So..... Taking 2 years off before applying? Is it dumb?

[Hopefully525]

Hey there! I wrote a lot about my criteria just a few weeks ago here (and whined a lot) but something happened and it looks like I will be waiting another year to apply. 

I was really worried about my relatively short experience in psych lab but I got an research internship near my hometown. But I’m not sure if I will be taking the offer because it’s not directly clinical psych related (but indirectly related for sure) Also many of the POI seem to be not taking any new students this year. 

I don’t know if I should just suck it up and apply to whoever that will accept new students. Do you guys think it’s dumb to wait another year because your ppl of interests aren’t taking new students this cycle? 

Edited August 16, 2019 by Hopefully525

[Clinapp2017]

It’s never bad to take time, get paid, and get more research experience if you are lacking in that area. Clinical PHD programs are very competitive, so you want to have a strong research background, even if tangentially related. 

[PokePsych]

take your year off as long as it s relevant. It may help your chances too. PhD is a long ride, so you want to end up somewhere that you really like.