School Psychology PhD 2021

[maybeschoolpsych21]

Hi everyone! I haven't come across a thread for Berkeley yet so I figured I'd start one  Apologies if a thread has already been established; feel free to link it below and I'll delete this post.

I applied to Berkeley on December 1 and though I haven't heard from the program, I'm super excited (and anxious!) about the potential opportunity to interview. I hope this can serve as a space to share interview updates/general moral support!

Out of curiosity- how did folks submit their supplemental docs for credential programs (eg. SAT scores). I submitted a PDF of my SAT score as a supplemental doc and the GSE office said this was the appropriate avenue. I feel like I'd read somewhere that we needed to send an official score report somewhere? Any insight would be appreciated, thank you!!

[schoolpsychinprogress]

55 minutes ago, maybeschoolpsych21 said:

Hi everyone! I haven't come across a thread for Berkeley yet so I figured I'd start one  Apologies if a thread has already been established; feel free to link it below and I'll delete this post.

I applied to Berkeley on December 1 and though I haven't heard from the program, I'm super excited (and anxious!) about the potential opportunity to interview. I hope this can serve as a space to share interview updates/general moral support!

Out of curiosity- how did folks submit their supplemental docs for credential programs (eg. SAT scores). I submitted a PDF of my SAT score as a supplemental doc and the GSE office said this was the appropriate avenue. I feel like I'd read somewhere that we needed to send an official score report somewhere? Any insight would be appreciated, thank you!!

Hey! I think once admitted we would send the official stuff. Wouldn’t make sense to do all of that and then not end up going.

[mattdamon]

When people say they were emailed by their PI for interviews is it because they had already been in contact with their PI before or is it something that happens even if you hadn't contacted them and you indicated them on your application?

 

ALSO my PI told me interview invites ~usually~ are sent early december for interviews in january. do you think that they are going to move interviews to later since invites are likely going to come later as well?

Edited December 17, 2020 by caitlynthomas

[JakiraJakira]

2 hours ago, caitlynthomas said:

When people say they were emailed by their PI for interviews is it because they had already been in contact with their PI before or is it something that happens even if you hadn't contacted them and you indicated them on your application?

 

ALSO my PI told me interview invites ~usually~ are sent early december for interviews in january. do you think that they are going to move interviews to later since invites are likely going to come later as well?

 

I think both. I reached out to at least 1 professor at each of the 9 programs I applied too and only 8 responded. 

The one that did not respond to me (and might not have even seen my email) emailed me directly to ask for an interview (Indiana) 

A POI I had talked to previously on the phone called me directly to informal invite me to an interview and then sent the formal interview request a week later via email.  

Many programs that waived the GRE for 2021 admissions have seen a large influx of applications. Some programs (not sure about Minnesota) have seen 50% or higher increases. This may have impacted interview invitations. I would not worry if you have not received an invite prior to January. 

Edited December 17, 2020 by komerj

[mattdamon]

10 minutes ago, komerj said:

I think both. I reached out to at least a1 professor at each of the 9 programs I applied too and only 8 responded. 

The one that did not respond to me (and might not have even seen my email) emailed me directly to ask for an interview (Indiana) 

A POI, I had talked to previously on the phone called me directly to informal invite me to an interview and then sent the formal interview request a week later via email.  

Many programs that waived the GRE for 2021 admissions have seen a large influx of applications. Some programs (not sure about Minnesota) have seen 50% or higher increases. This may have impacted interview invitations. I would not worry if you have not received an invite prior to January. 

Awesome, thanks!

I contacted both of my PI's but I used a different email than I did on my application, but I'm hoping that since the name is the same that that won't be a big deal.

Definitely a crazy year to be applying. Congrats on your interviews!

[JakiraJakira]

45 minutes ago, caitlynthomas said:

Awesome, thanks!

I contacted both of my PI's but I used a different email than I did on my application, but I'm hoping that since the name is the same that that won't be a big deal.

Definitely a crazy year to be applying. Congrats on your interviews!

I’m sure you’ll hear back regardless! Hopefully soon. 
 

Thank you! I appreciate that. 

[Louisey]

2 hours ago, caitlynthomas said:

When people say they were emailed by their PI for interviews is it because they had already been in contact with their PI before or is it something that happens even if you hadn't contacted them and you indicated them on your application?

 

ALSO my PI told me interview invites ~usually~ are sent early december for interviews in january. do you think that they are going to move interviews to later since invites are likely going to come later as well?

I’ve also heard that some app review committees are taking their time this cycle, since the interviews are going to be online they don’t need to worry about giving advanced notice since airfare/lodging won’t be an issue. Which is totally fine with me, I just wish they could all say not to expect an invite until later then so I can stop refreshing my email!

[JakiraJakira]

Just heard back from the University Of Massachusetts Boston. 
I know a couple of people here are hoping to go there so you should be receiving your invite soon! 

[mattdamon]

45 minutes ago, Louisey said:

I’ve also heard that some app review committees are taking their time this cycle, since the interviews are going to be online they don’t need to worry about giving advanced notice since airfare/lodging won’t be an issue. Which is totally fine with me, I just wish they could all say not to expect an invite until later then so I can stop refreshing my email!

Kinda makes me sad, I was excited to possibly go spend some time on campus! Understandable though, and makes it a lot easier to do.

I agree, just a generic mass email saying we won't hear until January would ease my anxiety so much haha

[gros8433]

1 hour ago, komerj said:

Just heard back from the University Of Massachusetts Boston. 
I know a couple of people here are hoping to go there so you should be receiving your invite soon! 

From PI or from program director?

[JakiraJakira]

10 minutes ago, gros8433 said:

From PI or from program director?

Program coordinator 

This is what is said 

“

The University of Massachusetts Boston Department of Counseling and School Psychology Admissions Committee was very impressed with your application and is pleased to extend an invitation for you to interview for admission to our Ph.D. Program in School Psychology!

 

We will conduct interview day via Zoom, as we are currently working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please hold Friday, February 5th, 2021 from 1 – 5pm ET for interviews. We plan to send you some orienting materials to review ahead of this meeting to provide background about our program and introduce you to campus. On February 5th you will meet with faculty and students to provide you with the opportunity to get to know us better and learn more about the program, faculty, and the university. This time will include both individual and group interviews. We will be sending additional information closer to interview day.”

[StudiestStudy]

Hey guys, current school psych PhD student here. Just wanted to hope on and answer any application questions you guys might have. I obviously don’t have all the answers but could provide some insight based on my application experience. I applied to several schools and had a couple of interviews last year. I don’t want to disclose my program name in case professors check this forum. Let me know if you have any questions!!

One thing to make sure you are very clear about is what funding they have. This is for PhD and EdS students. My program boasted about full time funding for all PhD students for the entire program but that ended up not being the case. In part due to the pandemic but also older students (3rd/4th years) said they were not guaranteed funding after the first year. Most of our EdS students barely have funding (like 1/4 time) if they have any. I’ve heard whispers that funding may be even more limited next year and will be focused on first year students. My program and school are smaller so we are probably struggling more than some of the bigger programs but according to the professors funding is an issue across all the programs. 
 
Finally, I think it would be helpful to ask how the program has been handling remote learning and the pandemic. Ask the professors and the current students. In my opinion my school/program has not done the best job in this area. One of my classes was especially hectic because the professor didn’t communicate expectations and deadlines clearly to us so everyone was confused on what needed to be done. 

[JakiraJakira]

Just now, StudiestStudy said:

Hey guys, current school psych PhD student here. Just wanted to hope on and answer any application questions you guys might have. I obviously don’t have all the answers but could provide some insight based on my application experience. I applied to several schools and had a couple of interviews last year. I don’t want to disclose my program name in case professors check this forum. Let me know if you have any questions!!

One thing to make sure you are very clear about is what funding they have. This is for PhD and EdS students. My program boasted about full time funding for all PhD students for the entire program but that ended up not being the case. In part due to the pandemic but also older students (3rd/4th years) said they were not guaranteed funding after the first year. Most of our EdS students barely have funding (like 1/4 time) if they have any. I’ve heard whispers that funding may be even more limited next year and will be focused on first year students. My program and school are smaller so we are probably struggling more than some of the bigger programs but according to the professors funding is an issue across all the programs. 
 
Finally, I think it would be helpful to ask how the program has been handling remote learning and the pandemic. Ask the professors and the current students. In my opinion my school/program has not done the best job in this area. One of my classes was especially hectic because the professor didn’t communicate expectations and deadlines clearly to us so everyone was confused on what needed to be done. 

I have heard that the majority of programs do not guarantee funding for students but that at most you can ask whether the majority of previous students received full funding for their time at the school. 
 

I know private schools rarely have full funding. I can name 2 that have almost 100% but none that give it to every student. 
 

is your school public or private? I know R1 public schools often have more funding than most. 

 

[StudiestStudy]

Just now, komerj said:

I have heard that the majority of programs do not guarantee funding for students but that at most you can ask whether the majority of previous students received full funding for their time at the school. 
 

I know private schools rarely have full funding. I can name 2 that have almost 100% but none that give it to every student. 
 

is your school public or private? I know R1 public schools often have more funding than most. 

 

My school is public but not R1. When I interviewed they told us that majority of their students (both PhD and Eds) received full funding throughout the program but no guarantees were made. When they told me I wouldn’t get full funding they said it was due to the pandemic which was true. When I started school and talked to some of the older students they told me only first years generally received full funding and then it is a toss up for the next three years. The Specialist students barely had any funding this year which seem to be a trend over the last few years. 

[JakiraJakira]

2 hours ago, StudiestStudy said:

My school is public but not R1. When I interviewed they told us that majority of their students (both PhD and Eds) received full funding throughout the program but no guarantees were made. When they told me I wouldn’t get full funding they said it was due to the pandemic which was true. When I started school and talked to some of the older students they told me only first years generally received full funding and then it is a toss up for the next three years. The Specialist students barely had any funding this year which seem to be a trend over the last few years. 

Do you suggest directing funding questions to current students rather than professors or POI we want to work with? To avoid exaggerated claims about funding and get a more accurate story?

[mattdamon]

13 minutes ago, JakiraJakira said:

Do you suggest directing funding questions to current students rather than professors or POI we want to work with? To avoid exaggerated claims about funding and get a more accurate story?

I would say ask both but students will probably give more ~honest~ answers. 

[MoNils]

5 hours ago, Louisey said:

I’ve also heard that some app review committees are taking their time this cycle, since the interviews are going to be online they don’t need to worry about giving advanced notice since airfare/lodging won’t be an issue. Which is totally fine with me, I just wish they could all say not to expect an invite until later then so I can stop refreshing my email!

I just heard today for interviews from UMass Boston and Tulane so I'm sure you will get your invite soon, hang in there

[Alliswan]

Hiii! 

Im applying to:

University of Houston 

University of Texas Austin 

University of Georgia

University of Arizona 

University of Virginia 

Tulane 

 

Just got an interview offer from faculty at Tulane :) wishing everyone a good interview season! 

[gros8433]

Does anyone know if a program sends out interview invites all at once to those that receive them? If I didn't get an invite the day that other people on here are getting them, its safe to say that I am not getting one?

[maybeschoolpsych21]

Hi everyone! I haven't seen a thread for UC Berkeley's school psych program so I figured I'd start one! All the best to everyone  I haven't heard back yet but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for us!

[JakiraJakira]

2 hours ago, gros8433 said:

Does anyone know if a program sends out interview invites all at once to those that receive them? If I didn't get an invite the day that other people on here are getting them, its safe to say that I am not getting one?

It depends on the program. Some applications that are flagged with issues or take longer to receive may be reviewed later? I know someone on the clinical psych thread said they received an interview request a week after other people started posting their invites in the results section. 

I wouldn't count yourself out yet!

[JakiraJakira]

Hey everyone! 

I'm in close contact with my advisor who has taught courses in my universities school psychology program (although she is faculty in a different program within the department)

She helped me develop a list of interview questions and things to think about prior to interview season. 

It's a little long, and sometimes redundant but I figured I would share it with fellow applicants who are just as excited as me. 

I have attached the word doc to this reply. 

I hope it helps!

Potential Interview Questions and Responses.docx

[rachaelpfanz]

49 minutes ago, JakiraJakira said:

Hey everyone! 

I'm in close contact with my advisor who has taught courses in my universities school psychology program (although she is faculty in a different program within the department)

She helped me develop a list of interview questions and things to think about prior to interview season. 

It's a little long, and sometimes redundant but I figured I would share it with fellow applicants who are just as excited as me. 

I have attached the word doc to this reply. 

I hope it helps!

Potential Interview Questions and Responses.docxUnavailable

Hey! Thank you this would be pretty helpful as I’m pretty sure my first time around I didn’t do as great in interview as I should have. Is there anyway you can try sharing this again so we can see it? It says unavailable attachment. 

[JakiraJakira]

Just now, rachaelpfanz said:

Hey! Thank you this would be pretty helpful as I’m pretty sure my first time around I didn’t do as great in interview as I should have. Is there anyway you can try sharing this again so we can see it? It says unavailable attachment. 

Sorry the link did not work!

I decided this time to play it safe and just share it via google docs

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xNBTL9utx8kzyALhD9286tzfslxABrnh/view?usp=sharing

[Theloveguru]

Random question, but what time are you all receiving the emails for the interview invitation?