Canadian MA clinical psychology admission, need advice

[MoominMumu]

I am a Canadian citizen who has recently graduated with B- (3.2 GPA) in Health Psychology MSc with honours. I have 3.7 GPA for Psychology BSc. Hons degree. However, they are both British psychology association accredited courses which I completed in England because I initially wanted to complete my PsyD degree in England due to the program being 3 years. However, it is very expensive without fully paid scholarships (which I had for my undergrad and postgrad) and I also had a change of heart and I don't want to be far away from my parents anymore so I have decided to move back to Toronto.

For York Uni, I have to apply for MA for clinical (can't apply to PhD I checked with the clinical director) and do my thesis all over again (not really opposed to the idea as it will give me more experience) but I wasn't aware that Canadian universities require GRE scores for MA applications and right now I am in England so its difficult nearly not possible for me to do GRE Exams. I am not sure what to do. I am thinking of applying to MA programs regardless and risk it for a conditional offer and do GRE if I get accepted (prepare for it meanwhile as I need that time). I do have 4 years worth of research experience  but I don't have publications and I've been working as a healthcare worker for autistic young adults and adults in England but I am not sure if they will consider that for MA. Plus, I have an online appointment with one of the professors working in the autism field at york u and I really want to do research in ASD as well as clinical work.

For Ottawa Uni, I can apply for PhD for clinical and I will get accepted for MA based on my MSc and BSc but I have to pass English or French language proficiency test to meet the second language requirement. I am not sure if I have to do the French language test because I do have OSSD and degrees in English but English is not my first language. I was born in India and gained my Citizenship in 2012. In addition to that, I have to forget the entire research aspect in Autism area because the potential clinical supervisor professors are not doing research in autism at UOttawa (not a single one- I checked the entire list). 

If I don't get into the MA program this year, I know I can apply next year with GRE scores but I feel like I'll waste another year and I don't know if I'll get a job relevant to the clinical program in Toronto based on the education I have from England. And I feel very demotivated and stuck in a dead-end. I've tried asking admissions office/clinical directors/ and a couple of professors but I received very cold replies. 

Edited October 11, 2018 by MoominMumu

[ResilientDreams]

Would they even let you apply without GRE scores?

[PsycUndergrad]

If the programs require GRE scores you won’t be accepted without them, not even conditionally. These schools have hundreds of applicants for very few spots, and won’t take the time to consider incomplete applications. 

I think you you have a few things to think about before applying or moving back to Canada. Your GPA for your master’s is quite low for Canadian clinical programs, and you’ll want to be sure clinical is a realistic goal. Also, research fit is probably the most important component, and you’re unlikely to get into Ottawa if no one there works in your area of research. I don’t mean to be discouraging, but the application process is very different from the UK and it’s worth taking the time to fully understand what’s required. 

Edited October 12, 2018 by PsycUndergrad

[Neurophilic]

For Ottawa you can also do a course in French as a language requirement. The French test is not an admission test, so you can do it anytime throughout your PhD. That being said, Ottawa is extremely competitive and given no one is doing the research you’re interested in, your odds are very low   

I would honestly suggest doing your GRE. If you want fast track, McGill is a direct PhD entry program so no masters degree is required - GRE is however. 

Its a crucial component to the application. I know you feel life is rushing by and you want to get in now, but I would say to take the year off and do the GRE. Be productive with your year off and get a job in research or any relevant field.