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CWRU got back to me this me this past week. Didn't get in, but that's okay. I heard back from John Hopkins first with an acceptance.

Thanks! I'm honestly feeling better about the program the more I look at it. Still leaves me with the question of where to find funding though! I've only ever done federal and that will cover about 1/2 the cost.

The program is $48k. I'm luckily in a civil service career, so honestly, I'm looking at loan forgiveness programs. Every position I've had thus far has been at a non-for profit institution or state college. John Hopkins is the only college with this exact PhD program. It is honestly the program that made me reconsider avenues outside psychology (public health/social welfare). It is a Mental Health PhD in a public health college. Their public health college is in high regards, and honestly, I think I would only apply to their PhD out of the MHA anyways. It seems like a waste to keep applying to other programs in Social Welfare simply because it's similar when I could do the professional work without it (after getting the MHA).

Hi guys, so I was offered a one-year masters program that would line me up for a PhD I would love to attend. It is a PhD Mental Health at John Hopkins University. They take about 50% of their applicant pool from that program into the PhD. And, even with just that masters, I'd be lined up better for research and policy jobs in comparison to counseling only. One major downside is... funding. Since I am only admitted into their unfunded masters currently, I need to figure out how to get scholarships, loans, etc., to make this a possibility. I live in Philadelphia, have M.A. in Counseling and have 5+ years working with mental health. Any input or advice would be helpful.

I've applied to Brandeis as well. One of my recommenders is an Alma mater of the program. Not sure if it'll be feasible, but worth the try!

Thanks for sharing.

I worked about 60 hours a week during breaks; 40 hours between my GA and internship while taking full-time courses during the semester. It was definitely about prioritizing, but it was worth it. I found themes within my personal statement reflected my work experience, and helped me stay focused on my profession, and not just as a student. I can definitely say that my schedule impacted my GRE math score (as someone else mentioned about). I put in a good amount of study time, and learned a lot of skills, but I really needed a rigorous program, and it just wasn't possible for me. That being said, I wouldn't trade anything. I would rather be working with my clients and tutoring students than studying for a math test, on skills I evidently don't use regularly.

I received a letter from Case Western today, that, if I didn't know the admissions committee hadn't met yet, would have me panicing. It was an offer to apply to one of their masters programs because they think I'm a "future leader & a great candidate."

I'm glad to hear all of the positivity in this forum. I'm waiting to hear back anything. I know this is early for some, but UPenn is moving slower than previous years. For anyone curious, Case Western Reserve will meet in mid-February for their PhD despite sending all the masters stuff out right now.

I received an email from John Hopkins a day after sending out my application telling me they were missing one of my transcripts. I had forgotten I was technically a transfer student by one class (had taken gen psych in high school through a community college). So they had my masters and undergrad, but needed the community college transcripts as well... then I had to contact all the other schools too! Oops...

Thanks! Same here, I hope everyone gets in. I'm just glad that I won't have a lot of time to dwell on it. My last letter finally arrived today, but so does my last semester. So only minimal worry time is available, and that will go to real world job applications.

I've applied to 5: Case Western Reserve, UPenn, John Hopkins (Mental Health PhD), Rutgers, Brandeis Despite successfully applying to a masters degree, jobs, and internships, I can honestly say I have never felt more worried about applications in my life.

If you want the relationship to last, truly commit to transparent communication and prioritizing each other's needs as your own. Know each other's actual dealbreakers and possible deal breakers. Any relationship needs honesty and a willingness to compromise wants for needs. If it would hurt you, or your partner, to make the necessary sacrifices (long-distance, program, time together, etc.) then communicate that limit. Don't hold on for "hopes that things change to what you want." I knew my boyfriend for 9 years before dating him, but we (or I) fought with him a lot. We started dating shortly into my grad school career. I'm grateful for knowing him so far in advance because we've developed a pattern of compromise and ask for feedback first: make decisions second. He's asked that I only apply to programs that he could keep his full-time job during (including relocation offices); I asked that he to visit those offices. Since we agreed that long-distance would lead to a break-up, we need to look at everything jointly. I needed to know if he could actually be happy with any relocations. I'm sacrificing my original 10 program applications for 5, but he's willing to living through 3 years of applications so that I can try and achieve my goal.

Okay, thanks for the feedback. Any particular reason why?

And this might help... Framework! Case Western requirements are a 3-5 page statement describing and evaluating my professional development, including career goals, how doctoral education is relevant to them, and my research interest within the social work profession. I was specifically suggested to highlight my research skills (by their grad school rep) since my quant GRE percentile is disastrous.

I'm sorry you have to deal with that. It does not sound like a very supporting internship. In SW, Counseling, and psychology there are different theoretical orientations. If your orientation and focus is different than hers, it is an area to discuss. She should encourage (not undermine) your development in new skills. I had a colleague who also had a rough internship experience where the supervisor undermined his professional development, and she assumed he should have different skills than he said he did. See if you can consult with others, and hopefully you can get other work experience so she's not your sole recommender.

Also, don't use this forum as a sampling pool. People come on here to get more information than their programs provided and are hyper-focused on their applications. You also see more acceptances on this forum than you would expect from random sampling.

The biggest argument you will have to make is why psychology, and how do you know for certain? If it a casual interest, then the program is more likely to accept someone who wants to make a career out of it. Also, if you want to become a psychology professor, you're best chances are with a PhD Psychology. You can adjunct or possibly work at a community college, but programs are increasingly seeking PhD candidates. Those that have a chance without one have been grandfathered into the field with professional experience already. Because masters degrees offer little financial support (expect heavy loans out of it), you have a better chance. They accept more applicants, and tend to have a lot of career path changers (or students building up skills). But you really have to make a good argument for yourself.

I would really appreciate any feedback on my personal statement that you can give me. I am applying to PhD Programs in Social Welfare for Fall 2016. Thank you! ______________________________________________________________________________________ The term “client-centered” misrepresents real treatment. I first noticed this disparity five years ago when working with clients who had psychotic diagnoses. Attending the Harvest Full of Hope Community Conference, my clients and I heard novel ways to address recovery. The recovery model stated clients had endless possibilities if they were self-advocates, driven and inspired. My clients, unfortunately, disregarded the recovery model. Despite interventions, such as motivational interviewing, recovery was a silly pipedream. Harvest of Hope merely provided a free lunch with fairytales. I had one client who broke this pattern; he actively pursued employment. However, the treatment plan prevented it. He would fall asleep too often, have trouble focusing, and became irritable when tired. Who would ever be willing to hire, or even keep him on staff, with those symptoms? He had to complete unrelated medication goals before he was even eligible for employment. While the majority of clients demonstrated complacency, the proactive client was trapped in an inflexible treatment plan. Evidently, treatment plans overlooked client desires. Clinical services are a collaborative process. Standards and goals are chosen through a treatment team, but often differ due to counselor, client, or policy orientations. I question how these teams decide client goals, and furthermore, how they bridge contrary ideals. Initially I conducted my own literature review on decision making and mental illness. I wanted to know what I was missing—differences my clients seemed unable to communicate. Empirical research points out how psychotic symptoms affect broad functioning including concentration, motivation and decision making, but oddly those differences were rarely addressed by the team. Instead, the team discussed solutions to client laziness, complacency and entitlement. Clients were pressured to follow treatment goals, and stigmatized if they did not. Treatment language included documentation stating “non-compliant” or “refused”: no matter their reasoning. These observations, empirical and professional, encouraged me to find a new way to stand up for my clients. The treatment team and mental health system needed change, but more than one person is needed to change that system. While teaching at Achieve Test Prep, I noticed I could help students become more critically aware of institutional problems in the hospital setting. I considered the impact I could have as a professor. Torn between giving treatment, and changing treatment services, I seriously considered an academic profession. I applied to College Counseling Programs which would bridge the divide. I would be able gain career skills and the personal development to know my own mind. My role as a Psychology Department GA was vital to that growth. I spent most of my Graduate Assistant hours tutoring Statistics for Social Sciences and Behaviors, and finding myself surprisingly capable. Despite my previous struggles with mathematical concepts, research statistics came naturally. Furthermore, due to my undergraduate research involvement, I also became the main administrator for the research subject pool called SONA Systems. SONA is utilized for all psychology department research, both professor and for the experimental psychology classes. Through this platform, researchers advertised experiments and rewarded students with credit. I provided SONA training workshops, approved and monitored the department research pool. This role provided practical application for my education. Knowing I have these skills, I am more confident is pursuing my goals. I want to see if mental health treatment tools are effective. During the ACA graduate student ethics competition, students struggle utilizing decision making models. They effectively analyze the components of an ethical dilemma, but students waver on conclusive action. These resources continue missing a vital step: the solution. Lackluster tools, compounded with my concerns regarding treatment language and recover, necessitate better treatment standards. My clinical counseling career has transformed beyond individual client treatment. I am still interested in helping underserved populations in the mental health community. However, now I want to advocate for improved standards through education and policy development. Case Western Reserve University is an enriching program that fits my aspirations. Case Western creates a collaborative learning environment through their research centers. The Evidence-Based Practices center provides broad connections into many areas including ACT team effectiveness, Employment Support, Benefits Advocacy and overall holistic mental health care. I have observed each of these treatment sectors and feel that a united treatment team is needed. Case Western Reserve University proves that global team. Following doctoral studies, I would like to be a dynamic addition to this coalition. I envision myself working as research professor helping future policymakers and practitioners serve these populations. I can also foresee myself working within agencies, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI, to research and create policy reform. In either case, I will use knowledge to promote social action.

I love the GA office. I really do. I also love monitoring the SONA research pool. Unfortunately, since the contract does not cover summer months, I use some months to say work other jobs that will help me gain experience and pay the bills. Insert professor who has a history of forgetting/pushing GA roles. He tends to think of the GA office as a doctoral GA experience. Where, we are contracted for more obligations including covering and teaching classes, proctoring full exams, etc. Unfortunately, our contract does not cover these components. So, he gave my name to a faculty member (different department) who wants to use SONA next semester. All well and good. That guy is pleasant and nice, but unfortunately wants his study ready to start once the semester begins. So, I've been putting in additional time during my summer to help him out. Instead of the original faculty member recognizing the extra time, he's getting snippy when it takes longer, asking if I'm contacting the IRB (when I have zero correspondence with IRB- that's done before posted my role begins), and to figure out an aspect of SONA that no one's requested to use in about 5 years. I'd be happy to work on this all beginning on Monday, when the semester begins, even though my contract doesn't start until the Monday after. But right now, I'm biting my tongue.

Thanks for the feedback. I wouldn't say I was trying to hide the score, just demonstrate that the necessary research skills are there, despite them. I definitely see your point about using the resume to discuss the skills again. I wanted to mention the research study because it IS what I want to research. But the rest is unnecessary and resume recital.

I searched the forum for advice/insight, but usually the advice is "retake the test." So, I'm curious about successful applicants experiences about overcome a horrible score. By this I mean well below the 150 mark and most program minimums. Did you address it in your SOP? Let your resume/vitae speak for you? Do you have your LOR address your strengths in that area? Inversely, did your attempts to do this still fail? I'm in a similar situation, but have decided to apply to programs without a minimum and express their holistic admissions approach. To begin with, my scores, Q 141; V 160, while the verbal is great, the quantitative score shot me in the foot. This was the third time taking the GREs, and with 5 months study (lots of time and focused practice), my score actually dropped from last time. I would need to shell out for private tutoring and my wallet isn't that deep. My verbal did increase luckily, but that's not my concern. I'm thinking of casually addressing that aspect of my application subtly elsewhere. But has anyone been successful? _____________________________ If anyone is curious, here is my current plan of attack. Transcript reflects: Grad Classes: Research Methods in Counseling (A); Test & Assessment in Counseling (A-) Undergrad: Stats for Social Sciences & Behaviors (A); Experimental Psychology (B); College Math (D); College Stats (C)Reflects that my ability in traditional math v. practical application of statistics and research is very differentVitae Research experience: Research assistant in two undergrad labs (2007-2009). Analyzed data, ran participants, maintained and organized records, presented at research conferences including the Eastern Psychological Association, Association for Psychological Sciences and 2 local conferences.Independent research study on unintentional biases in treatment plans (and how they affect counseling practices).Graduate Assistant for the Psychology Department:Tutor classes --mainly statistics for Social Sciences and BehaviorsAdministrator for the Psychology Department Research Subject Pool (SONA systems). Program to monitor, maintain and give credit to all research participantsLetters of Recommendation: Assistant Professor (PhD): Liaison for the Psychology Graduate Assistants at Kutztown University. My supervisor essentially. He can speak to my abilities as a tutor, the research subject pool, and I was a supplemental Instructor for him in undergrad. Department Chairperson Counseling Department (PhD): I'm doing my independent study through her. She also had me in both the graduate classes listed above. SOP: Mentioning how tutoring, monitoring SONA, participating in the ethics competition, practical experience made me consider research concepts in Mental Illness and Social Welfare (seeing things that needed changing, and wanting to find ways to change them). Which led to my independent study.

Thank you. I'm actually considering switching direction slightly. Clinical psychology is competitive enough that if I meet their minimums (305 is the smallest to 320), I barely have a chance as it is. Instead, I'm going to go for programs which treat your background holistically. I have an interest in evidence-based treatment, ethical mental health policies,etc. So I'm thinking of applying to Social Welfare and Public Health PhDs. I will still be able to teach, advocate, research, and all the other perks. But my masters and years in the field will actually matter as well! 1) 12:30 pm 2) At the time, I worked Full-Time at a summer camp program teaching psychology and per diem at a mental health group home. The weekend hours allowed me to take a full day off of all positions and focus on the exam. Also, it allowed me to take the exam when I knew I would be more awake and capable. 3) Unfortunately, I would need a private tutor to really grasp my trouble spots. I never took away most of these core mathematical concepts in high school. So, for the GRE, I was teaching myself foreign concepts in five months. Despite putting in an average of probably 20+ hours a week studying, it was not enough to build up from nothing, to solid framework, to abstractly/critically thinking about mathematical properties. Most likely, I learned enough of the basics to fall into traps on the ones I thought I knew, and I'm a horrible guesser on the rest. Which is why this round I got lower than the last time I took it. Pacing was not an issue. Either I know how I'll solve a problem, or I don't. I guess and flag the ones I don't, and solve the ones I do. When I was completely done, I would review everything flagged, and work on those. I think I was able to work through 2 others with some confidence, but over 1/2 of the questions I felt lost on. So, tough questions that are easy? As far as this application season, once Monday arrives my graduate semester begins again. I have a Graduate Assistantship for 20 hours a week; College Counseling Center Internship 20 hours a week; three graduate classes (one of them an independent research project); and volunteering for the ACA Master's Level Ethics Competition. Realistically speaking, I will not be able to devote the time needed to improve my scores enough.

So, I took the GRE today. V (160); Q (141). MA GPA: 3.95; BS GPA: 3.42. That in mind, I'm considering realistic expectation. I'm pretty sure that blows my chances for the clinical psych programs. I'm considering switching my direction more towards counseling psychology PhD programs and Social Welfare/Public Health PhDs. Either direction, I could still be a research professor working on advocacy and mental illness. Any thoughts, advice, etc?

I have two cats. I had them before my master's program began, and I wouldn't be okay without them. The money is less of an issue for me since it is maintenance and not the initial costs. Monthly costs: Food: $30 (for the good stuff) Liter: $20 Additional fun stuff for them: $20 Pet apartment fee: $15 Yearly: vaccine upkeep $35 Initial cost was a lot more though. Probably aboutt $1000. Cat tree (got a big one), brush, toys, all food and cat box stuff, automated water fountain (gets them to drink more), Initial vaccinations, etc. Honestly, the time commitment is more of an issue. I adore them both, but have very socially needy cats. They need at least 20-30 minutes each to play, or else they'll keep me up all night. And, days I get home at 8 pm they're really wound up. Even right now, one of them has climbed onto my back to sleep because she hasn't gotten enough 1:1 time today. I love it, but when people talk about independence, still be sure you can give them the loving time and affection they need.