Thoughts on this application for Clinical Psychology PhD programs

[Coffeeat2am]

Basically, I'm wondering what my chances are for Teir 1 Clinical Psychology/Science PhD programs, and more importantly, whether I can make the jump to either Behavioral/Cognitive Neuroscience. Any thoughts would be great. Cheers!

GPA:

undergraduate - Psychology: 3.85

                         - Political Science: 3.9

master's - Psychology (6 classes): 3.95

              - Statistics (6 classes): ~3.75

GRE:

Took the new test when it first came out (~8/11) but wasn't satisfied with the results, haven't touched it since, but took a practice several months back (~11/12) and received a 1400, according to ETS practice module and scoring.

Letters of Recc:

I would consider all three as strong, considering I've worked with each person for at least two years and have written at least 2 posters with each lab.

Publications:

1 Published, 2 on the way

Posters:

~15? Half were first-authored.

Research Experience:

-Hitting my 6th year when I apply. I have the history and experience with juggling multiple labs one of which involves lab coordinating the work of 15+ research research and stand-alone projects for, and working with, 20+ members lab.

-Ability to construct statistical and structural equation models, either by-hand and syntax, in addition to knowing the ins-and-outs of SPSS

Teaching Assistant Experience:

3 Undergraduate-level Psychology courses; 2 Graduate-level Statistics courses

Clinical Experience:

2 internships (1.5 years total)

Awards and Honors:

No honors because I started late in my undergraduate career, but have thus far received around 4 conference-related awards.

[earl.palamino]

you sound perfect.  focus on your statement of purpose and finding the right prof/research/personality match.

[coffeekid]

Agreed. I say if you focus on making good contact with a POI, making sure that they are taking on students your application cycle, and knock your statement of purpose out of the park, then you'd be in good shape for good results.

A recommendation: if you know any other people who are applying to similar programs, with whom you are not especially competitive (i.e. - it's not weird for you to help one another out), get an application group going where you can bring drafts of SOPs and application materials. After you've spent a bit of time revising and polishing this, and you feel good about your materials, then bring them to a trusted and critical professor or clinical researcher for advice.

Again, you've done a lot well thus far, so just stay strong and make smart moves for here on out, and you should have as good of a shot as anyone.

[juilletmercredi]

If you don't have any classes in biology or biological psychology and/or any research in that field, making the jump to neuroscience is unlikely.  But your application is very strong for clinical psychology PhD programs.