School Psychology programs (EdS/PhD)

[schoolpsycher]

Haha I'm applying to EdS programs and a couple PhDs and I'm also debating eliminating a few.. but I have the same worry! We're probably fine though. 

 

Does anyone know anything about William and Mary's EdS program? I recently discovered it and was thinking about applying, but it shows all their admissions statistics on the website and the yield rate isn't that high (they admitted 20 last year and 10 attended, and the year before they admitted 38 and 12 attended).. I'm not sure what's a typical yield rate for these programs but it seems low? Is that a bad sign?

[iphi]

 the yield rate isn't that high (they admitted 20 last year and 10 attended, and the year before they admitted 38 and 12 attended).. I'm not sure what's a typical yield rate for these programs but it seems low? Is that a bad sign?

 

That seems about right... but really does it matter? If you are accepted and you like it and want to go, then go. If you don't then don't. Nbd.

[Rosy_Retrospection]

Haha I'm applying to EdS programs and a couple PhDs and I'm also debating eliminating a few.. but I have the same worry! We're probably fine though. 

 

Does anyone know anything about William and Mary's EdS program? I recently discovered it and was thinking about applying, but it shows all their admissions statistics on the website and the yield rate isn't that high (they admitted 20 last year and 10 attended, and the year before they admitted 38 and 12 attended).. I'm not sure what's a typical yield rate for these programs but it seems low? Is that a bad sign?

 

I was actually looking into that program earlier, and one thing I didn't like about the program was that you had to apply to be elevated to the EdS program once you're in the master's program (if you don't already have a master's degree), so maybe those who didn't attend got accepted directly into an EdS program? Also, I'm not entirely sure how great their funding is...that would probably be a big reason why some people might not attend...

 

I'm not applying to that many PhD programs either. I crossed two programs off of my list earlier, so now I'm down to 9 schools (5 PhD) which seems like a lot, but makes me worried that I might not get in anywhere. 

[jkakziak]

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.

I don't think there's anything wrong with being too picky, especially when you're trying to find school to match your research interests.  Its kind of like applying to a job you don't really want...if you got it would you really want to accept it? And I feel like schools are trying to find students that fit with their program as much as you're looking for the perfect school. While I don't have a lot of knowledge regarding applying to Phd programs, it would make sense that your chances are better at the schools that are a better match anyway. I would think it would be difficult to work your way through an interview for a program you aren't super psyched about. You're going to be spending the next, what, 5 years at this school? You get to be picky!

 

 

Haha I'm applying to EdS programs and a couple PhDs and I'm also debating eliminating a few.. but I have the same worry! We're probably fine though. 

 

Does anyone know anything about William and Mary's EdS program? I recently discovered it and was thinking about applying, but it shows all their admissions statistics on the website and the yield rate isn't that high (they admitted 20 last year and 10 attended, and the year before they admitted 38 and 12 attended).. I'm not sure what's a typical yield rate for these programs but it seems low? Is that a bad sign?

I took W&M off my list based on its location. While I really liked the program, I didn't really want to be living in Williamsburg. Maybe others have that mindset as well? Maybe others decided to go to schools in more urban areas?  But, that's just based on my own preferences   

I don't think it should be a reason for you to nix the program. Maybe see if you can get in touch with some current grad students there to get their opinion? Or maybe search this site to see if you can find anyone who was accepted but chose not to go. 

[schpsy92]

I officially submitted my applications last week! And now the waiting begins ... 

[iphi]

I officially submitted my applications last week! And now the waiting begins ... 

 

Congrats! Meanwhile I'm writing draft after draft of SoPs and haven't even completed one of my fifteen essays!

[schoolpsycher]

What do you guys think about talking about a professor I would like to do research with in my SOP (under reasons I want to attend this specific school) for the EdS degree? I know that in EdS programs you don't have to do research, but working in a lab is a possibility for a graduate assistantship and I'm very interested in the topics one of the professors in the program works on. 

[iphi]

Don't see how it could hurt! Maybe add a qualifier like you did here how you know that and EdS is not a research degree but you are still interested in Prof X's work because of its practical applications.

 

What do you guys think about talking about a professor I would like to do research with in my SOP (under reasons I want to attend this specific school) for the EdS degree? I know that in EdS programs you don't have to do research, but working in a lab is a possibility for a graduate assistantship and I'm very interested in the topics one of the professors in the program works on. 

[jkakziak]

I've been toying with the same question. I ended up emailing two professor saying pretty much what you just said. I got a very warm and friendly response from one, and haven't heard back from the other. Oh well.

Has anyone had to write their personal statement based off of a number of required questions? One of mine lists in numerical order 12 questions they want addressed. At first I welcomed this, considering it is my first SOP and appreciated the guidelines, but now I'm just having a heck of a time getting 12 questions answered in 3 pages. 

My question to you all is, do you think I should answer my essay in numbered paragraphs matching the numbers of the questions they asked? I have it written that way as of now, mostly because it was just easier to make sure I addressed everything I needed to. But, reading over it again and again it doesn't flow. It also just kind of looks stupid, having numbered paragraphs. I'm sure it also is part of the reason why I'm struggling to get it down to a reasonable length too. 

Anyone have a similar experience? What did you decide to do: keep the paragraphs in order and numbered or just make sure all of the questions were addressed?

[iphi]

I've been toying with the same question. I ended up emailing two professor saying pretty much what you just said. I got a very warm and friendly response from one, and haven't heard back from the other. Oh well.

Has anyone had to write their personal statement based off of a number of required questions? One of mine lists in numerical order 12 questions they want addressed. At first I welcomed this, considering it is my first SOP and appreciated the guidelines, but now I'm just having a heck of a time getting 12 questions answered in 3 pages. 

My question to you all is, do you think I should answer my essay in numbered paragraphs matching the numbers of the questions they asked? I have it written that way as of now, mostly because it was just easier to make sure I addressed everything I needed to. But, reading over it again and again it doesn't flow. It also just kind of looks stupid, having numbered paragraphs. I'm sure it also is part of the reason why I'm struggling to get it down to a reasonable length too. 

Anyone have a similar experience? What did you decide to do: keep the paragraphs in order and numbered or just make sure all of the questions were addressed?

 

As long as you answer them all I don't think you have to number them. As you said it probably interrupts the flow of the statement.

[iphi]

One of my statements is only 300(!) words on why I am interested in School Psych as a profession. I definitely have enough to fill pages, so my dilemma is: what stays and what goes? What count as the "essentials"? Any tips? I feel like this one should be the easiest but it's turning out to be the most difficult!

[jkakziak]

I had the most trouble with that question too! I spoke with one of the doctors where I worked, and she said to pretend like you were telling someone who has never heard of the profession why we need them and why you're going to be great at it. You won't end up keeping everything, but its an exercise that might help you decide what is the most important to you. 

 

If you have time, I would recommend checking out Donald Asher's Graduate Admissions Essays book. 

And relax! As long as you're able to say all that you want to say, 300 words is just fine. 

[iphi]

And relax! As long as you're able to say all that you want to say, 300 words is just fine. 

 

Oh, haha I meant the word limit was 300 words (actually 300-500) and I was having trouble sticking to that few. My others are supposed to be ~1500 so it's quite a change. Thanks!

[schoolpsycher]

I'm having the same problem on mine that has to be 400-500! I was originally more than 100 words over, but got it down to 562. The guideline says: Submit a 400-500 word essay. The text box accommodates one-and-a-half pages of single-spaced text, so please be mindful of the space remaining in the character counter. The essay cannot exceed the space available in the text box. 

 

Mine easily fits in the text box with 1508 characters left, so how focused on the word count do you think they are? Should I still try to cut mine down more? I've heard going over by 10% is the most you should do.

[iphi]

How are everyone's applications going? Is anyone done? I'm just about halfway though, but I got 3 out today so I feel like I'm on a roll!

 

Is anyone else sad that they have to wait to hear back for a few more months? It's ridiculous, I am already impatient to hear back from places I haven't even ubmitted the application yet! Totally crazy.

Edited December 5, 2013 by iphi

[SchoolPsych81]

I finished my apps a few days ago! I'm applied to Ph.D. programs at Wisconsin-Madison, Loyola, Illinois State, Michigan State, Northern Colorado, and Penn State. I really, really want Wisconsin, but I know it's competitive. I probably should have applied to some Ed.S programs as a back up....I just want to know already!

Edited December 6, 2013 by SchoolPsych81

[SchoolPsych81]

Also, did anyone contact POIs? I haven't done this. I met with some students at Wisconsin when I visited there (unfortunately none of the profs were there since it was during the summer) and they said they didn't contact POIs before they applied and had no problems getting in.

[Rosy_Retrospection]

Also, did anyone contact POIs? I haven't done this. I met with some students at Wisconsin when I visited there (unfortunately none of the profs were there since it was during the summer) and they said they didn't contact POIs before they applied and had no problems getting in.

I have sent emails to POIs with mixed results. I sent emails to POIs at Berkeley and UMD and they told me that the admissions committees actually pick students (faculty don't have a say in who they want, so it wasn't necessary to send the emails), but other programs (like UCSB) admit based on who faculty pick, so it would be wise to contact professors in those instances. Basically, it just depends on the program.

[schoolpsycher]

I'm definitely behind most of you, I just submitted my first application tonight! So scary to click submit haha. Only had 1 Dec. deadline though and the rest of mine are January 15th, so the next month isn't gonna be too fun. Good luck everyone

[iphi]

Good luck! I just finished my last ones yesterday since they're due December 15! But EdS programs seem to be later than PhD deadlines.

 

I'm definitely behind most of you, I just submitted my first application tonight! So scary to click submit haha. Only had 1 Dec. deadline though and the rest of mine are January 15th, so the next month isn't gonna be too fun. Good luck everyone

[SchoolPsych81]

I have a big problem. I have applied to 6 PhD programs and have received interview invites for 3 so far. Two of the interviews overlap. The first interview includes an interview on Thursday with a mandatory reception that night. The other school has a social reception Thursday night and interviews on Friday. There is no way I can attend both social receptions because there is approximately a 2.5 hour drive between schools. One school said I have to attend the reception otherwise my application will be thrown out. I'm still waiting to see if the other school will let me only come to the interviews and not the social reception. This is a huge bummer because these two schools were pretty much tied as second place on my list of preferences. Any advice?

[iphi]

I have a big problem. I have applied to 6 PhD programs and have received interview invites for 3 so far. Two of the interviews overlap. The first interview includes an interview on Thursday with a mandatory reception that night. The other school has a social reception Thursday night and interviews on Friday. There is no way I can attend both social receptions because there is approximately a 2.5 hour drive between schools. One school said I have to attend the reception otherwise my application will be thrown out. I'm still waiting to see if the other school will let me only come to the interviews and not the social reception. This is a huge bummer because these two schools were pretty much tied as second place on my list of preferences. Any advice?

 

You might want to also post this on the general "interviews" forum as I know this kind of thing comes up often. I would call the other school and tell them you are very interested, but have a conflict with the reception time and you really hope that it won't influence your application because you are VERY interested, etc. If these schools are only 2.5 hours apart I wouldn't be suprised if they're competitors - it doesn't really seem like a plausible "oversight". :\

 

Also, when were your application deadlines that you have already heard back about interviews?! I'm so envious!

Edited December 17, 2013 by iphi

[jkakziak]

Iphi---I noticed you're applying to UWM and USU.  I am from Milwaukee and I'm currently living in Utah.  If these end up being contenders, let me know if I can offer you any tips on the areas! 

Does anyone else just get stuck on the "Why do you want to be a school psychologist question?" It seems like such a basic question, and something I'm able to articulate clearly and passionately in person, but when it comes to sitting down and answering it for SOP's I just go blank!  I think its a combination of trying to make my answer stand out and catch the reader's attention mixed with this "ohmygod this is the most important question in the world to me right now and my future depends on how I answer it" sort of pressure.  Woof. I can't wait until this part is over. Hope to be done by Thursday!  

Hope everything is going smoothly for y'all! 

[iphi]

Iphi---I noticed you're applying to UWM and USU.  I am from Milwaukee and I'm currently living in Utah.  If these end up being contenders, let me know if I can offer you any tips on the areas! 

Does anyone else just get stuck on the "Why do you want to be a school psychologist question?" It seems like such a basic question, and something I'm able to articulate clearly and passionately in person, but when it comes to sitting down and answering it for SOP's I just go blank!  I think its a combination of trying to make my answer stand out and catch the reader's attention mixed with this "ohmygod this is the most important question in the world to me right now and my future depends on how I answer it" sort of pressure.  Woof. I can't wait until this part is over. Hope to be done by Thursday!  

Hope everything is going smoothly for y'all! 

 

Thanks! I'm from Columbus, so if you need info on OSU just let me know!   

I just got word that one of my profs missed FIVE deadlines - including USU and UWM - and is now out of the country without email... so I am guessing I won't end up at either.

[SchoolPsych81]

You might want to also post this on the general "interviews" forum as I know this kind of thing comes up often. I would call the other school and tell them you are very interested, but have a conflict with the reception time and you really hope that it won't influence your application because you are VERY interested, etc. If these schools are only 2.5 hours apart I wouldn't be suprised if they're competitors - it doesn't really seem like a plausible "oversight". :\

 

Also, when were your application deadlines that you have already heard back about interviews?! I'm so envious!

 

That's a good point! The schools I've heard back from so far had 11/15 and 12/1 deadlines. Hope you hear back soon!