Where can I get in with these stats?

[psych101]

Hey all, so I applied for this fall, but unfortunately didn't get in anywhere (combination of I only applied to top programs and I think an unfocused personal statement).

This year, I'll be working for the year while applying for the fall 2011 class. Down, but not out. But maybe I need a reality check on schools I am able to get into.

BA in psychology (minor in french) with course work in computer science and linguistics (enough to do the cognitive science minor, but I never filled out the forms) from a large public university with very little renown

GPA: 3.68

GRE: 1240

didn't take the subject test. should I?

No posters, no presentations, but extensive psych research in both psycholinguistics and visual perception

3+ great letters of recommendations, two of which from profs I've done research with

I want to study the cognitive and neurological components of language acquisition in children with autism (and other developmental disorders)

I applied to cognitive psychology programs but I've seen professors doing research I'm interested in with PhDs in clinical psych as well (with a focus on neuropsychology). I could see myself want to do clinical down the line, but my primary focus is research.

Any suggestions on where I should apply (places that I have a chance of getting into) with possible related research interests. And what I can do to make my application stand out/better. I doubt I could take another round of rejection letters, but I'm determined to give it another shot.

[TheDude]

From my experience he's what I'd roll with:

I don't think your GPA is that bad for Ph.D programs. Mine fell to a 3.58 overall upon graduation...now over the last 2 years and as a factor of my psych major it is way higher (3.8).

I knew my GPA wasn't going to not get my application looked at this round of applications, but I knew it certainly wasn't going to distinguish me above other undergrads so I decided not to apply. Instead, I focused on my research, netted a few first author poster presentations, a fellowship to fund a project, and currently publishing manuscript 1 with a second on the way- both first author.

I think the research experience is key in getting spotted by recruiters. I'd look to try and present somewhere... the the very least some regional or local professional conferences in the next season. There is plenty of time to do this before applications are due. Also, what was your involvement in the lab? Did you just do data entry and running of subjects with the 3 years or something more? That is certainly a vert notable amount of time to be participating in research. I know not everyone publishes, but lots of applicants will have, at the very least, some kind of presentation.

Also, what were the break downs with your GRE... was your Quant low? If so I'd study my arse off all summer to raise those, but you are above the threshold.

In fact, for all programs I have looked at your stats meet the requirements so IMO it was either a fluke you didn't get interviews or what not, you didn't apply to enough places, your schools were too much of a reach, or your research experience in the 3 years has been thin... but that would be surprising after 3 years because I know some kids who were admitted to programs with "research" experience that was a farce.

That is my take....I'd certainly go at this again next round. Keep in mind the clinical programs are way harder to get into than experimental programs. I know a kid here who got some good offers from Ph.D experimental programs, but whose heart was in clinical and ended up taking a non-funded offer at a Ph.D program somewhere...had rock star stats and a publication.

Sometimes it is a fluke and sometimes it is about fit. From what all professors tell me is once you meet the requisite stats the only thing that really sets you above everyone else is a publication, and if you don't have that flukey things can happen. Apply to more schools and keep your head up.

Wait just reread and notices I got 3 years from some where else: what was your research experience exactly?

Edited May 18, 2010 by musicforfun

[neuroJ]

Hey all, so I applied for this fall, but unfortunately didn't get in anywhere (combination of I only applied to top programs and I think an unfocused personal statement).

This year, I'll be working for the year while applying for the fall 2011 class. Down, but not out. But maybe I need a reality check on schools I am able to get into.

BA in psychology (minor in french) with course work in computer science and linguistics (enough to do the cognitive science minor, but I never filled out the forms) from a large public university with very little renown

GPA: 3.68A

GRE: 1240

didn't take the subject test. should I?

No posters, no presentations, but extensive psych research in both psycholinguistics and visual perception

3+ great letters of recommendations, two of which from profs I've done research with

I want to study the cognitive and neurological components of language acquisition in children with autism (and other developmental disorders)

I applied to cognitive psychology programs but I've seen professors doing research I'm interested in with PhDs in clinical psych as well (with a focus on neuropsychology). I could see myself want to do clinical down the line, but my primary focus is research.

Any suggestions on where I should apply (places that I have a chance of getting into) with possible related research interests. And what I can do to make my application stand out/better. I doubt I could take another round of rejection letters, but I'm determined to give it another shot.

Chin up psych01, rejection feels terrible, but everyone goes through it. I know how you feel, I felt broken when I was rejected the first time round, my self-esteem was so constructed around 'being smart' which meant I would never fail. But everyone fails- that's how you learn things.

Your stats seem solid enough- I don't know if right now you would be competitive at one of the top programs, but it seems like you're on your way to having a really good application. It seems like there are several things you can do to improve your chances. The first, like Musicforfun said, is to try to improve your GRE score. 1240 is good but it would be better to bring it up. The nice thing is you can totally do that- I think the GRE tests not necessarily any innate ability but more your level of preparation and skill at taking the GRE test. It's a skill you cna improve on- all it takes is concentrated effort. Just add words to your vocab- use flashcards and sentence writing any time you get a free moment and practice the math section. The math section has a pretty finite number of types of problems, the more you do them, the easier they'll get. You might even want to consider taking a class. Also, you could try taking the psych GRE - though I have never heard of it influencing admissions all that much, it's at least a way to signify you are serious about doing psychology.

Make sure you have a really solid understanding of what you want to do and how it relates to who you are applying to. GRE and GPA are gatekeepers- they'll get you in the first round. Getting in to grad school is really, really about fit- if profs don't understand why you are interested in their work they won't look at you.

Also, I really think just being older helps. You will know yourself better (and therefore write a stronger personal statement), hopefully have some more research experience (try to stay involved any way you can in psych research during your time off) and will also seem like you are applying to psych grad school because it's what you know you want to do, not simply just something to do after undergrad.

Good luck! Don't let a fear of a round of rejections hold you back from applying- you'll be much madder at yourself later if you don't try.