switching grad programs

[wannabeSP]

So, for many reasons I am choosing to leave my current grad program at a top school of public health. I want to go back to psychology, which I earned my undergrad degree in and LOVED. I'm finding that I just don't have the passion for PH that I have for psychology, and that choosing a top PH school for a program in a field that I have no experience in (epidemiology) was a huge mistake. I've been studying more than I ever have, and still can't manage to do well. My first quarter of school was not very successful at all... I wound up with a 2.2 GPA (awful). I am planning to finish out second term, and hopefully get much better grades. All of the added stress is making me hate the field, and I'm really unhappy here. I have spent a lot of time recently thinking about what classes I loved in college to help me get a sense of where to go from here, and what I've come up with is developmental psych, psych testing, and all of my clinical psych classes. I've always loved kids and I have thought about school psych as a career before, but got sucked into research (rather than practice). I am planning to apply to specialist level school psychology programs. Am I completely screwed? Here are my stats:

Undergrad GPA: 3.54 (from a top public university)

GRE: 700Q, 500V, 4.5W

Experience: 1 semester volunteering at campus preschool, 2 years clinical psychology research experience (RA)

Also, how would you guys recommend that I address this change of career in my personal statement? I don't want to focus on it, but I definitely can't leave it out completely.

I'm thinking of applying to Columbia TC, Fordham, St. John's, Queens College, and University of Delaware. Anyone have any experience with these places?

[sjc86]

I am currently working with a PhD student who switched programs 2 years ago. She is in a top-tier program and is very happy now. Granted, it wasn't a different field, rather she a conflict with an adviser and wanted to change schools.

The fact is, you aren't excelling in your program and you are not happy. To stick with a graduate program despite the fact that it is not a good match is both a waste of your time and your program's time. This is especially true considering you know where you'd rather be. If i were you, I'd just breifly mention in your SOP that while you had pursued a career in public health, you soon realized that your heart was in psychology and that this experience has only strengthened your commitment and desire to continue your studies in psychology.