The procrastinating applicant

[Mindsoncoffee]

Would love the thoughts and opinions from all of you seasoned applicants. 

I'm currently considering applying for clinical psych doctoral programs with an emphasis on Neuropsychology.

Number-wise I appear to be, what some would call, an average student. My undergrad GPA was a 3.18 and my GRE scores were 150- Verbal, 145- Quant and 4.0- Writing (the programs I'm looking into don't even require the GRE, so I wouldn't have to submit these). From this perspective it doesn't seem likely that I would get into a PhD program (although, correct me if I'm wrong?). 

But here are some other factors. My psych GPA is a 3.68. Regarding research and work experience, since I graduated college 4 years ago I've been working in research- both in RA and Coordinator positions at prestigious locations. I've also authored a paper (not in the psych field), and I've had 1.5 years of other clinical psych-related work experience. For LOR's I have a few good options professionally and academically.

Is it too late for me to apply for 2021 PhD programs? Should I take more time to prepare? My other option is going for an MS in Cognitive Neuroscience to boost my GPA, but is that necessary if my GPA could be explained in my personal statement?

I know I'm really late to the game, but if there's a possibility of acceptance without spending the extra money on a masters degree, I'd love to consider applying to some programs asap.

Thanks!

 

 

[psychapplicant21]

I would go for it, it seems like you have a reasonable chance and you have research experience which is v important. Perhaps apply to a few programs where there is a very close research fit with the faculty member. There is always so much to learn from the application process and if you have the funds to apply this year it could be helpful in determining specific ways to improve your application next round, if you don't get an offer this time.

[Clinapp2017]

What is the field of your authored paper? Is it related to clinical neuropsych/do you have assessment experience at all?  

 

Rather than apply for a MA program, I might consider if I was you applying to work for 2 years as a RA in a clinical neuropsych lab as an RA or lab manager. Getting the direct research experience would be helpful (no matter how 'prestigious' the unrelated RA job) would be helpful.