School Psychology PhD 2021

[Moomi]

1 minute ago, Louisey said:

Hi, just an update from my earlier response, I was officially waitlisted today. Really hoping I get moved up, this is my #1! ??

I was too Trying to stay positive!

[pomeranians]

Accepted into Brooklyn College today! Is anyone planning on attending?

[rafgpsych]

Anyone else waiting to hear back from Cal State Los Angeles? They said it could take up to a month for us to find out whether we have been accepted and I feel like that is cutting it very short. 

[turtlet123]

22 hours ago, The_Garnet_Comet said:

Yeah, I'm waiting to hear from a couple now too. UNLV and Winthrop most notably. I'm just anxious because I need to start getting the wheels in motion to relocate.

I heard back from Winthrop so it could be any time for you! Best of luck!!!

[LetMeInnnnnn]

Just rejected University of Washington's PhD offer so hopefully someone here will receive a spot off of their wait-list Hardest decision I ever had to make

[sackofcrap]

Anyone else here considering deferring / wanting to defer for a year? I was accepted somewhere, but didn't get funding. I would ideally like to work for 1 more year full time to earn more money, so I won't have to really take out loans. I'm wondering if it's typically possible to defer a doctoral level program or if that's really only for undergraduates? 

And then of course there is the covid issue. I'm not sure if the school will be back in person by the time fall 2021 starts and i don't really want to pay full price for virtual college. lol. 

[Schoolzy]

35 minutes ago, sackofcrap said:

Anyone else here considering deferring / wanting to defer for a year? I was accepted somewhere, but didn't get funding. I would ideally like to work for 1 more year full time to earn more money, so I won't have to really take out loans. I'm wondering if it's typically possible to defer a doctoral level program or if that's really only for undergraduates? 

And then of course there is the covid issue. I'm not sure if the school will be back in person by the time fall 2021 starts and i don't really want to pay full price for virtual college. lol. 

Hi, most schools won’t let you defer. If this is a school you’d like to attend. I would advise not to wait for the next year because if you have to reapply and they don’t let you defer, then you will not know if you’ll be accepted again next year to that school. 

[schoolpsych1122]

I just received my first acceptance from Northeastern as I am super sick with COVID

Really happy I could get in somewhere! Best of luck to everyone waiting  

[JakiraJakira]

4 hours ago, sackofcrap said:

Anyone else here considering deferring / wanting to defer for a year? I was accepted somewhere, but didn't get funding. I would ideally like to work for 1 more year full time to earn more money, so I won't have to really take out loans. I'm wondering if it's typically possible to defer a doctoral level program or if that's really only for undergraduates? 

And then of course there is the covid issue. I'm not sure if the school will be back in person by the time fall 2021 starts and i don't really want to pay full price for virtual college. lol. 

I've thought about it but since I applied with my fiancé and he got into MSW programs at the same universities I did it makes the most sense for me to take out a year of loans since the programs could find me funding by year 2 if I cant find it this year. 

Once he finishes his program, he plans on paying for all the expenses we have with his salary to offset some the costs of the PhD. I don't anticipate taking out more than 30k for my entire 4 years. I know people have said that we shouldn't pay for a PhD but honestly it might be a reality in our field to have to pay a little. 

Plus I already have some undergrad loans and if I continue paying towards the PSLF program all my debt will be forgiven meaning the 30k won't effect anything not even my minimum payment since you can qualify with an income restricted payment plan (obviously after the phd) 

[DeeCee311]

Accepted to Fairleigh Dickinson University in Jersey today! Anyone else attending there?

[tschoolpsy]

Hi everybody!

I'm a long time reader, first time poster on this forum!

I am currently deciding between two programs and am in a bit of a pickle. I was offered admission at one program and waitlisted at another, so I thought I had an easy decision to make! However, I got admitted to the second program as well. The first program I was admitted to was my original top choice and I told them that in the interview (I now realize this mistake). However, now that I have the second option, I am seriously considering it.

Given that I already told that first program they were my top choice in interview, would it be unethical/detrimental to attend the other program, if I decide that is what I want?

[Schoolzy]

2 hours ago, tschoolpsy said:

Hi everybody!

I'm a long time reader, first time poster on this forum!

I am currently deciding between two programs and am in a bit of a pickle. I was offered admission at one program and waitlisted at another, so I thought I had an easy decision to make! However, I got admitted to the second program as well. The first program I was admitted to was my original top choice and I told them that in the interview (I now realize this mistake). However, now that I have the second option, I am seriously considering it.

Given that I already told that first program they were my top choice in interview, would it be unethical/detrimental to attend the other program, if I decide that is what I want?

No, I’m sure many of us have done the same and have had programs ranked before actually really getting to know the programs. Even after interviewing for my top program and then meeting the lab after I was accepted. I didn’t feel like it was the best school for me. Don’t feel guilty because you need to go to the school that you think represents you the best. 

[JakiraJakira]

3 hours ago, tschoolpsy said:

Hi everybody!

I'm a long time reader, first time poster on this forum!

I am currently deciding between two programs and am in a bit of a pickle. I was offered admission at one program and waitlisted at another, so I thought I had an easy decision to make! However, I got admitted to the second program as well. The first program I was admitted to was my original top choice and I told them that in the interview (I now realize this mistake). However, now that I have the second option, I am seriously considering it.

Given that I already told that first program they were my top choice in interview, would it be unethical/detrimental to attend the other program, if I decide that is what I want?

48 minutes ago, Schoolzy said:

No, I’m sure many of us have done the same and have had programs ranked before actually really getting to know the programs. Even after interviewing for my top program and then meeting the lab after I was accepted. I didn’t feel like it was the best school for me. Don’t feel guilty because you need to go to the school that you think represents you the best. 

I agree so much with Schoolzy. 

One of the programs I got accepted to (Indiana University) I added to my list at the last minute because a program I had previously had announced they likely were only accepting a few students (half of what they normally do) and I did not want to take a risk.

Indiana was like #6-7 on my list after 2 safety/in-state schools (Kent and UC). The more about the program I read and then my experiences on interview day were just so welcoming and helpful. I feel like I truly belong there and am glad I added them to my list. 

Two of the three other schools (Buffalo and Ohio State) I got accepted or waitlisted at were my initial #2-3 spots.

One of them (OSU) I had a really awkward interview and student social experience with (I just felt the faculty were super distant and so busy) students even said they had to work hard to get faculty to meet with them to work on things. Not to mention my POI has not been very good about communicating with me this entire cycle and seems way to busy to give me solid information. 

The other one (Buffalo) I realized was much less of a fit than I had previously thought and since it is only APA and not NASP accredited I was worried about the experiences with schools that I would be provided in the program (I want to work in School Mental Health)

I don't think last October I would have been able to tell you that I would be this excited about Indiana since I initially was not sold on going there. I intially was worried about living there as a member of the LGBTQ community.  But honestly it really has changed that much. Don't base your decision on what you felt a month or even 3-4 months ago because the more information we get about a program, a POI, funding, etc.  the more things change. 

Best of luck on making your decision. 

 

[mardou]

First off, congratulations to everyone that got accepted to schools and to those who are waiting, I hope you hear some good news soon! Anyways, this has been such an amazing forum where everyone has been super supportive and helpful.

I am currently struggling on choosing which program I want to attend (Tulane and UF). Neither schools were my top choices when I started applying but after talking with other grad students and my PIs, I'm looking forward to going to either one. I want to make a decision soon because I know there are people on the waitlists hoping to hear back and I want to finally commit next week.

My main focus is research and hopefully academia in the future and both programs offer me many research opportunities that will be a great help in the future. I secured funding in both schools so I'm not worried about that either. However, my research goals differ between both schools. My main research focus is intervention and prevention. At Tulane I would be more focused on self-regulation and executive functioning whereas at UF my research would be more focused on reading and math intervention. Two different things but I'm interested in both. 

The one thing about UF is just that I can't see myself living in Florida for the next four/five years and for Tulane my research interest has always been more towards academic intervention even though I have a lot of previous research experience with executive functioning and early childhood adversity.

I guess my dilemma is location vs research interests. What do you think is more important for ya'll, location or research? 

Sorry for the long rant, but it feels good to let it out lol  

[schoolpsych1122]

39 minutes ago, mardou said:

First off, congratulations to everyone that got accepted to schools and to those who are waiting, I hope you hear some good news soon! Anyways, this has been such an amazing forum where everyone has been super supportive and helpful.

I am currently struggling on choosing which program I want to attend (Tulane and UF). Neither schools were my top choices when I started applying but after talking with other grad students and my PIs, I'm looking forward to going to either one. I want to make a decision soon because I know there are people on the waitlists hoping to hear back and I want to finally commit next week.

My main focus is research and hopefully academia in the future and both programs offer me many research opportunities that will be a great help in the future. I secured funding in both schools so I'm not worried about that either. However, my research goals differ between both schools. My main research focus is intervention and prevention. At Tulane I would be more focused on self-regulation and executive functioning whereas at UF my research would be more focused on reading and math intervention. Two different things but I'm interested in both. 

The one thing about UF is just that I can't see myself living in Florida for the next four/five years and for Tulane my research interest has always been more towards academic intervention even though I have a lot of previous research experience with executive functioning and early childhood adversity.

I guess my dilemma is location vs research interests. What do you think is more important for ya'll, location or research? 

Sorry for the long rant, but it feels good to let it out lol  

Just my opinion but congrats both are great schools  

You should think about how the location will really impact you. Will you be able to travel and see your family? What will your support system look like? Any grad program can turn miserable if you don't have your other needs met (social support/overall satisfaction living in your area) 

[JakiraJakira]

1 hour ago, mardou said:

First off, congratulations to everyone that got accepted to schools and to those who are waiting, I hope you hear some good news soon! Anyways, this has been such an amazing forum where everyone has been super supportive and helpful.

I am currently struggling on choosing which program I want to attend (Tulane and UF). Neither schools were my top choices when I started applying but after talking with other grad students and my PIs, I'm looking forward to going to either one. I want to make a decision soon because I know there are people on the waitlists hoping to hear back and I want to finally commit next week.

My main focus is research and hopefully academia in the future and both programs offer me many research opportunities that will be a great help in the future. I secured funding in both schools so I'm not worried about that either. However, my research goals differ between both schools. My main research focus is intervention and prevention. At Tulane I would be more focused on self-regulation and executive functioning whereas at UF my research would be more focused on reading and math intervention. Two different things but I'm interested in both. 

The one thing about UF is just that I can't see myself living in Florida for the next four/five years and for Tulane my research interest has always been more towards academic intervention even though I have a lot of previous research experience with executive functioning and early childhood adversity.

I guess my dilemma is location vs research interests. What do you think is more important for ya'll, location or research? 

Sorry for the long rant, but it feels good to let it out lol  

As much as I probably would hate Florida too (I can't tolerate the heat) I think that research match is probably more important than location. Obviously if by location you mean a lack of practicum sites that would match your career goals than it would hurt more but you probably will be so busy the location won't matter as much. 

Especially if you want to go into academia, I would choose Florida. I know that UF has a much better reputation for producing faculty members and has a very highly ranked program. The fact that it is both NASP and APA accredited it also very important. Especially if you have to take a job at a specialist program before getting a job at a Eds/Phd program.  

Edited March 10, 2021 by JakiraJakira

[Southwestteacher]

1 hour ago, mardou said:

First off, congratulations to everyone that got accepted to schools and to those who are waiting, I hope you hear some good news soon! Anyways, this has been such an amazing forum where everyone has been super supportive and helpful.

I am currently struggling on choosing which program I want to attend (Tulane and UF). Neither schools were my top choices when I started applying but after talking with other grad students and my PIs, I'm looking forward to going to either one. I want to make a decision soon because I know there are people on the waitlists hoping to hear back and I want to finally commit next week.

My main focus is research and hopefully academia in the future and both programs offer me many research opportunities that will be a great help in the future. I secured funding in both schools so I'm not worried about that either. However, my research goals differ between both schools. My main research focus is intervention and prevention. At Tulane I would be more focused on self-regulation and executive functioning whereas at UF my research would be more focused on reading and math intervention. Two different things but I'm interested in both. 

The one thing about UF is just that I can't see myself living in Florida for the next four/five years and for Tulane my research interest has always been more towards academic intervention even though I have a lot of previous research experience with executive functioning and early childhood adversity.

I guess my dilemma is location vs research interests. What do you think is more important for ya'll, location or research? 

Sorry for the long rant, but it feels good to let it out lol  

I think research fit is important! Especially if you are pretty interested in doing research in your career. Obviously I wouldn't recommend moving somewhere you would hate living, but I do think research is a huge component of pursing a PhD so you want to make sure you have the best fit possible (both research content and mentor personality). 

[Xxcm]

18 hours ago, mardou said:

First off, congratulations to everyone that got accepted to schools and to those who are waiting, I hope you hear some good news soon! Anyways, this has been such an amazing forum where everyone has been super supportive and helpful.

I am currently struggling on choosing which program I want to attend (Tulane and UF). Neither schools were my top choices when I started applying but after talking with other grad students and my PIs, I'm looking forward to going to either one. I want to make a decision soon because I know there are people on the waitlists hoping to hear back and I want to finally commit next week.

My main focus is research and hopefully academia in the future and both programs offer me many research opportunities that will be a great help in the future. I secured funding in both schools so I'm not worried about that either. However, my research goals differ between both schools. My main research focus is intervention and prevention. At Tulane I would be more focused on self-regulation and executive functioning whereas at UF my research would be more focused on reading and math intervention. Two different things but I'm interested in both. 

The one thing about UF is just that I can't see myself living in Florida for the next four/five years and for Tulane my research interest has always been more towards academic intervention even though I have a lot of previous research experience with executive functioning and early childhood adversity.

I guess my dilemma is location vs research interests. What do you think is more important for ya'll, location or research? 

Sorry for the long rant, but it feels good to let it out lol  

It’s sounds like UF is the better choice for you. I wouldn’t let the location (unless it’s absolutely horrible) stand in the way. Also, look at what you want to do in the future and not just what your research experience has been in the past. Best of luck to you! 

[Mdesm]

On 3/10/2021 at 4:29 PM, mardou said:

First off, congratulations to everyone that got accepted to schools and to those who are waiting, I hope you hear some good news soon! Anyways, this has been such an amazing forum where everyone has been super supportive and helpful.

I am currently struggling on choosing which program I want to attend (Tulane and UF). Neither schools were my top choices when I started applying but after talking with other grad students and my PIs, I'm looking forward to going to either one. I want to make a decision soon because I know there are people on the waitlists hoping to hear back and I want to finally commit next week.

My main focus is research and hopefully academia in the future and both programs offer me many research opportunities that will be a great help in the future. I secured funding in both schools so I'm not worried about that either. However, my research goals differ between both schools. My main research focus is intervention and prevention. At Tulane I would be more focused on self-regulation and executive functioning whereas at UF my research would be more focused on reading and math intervention. Two different things but I'm interested in both. 

The one thing about UF is just that I can't see myself living in Florida for the next four/five years and for Tulane my research interest has always been more towards academic intervention even though I have a lot of previous research experience with executive functioning and early childhood adversity.

I guess my dilemma is location vs research interests. What do you think is more important for ya'll, location or research? 

Sorry for the long rant, but it feels good to let it out lol  

Hi! Ironically, the University of Florida is the only school that I haven’t been rejected from after interviews. I’m currently on the waitlist and this school was my top choice. If this program is a place that matches your overall fit, I would definitely go - don’t worry about us! We didn’t get accepted for a reason.

Location shouldn’t matter, but if you have a bad gut feeling, I would definitely take some time to reach out to both programs; They want to make sure you make the right decision too. Best of luck friend!

[SaSimon]

On 2/11/2021 at 5:20 PM, DeeCee311 said:

Hi everyone! I just came across this forum and I’m so happy I did! I applied to Fairleigh Dickinson University and Rider University (both in Jersey). I just received a virtual, pre recorded interview for Fairleigh Dickinson. Any tips? I’m super nervous! 

Hi! How was the interview? Are you referring to the PsyD program? Any tips for the interview?

[NYSPSYCH]

Huge congrats to everyone that got accepted into their top choice and/or got great funding to a school where they don't have to worry about Sally Mae knocking on their door in five, six years!

Edited March 12, 2021 by NYSPSYCH

[ThatPoliticalScientist]

I applied to the School Psychology program at the University of Missouri St. Louis and was offered an interview, which I think went well, but I have not heard back since. The director said the goal was to wrap up admissions by the end of February.

Is anyone familiar with the program or when acceptances are usually sent out?

[Southwestteacher]

Found this slack group that has a ton of resources and great people to network with. It seems to be primarily counseling and clinical individuals, but I think it would be great to bring school psych into the conversation. Thought I would pass it along! https://join.slack.com/t/psychinout/shared_invite/zt-ly3nslz9-8EwXLR2HhpRFDxinkiyOcQ

[Schoolzy]

2 hours ago, NYSPSYCH said:

Huge congrats to everyone that got accepted into their top choice and/or got great funding to a school where they don't have to worry about Sally Mae knocking on their door in five, six years! 

Kind of bummed that i got waitlisted/rejected from my top choices and schools that offer a decent amount of funding. The programs I applied to and got accepted to are all in New York... and they'll leave me with a six figure debt by the time I graduate. One program, however, accepted me, but not a lot of my credits as they are a counseling program. They offered a nice aid package, but it'll take me a good 5 or 6 years to complete on top of the 3 years I've already spent on my masters. 

I've been going back and forth about it for quite some time now (everyday, actually). And I just wanted to hear from some you... and what you would do in my situation...

Anything helps!

Wow! This is the most interesting case on this forum! Honestly, this is tricky! I would hate for you to have to spend more time at a university since you’ve already completed your master’s. Another 5 to 6 years is crazy, unless you really like the school and you are willing to be in school longer. If not then in this case I would recommend applying the next year as a possibility and looking into schools, who will take more credits, which they do exist but the problem is that we can’t really give you that answer in knowing how schools will transfer credits. Maybe you should contact the schools about your degree and transferring credits beforehand to get a sense of how this will look next year if you decide to do that. Not every school will do this but it’s a start. Unfortunately, this is a decision that you have to make, so spend the extra time at a school you are interested in or go to another school that will take more credits and you spend less time (once again which we can’t guarantee for you). Or you can also wait for the schools you have been waitlisted at. Also, no debt and spending more time is better than debt lol unless you think spending more time is worse than debt. This is a hard decision but for me. I would be okay with taking the debt out because I was just telling someone else in a different situation if you are going into research there are ways to get grants  for research that you do that will also pay your student loans off. If that’s an option and chance you are willing to take. Also, the addition to the student loan forgiveness in terms of maybe working in underrepresented and in low income communities. Also, speaking realistically most of us will be in debt in some way for the rest of our lives and I would hate for you to waste extra time in your life because of debt too. I really wish you the best and hope I responded to what you wrote, correctly. If not you can definitely respond like no this is not what I meant. ?

[transfatfree]

38 minutes ago, Schoolzy said:

Wow! This is the most interesting case on this forum! Honestly, this is tricky! I would hate for you to have to spend more time at a university since you’ve already completed your master’s. Another 5 to 6 years is crazy, unless you really like the school and you are willing to be in school longer. If not then in this case I would recommend applying the next year as a possibility and looking into schools, who will take more credits, which they do exist but the problem is that we can’t really give you that answer in knowing how schools will transfer credits. Maybe you should contact the schools about your degree and transferring credits beforehand to get a sense of how this will look next year if you decide to do that. Not every school will do this but it’s a start. Unfortunately, this is a decision that you have to make, so spend the extra time at a school you are interested in or go to another school that will take more credits and you spend less time (once again which we can’t guarantee for you). Or you can also wait for the schools you have been waitlisted at. Also, no debt and spending more time is better than debt lol unless you think spending more time is worse than debt. This is a hard decision but for me. I would be okay with taking the debt out because I was just telling someone else in a different situation if you are going into research there are ways to get grants  for research that you do that will also pay your student loans off. If that’s an option and chance you are willing to take. Also, the addition to the student loan forgiveness in terms of maybe working in underrepresented and in low income communities. Also, speaking realistically most of us will be in debt in some way for the rest of our lives and I would hate for you to waste extra time in your life because of debt too. I really wish you the best and hope I responded to what you wrote, correctly. If not you can definitely respond like no this is not what I meant. ?

Realistically, even with an EdS degree with full credit transfer, a PhD in School Psych can still take 4 years to complete. APA accreditation requires coursework that is not typically in EdS degrees and can take an additional 2 years. Before applying for internship, you will have to pass a comprehensive exam and propose your dissertation (maybe also complete a master's thesis depending on the program). So a PhD in Counseling Psych for 5 years may not be a bad bet, especially if you want more clinical exp to prepare for a career in clinical settings.