schoolpsycher Posted October 13, 2013 Posted October 13, 2013 Hi, is anyone applying to School Psychology programs for Fall 2014? Or can anyone from past years offer any advice on the process? I'm very overwhelmed by just finalizing what schools to apply to haha. How many schools is it recommended to apply to? I want to apply to specialist degree programs, but since PhD programs are generally free, I'm thinking of applying to a couple of those as well. I like having the option to do research later with the PhD, but I am more set on just working in schools. I'm also nervous about getting accepted to PhD programs because I have no research experience. I've taught preschool for the past 2 years though. I'm thinking about Tufts, Columbia, Northeastern, UMass Boston, University of Florida, University of Central Florida, and University of South Florida.
HicklePickle Posted October 15, 2013 Posted October 15, 2013 Hi! I've submitted 4 applications for School Psychology specialist programs! I have the same questions as you do! To be honest, I went down the NASP approved list and looked at each school individually. There are some states that I completely ignored because I'm biased. The other ones, I looked to see if I'm qualified (for example, some require 15 psych classes - I don't have that!) I ended up applying to 4. I might find one more, but I don't want to apply just because. I want to actually like it I feel very much underqualified, but at least you have two years of preschool teaching!!
schpsy92 Posted October 15, 2013 Posted October 15, 2013 I'm also applying for specialist / doctoral level programs in school psychology for Fall 2014! It's important to remember that specialist level programs are generally less competitive than doctoral ones, but they are still relatively competitive compared to other graduate fields. I'm applying to 2 doctoral and 3 specialist programs, which I feel is adequate. I think that the 7 schools you have listed would be fine. Personally, I wouldn't apply to a program that I wouldn't be at least somewhat happy going to because then, what's the point of even applying? So in conclusion, I'd say apply to around 5-8 programs if your stats are relatively competitive. Best of luck!
iphi Posted October 16, 2013 Posted October 16, 2013 Hi, is anyone applying to School Psychology programs for Fall 2014? Or can anyone from past years offer any advice on the process? I'm very overwhelmed by just finalizing what schools to apply to haha. How many schools is it recommended to apply to? I want to apply to specialist degree programs, but since PhD programs are generally free, I'm thinking of applying to a couple of those as well. I like having the option to do research later with the PhD, but I am more set on just working in schools. I'm also nervous about getting accepted to PhD programs because I have no research experience. I've taught preschool for the past 2 years though. I'm thinking about Tufts, Columbia, Northeastern, UMass Boston, University of Florida, University of Central Florida, and University of South Florida. Oh boy, no research experience + secretly wanting to do an EdS? That really means you should not choose PhD! The program is not going to be what you're looking for, and you're not going to be what they're looking for, and it's going to end in disappointment all around. Also it takes 2 or so years longer! Something I have learned from being around grad students for the last 4 years (partner & friends): if you are going for a PhD you have to want it or you won't make it. I'm not trying to discourage you! It does sound like you are qualified for an EdS!
iphi Posted October 16, 2013 Posted October 16, 2013 I am still finalizing schools! I took the GRE yesterday so I was focusing on that. I feel so far behind. I'm glad there's a School Psych thread now though!
schoolpsycher Posted October 18, 2013 Author Posted October 18, 2013 Yay I'm glad there's more of you on here! I feel really behind too that I'm still finalizing my list, but I'm forcing myself to decide this week. I don't want to fully rule-out schools based on their location, but some of these programs are in really random places haha. I'm also trying to find out info about financial aid from all these schools because EdS programs are expensive! Thanks for the advice iphi. I do really like the research aspect of the PhD even though I don't have research experience in a psychology lab. I actually wanted to do education policy before this, so I am interested in research on a lot of school topics. The length of the PhD is the main thing throwing me off, but I think I'll still apply to a couple. Good luck everyone!
iphi Posted October 18, 2013 Posted October 18, 2013 I got the impression that - depending on where you go - a PhD can really only be one year longer, maybe two years past an EdS. How long are they usually? I'm focusing on PhD programs, some of which are 3-4 years + internship, and I thought EdS was ~3? As to your research experience, there are all sorts of ways you can volunteer to get that experience. Being an RA in labs, etc. Of course, for EdS, practical experience with kids or interventions, something like that will probably help you more.
schoolpsycher Posted October 19, 2013 Author Posted October 19, 2013 Oh wow, 3-4 years plus internship isn't bad! The PhD programs I found say 5-7 years, but when I've looked at the data for how long it's taken past students, it seems like the average is 6-7. I haven't seen many 5 years, but I guess it all depends on how long the dissertation takes?
iphi Posted October 19, 2013 Posted October 19, 2013 Huh, I don't know where we're looking that things are so different! One thing I've learned about PhDs having lived with a grad student for the past 4 years is that the number of years it takes you is usually up to you. If you are motivated (and aren't looking for a job in academia at an R1) you can get out faster. If you like it, you can stay longer. Not true for all schools, I know, but a point worth considering.
iphi Posted October 20, 2013 Posted October 20, 2013 Can we use this thread to talk about schools/research interests? Or should I start another one?
schoolpsycher Posted October 20, 2013 Author Posted October 20, 2013 I don't mind! Has anyone found specialist programs that are fully or mostly funded? I know about University of Delaware, but can't seem to really find any others.
iphi Posted October 21, 2013 Posted October 21, 2013 Check UMass Boston. I have been looking at PhDs, so I'm not sure about many EdS programs, but I think I might have seen that they fund? Are you tied to a particular geographic region?
schoolpsycher Posted October 21, 2013 Author Posted October 21, 2013 Not really, I'm in MA now so mostly applying to schools here and Florida (where I'm from). UMass Boston is already on my list so that would be awesome if it's funded Thanks!
schpsy92 Posted October 22, 2013 Posted October 22, 2013 It might be a good idea to apply to a school in your current state, so you can get in-state tuition, which is usually a reasonable price (at least in comparison to most private schools).
iphi Posted October 23, 2013 Posted October 23, 2013 Does anyone know which part of the GRE is weighted most heavily for school (not ed.) psych? I did really well in AW/Verbal, but my Quant score is lacking. Still in a decent range for the schools I'm applying to, but not at all the calibre of my other two scores.
HicklePickle Posted October 25, 2013 Posted October 25, 2013 I couldn't find much information about GRE scores at all! I only found a few averages, which seemed to be above 50% for all sections. It's really hard to see how I stack up against others!
iphi Posted October 25, 2013 Posted October 25, 2013 Yeah most of what I've found are a combined score cutoff. "Above 300/310/whatever".
Rosy_Retrospection Posted October 30, 2013 Posted October 30, 2013 Hey guys--I've lurked a lot around the forum but I figured now would be a great time to chime in! I'm actually applying to school psychology programs for next fall, too! All my applications are ready to be submitted, just waiting for one more professor to submit her LOR... I'm applying to a mix of EdS and PhD programs on the East and West coasts (but I'm not sure if I have enough research experience for the PhD programs..) Anyway, what a stressful process! I'm finally glad to meet some people applying to school psych programs. All the other psych majors around here who are considering grad school are focused on clinical psych...
schpsy92 Posted October 31, 2013 Posted October 31, 2013 I'm finally glad to meet some people applying to school psych programs. All the other psych majors around here who are considering grad school are focused on clinical psych... Yeah I've had the same experience at my college with everyone pursuing clinical psych. Most don't even know what school psych is, but that's our "hidden gem"
jkakziak Posted November 2, 2013 Posted November 2, 2013 Hi guys! I'm applying to Ed.S programs this fall, too! I have decided to only apply to three schools this year (Ohio State, Temple and UMass Boston). I don't feel that I am that strong of a candidate for this, so I am only applying to my top three to test the waters. Of course I would love to go next year! But, I"m trying not to get my hopes up. I'm taking the GRE on Tuesday. My GPA wasn't outstanding (3.4-3.5ish). I feel that my biggest weakness is my lack of research after I graduated. I do feel confident in the experience I have obtained since graduating in 2012. I have been working in a few different settings with adolescents, and I have learned a great deal. We'll see. I'm glad this forum exists! I look forward to hearing about all of your experiences (and tips!)
schoolpsycher Posted November 2, 2013 Author Posted November 2, 2013 Is research necessary for the EdS? I actually don't have any psychology research experience, but I thought that really only mattered for PhD programs and that the EdS programs care more about applied experience working with kids. I'm sure you have a good chance!
jkakziak Posted November 3, 2013 Posted November 3, 2013 I guess I assumed it was, although since most of my friends and coworkers are applying for clinical programs, my expectations have become kind of enmeshed in theirs. What have you guys experienced? How much weight do you think is put on research for the eds admission?
Rosy_Retrospection Posted November 4, 2013 Posted November 4, 2013 I guess I assumed it was, although since most of my friends and coworkers are applying for clinical programs, my expectations have become kind of enmeshed in theirs. What have you guys experienced? How much weight do you think is put on research for the eds admission? I'm applying to the University of Washington's EdS program and they don't mention anything about research experience in their school psych admissions page. They do however say that "Preferential consideration is given to applicants with employment or volunteer experience in the schools, pre-K - 12." So, I think working with children is way more important to these programs than research! iphi 1
iphi Posted November 4, 2013 Posted November 4, 2013 I feel that my biggest weakness is my lack of research after I graduated. I do feel confident in the experience I have obtained since graduating in 2012. I have been working in a few different settings with adolescents, and I have learned a great deal. We'll see. For an Ed.S. practical experience with youth should help you much more than research experience!
iphi Posted November 5, 2013 Posted November 5, 2013 I just eliminated 3 schools from my list and am now pancking a little bit! Am I being to picky? I eliminated based on lack of fit with research interest (I am applying to PhD programs). I am worried that weeding out that many schools was a mistake. What if one of those was the only one I would have been accepted to? AHHH! OK, it is possible that I am overreacting. jkakziak 1
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