresented. It looks more like an anxiety scale than a depression one. And yes, most grad students have some type of anxious personality. Not disorder, personality. It helps us make deadlines. 'Mild situational depression' means that you have a mild adjustment disorder and are not adapting well to the change in your life circumstance. According to that, you have a mild trauma from leaving your old life and going to college. Umm, no, not every grad student has a traumatic situation going into college. 2. I know a lot of people who are told that. Mainly, it's because they have no known cause for the problems, and the doctors assume that the physical ailments have to be psychosomatic. That is not always the case. I know many people with migraine disorders, skeletalmuscular disorders, etc., that are not found when the person is in their 20's. So they're creaky, achy, or brain feels like it's going to explode, but there's no physical cause identified.

Most of what you're mentioning are professional degrees. M.A./M.S. in Counseling anything is on track to work as a professional counselor. After acquiring the degree, the student is excepted to sit down for the licensing exam and accrue field hours. Afterwards, they're awarded their LPC (licensed professional counselor). M.A. in Marriage and Family counseling is also a profession degree for the LPC. Clinical Psychology masters is going to focus less on the 'normal' people, and more psychopathology clientele. However, it is also more of a professional degree. You may see more research, and a focus on evidence-based practice. In general, your masters programs are aimed more for professional careers so you can work at hospitals, in-take clinics, alcohol treatment, family therapy, etc. Most people who work in these settings can do so with either a LSW, LCSW or an LPC. Some places will only hire one over the other, but that's based on which type of insurance they work through. There are people who acquire a M.A./M.S. in clinical/counseling prior to their PhD. However, usually that angle is more because they're credentials are not good enough yet. And, even then, with the professional focus already, they may aim for a PsyD.