raybigs92

I am interested in Geropsychology and see that a number of universities offer "Clinical Geropsychology" under their Clinical PhD programs. My question is - would it be restrictive in the long term to study something specific like Geropsychology? Do all Clinical Psychology programs require you take a specific path eg. Clinical Geropsych, Clinical Child etc? It seems like this is something that differs from institution to institution. While my interests now are in this area would it be difficult to branch out and work with other populations after taking this track? I am relatively new looking into all this so my apologies in advance if this is somewhat of a stupid question. Many thanks ** Just to add.. There do not seem to be many programs that actually specialize in this area (according to Insiders Guide) so would it be possible for one to get into this area through Clinical Neuropsychology or is there a general "Clinical" program where one could concentrate on aging? Again, any pointers would be appreciated.

I'll be interested in the responses you receive on this. I would agree that it would appear easier to complete your study in the country you intend on becoming licensed in or at the very least be knowledgeable about the licensing requirements for your country prior to starting your course. Is your undergrad from the States? You mentioned Trinity College in another thread, is this the only Neuropsych program in Ireland?

I have been looking into this more over the past few days and I'm now quite confused. Obviously getting research experience is the goal for me however I may or may not have mentioned that I am finishing my final credits via distance which rules out research at my home institution. I am now located in Australia and have initiated contact with a number of professors at universities here regarding becoming a volunteer but have yet to receive a reply. If December arrives and applications due, and I have no official research experience, am I doomed for rejection by all MA programs? I have read different things all over the place! Some people seem to suggest that the MA will get you research experience, does this mean that it is possible to get in without it?

Very helpful replies, thank you!

Thanks again for the replies! I'm glad to hear that others didn't know exactly what they liked until they started doing research.

I know "research experience" is very important to most applications for graduate psychology programs but having undertaken no formal research units in my undergrad (as yet..) I am curious as to what exactly "research experience" refers to. What exactly constitutes research experience? What did most people do for experience in undergrad and prior to entering any kind of graduate program? Is it imperative that I take a research class? I was told by a friend that telephone counselling was in this category but I do not believe this to be the case. Would this fall more under community service? Thanks in advance!

^^ I'm in Australia at the moment but I'm finishing up a degree from the States. Did you end up receiving a volunteer position before you got admitted?

Thanks for the replies. Conferences sound like a good idea and reading more is certainly on the cards. I feel a little restricted as I can't move on to a masters without knowing what my interests are and I can't find my interests as there are not many places that will accept me as even a volunteer without any qualifications. I am working on trying to get my foot in the door to get experience but it seems as though here (in Sydney, Australia) preference is given to volunteers who are required to do volunteer work as part of their degree or program.

When I see posts on here from people who have specific interests in Psychology I admire them but I am confused as to how they arrived at these areas. I have almost completed my undergrad with a major in Psychology and have taken more classes in Psych than required but I have not undertaken any research and have not felt drawn to any specific areas. I enjoy Psychology in general so it's not that I don't like this area. Does anyone have any advice on what I should be doing or reading or engaging in, in order to uncover my interests? I am also looking to enter a Masters program in the future but feel without this (area of interest) and with my lack of research experience I will not fare well. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your reply! I am concerned that my application won't be considered with the BGS rather than BA or BSc format if it is unknown outside of the States. Will my transcript be reviewed in depth to see that I have in fact completed a degree that is almost identical to a BA or will it be cast aside? There is very little difference between a BA and BGS at my University (all requirements are the same except the BGS does not require a foreign language component, BGS requires a minor as well as a major). It is a four year program and my major was Psychology (46/124 credit hours were Psychology). There was no honours thesis component however. Is an honours thesis something all Canadian graduate programs are expecting applicants to have? I could take an honours year in Australia but I would prefer to not have to take this route if there is another option.

Has anyone completed a BGS (Bachelor of General Studies) with a major in Psychology (in the States) and had success when applying for Masters programs in psychology? I am hoping to get into a Canadian program but never see the BGS listed on the admission criteria..

Just confirming that in my experience you do not need a social security number to open a bank account. I have had experience with Bank of America and Citibank. Both simply required my passport.

Do you know if you can volunteer at a lab at any University or do you need to be a student?

pogopuschel I am in a very similar predicament. I am currently completing my final two courses for my undergrad degree by distance and I relocated back to Australia from the USA (where my institution is located) so I feel I have no opportunities to now form a relationship with professors. I am also self employed so there is no option for me to even get a letter from an employer. I am even contemplating taking an additional course (above what is required to complete my degree) with a professor whose courses I have taken in the past in hopes of getting a letter from them! Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.