Chances at NYU/Columbia - Psychology

[sonicmascis]

Hello there!

I'm strongly considering applying to NYU's and Columbia's psychology graduate (PhD) program but have a few questions:

1. How grade-selective are them? My current GPA is 3.65 (but I still want to raise it) and I've got 720Q and 680V GRE scores . Would that be enough? Of course, letters of recomendation and personal statement are also important, but I would like to hear from you guys about my scores. Are they good enough for these programs?

2. What is more important in an undergraduate curriculum: research assistantship or teaching assistantship?

3. Having a handful of presentations at big academic events and three published articles make a good difference in one's application?

Thanks a lot!

[DustSNK]

To your #2 question, I would say Research assistant. TA at undergrad level is kinda mehh, but definitely way better than not doing one (like I did). Please get your self an RA position if you can!!! I wish I did that.I really like NYU's Psych department. I don't know about their MA prog, but their BA curriculum is VERY progressive in my eyes (non-clinical). But Stony Brook might be nice also, I know a lot of their professors are clinicians. One there ,forgot her name, did some ground breaking stuff on pattern recognition in the cog dev areas.

Edited August 18, 2011 by DustSNK

[PsychGrad2011]

It's hard to tell exactly what schools are looking for, but I think you could be a strong applicant. Your grades are a little low, but your GRE scores will be fine. You should definitely focus on research over teaching, or do both if you can handle it! Your presentations and publication are going to be the strongest point in your application - it is very rare for undergraduates to publish articles by the time grad school applications are due.

The only thing to keep in mind is that Columbia and NYU are great schools in great locations, and as such they get TONS of applications every year. To really set yourself apart from other candidates you need to have research interests that match not only what professors are currently working on, but where they are hoping to take their work in the future. Good luck!

[sonicmascis]

Thanks a lot for your replies, guys!!

DustSNK: That's a good advice! I will definetely get a research assistantship. And NYU's psychology department really is great, I've been dreaming of studying there for a long long time..

PsychGrad2011: I am working hard hard to raise my scores. Having a 3.7 GPA would give me much more confidence on the admission process. Great to hear about the advantage having these published articles and presentations can possibly give me. Thanks a lot for the advices. They'll make a real difference.

I also hope to hear from more people if they have different opinions and stuff, or just think they have something important to say.

[lewin]

Which subdiscipline are you applying to?

[chak]

You could also take a look at the published data for accepted PhD students for each year from each respective school and program.

[sonicmascis]

Which subdiscipline are you applying to?

Probably cognition and perception. I really want to do research on neuroeconomics and decision making.

[sonicmascis]

You could also take a look at the published data for accepted PhD students for each year from each respective school and program.

Great idea! I also am trying to talk to them, ask about their application and admission process, scores etc.

[chak]

The accepted student's average is generally around 1400, 4.5-5.5 AW, and (I'd say) 3.7-3.8? If you're around that ballpark then I would say that everything else will just depend on your fit with the program in addition to having strong letters of reccs.

[sonicmascis]

The accepted student's average is generally around 1400, 4.5-5.5 AW, and (I'd say) 3.7-3.8? If you're around that ballpark then I would say that everything else will just depend on your fit with the program in addition to having strong letters of reccs.

That's great! I think (or would it be - I hope?) my scores will reach this level in a short time. The recommendation letter stuff is kinda obscure to me as I'm brazilian and don't know exactly which aspects are to look for, or to emphasize, in such a letter. But it seems like I'm on the right path already.

Thanks a lot, chak!