lah89

My ultimate goal is to earn a PhD in Clinical Psychology. After earning a BS in Psychology, I chose to take a year off (babysat for multiple families as I greatly enjoy working with children) but unfortunately was not accepted to any of the 12 Clinical Psych PhD programs that I applied to. Given my high GPA, above average GRE scores (high math/average verbal), and one year of experience working/volunteering in two labs (performing pretty basic RA duties), I have been told that the best way to beef up my resume would be to continue gaining research experience. After these rejections and failed attempts at gaining a paid full-time job as an RA in the NJ/NY area, I applied to two MA Psych programs to at least continue with my psychology education. Therefore, I am now looking for advice in making my final decision between these two programs: MA Psychology in Edu: Personality & Psychopathology program at Columbia U Teachers College & MA Clinical Psychology: Concentration in Child/Adolescent Clinical Psych at Montclair State University The major draw to Columbia is obviously its prestige and amazing connections within the NYC area, but I would come out with tons of debt (also commuting from NJ) and I am not guaranteed an RA position. At Montclair, I did receive a Graduate Assistantship to conduct research which covers tuition and provides a stipend. Given that research is the factor that is most important to me in gaining entrance to a PhD program, Montclair obviously makes more sense but it’s just tough to turn down an acceptance from Columbia! There is definitely a chance that I’d be able to conduct volunteer research at Columbia (although much more competitive than at Montclair), I just won’t know until I hear back from professors probably around the time school starts. Does anyone know how important the name of the school you attend for your Masters is to PhD programs in Clinical Psych? Also, does anyone have any experience at Teachers College looking for a research position? Considering I am making this last minute decision for this upcoming fall semester (I have already registered for classes at both schools due to my indecisiveness), I would really appreciate any advice you have to give!!! Thanks so much