_kita

This... I worked in group homes: schizophrenia, developmental disabilities. I was punched at, hair pulled, kicked, bit, etc. Because that's the work you do with a B.S. in psychology. The pay rate is terrible, and, despite having benefits, I couldn't make ends meat. I just knew that if I ended up in the hospital (with a job that may put me there) at least I was covered! The M.A. is good, but really I'd be playing the same bloody game all over again. So the humanities for me, IS, the way to go. Again though, they want you to have experience, that in the Ph.D. program may not come your way. Make SURE you are getting that experience in. You might still be trapped, but atleast you'll meet some more criteria jobs may want you to have. For instance, summer camp teaching jobs, summer research programs, etc. It may not be a *lot* but it's something. It won't make you get the job payment bracket academic jobs boast, but again, it might atleast get you employment. Maybe not at a college, but your then credentials for other jobs as well.

I've actually had a rather similar experience with most of the name brand GRE prep materials (ETS, Barron, Kaplan). The book has similar math and verbal, so that they're equally as useful. Personally, I loved the 500 word Kaplan Vocab GRE Flashcard book. I would suggest any of these brands for books, since they seem closer to the actual exam styles than other prep resources. But, with a huge caveat, any book is only as useful as if you use it correctly. Create a study plan and stick to it. I know people who've used one book and excelled in the GRE, but a lot of people struggle learning/re-learning material this way. Add in a ton of practice tests. This will actually the best method for you to practice off of. You'll see a lot of useful resources here:

Thank you Gabe, That helps a lot actually. I would probably be somewhere in the 'research-based practices' spectrum. Since, I'd like to research the basic moral theory, but then explore how it concretely affects practice. So, essentially a little bit of both.

After working directly in the field for a few years, barely making ends meat, but then apparently going for a professional degree, and continuing onto a PhD means I'm a professional student. Nevermind that my schooling is all in the same field, I'm still working three career-focused part-time jobs, and that I've had an end career goal in mind. Nevermind that I've paid my own bills, on my own, for about 7 years now. Nope, coming out of school at 33 years old means that I'm a mooch. Thanks mom.

I am from the psychology discipline, so this may work a bit differently than with sociology. I'm curious whether my master's will become a hindrance or be beneficial to my application. I had graduated from a state college with a B.S. in Psych in 2009. I was involved in research; presented at 3 conferences. My GPA was a 3.42; psych 3.5. My GRE's were a (v) 154; (q) 145. So, without a clear research direction, I decided I wasn't ready for a doctoral program. I then worked in the field with psychopathology (mainly schizophrenic clients) for 4 years; taught distance learning classes for 2 years and enrolled in a M.A. Mental Health Counseling Licensure Program. So my degree is a professional degree and not a scholarly one. With this experience, I now have a better idea where, and what, I want to research, I'm forming an independent research in ethical decision making/morality. I'm also working as a Psychology Department Graduate Assistant (tutoring statistics, monitoring the research subject pool, class coverage, grade entry, etc.) My current GPA is a 3.94 Will be retaking the GRE. Would this become a problem in my application? Do you have any suggestions on how I should address it in my SOP?

I just got a Dell laptop. I'm loving the thing. I'm also getting programs such as SPSS (statistics software) and have the full Microsoft Office Suite on it, thanks to a friend who could let me download it for free. As for other advice: I also suggest an organized, professional email system. I find myself using my google mail for scheduling my part-time jobs, every correspondence with professors, tutoring students, classes, etc. Through google, I can tag things into separate folders, and color coordinate everything. My email inbox looks like a rainbow. Confusing to everyone else, but brightens my day! I don't like my school email because outlook sometimes spam blocks information I need. Also, I tended to miss things in a less organized inbox. Clothing (since I see this posted a lot): My GA does not require professional clothing. So I wear jeans, but with a blazer and boots/heels. This way, if I need to cover classes, or present, I look a little more polished. Even if you do not need to wear professional, I suggest looking more professional than the undergraduates. This will help your reputation, etc., on campus. I have a separate manila folder for each class. No binders. Those things would get cluttered and confused. But with this, you'll find a system that works for you.

Oh, I understand, and I'm quite thankful for the honest response. in the real world, people assume that 'life experience' means you must have an edge. But in the non-traditional academic, it really doesn't. I'm trying to get into a blend of programs, really. I want to study Moral/ethical psychology. I love the neurocognitive side of it, as well as want to work on the social justice end of it. So I'm applying to some clinical (super competitive), some cog (slightly less competitive, but stricter on what research background you have) and some social (which is as competitive as you mentioned). While working in the psychopathology field is great, I don't think that will help my cause enough. On the research angle, I'm putting together a research independent study on moral/ethical concerns in counseling. If I can get that published/presented, at least I'll have research I'm a solo author on. But I don't see my undergrad experience being enough to demonstrate a passion for research. It was way too long aho.

1. The amount of people married to their ideas. I'm in an MA program right now, and because it's a professional degree, there's an assumption that you're going into specifically the job they have titled for the program. So there's a lot of "when you are a counselor/you're a counselor-in-training." With this being more on-the-job training, I find the ability to challenge and dialogue with several of the professors is less than it was in my undergraduate degree (where it was openly encouraged). I find this specifically amusing when I try to discuss my experience with counseling schizophrenia, BPD, etc., and get told "this is that type of counseling." Or when I talk about imposing values on clients easily during the treatment plan phase. 2. How ill-equipped some of the profs are for class. One prof has gotten rid of two big projects on the syllabus. Both the days their due (so thank you for the extra stress and work), because he realized the time constraints for the class (and was being observed). 3. The willingness to dialogue on what is a realistic and unrealistic expectation. But, I doubt I'll have that in my Ph.D. program as much. I think that's a positive from being in a counseling program. 4. How adapt you become at multi-tasking. The system may be terrible, but I'm able to grade tests while monitoring a research subject pool and catch up on my show (via hulu) during one of my jobs. Or, this Saturday, I worked a double. I managed to complete a 6 page paper, treatment plan and powerpoint presentation while working on progress notes and client interaction. Confusing, but works.

I was combing through the forum, I haven't seen a lot of posts from non-traditional PhD students. I know that there are a lot of us out there, but I'd like to hear and share experiences. Also, the nerves associated with garnering credentials and the career shift. __________________________________________________________________________________________ After I graduated from my undergraduate degree, I wasn't quite competitive enough for a PhD. program, and life happened anyways. My GPA was a 3.4; Combined GRE 990 (old scale); research experience with poster presentations at APS and EPA. Experience as treasurer of psych club, Supplemental Instructor for general psych, and working with autistic children during a summer camp. However, I knew I needed stronger credentials to be actually competitive. I had no distinct focus yet, and my interests ranged, well, everything. So, I retried about 4 years later after working with psychopathology (specifically schizophrenic, borderline personality, etc.) and teaching (anatomy & physiology/ethics/life span developmental psych/English composition). Only to realize that, being out of school so long my scores weren't improved much (V 154; Q 145; AW 4.0), and with no current research experience, that was a waste of time! So, I went into a professional program. I chose College Counseling, since I knew it would be in the realm of academia and help me merge my experience in the field, get back into research, and work on fleshing out my credentials. Now, I able to work as the Psychology Department Grad Assistant (doing class - specifically statistics tutoring, administering the entire research subject pool, and basic secretarial/grade entry). I'm also working on a research independent study. Looking at the counselor biases involved in treatment plan formation. Really, I want to look at Ethics/Morality within the community. I adore neuropsychology and cognitive psych. I just haven't had a chance to research it up close and personal yet. But I find myself concerned with the process just as much now as I did 6 years ago! From those who are non-traditional Ph. D. Candidates, what has the experience been like for you?

Where Takeruk mentioned the rivalry within the 'hard sciences' it also exists within a stratified social science field. For instance, in psychology.The "science/researchers" tend to sneer at psychology areas such as psychoanalysis. The cognitive and neuropsychologists who want to place brains in machines and find distinctive patterns. However, on the practice side, there's a lot of argument against forcing scientific empiricism onto the actual practice and implementation of treatment. So, even inside every science discipline you get a "better than you; more science than you" feel.

I've rented before with poor credit. If you go through student housing locations, you'll find more flexibility with them. Most of the time, when they do a credit check, they care less about the credit score. They're looking for housing problems (i.e. evictions, late payments, etc.). I'm renting a place right now. Luckily the person I'm renting with has amazing credit. So, even if they needed a specific credit score to rent the space, he was already here. I just added my income in as well. The biggest concern was proving my income when it was through the student loans. There was a question on whether that was a viable income. However, the leasing company was okay with it. Which is another reason why I suggest going through student housing sources. Several landlords will specifically rent out to students around campuses. There's a huge market for it. And they particularly love grad students due to the responsibility/maturity levels.

1. Psychology Research Professor, tenured, providing literature on ethical/moral social ambiguities. Not fully qualified yet. I teach classes and am working on an independent research study to help get more credentials for it. 2. Social Science Researcher. So I can do at least part of it! Again, not quite fully qualified for it. 3. Director of College Counseling Center - need higher degree. Currently in a Licensure Counseling Masters Program which may qualify me for some of these. Interning next year at La Salle University. So that will give me more experience. 4. (back up plan) Director of a Mental Health Program. Such as an ACT team, County program, etc. I've worked for several of these programs and have been offered promotions, but again would need a higher degree to climb that high. ______________ No matter what though, I also want to be a mother. But, as that's a completely different category, it's not on the list.

From what I've been told by faculty, it depends on which branch you are aiming for. Counseling is so female heavy, that males and minority cultures actually receive special status. However, in brain sciences, females receive it instead. There are very few females in the cognitive/neuropsych/etc branches. With the field being so counseling/clinical dominate right now, that's what you're seeing.

I saw this in the Earth Sciences forum, and loved the idea. So, wanted to see if I can get this going here as well. Who's in? Undergrad Institution: (School or type of school, such as big state, lib arts, ivy, technical, foreign (what country?)... Overall Reputation in Psychology?) Major(s): Minor(s): GPA in Major: Overall GPA: Position in Class: (No numbers needed, but are you top? near top? average? struggling?) Type of Student: (Domestic/International, male/female, minority?) GRE Scores (revised/old version): Q: V: W: TOEFL Total: (if applicable, otherwise delete this) Research Experience: (At your school or elsewhere? What field? How much time? Any publications (Mth author out of N?) or conference talks etc...) Awards/Honors/Recognitions: (Within your school or outside?) Pertinent Activities or Jobs: (Such as tutor, TA, SPS officer etc...) Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: Special Bonus Points: (Such as connections, grad classes, famous recommenders, female or minority status etc...) Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: Applying to Where: School - Department - Research Interest School - Department - Research Interest School - Department - Research Interest

Honestly, the best thing anyone can do is to look at career options realistically. Look at career websites for your current job prospects. Careerbuilder, HigherEdJobs (if academia is your bent), Governmental Jobs, Onet, Occupational Outlook Handbook. All of these site give insight into your career prospects. Research your profession, and keep on top of the trends. Whether the jobs are there is an honest concern. As job hunters, flexibility is key. A person who is making a full time effort, sending out about 6-10 applications a day, may see call backs a month later. Maybe. So that's about 180-300 applications before you might have any luck. With applications being mostly online, offices are flooded with applicants before they ever get around to checking them out. So if your qualifications, personality, and luck fall into place, your application will be seen. If you're luckier, you'll be pulled into the short list and interviewed. Imagine going through the PhD application market, but with even more people vying for your slot. In my experience, I tend to find a position within 3-4 months of job hunting. But that's in a market with a lot of prospects and keeping my options very open. So, I'll start sending out information that far ahead of time. Sometimes I'm luckier and I get a call back the same month- which I just did for a summer camp teaching position. In short, do not take the word for the people telling you "the sky's the limit." Do your research and be realistic.

I do not know specific programs available. However, the process to go into an international abroad internship tends to be similar across universities. The best bet would be to talk to university international studies' offices. Schools tend to have connections to other international programs. For instance, I had a masters program with a school with a heavy Student Affairs program. The school had a lot of international internship options with 1-2 programs abroad for their SA students. Also, talk to these programs about the process to get an abroad internship. For some, they may be very open for you to reach out to programs yourself. However, others may tell you that the process is so convoluted (liability problems), to stick to the programs they have agreements with.

If your only concern is money, than their are options you can consider, such as looking for roommates in the area to share the costs. Must university offer Graduate Housing and you can find housing with another student. Looking at cost of living, etc, it's ridiculously tight if you try to "go it alone." You can also apply for additional funding, fellowships, etc. You can talk to your PI about additional funding sources because of your concerns. Especially being an international student, there are probably a lot of untapped/rarely tapped resources. However, if you tell them you are planning on leaving, you're going to see negative consequences in the way they interact. The department is putting out a lot of resources, and have chosen you over a lot of other candidates. They tend to frown upon people pulling out. Sure, it happens. But, as mentioned above, usually for problems of 'fit' or 'life emergencies.' As for your career ramifications, you may see schools in the future questioning your commitment to a program. They may be less willing to offer you as much funding, because you're a flight risk.

If a program requests the information, let them know. However, if they do not request it, you do not need to rub salt in the wound. For the program you were highly considering, maybe email your PI as well to decline. Thank them for their time and consideration, but you received another offer that matched your goals closer.

You look well on your way to being competitive. For counseling programs, they're main interest is that your focus and goals align with their program. Start looking at programs who's research labs are similar to what you are interested in. Also, start articles and the direction in your flied. You may be able to come up with a research idea yourself and pitch it in your lab. That you might be able to become a primary author on a conference presentation, etc. Also, you can see if you can become a teaching assistant/tutoring/etc on campus. That will give you some more great experience. You can also volunteer for crisis centers for hands on experience here in the states. Your work experience in Taiwan should count. If they can provide you a recommendation in English, that would be preferable. But, understandable if you can't.

First question: What do you want to do? Your profile doesn't give us any information about you, neither does your post. Do you want insight from the criminal justice, law, biology, medicine, music, education, etc. The answer to your question changes drastically from career path to career path. If you don/t know what you want to do yet, figure that out first. One of the core elements of every admissions committee is determination, focus, and passion for their goal.

I started my M.A. When I was 24. Worked in the field from 2009-2013. If all goes well, I'll be starting a Ph.D. program when I'm 27. As for those worried about the age problem, there's a wide age variation. *most* people have little to no problems with it and will judge you off of your work instead. If they do not respect you for the work you are doing, then associate yourself with others in the cohort. I'm sure you will find someone who matches your style better.

The title doesn't matter as much as the program focus, department it's set in, etc. If it's a M.A. in Student Affairs Administration, but is set in a counseling program, expect a heavy counseling component versus if it's in the education department. Look to see where the program fits in terms of your professional goals.

Your scores are fine for clinical programs. No doubt about it. Simply, you were not the 'best fit' for the programs you were applying to at the time. With how competitive clinical is, it's not surprising. The school can afford to be picky for the students who are the best fit each year. However, if you add more to your resume such as work experience, more research experience, and use the next year to strengthen your letters/personal statement/etc, you'll have an even better application next year. Try to rework your search to add more programs into it; see how flexible you can be.

Is this a matter of the program not fitting your interests, or simply about institution prestige? If it is simply a prestige issue, I highly advise against this decision. To get into a top tiered, highly competitive institution, you need exceptional credentials. Several of those credentials include a specific focus that matches theirs and strong letters of recommendation. If you're changing programs on what looks like a whim, they're going to mark that against your focus and determination. Also, your letters of recommendation fall short. Furthermore, building up your portfolio also doesn't guarantee you a "top-tiered" slot. It just increases your changes. However, if the program is not a fit, that is something you can discuss with your POI, and they may be able to help you out determining how to make the best of the program, or what you should be focusing on. Several years ago, I had tried to get a PhD program admittance. But my credentials did not justify my goal. So instead I went to a professional degree program (M.A. Counseling). After building a reputation for a year, I was able to talk to faculty members about my real interest in perusing a PhD in Psychology in academia. That has opened doors for me to be involved in ethics competitions, creating a research independent studies, etc. You're likely to find something like a graduate assistantship where you work for the campus for tuition waiver and some income. While it will not fully cover costs, it will help some. And if you get a GA/TA/RA in your desired field, it will also further your portfolio. Financially, you can look for fully funded master's programs, but more often than not, the program will only be able to get you a GAship. If you demonstrate high quality work in your doctoral program and field, the ranking matters a bit less. Most jobs look at the piece of paper first, the quality of that work second, and then the reputation. You can also then apply for a post-doctoral program later on that will give you the prestige.

GA: Graduate Assistant. They can work for any department. They are all graduate students (masters or doctoral) who work in a specific department for tuition waiver/assistance and a stipend. Depending on the program, the pay changes drastically. These can be lab technicians, research, disability services, residential staff, etc. I work in a psychology department with grade entry, proctoring, class assists, tutoring, etc. TA: Teaching Assistant. Usually within your academic department. You see these positions usually at more doctoral programs. Similar benefits, but if it's a doctoral program, usually you get more stipend benefits from them. RA: Research Assistant. Again, within your academic department. Again, you see these positions usually at more doctoral programs. Similar benefits, but if it's a doctoral program, usually you get more stipend benefits from them. Programs have specific requirements for how many credits you need, hours you work. For instance, I have to work 20/weekly and need to be a full-time graduate student. They will pay 9 credits, no more, no less a semester.