Masters Student wondering about my chances for clinical PsyDs

[Psychologystudent0921]

Hi everyone, 

I am a masters in applied psychology student (4.0 gpa). I am currently interested in PsyD programs. My top choice is ideally Rutgers clinical program but I am worried that my low GPA as undergrad (environmental science 3.25 gpa) will hold me back. I had a major physical health crisis and believe my gpa should have been around a 3.5 but it was also a tough field and I didn't enjoy the hard sciences. I have taken the GRE many times and always get average scores. 

In my masters, I have been involved in three major research projects, and I've presented a research poster at a major conference. I am also helping a professor with getting a paper ready to submit for publication. I've also spent my time working as a crisis counselor helping individuals deal with the effects of COVID. 

I think I want to ultimately be a child psychologist in a clinical or private practice setting. I wasn't sure if I have a shot in getting into the clinical program or if I should just set my sites on the school psych program.

 

[PsyberPsych3311]

I don't think your undergrad GPA ruins your chances. Your master's GPA shows that you can handle graduate coursework. Psych doctoral admissions really rely on the combination of all application components, and it's hard to predict which factors one school with prioritize versus another. I recommend focusing on what you can control now (interview prep, application materials, etc) and go for it! It sounds like you have a decent shot, but give other programs a chance too. Your professors might be able to offer more insight to your chances and ways to improve them.