PsyD Programs at reputable universities + my chances

[roxyshoe]

I know a lot of schools offering Psy.D's are a bit sketchy. What are some universities that offer a Psy.D and are not-for-profit programs? For example, I know Northwestern has a program like this and I think (hope) it is funded in the same way a Ph.D would be. What are some similar programs?

I also was wondering about my chances of getting into a program like that of Northwesterns. Here are my stats.

- Double Major in Psychology (BA) and Creative Writing/Literature, possibility of German minor.

- Overall gpa - 3.73; Psych GPA - 3.56

- I have gotten a minimum of an A- in all of my upper-level psych courses. However, in textbook-based, big intro classes I have gotten mostly B's, hence the mediocre psych gpa =/ This includes a C+ in Statistics and a B in Research Methods. (I just really don't do well in big classes!)

- I am not expecting my gre scores to be over the top awesome. if anything, i will just make the cut-off with luck.

- I had a paid internship working on a social psych survey project at the umich institute for social research one summer. And I had a research fellowship this past summer to do my own project in psychology (about meditation).

- This will be my second year teaching a research in the social sciences course to underclassmen, which includes leading seminars, planning, grading, meeting/dealing with students..the works...

- This will be my fourth year working in a social psychology lab (with big-name profs), and my third year as a lab manager in it.

- I will be completing an honors thesis this year in clinical psych.

- I will be a part of the counseling services student advisory board at my school this year.

I know this is all more than enough to get into a professional, profiteering school's psy.d program, but what about really reputable ones? I have a lot of experience, but I've never published or anything, plus my grades in psych are not perfect, AND my gre scores will likely not be too impressive (I just suck at standardized tests...what can you do...)

THANK YOU!!!

And sorry for spamming this board, haha... xx

Edited August 23, 2011 by roxyshoe

[roxyshoe]

ALSO, do you generally think it's a plain bad idea to get a Psy.D? Is it true the degree is being considered for eradication because of it's weird in-between of msw and phd in clinical psych? =/

[jynx]

I've heard Rutgers has a top notch, funded PsyD program. Don't know where else, though...I don't think there are very many. Have you considered clinical PhD programs?

I don't know a ton about PsyD programs, but I'm attending a clinical PhD program, and I think fully funded, reputable PsyD programs are about as hard to get into as clinical PhD programs. Your psych grades are kinda low, but all your other experience is great, and will probably make you stand out as an applicant. Write a really awesome SOP about those experiences and get great letters of rec and I think you should have a good shot. Also, if you're not great at standardized tests, I'd suggest getting a GRE prep book before you take it - it will help.

If good PsyD programs are as hard to get into as clinical PhD programs, though, it really is a total crapshoot - I got interviewed at the highest and lowest ranked programs I applied to, and only one in between (out of 14 programs).

I haven't heard that PsyDs are going to be eradicated. I was under the impression that PsyDs were actually gaining acceptance. Again, though, I don't know a ton about PsyDs. I'd recommend checking out the Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. In addition to walking you through the entire application process, it talks about the different types of programs, and it has detailed info on (I believe) every APA-accredited program in the country. That should answer some of your questions and help you find programs to apply to.