PsyD HELP!

[Russ730]

I am in the process of applying to PsyD programs in school psychology, and I’m really worried about my chances. Looking through forums, I see that a lot of people have much more research and clinical experience than I do, and better grades overall.

I have a 3.63 overall GPA from a good university, my Psychology GPA is around a 3.83. I just took the new gre, I did not get my scores back yet but the range I got was V – 670-770, and Q – 520-620 (not great). I volunteered for a research team involved in looking at parenting strengths within low-income communities where I was a teacher’s aid in a head start program and participated in giving standardized assessments. I also worked at a hospital as a pediatric child care volunteer (I don’t know if this counts as clinical experience. My responsibilities were to basically just interact with pediatric cancer patients and their parents while they are awaiting outpatient treatment). I also was an America reads tutor for several months. Ever since I graduated a year and a half ago, I’ve been working at a marketing research firm as a project director – would this benefit me in terms of any research experience that a PsyD would be looking for?

Overall, what do you think of my chances? I don’t know if I should volunteer for a crisis hotline before I apply in January, maybe that will help?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

[amandacarol1215]

I wish I had more advice about the PsyD programs and which program you are specifically applying for. Your GRE scores look competitive (although I'm not sure how the new GRE is measured) and the assessment background would be helpful. Also, your GRE and GPA are only part of the application process--your SOP, LOR, fit and interviews will be much more helpful in determining your chances. Volunteering for a crisis hotline couldn't hurt but I don't think it is something you necessarily have to do to be more competitive (unless you are looking at a crisis-heavy school).

Best of luck! Let me know if I can help you with anything!