Post-bacc program vs. MA (before PhD applications)

[djn8824]

Hey everyone,

So, I'd like to hear anyone's thoughts on this matter. I recently withdrew from an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program (solely practice-focused) after a few semesters in because I realized that I wish to have career opportunities and the privileges a clinical psychologist has in terms of assessments and scope of research knowledge. I want to focus on growing as a both researcher and clinician. Unfortunately, my program did not offer any research opportunities for counseling students, which eventually made me want to stop altogether. It was a costly mistake, but I'm happy that I left earlier than later (no thank you, debt)! 

I'm committed to spending the next few years to make myself a more competitive applicant for PhD Clinical/Counseling programs. I noticed there is a reputable Post-bacc program somewhat close to where I live that emphasizes taking advanced research method courses and guaranteeing to connect students to at least 1 research lab. I am severely lacking research experience and did not take advantage of it in my undergrad because I always thought I wanted to do social work, counseling, etc. Now, here I am, 7 years out of undergrad with loads of professional social service experience but absolutely no research. 

I've tried to cold email/cold-call many PIs at nearby universities, research institutions, and hospitals and they are either at capacity or only accept current students or recent graduates. One from my alma mater was willing to accept me on a waitlist, but no guarantees. Seeing how extremely competitive it is to even get a research volunteer position, I'm going to apply to this Post-bacc program so I can get my foot in the door. The program is much more affordable than an MA in Experimental Psych, but I'm not completely ruling out the MA research route if it comes down to it. I am considering applying to both Post-bacc and MA programs for next fall admissions. 

What's the reputation of post-bacc programs? Are they as effective in ramping up a student's qualifications for PhD programs as, say, a research-focused MA degree? The one I'm looking at is at a well-known institution and it's affordable. A lot of the program alums got into various PhD programs all around the country and I spoke with the director and she reassured me that the program was designed for students like myself with similar background and grades. I'm also a bit worried about my undergrad GPA...I have a 3.4 for both cumulative and psych at a top school (really hard time in life during senior year). If I get into the post-bacc program, I'm gonna focus on retaking the two classes I got a C+ in to show I can perform well and take advanced research-focused classes. Assuming I do well, perform above average on the GRE, and gain hands-on research experience in 1-2 labs through this program for at least 2 years before applying, would you think I would be a decent enough candidate? The post-bacc program is about 1 year, but I'm considering working for an extra year after that in a lab to get more substantive experience (e.g., presenting at conferences, a publication if I'm lucky).

I know it's impossible to chance people. I guess I'm looking more for what people think about the post bacc route vs. MA in a situation like mine. My grades aren't terrible, but not as competitive as it could be. If I don't need to dish out more loans for an MA program, I won't. The Post-bacc program is roughly half the cost of the MA (in-state tuition).

Thanks a bunch for reading! It's an uphill battle, but I'm determined to make this work even if it takes longer.

Edited April 14, 2022 by djn8824

[SocDevMum]

On 4/14/2022 at 4:17 PM, djn8824 said:

The program is much more affordable than an MA

You're paying for a post-bacc? I was going to tell you that several people at my program did a post-bacc in between, instead of a Masters, but they were paid for their positions, they didn't pay them!

I understand wanting to retake classes that you weren't as successful in the first time, and many times those can be found for a lower cost at a local community college, or you could take them from the uni where you are employed as a post-bacc - but why pay for a post-bacc spot? You would be better off taking a position as a post-bacc research assistant or lab manager, where you would get the hands on experience, opportunities for posters and pubs, and some networking while also getting a paycheck.  

Edited April 19, 2022 by SocDevMum

[djn8824]

7 hours ago, SocDevMum said:

You're paying for a post-bacc? I was going to tell you that several people at my program did a post-bacc in between, instead of a Masters, but they were paid for their positions, they didn't pay them!

I understand wanting to retake classes that you weren't as successful in the first time, and many times those can be found for a lower cost at a local community college, or you could take them from the uni where you are employed as a post-bacc - but why pay for a post-bacc spot? You would be better off taking a position as a post-bacc research assistant or lab manager, where you would get the hands on experience, opportunities for posters and pubs, and some networking while also getting a paycheck.  

Hey there! Thanks for your reply. Yeah, I've been doing a lot of reflecting on taking out loans altogether. I figured my GPA isn't in the worst shape. I'm actually interviewing with a public health research institute for a research manager position that'll get my knees deep in grant writing, participant screening, and assisting with research presentation/preparation. I am seriously crossing my fingers I'll get this because (1) it pays and (2) I gain relevant experience. If this works out, I'll gain as much experience as I can in this role, take GRE, and apply after a couple of years.

I'm unsure if you happen to know this, but does research experience have to be directly psych? Thank you!!

[transfatfree]

I agree that your focus should be on getting more research experience since your undergrad GPA isn't a major deterrence. Publications should be your priority and it seems like you're willing to invest the time. Ideally your research experience should be related to psych since you are more likely to present at psych conferences and publish in psych journals. You can still articulate how transferable those experiences and skills are, but that will take you more time and take the PIs more time to connect them. You were also a psych major so you may need to explain why you switched to another field. It may only be helpful if you obtain some of those experiences in order to secure a research assistant/coordinator position in psych. 

[SocDevMum]

19 hours ago, djn8824 said:

does research experience have to be directly psych?

does it have to be? Not all of it, and not necessarily. Public health could be pretty close, and more easy to explain how it overlaps with your interests. However, you are wanting to get into clinical psych, which is obscenely competitive. if you don't do psych research post-bacc, you are going to have to work extra hard to articulate how this experience connects to your research interests (and research fit!) to potential PIs. I don't think a public health post-bacc would be a deal breaker; I do think it would be more beneficial if you were aiming towards a different field, like Health or Developmental Psych. I don't know what your primary research interests are, but wherever you go for post-bacc, try to find ways that you can very clearly connect the dots between that position and your research interests, so whatever pubs or posters you get could at least be considered adjacent to your area of interest.

Edited April 20, 2022 by SocDevMum