Losing Confidence in my Master's Application. At this point I have no idea if I am competitive.

[CuringNihilism]

Hello fellow gradcafe members! 

The submission date is nearing in for Master's application in Clinical Psychology. I am applying to Ryerson, York (2 programs) and University of Toronto (2 programs). I am gradually losing confidence in my application as I read other people's accomplishments. I have a 3.81 GPA in final two years, I have 97% on verbal, 98% on analytic, 61% on quant, 94% on Psych. 1 year of research assistant experience. And thats essentially it. If I do not get accepted this year, what can I do to increase my chances for next year?

Thanks. 

[Jung&Psyched]

4 hours ago, CuringNihilism said:

Hello fellow gradcafe members! 

The submission date is nearing in for Master's application in Clinical Psychology. I am applying to Ryerson, York (2 programs) and University of Toronto (2 programs). I am gradually losing confidence in my application as I read other people's accomplishments. I have a 3.81 GPA in final two years, I have 97% on verbal, 98% on analytic, 61% on quant, 94% on Psych. 1 year of research assistant experience. And thats essentially it. If I do not get accepted this year, what can I do to increase my chances for next year?

Thanks. 

I would caution you from comparing yourself to others on this site....people on here tend to be extreme overachievers haha. I can guarantee people would laugh at my credentials, but I am applying anyway because I know I have a lot of strengths and want to give myself the chance. I am not very familiar with Canadian schools, but I have noticed that many people on grad cafe apply to very prestigious schools that get 300+ apps and only take like 5 people . So, if you are applying to that kind of school, then yes...I think everyone is worried and doubts their application!! However, I think you have a great gpa and outstanding GRE scores.  Having a solid year as an RA will def work in your favor...just go easy on yourself , all you can do is give it your best shot. 

[ResilientDreams]

4 hours ago, CuringNihilism said:

Hello fellow gradcafe members! 

The submission date is nearing in for Master's application in Clinical Psychology. I am applying to Ryerson, York (2 programs) and University of Toronto (2 programs). I am gradually losing confidence in my application as I read other people's accomplishments. I have a 3.81 GPA in final two years, I have 97% on verbal, 98% on analytic, 61% on quant, 94% on Psych. 1 year of research assistant experience. And thats essentially it. If I do not get accepted this year, what can I do to increase my chances for next year?

Thanks. 

GradCafe is definitely not a representative sample. 

[JoePianist]

24 minutes ago, liznlex said:

I would caution you from comparing yourself to others on this site....people on here tend to be extreme overachievers haha. I can guarantee people would laugh at my credentials, but I am applying anyway because I know I have a lot of strengths and want to give myself the chance. I am not very familiar with Canadian schools, but I have noticed that many people on grad cafe apply to very prestigious schools that get 300+ apps and only take like 5 people . So, if you are applying to that kind of school, then yes...I think everyone is worried and doubts their application!! However, I think you have a great gpa and outstanding GRE scores.  Having a solid year as an RA will def work in your favor...just go easy on yourself , all you can do is give it your best shot. 

As a successful applicant with worse stats than @CuringNihilism who got into a funded & APA-accredited doctoral Clinical Psychology program, I second @liznlex's post.

[PsycUndergrad]

You have good stats and I think you have a decent shot at getting in. Don’t compare yourself to people on GradCafe- like the others have said, it’s not a representative sample (and people lie on the internet). 

My biggest suggestion to you is to apply outside of Toronto.Those schools are among the most competitive in the country (think 300-400 applications for 8 spots) and it’s a crapshoot for even the most qualified applicants. A lot of people fail to get into a program or end up with a less-than-ideal fit because they prioritize location. It’s obviously your choice, but I would advise against it if possible. Other than that, I would recommend just getting more research experience and some posters/pubs if you don’t get accepted. 

Edited September 19, 2018 by PsycUndergrad

[ResilientDreams]

Yes! People lie on the internet! Don't forget that.

[yash13177]

To add to the support I completely agree with everyone! So much about grad school is not about the letter grades you received. For my field they really are looking for passionate, creative students. Many PIs have told me that it's easy to teach students any type of research methods, what's not as easy is to teach them to be curious~ I think you will do great!