A late bloomer looking to get into a counseling program

[abax86]

I've decided that I would like to pursue a PhD in counseling psychology, but I'm concerned that I am under qualified for good programs. I'm hoping someone here can help me determine if my suspicions are valid, and if so, what I should do about it. A short bio-

-Graduated in 2009 with a psych degree from a major state university. 3.445 *** GPA, 3.8 last 2 years GPA

-1 semester internship at a mental health clinic

-2 semesters as a research assistant(1 semester cognitive psych, 1 semester social psych)

-8 months working as a coach/family advocate for at risk youths at a local non-profit

-1 semester as a teaching assistant

-1 year post-grad experience teaching ESL in Seoul, South Korea

-volunteer experience with people with disabilities

-No GRE scores yet- taking the test in August of this year

***Important note- Every last bit of my experience outside the classroom took place in my last three semesters. I floated around for two and a half years with a 3.2 GPA and next to nothing in relevant extra curriculars. Then something happened- let's call it maturity- and I spent the final year and a half of my college career earning 4.0s and getting my hands any and all field related experience that I could.

So there you have it... What are your thoughts? Do I stand a chance at getting into a desirable program? How responsive are admissions people to the stories of people who take awhile to get their acts together?

If it is not realistic to expect admission into a decent program, what would you recommend? I've considered doing a general psych masters, or perhaps an MSW. Would either of these provide the boost I need to pursue my doctorate at a good school?

[rainbowworrier]

I've decided that I would like to pursue a PhD in counseling psychology, but I'm concerned that I am under qualified for good programs. I'm hoping someone here can help me determine if my suspicions are valid, and if so, what I should do about it. A short bio-

-Graduated in 2009 with a psych degree from a major state university. 3.445 *** GPA, 3.8 last 2 years GPA

-1 semester internship at a mental health clinic

-2 semesters as a research assistant(1 semester cognitive psych, 1 semester social psych)

-8 months working as a coach/family advocate for at risk youths at a local non-profit

-1 semester as a teaching assistant

-1 year post-grad experience teaching ESL in Seoul, South Korea

-volunteer experience with people with disabilities

-No GRE scores yet- taking the test in August of this year

***Important note- Every last bit of my experience outside the classroom took place in my last three semesters. I floated around for two and a half years with a 3.2 GPA and next to nothing in relevant extra curriculars. Then something happened- let's call it maturity- and I spent the final year and a half of my college career earning 4.0s and getting my hands any and all field related experience that I could.

So there you have it... What are your thoughts? Do I stand a chance at getting into a desirable program? How responsive are admissions people to the stories of people who take awhile to get their acts together?

If it is not realistic to expect admission into a decent program, what would you recommend? I've considered doing a general psych masters, or perhaps an MSW. Would either of these provide the boost I need to pursue my doctorate at a good school?

Nothing in here screams to me that you would be a poor candidate. It is truly about fit, and readiness. I am starting after several years away from school, so I don't think that is a negative - having work experience can actually make you a stronger student in some aspects.

Many programs have early deadlines, so go ahead and take that GRE now, so you can see what if anything needs to be done to improve your scores. Contact possible references, and look up the 5-10 programs you would like to apply to, and learn about their deadlines and other salient details now. Many of them have specific stats posted about what their average admissions results are.

Good Luck!

[tibbles]

I applied for Cog Sci rather than counseling, but am going back 7 years after undergrad. It really is about your fit for the program. Take the GRE early, and then get started on crafting a really superb personal statement - if you have a letter writer who you think would also be willing to give you feedback on your personal statement, ask them to do so. It's very easy to focus on the GRE and your past experience, but how you present your enthusiasm and interest is also important - so stop worrying and start working!

[MrsMendezino]

I don't see any reason why you would be underqualified! Go for it!

I've decided that I would like to pursue a PhD in counseling psychology, but I'm concerned that I am under qualified for good programs. I'm hoping someone here can help me determine if my suspicions are valid, and if so, what I should do about it. A short bio-

-Graduated in 2009 with a psych degree from a major state university. 3.445 *** GPA, 3.8 last 2 years GPA

-1 semester internship at a mental health clinic

-2 semesters as a research assistant(1 semester cognitive psych, 1 semester social psych)

-8 months working as a coach/family advocate for at risk youths at a local non-profit

-1 semester as a teaching assistant

-1 year post-grad experience teaching ESL in Seoul, South Korea

-volunteer experience with people with disabilities

-No GRE scores yet- taking the test in August of this year

***Important note- Every last bit of my experience outside the classroom took place in my last three semesters. I floated around for two and a half years with a 3.2 GPA and next to nothing in relevant extra curriculars. Then something happened- let's call it maturity- and I spent the final year and a half of my college career earning 4.0s and getting my hands any and all field related experience that I could.

So there you have it... What are your thoughts? Do I stand a chance at getting into a desirable program? How responsive are admissions people to the stories of people who take awhile to get their acts together?

If it is not realistic to expect admission into a decent program, what would you recommend? I've considered doing a general psych masters, or perhaps an MSW. Would either of these provide the boost I need to pursue my doctorate at a good school?

[abax86]

Thanks so much for your help everyone. I appreciate the inspiring words and the vote of confidence. I'm going to stop worrying so much and just dedicate myself fully to the application process. I won't know until I try!