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Remember that everyone is there to be a professional and to learn. I have been age shamed a lot because I look younger. I dealt with it simply by being mature in the office (and out), ignoring their antics, and just getting the job done. It doesn't make friends, but it gets respect. Others in your cohort with be attracted to that, and the unique perspectives you can bring to the program.

First off, take a practice test to determine your level of "is this feasible." Decide what score range you need for the programs you're interested in. For most programs, it's a factor, but not something that will hamstring you. Off of that practice test, come up with a study schedule. You need to be able to know, and practically use the information. So flashcards only gets you so far. I know some people that take the test cold and score well enough. Others, they study for months and can't succeed. You need to know your strengths/weaknesses and focus on them before any concrete timeline can be given. For me, Now until may is plenty of time for the verbal session touch-ups. However, my math, I'm giving myself 5-6 months. Simply because I need to relearn basic math skills. Also, why do you want to immediately sign up for two test sections? That's a lot of money going out. Unless you're spending money on a test-prep guarantee program, that will probably be shelling out a ton of money without any major score change in between the two.

I also recommend the Magoosh program. I've been using it daily. They have great tutorials for breaking down into each section of the math, lots of practice questions and exams. They also suggest study plans (including regular reading different articles, etc.). On top of that, utilizing some of the math worksheet books (like Barrons). I found studying from books a bit difficult. The tutorials help me really determine my problem areas. Also, every practice problem gives an additional video on how to work out the problem and which tutorial to review. They're currently on sale for a reasonable price ($100). But they jump up to $300 when NOT on sale. Which is a little steep for most budgets. Here's the site: https://gre.magoosh.com/plans There's also a free MATH LAB page. Breaks the categories down into specific modules again. I suggest this one second, as a free resource, only because the tutoring videos helped me more: http://www.wtamu.edu/academic/anns/mps/math/mathlab/gre/math_help.htm

I'm much the same. Though, I don't have to move anywhere (I love right outside the place where graduate school is). I'm about to experience a huge life change: drop the full-time job (that I've had for three years and dislike immensely), start a graduate assistantship and work two part-time jobs. Yes, I expect to be overburdened & exhausted. But I'm actually thrilled for it! I'm visiting a friend tonight to get some of the books for the program. She completed it last year, so a lot of the material is the same. And that way I have some summer reading to get me on the right foot. Three books out of the 6 read ahead of time? I'll take it.

I wasn't *quite* first generation. My mom worked for her business associates, and my father just received an online bachelor's degree (with a bankruptcy right before my undergrad, so yes low income). But I was the first to achieve an on campus bachelors and the first accepted into higher degrees within the immediate, and I think, extended family (minus my cousin's wife). So, for me, my family is thrilled by the idea. But I've had little to no input or assistance from them other than waved pom poms. Sometimes it's a bit frustrating, but I'm glad it forced my hand to network and learn from others even more. I worked part-time jobs in my undergraduate to afford anything I needed, and then worked part-time in my field near the end of my undergraduate, and then FT in my field directly after that. So, while realize I was a bit further down the lane than several of my other friends returning to graduate school, there's no shame or guilt in it. I needed to work myself up to a point where I could afford the applications (and my independence) and be able trust in my own skill set to get there. And I'm proud of that process.

I've worked in psychology with several interviews, presented conferences, teach... and I can tell you, if you want to come off as professional an knowledgeable BEFORE you speak, looked tailored and professional. Sunday best as another person has stated, or a suit. I've worn suits to group interviews with other interviewees wearing jeans... I got the position over them every time. And my interviewer was in torn jeans. I've heard people say "oh, you were the one in the suit!" And, it has never gone over poorly. So if you have one, wear it. If not, dress like you're giving a formal presentation or going to church. It will help more in the long run.

Cutting your hair would probably be the safest bet. You can always look at the department as a standard for their personal tastes to see if it may be more lenient or not. In either case, if you are seriously against having it cut, due to religious, personal reasons, or maybe you donate your hair to locks of love (though it sounds more personal tastes), it can be managed in a way that is professional and clean. I would suggest pulling it back/slicking it back if you keep it long.

Old tips I was give: 1. (Writing for the Workplace Professor) Avoid severe colors if you go with a full suit: such as blacks and reds. The colors are more aggressive and as an undergraduate candidate you want to appear like a student and not subconsciously enter a power-play situation. 2. (My mom) Always dress a step above for the position you want in any interview. If your professor is in jeans, be in business casual, if he's business casual, be a suit. So dressy casual atleast. I've always gone the pants suit or skirt suit route, but mainly because I've never had a tailored dress that looks business-casual enough. Personally, I've avoided the full pinstripe appearance, and will go with a solid leg color with a suit jacket... but for no reason other than I don't like looking like a giant stripe! I think your choice is fantastic, frankly. so no worries.

Oh, okay. Thanks for letting me know. I have a friend who's currently working with a Student Affairs degree from there. But she's working in Arcadia's disability office now, so since I'm a counseling slant, I wasn't sure how versatile (or not) their program actually was!

I'm also in PA. I would suggest adding Kutztown University to the list for an in-stage college. I went there for my psychology undergraduate and have applied for their masters in Student Affairs: College Counseling- Licensure. The psychology department was fantastic, and I've only heard fantastic things from their education department.

I was told by sever professors to ask if the writer could give me a "strong letter of recommendation" and, if they could not, just ask another professor or ask them if there was another way I could work with them to make it stronger. The same should apply on the reverse. If you can't write a strong letter, I'd suggest warning the student and hopefully they'll consider finding someone who actually can. After all, it's their career, not yours!

So, I've written probably 14 different personal statements, and I still can't determine which angle I want to shoot for. So any advice, second pair of eyes, etc would be greatly appreciated. I'm aiming for a M.S in School Psychology directed towards secondary/high school children with autism concentrations. And my concern isn't having ENOUGH to write, but I can easily overwrite, or make the material too impersonal. WORK : My resume/vitae delves into three years of direct care (working in mental health/developmental disabilities) with very varied populations including schizophrenia, personality disorders, mood & anxiety. Mainly I've helped adults with coping and life skill building, but also with children who have Pervasive Developmental Disabilities (i.e. autism) at a summer camp. As well as teaching college level classes. SCHOOLING: I have a B.S. Psychology Counseling & writing minor (3.42 GPA total). I also have poster conferences, research assistance-ships, executive board positions (a medieval renn club & psychology club), teaching assistant, etc PERSONAL: I moved a heck of a lot. After a car accident (when I was about 6), one of my parents ended up with a seizure disorder. The seizures were constant for the next several years. Unfortunately, the experimental medication had a side effect-making them violent. My other parent was busy working three hours away (so seeing them maybe once every other weekend). We also ended up in a bankruptcy right before I ended up in college, and about a year later one of my parents came out as being transgender. _______________________________________________________________________ So, while personal is considered... well, THE faux pas, I have a rather juicy story. One that can demonstrate an ability to relate and assist people with several different components of childhood problems. Both as a mental health professional and a person. Also, all of the schooling and work would be very visible and evident on other components of the application. On the other hand, I don't want that to end up an achille's heel to an otherwise strong application. I would greatly appreciate any insight. Thanks!

I agree with DarwinAG. If it is directly addressed, state that your interests are in pursuing a higher education in the future. However, don't mention it directly. If you don't know where you'll end up, make the most of the opportunities ahead of you. Most places will not inquire about graduate school anyways, and if they hear about it, they'll assume your classes are night so you'll be able to continue in a full-time position.

It really will all depend on the professor. I know all sorts of professors who may lousy advisers both assistant and tenured. The assistant prof. will probably have the bonus of understanding the current market and obstacles a bit better than someone who graduated 20 years ago. They might also be more "sparkle in the eye" eager to assist (the new job glow). Most departments give you a list of the current graduate students in the department. Maybe send them an e-mail inquiring?

Well, what are your concerns with the assistant profs? The only concern I've heard is that assistant professors might move and leave you in a pickle where your research is concerned. But otherwise I don't see where that would be a factor.

Gimmiae, you may very well be right about no programs being available that will specifically match Jesshooi's specific goals. That there may be none specifically under the label "PhD neurological/developmental". Because neuropsychology is pretty much straight to PhD's. I remember barely finding masters programs available as backups. And, kidding, even those programs weren't neuroscience specifically, but social psychology with a research lab in neuro-cognitive psychology. That being said, it does not mean that none exist and it's not worth looking into. Yet every adviser out there suggests not just applying to PhD programs right now because there are too many applicants to too few slots. And yes, you're right, a good deal of those "non-GRE" programs are crap. That being said, there are some diamonds in the rough. I found programs at even Ivy league schools such as the University of Pennsylvania that do not require the GREs in their Biology, Chemistry, and other Psychology programs. Another such program is : Columbia University (New York City) does not require the GRE for its Psychology in Education (M.A.), Education Psychology, Cognitive, Behavioral, and Developmental Analysis (Ed.M), Psychology-Developmental (M.A.), and Cognitive Studies in Education (M.A). My main resource for these is here: http://ainsleydiduca.com/grad-schools-dont-require-gre/ I'm not sure what changes some of these programs may have made, but every program I've personally looked into seems to be right on par. While I do agree with you that re-taking the GRE again is fantastic, I suggest that only as long as the person in question can and will devoted all the necessary resources to do it properly (both their money and time). If not, there are some other secondary choices that are available.

http://ainsleydiduca.com/grad-schools-dont-require-gre/#Psyc There's a large listing there of non GRE required programs.

I'll start with the good news. You do stand a chance. However, I would suggest having back ups in case. For schools that weigh more heavily on the numbers angle, Your raw scores put you in the lower end of applicants (I was told to have a GPA no lower than a 3.5 when applying to a Ph.D. Graduate Program as a basic standby, while elsewhere told 3.7). However, for the programs that do not, your scores are just fine. On the other hand, for schools that weigh heavily on the "supplemental components" of the application, the lack of research experience can be a set back. Do you have any other academic qualifications on your CV? Such as clubs, activities, etc? That can also help show your involvement and interests. The Assistant Manager can help if you can explain to a committee how your experiences in that position have helped mold you in the way you want to go. However, for the most part, academia doesn't look at stuff like that as more than a "oh, he has a paycheck" - unless the job relates directly to your career objectives. Your demographics shouldn't be an issue at all. Overall, look at the departments your aiming for. Find out what their criteria and interest is, and tailor your story to show how you're the perfect match for them. Good luck!

I don't know a lot of the programs available; however, worst case scenario, you can get additional loans to cover your overseas tuition: http://www.internationalstudentloan.com/foreign_enrolled/ This is a program that let's you get more loans than you normally would through Stafford for US citizens that are enrolling overseas.

That is definitely your best bet. Though, the paid positions are few and far between, so don't worry if you need to take an unpaid position as a RA. Also, to fill out your CV, you can look at direct care jobs in your research area. For instance, if you're researching geriatric, work in a nursing home or a group home with the elderly. Or in a particular disorder, there are probably jobs working with that population. It demonstrates a knowledge in the applied aspect of your research interests.

Usually it's a good sign if you get lost in professional conversation during any interview. If you're in and out within 10 minutes, that's one of those definite bad signs. Though, interviews are a little funny in that you never know exactly what they're looking for- and the interviewer expects a lot of nervous energy. I had one the most conversational interviews in my life, and didn't get the job. Then I had an interview where a boss had corrected the way I said I'd handle situation and I was offered the job right afterwards! I'd say if the topic about research went well, that's a good sign. Especially as an adviser.

I think, in large, your name's on most of the applications. In my last grouping (five schools) only one didn't.

@WATSON: Well, yes. The type of school, the program, the ranking, it all factors in. Each program really is it's own entity. For the most part in both the academically and applied programs I've looked into the masters with help you get INTO the program (with very few exceptions), BUT the masters means squat once you're there. You'll need to redo the masters. The perk is, now you're in your PhD when the credentials weren't there before!

Okay, for a lot of PhD programs, those with a masters degree hold more credence than those that do not. Basically, you've already proven what the GRE is a gauge for (if you can keep up with the critical thinking course load). The degree basically stands in place against any and all lower scores. It also demonstrates determination and passion - the other key component schools want. An easy example of such is that there are many programs that waive the GRE entirely if you already possess a masters- just like how some programs will waive your GRE if you've worked in the field for 'X' number of years.. The only downside is that a lot of credits will not typically transfer over- unless, of course, it's at the same school. Let me know if that's clearer, or if you want any more information.

Odd, I'm very glad you're looking at all the potential options. I think most of us are just saying the techniques we know to get you there with all the credentials you would need to be a successful candidate.