Clinical Psychology Fall 2019 Applications (Canadian)

[BrainBizarre]

Hey everyone! I just had some questions about the application process and thought someone here might be able to help! I am new to the site so please let me know if I posted this in the wrong place, thanks

Some background to give you context: I applied to a bunch of Clinical Psychology Master's programs last year and although I received some interviews, I did not end up getting accepted anywhere. My question pertains to this year's applications and how I should approach applying to those schools that I have already applied to. Here are some of my questions (hopefully they can also help anyone else that is in a similar situation):

1. How much should my statement of intent differ from last year? I plan on adding some extra things that I have done in the past year but I don't have much to add other than a new research assistant position so I was wondering how I should address that in my statement.

2. When emailing professors that I already applied to last year, should I mention that I applied last year? It feels kind of weird given that I wasn't accepted but I am not sure! Specifically, for those schools that I was invited for an interview but was not accepted, how would I approach this? 

3. Regarding funding applications, how much should the research proposal differ from last year? I am still interested in researching the same things so I wouldn't want to change it too much but I am not sure how wise it would be to submit the same research proposal again.

Sorry if this is too long; if anyone has any advice at all about the application process (even if it doesn't specifically answer my questions) please feel free to share!! Thanks in advance  

[Jay's Brain]

1. I think including the new experiences you've accumulated will certainly be a great place to start. You have an additional year of experiences that should not be undermined, especially if they are relevant and you can speak to why it has helped with your growth as a future clinical psychology student. Did you ask for advice and feedback when you weren't successful? If you received some suggestions, those would be areas of growth and you can show how you've strengthened your skills in those areas.

2. Each year it is a fresh slate with new students applying. Treat this as a new year, and don't go off on the fact that you applied last year. If there are professors you applied with  that encouraged you to apply again, you may want to reach other to them again. Those connections are important, but remember that they are not guaranteed. 

3. Seek out more help from your mentors who can give you better advice about how to refine your proposal. Find ways to tweak it, perhaps with more updated theory or a stronger rationale that this body of research is relevant to the area you are applying to. 

Applications are often tough and grueling, but don't be discouraged! You've applied once and received responses and that's a positive! Good luck

[BrainBizarre]

Thank you!!! This is super helpful!  

You're right, it is pretty tough and I definitely feel discouraged but nothing else I can do other than try, try, try again!!! ?

[BrainBizarre]

9 minutes ago, Jay's Brain said:

1. I think including the new experiences you've accumulated will certainly be a great place to start. You have an additional year of experiences that should not be undermined, especially if they are relevant and you can speak to why it has helped with your growth as a future clinical psychology student. Did you ask for advice and feedback when you weren't successful? If you received some suggestions, those would be areas of growth and you can show how you've strengthened your skills in those areas.

2. Each year it is a fresh slate with new students applying. Treat this as a new year, and don't go off on the fact that you applied last year. If there are professors you applied with  that encouraged you to apply again, you may want to reach other to them again. Those connections are important, but remember that they are not guaranteed. 

3. Seek out more help from your mentors who can give you better advice about how to refine your proposal. Find ways to tweak it, perhaps with more updated theory or a stronger rationale that this body of research is relevant to the area you are applying to. 

Applications are often tough and grueling, but don't be discouraged! You've applied once and received responses and that's a positive! Good luck

Thank you!! This is really helpful

You're right, it is super tough and I definitely feel discouraged but there is nothing else I can do other than to try, try, try again ?

[Jay's Brain]

@BrainBizarre No problem! Feel free to DM me if you have more questions