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What schools really want to see is if you have both the academic skills and the drive. They want to know what problems you want to solve in the field. Good news, the OPs scores should have gotten him past round #1 (GRE/GPA evaluation), but likely they had applicants who were stronger in the round #2 evaluation (LOR and SOP). The more competitive applicants usually have a masters degree, additional professional experience, and/or have direct ties to a research professor's lab. The GRE becomes less important if you have an abundance of experience demonstrating your verbal and quantitative logic skills elsewhere. Coming directly from a clinical psych undergrad, if you have great grades and experience elsewhere, you still need BOTH a strong verbal and quant (around 160). If you have a lower GRE you really have to shine elsewhere in the application. Most doctoral applicants have research experience, good to great grades, and good LORs (masters is a lot more lenient). So the GRE become the only other factor to compare applicants on. In short, you have to use numbers to prove that you are both skilled and the drive equal, or more than, more experienced applicants. Not an easy task when they often only accept 4 people.

Try not to be discouraged. Clinical psychology is one of the most difficult field to get into because of just the sheer number of applicants. With all of this experience, I'm curious, what are your research goals? Do you have a direct focus area? Also, do you have a lot of experience with the statistical analysis portion? If you want an academic/science career, I DO NOT suggest a counseling masters. Counseling programs do not tend to focus enough on the empiricism. They are professional degrees lining you up to be a licensed counselor. If your goal is to be a licensed counselor, I suggest going for the counseling masters only and not worrying about the clinical doctoral. They're really two different directions in the field. If you want an academic/science career, and you're looking at masters programs, then a masters in psychology, public health (focused in mental health or behavioral health), etc., would better line you up or empiricism and connect to research labs. For instance, Johns Hopkins Masters in Health Science (Mental Health) is a 9 month program that encompasses a lot of epidemiology and stats. A lot of students work in research labs across their medical and science campuses. That is the type of program you want. One that will enhance the science-skills, not one that enhances therapeutic skills.

This strategy helped me survive a 20 hour a week GA ship; working 16 hours a week; full-time grad classes, and an additional part-time teaching job while I was a commuter from 90-120 minutes away from the school. So, not in SLP, this may help a bit. 1. Write out your self-care needs. It may feel weird to have this prioritized as number 1, but that’s the only way to stay healthy enough and focus long enough to make it through grad school. What are things you need to feel energized and healthy? Do you need interaction, sleep, working out, etc.? Make a plan that includes all the necessary items to keep you healthy. Mine included: No less than 6 hours of sleep for any more than 2 days a week. I just don't function well and would crash for about 12 hours the following day. Snacks. Lots of little snacks and nibbles throughout the day a 'home' to come back to. I was willing to travel 90-120 minutes one way if I came home to my cuddle-y cats and loving boyfriend These times were untouchable until right before finals. Then, I was sown together solely by caffeine and luckily had a boyfriend who shoved under my face to remind me I had to eat. He was also nice enough to wait to watch any of our shows until finals ended. 2. Worker smarter, not harder. Consider what you can bundle. When you can choose research articles, choose smarter. Have articles that really cross over into multiple subjects. Overlap projects, roles, whatever you can. My plan looked similar to this: My GA-ship and internships allowed me to research class articles and read during downtimes (such as if a client skipped out on me). That would give me maybe an additional 6 hours in a week I would take notes at work of experiences, anecdotes, stories that reflected course material and discuss those notes in class discussion time Most of my research papers had overlaying articles from other coursework. I wouldn’t copy the papers, but I would use one article to inform about 6 different papers, and back up those professional observations. I started taking public transit more so I could read, watch class videos and write papers during the trips. Writing client notes immediately after every session. I ended all sessions 10-15 minutes before the next one to carve out the notes quickly. They were more accurate and make me less overwhelmed at the end of the day. I still usually have 30 minutes after everything was done at the internships to go back and fill in any gaps, or add any observations I thought of as the day progressed. One I wish I had, but couldn’t make work: more study groups and group notes. I’ve heard of people taking notes via google docs (in a group document), and that sounds like a fantastic idea to me. 3. Have a plan realize you won't keep that plan, but it was a nice idea. No, this isn't hyperbole. I know a ton of people who said they had a 'schedule' but they never kept to it. It included blocks of time to study, work-out, you name it. The only benefit of writing out the plan was seeing if I legitimately had enough time in the day, or if I had to just to step 4. 4. Be realistic. If you legitimately cannot keep your schedule as it is, something’s got to give. That might mean dropping hours somewhere, dropping to part-time classes, etc. This is when you schedule with an academic advisor to discuss how and where you should refocus your energy. I hope this helped, at least some what!

OP, you sound like you had a vague idea growing up, but nothing really to feed it and no real direction getting where you want to go. That can be a difficult problem to overcome. By the time you find the right direction, it almost feels like it is too late (because of money, eager to start your life on track, etc.). I agree with @samman1994 in that, I wouldn't even apply yet in your position. You need foundational information in your masters and better understanding of where you want to go. Additionally, as an international student, your application needs to be far better than most national students. It's a sad truth that we expect less from our own citizens than global researchers. So, seriously look at all of your options. The masters should be about 2 things: Skill building in a field you have a lot of knowledge about Developing a narrowed, exact direction in a field that you are amazing in (usually, from my observation, only for to 4.0 brainiac types) In both cases, you don't qualify yet. You don't know enough about the field to know the problems that need fixing (research questions/solutions-focused), but you do have an interest in knowing more about it. Use that. Taking on a 2nd bachelors (and doing well in it) would be the best option for you. If a 2nd bachelor's degree isn't possible (because of money) maybe look at a certificate programs/associates degree. You can also take courses as a non-matriculated student. But non-matriculated won't help your GPA, and the associates/certificate also won't improve your current GPA. The bachelors would be stand alone. In addition, seriously, work in the field. 5 years may be a bit much, but would definitely not hurt you! Get as much hands-on experience as you can. That way, you can go to grad school knowing challenges in your field and problems you want to fix. That could take 2-3 years, or 5+, it really depends on your experiences and where life takes you. No matter what your decision is, get comfortable talking about how you didn't really find yourself until the end of this bachelor's degree, but once you found your passion; you changed your life around. You'll need that on your SOP. ______________________________________________________ As a personal aside, I also underwent a long process to get into my ‘chosen field.’ I thought I was in it earlier. I received my bachelors in psych, went to work in mental health field (where I was for 3 years), but found it was horrible for me. I attempted to get into graduate school and change the direction, but I was under qualified for what I thought I wanted to do. So, I got a part-time job teaching! (I thought I wanted to be a psych instructor at the time). Then, I re-evaluated my credentials and application, realizing that to move myself forward, I wanted a degree in something that made sense. I went back for a counseling master degree. Like you, money was a major obstacle. And, unfortunately, halfway through that program, I noticed that the classroom wasn’t answering the questions I wanted to solve. I started hunting for a program that WOULD help me solve those problems. It turns out I wanted public health all along and not psychology (go figure), but I, like you, never knew that this field (public health) existed growing up. The entire process was 4 years graduate school, while working part-time and completing internships. If I wasn’t for working and going to school at the same time, it may have taken me even longer to figure it all out! Would I suggest getting $175k in debt for 2 graduate level degrees to get into your preferred field? Absolutely not. Would I suggest working in the field and figuring out what problems you want to fix (and thus research focus)? Absolutely. All I had to do was take that professional experience, my questions, and evaluate graduate programs with more scrutiny. ___________________________________________________ In summation, don’t rush through your personal learning experience just to get to graduate school. Let life happen, and go to graduate school when you know yourself, know your passions, and have all the skills you need to succeed.

May I ask, what has been your experience with Psychology and why do you want a masters degree in it?

Either could lead to a management job. Most public health jobs state something to a "Masters degree in: public health, business administration, behavioral science or related degree; 2 years supervisory experience." Really, the degree itself matters less than the exact classes you take, practicum/internship experiences you gain, research/thesis focus. Look for a program that offers you that specific degree title.

Yes. It common for people to change direction between their undergrad and masters degrees. Each cohort usually has a handful of people from other backgrounds (typically a different social science or traditional science). You just need to clarify why you're making the change, have good scores in general (GPA/GRE), and demonstrate some base knowledge of psychology somewhere. Talk to the admissions department about the specifics they would want. They may want you to take the subject GRE, just need your transcript, or just talk about it in your SOP. Psychology is overwhelmingly competitive, so make certain that you talk to the department and find out exactly what theyneed.

I fully agree with this. The 60-65% usually is acceptable only in a few select professional degrees with a ton of professional experience. For instance, a person with low GPA, mid-GRE, but 3+ years in a hospital, mental health clinical, etc. has a chance for a social work, counseling or other "boots on the ground" professional masters program. However, that same student does not qualify for a more scientific focused degree. Partially that's because these students typically had real-world problems during undergrad. Many dealt with family or personal crises that made them re-evaluate life and work harder. Their application shows that they incredibly motivated, overcame ridiculous obstacles, and worked harder than many other applicants in a directly related field. OP, if that is not your scenario, aim for 80%+ minimum.

What field are you in, and why are you aspiring to graduate school? That will help guide any advice we can get you. The application review process has two parts before even getting to the interview: Reviewing for raw academic skills/potential Reviewing for personal characteristics including drive, aspirations, focus, passion, etc. Most applications look at #1 as a baseline before even looking at #2. If you are looking at schools with a GPA cut off, don't bother applying. You won't get looked at. Frankly, without amazing credentials elsewhere on your application, even more holistic programs will likely be concerned - but at least you have a chance there. Things that will help in the academic portion: A high major GPA, if there's a sudden change in GPA, etc. You can highlight that in the SOP High GRE scores (ranging somewhere between 60%-85% depending on the specific field you're applying to) Taking classes to increase the GPA (but be careful here. This can also be a money sink) Taking classes after graduation as a non-matriculated student (not usually an option due to finances) Another good option is actually working in the field. If your career is in a professional field, then that professional "street cred" will help a lot. Someone with 3+ years in the field is highly competitive for professional degrees. However, if you are looking at a more science/academic driven career, those jobs are harder to come by. You still need to make it past round #1, but a holistic application program should also look at your resume before turning you down anyways.

I'm assuming that this GPA represents your overall. How was your major specific GPA? And did your GPA increase the last two years or remain steady. The biggest problem is that you look like you might struggle with the more rigorous courses. So if you can highlight where you would excel, you're fine - just be smart about which schools you apply to (great fit, etc.). If you cannot prove academic chops, your application may not make it to what I call the "small pile" - the pile that looks at the full application holistically after meeting bare minimums. Once you reach that small pile, it looks like you're a fantastic applicant... so good luck!

That sounds like a good idea. I would suggest having a plan for what you want to do with that research experience. Talk to the professor about publishing, presenting, and otherwise completing a research project start to finish. Also, make certain to discuss taking care of the analysis portion. Depending on the lab, some will have one person do the "analysis" portion, and you need to speak to that in your SOP. You can take statistics classes as a non-degree seeking student. Schools look critically at those added grades. They won't change your GPA, but it's a transcript in addition to, and standing apart, from your undergrad grades. If your intention is top 10 schools, both GREs and taking 1-2 classes may be a good way to demonstrate the skills even more. Johns Hopkins University suggested taking non-degree seeking classes in addition to getting high quant GREs. However, another concentration in the DrPH program told me to forget spending the extra class money, and just re-take the GREs. The difference was my career goals matched the second concentration perfectly. Remember, you do not need perfect scores. A lot of these school are more interest in your focus. These scores prove that you have the raw skill needed, but once you prove it, move onto things that demonstrate your focus more so. Don't pick up 20 things and split your attention. Maybe pick up 1-2 and do them really well. May a story out of your application which shows you are both competent and driven.

My first masters was a master of arts in clinical mental health counseling from a small state school. Trust me, it doesn't matter. Nor does a master of science in clinical counseling versus a master of arts in clinical counseling. Only three things that really matter: Is it CACREP accredited Does it set you up for internships/practicum locations with a strong reputation Is it a 60 credit hour program. You want to go to a school with CACREP accreditation. That accreditation will let you sit for your exam earlier. Furthermore, The 60 credit hours is important for licensure. The license is state specific, but the most stringent state requirements are 60 credit hours. I suggest doing that. Otherwise, if your state requires less schooling, but you move, you might find your pay scale drop significantly. For more about your specific state requirements, look here: http://www.counselor-license.com/resources/state-counselor-license.html#context/api/listings/prefilter As for your financial question, yes $40k is common with just the masters. You don't break into the 50+k until you have several years experience and the state licensure. Sorry, it's not lucrative, but it is stable. Other benefits you have, if you go one for additional evidence-based training certifications (such as ABA) that will increase your earning potential. If you are looking at being the only household income, expect sometime to get on your feet. If you are 1 of (minimum) 2 contributors, you'll be fine. As for fit, well, if you mean "am I competent for this field," yes, you are. If you mean it as in "will this make me happy, or contribute to a good life" that highly depends on your personality. I was in counseling for years (working with clients with psychotic disorders), and when I went back to grad school it was a natural progression. But I realized in the program that I'm not a counselor. I don't have the patience for it. I want to fix problems, not sit there and listen as someone solves them themselves. I also wanted to shake people who just seemed whiney to me. But for others, it is highly fulfilling. I found my niche in policy analysis and implementation science because that is more "direct problem solving" while still using my clinical skills. In short, only you will know what is the best fit for you.

I have started speaking with DrPH programs this week - specifically Drexel and Johns Hopkins. I wanted to begin working on my application for probably next year, and I noticed something interesting.. Both programs just went through a restructuring process. Hopkins became school-wide and Drexel to a part-time basis. Is this a DrPH phenomenon right now (i.e. adapting with the needs in general), or was this convenience saming on my part?

Hi Pabloo, It sounds like your still figuring out what you want to do - which is fine. Though I would hesitate to make a decision based on "job prospects" or "my previous experience lines me up better." That is all well and good, but you don't want to pigeon hole yourself in a field you end up hating a few months into working full-time. It's harder to re-direct the sails (and takes more time/resources) later on in your career. Public health is a blooming field no matter where you go in it (so lots of job prospects no matter where), and it sounds like all of your interests line up in public health in some way. You may want to talk to schools about their entire school of public health to see what options are available (degree and research center-wise). The good news is most public health programs area fairly integrative. So if you want to research community advocacy and communications in an Epidemiology degree, you likely can. For instance, I was in a MHS Mental Health degree and took a lot of public policy and epidemiology classes. Stats/science skills: Your GPA is "good enough" for a masters level studies. It's not great, but it shouldn't get you cut from consideration. The concern here is statistics. Can you demonstrate those skills in other ways? Do you work with statistics/research at the hospital? If so, that would be fantastic! Make sure a recommender takes about that in their letter. If not, is there a way you could get that included into your job? Your undergrad thesis will also help buoy this transcript deficit, but I'm not sure it would completely overcome it. I would say definitely focus the GREs. If you cannot get more science and stats experience at work, then you are solely relying on UG scores and GRE scores. You would want a quantitative score of minimum 160 to really be competitive. Relevant work experience: Your relevant experience is right on track with what you need. Keep in mind some work experience will not make you "stand out" that much from other applicants. Most MPH candidates in my former program were working 2-3 years before entering the program. The program will care about how that experience has influences your interests and thoughts for what the field needs (as well as demonstrate acumen in skills not demonstrated on your transcript). Potential plans: If you are set on going back within a year, I suggest first going through work to get more science/research-based experience. If that fails, consider taking 1-2 classes as a non-degree seeking student in epidemiology/statistics. If neither one of those options are available, and the GRE is your only option, a high quantitative score (160+) would be your best bet. I also suggest talking to the programs about all of their degrees and research options. You may find an area of public health that intrigues you more and add epidemiology in as a focus. In short, you have options and plenty of time to sort through them.

No problem!

Yes. I did three years as a graduate assistant during full-time masters... kidding, I also worked per-diem on the side. I was lucky because my GAship was very low key. I was tutoring, doing presentations, providing administrative assistance (grade entry, answering phone calls, etc.) and class assistance for a Psychology Department. It sounds busy, but really it was about 2-3 hours worth of work each day, and then the rest of the time I was free to study. I had internet access, library access, and a full office worth of resources at my finger tips! The graduate assistantship was a dream come true. I hope yours is as well. Good luck!

Most data analysis positions require statistics or science degrees. They may also accept a masters with scientific specialty in the area that position is under. For instance, a public health data analysis might also accept a public health masters. But that public health data analysis job will definitely accept statistics degrees. As for relevant experience... Some data analysis jobs will accept a bachelors. Those jobs almost exclusively require the bachelors in computer science, math and stats. I see that all the time in the human services sector. Otherwise, I would follow others advice and look for internships, etc.

Mine have changed slightly, so reposting: Director in research and evaluation within the county department of mental health Director for the evidence-based practices center within the county department of mental health Director in any area within my county which finds ways to research, evaluate and implement evidence-based practices more effectively the mental health provider network SAMHSA doing any of the jobs listed above.

Psychometrics is definitely a good choice. Not everything is in the education field. In fact, modern psychometrics were based off of the military drafts! They realized too many people had "shell shock" and wanted to develop tests to screen for it. Really, psychometrics are necessary in a slew of research areas including: Program/policy analysts who are looking at population health trends. More specific trends began in areas such a suicide rates, co-morbidities, severe mental health and homelessness, etc. That would be more a public health degree with a mental health/behavioral health focus. Industrial/Organizational Psychology which focuses on big-business. They look at employment trends, trainings, how to make the workforce more productive, etc. I'm sure there are many others that I'm not considering. Really, think about the types of psychology problems you want to solve with your statistics. That will help you narrow down your focus a bit more.

Thanks! Yeah. It's a consistent family-thing. Just needs a good venting occasionally. And I agree about NeoPets. I'll hop on there when I feel like playing rattler race or other quock java games.

@Ppkitty So, about 1/2 through my masters, I realized that the degree wasn't the right direction for me. I wanted to focus on making programs more effective, and less so on the direct counseling. I finished my first MA with a 3.96 GPA. My MA program focused on practicum and internship experiences over research. The MA was geared heavily towards practice and minimally towards the science behind it. Since your goal is a PhD, look specifically for programs that will give you both experiences. See if you can find an MS Counseling, maybe? I'm not really sure where they are, because I wasn't looking at that direction. If your goal is to practice, you may also want to consider the PsyD in Counseling. You are correct. PhDs want the research (thesis) over the applied (exam). When I applied to the PhD from that MA, I did not get in (with the MA) solely because of the research experience. I was instead offered a second masters -MS in Mental Health from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. That degree has directly helped me in my future. I immediately got a job in my field and plan on applying for the DrPH (doctorate of public health) basing my doctorate and practicum on my work in 1-2 years.

I received an MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree. Your statistics would definitely get you into a MA program - no question. Also, as a consideration, many MA programs will have partnerships with PhD programs to help someone on the counseling track if that interests you. For instance, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (APA PsyD accredited program) has a connection to smaller PA state institutions offering a guaranteed interview. If you end up going the MA route, check to see if the program offers that. You are definitely competitive right now for the PhD Counseling. Unfortunately, the PhD is a gamble in Counseling Psychology no matter what because of the onslaught of candidates. It really depends program specific, other candidates, and what the admissions committee is interested in. While the GPA/GRE will get your whole application looked at, the personal statement often becomes the biggest key to getting the interview. Just make certain that whatever program you look at is accredited from the APA or CACREP. That will help in licensing later on.

I was on the phone with my older sister the other day. Trying to 'catch up' with her. The 45 minutes was basically me listening to her (and sometimes weighing in) as she set-up her 6 year olds NeoPets account. So I attempt to share some news. I go, "so sis, I'm talking to Drexel and Hopkins in the next two weeks about going for the DrPH. I'm considering doing that as I work full-time since I can do by dissertation and practicum through my job." Her response was, "That seems silly, and like unnecessary stress. You should just get a hobby or something." I tried to point out that: 1) my myriad of hobbies 2) career benefits 3) love of learning. She dismissed the conversation going. "but you'll do what you want to" and went back to NeoPets.

I wouldn't say it's over. I'd say it's adapted. Yes, the American economy has changed some of the home dynamic, but the ability to have a family, with the white picket-fence and solid career is still there. It takes supporting each other as you work for both, and more double-tasking earlier on in your life. It is not easy to achieve, by any means, but it is possible. Even for people, like me, who went through poverty as a child. My boyfriend and I are living 'our modified-version' of the American dream. This modification includes: Large house with yard (we rent it so we have mobility and less upkeep responsibility) 2 loving pets and planning for kids in the next 5(ish) years 1 car - because I don't need one and hate driving. I just sold my other one Both working in fields we are passionate about, and supporting each other to move forward Household income that afford us the flexibility and finances to do what we love (visit museums, eating out, movies, etc.) In about 10 years, we see ourselves with him working from home in the art studio, me making 80+k, kids, still in a nice house we either rent or own, and all that jazz... That might not be 1950's American dream, but it is certainly our middle class dream - and we are well on our way.

If you're looking at policy work, evaluation, a thesis may help you more than a practicum experience would. Practicums tends to push you more towards fieldwork/direct service. There are practicum experiences out there that are evaluation-based, and those would be a great experience for you. Make sure they are available before you chose that route, and be picky. Just like the practicum, the thesis will depend on how you structure it. However, in my experience, the thesis was easier to mold. I would suggest tailoring a thesis into a policy brief/policy evaluation instead of the a traditional data-driven thesis. Some MPH schools will call that their "Capstone Project" instead of a thesis, but it is very similar. An additional benefit for the thesis is you have concrete proof of your evaluation skills at a job interview. I just used my thesis to speak to both the Evidence-Based Practice and Innovation Center (EPIC) and Performance, Evaluation, Analytics, & Research (PEAR) team at my current job. They essentially said a job is mine once I'm with the company a bit longer than 4 months. If I had another practicum experience instead of the thesis, I doubt the conversations would have gone so well.