I was at Teachers College in the same program that you got accepted to. Its not difficult to get research experience once you are in that program. I worked with four professors in their research labs at TC while I was there and I also got the chance to work as a research assistant at New York State Psychiatric Institute. The reason I went for an MA in clinical psychology was the same - i didn't have background in psychology so I wanted to get research experience so I could apply for a PhD eventually - thats what I am currently doing.