Last Minute Frets.

[twoxchrom]

Although everyone has probably already decided/in mid process of their grad school applications, I'm still wishy washy on actually applying. Since it's December, I'll probably get a lot of replies in the "don't" range, but take me serious for a moment. I'm looking to apply to Clinical Psych PhD, PsyD, programs with a focus on Child Development.

 

Background:

 

Eh I go to a top research university. Psychology and Philosophy major. My GPA is horrible: psych: 2.8 phil: 2.8 overall: 2.9 I don't know my last 60 credit hours, I'm taking probably around 40 in the last year alone to graduate in May. Most likely it'll be above a 3.0, as I haven't received less than a B- this last year. Low GPA due to health/family issues and overall lack of dedication, truth be told. I could have done better, but I decided to wallow in salty tears. Also I've worked full time from day one.

 

Anywho, I have some good extra curricular activities. VP of a club for a year, Lots of work with tutoring children/teenagers. Research in a well known institution for developmental disorders for 6 months. Work as behavioral aide intern for Head Start Program for 6 months - ongoing. Couple of other clubs as well but no leadership roles.

 

LOR: I have a few strong ones from Dean of Student Life, a psych professor, and my Internship Director/supervisor.

 

GRE: taking in January. I'm a good test taker, so I expect to be on the range for all of my schools.

 

Now my main concern is my GPA. obviously I probably need to lower the bar for grad schools to mid to low ranking schools, which isn't really a big deal, but those are still interested in 3.0+ GPAs. I also could explain my low GPA in my personal statement, but I've read to focus more on my strengths than make excuses for my weaknesses. But is it even worth it to apply or should I just wait it out a year or two and gain experience? Financial concerns are an issue. I have little to no money, so I'm applying for fee waivers for all/most applications, but with the price being $50-$100 a piece, it's not worth is if I don't stand a chance.

 

Any success stories/advice?!

 

Thanks.

Edited December 3, 2013 by twoxchrom

[Lisa44201]

Wait a year. Extracurriculars don't mean a whole lot in Clinical - research experience is more important, and with no research experience and a low GPA, that's two against you. 

[rugox]

Success stories, sure, but why go chasing a blind dream if you don't know whether that's what you really want? You should not be asking about whether there are people out there who have overcome academic difficulties in being accepted to doctoral programs, you should be asking yourself if you are dedicated enough to enter this field for a long run. Everything starts with your interest in the field and how deep that interest is. There are many ways you can show this and like Lisa said, unfortunately, extracurriculars are not as relevant for your doctoral potential. I'm sorry to say but 6 months are not going to cut it let alone a year if you are looking to go into Ph.D. programs. Psy.D. programs have a more lax admissions requirements but they generally don't fund you, which is not ideal since you are looking for financial assistance. My advice would be for your to keep on amassing your research experience and build a portfolio that can distinguish yourself away from your GPA.

[lewin]

Frankly if you weren't dedicated enough to do well in undergrad (by your own admission) why would things change in graduate school? It's a lot harder.

 

People underestimate how important their grades are. We've been hiring research assistants in my lab this month and people with bad grades don't even get an interview. It's the bare minimum qualification.

[twoxchrom]

Okay. Well what about applying to a Masters program? Would that be more efficient? I'd say I'm dedicated, although my GPA doesn't reflect such. I had a few rough patches dealing with serious issues that kept piling up one after another, though, I did not give in. Most of the job positions I have been offered are the data analysis type. Which is kind of alarming...would a year or so in a data analysis position put me more in the running?

 

I'm pretty much on a roller coaster ride on this issue. I have a professor strongly encouraging me and an adviser discouraging me. Others saying apply for the sake of applying so that when I reapply I'll show dedication and maturity.

[PsychGirl1]

If I were you: I'd get a job as an RA/RC and take night classes at the grad-school level (ex. check out Harvard Extension or local universities). Get straight As in these classes, get some research publications/presentations, and kick ass on your GRE. Then you still might have to go the MA/MS route (I actually got my MS first and I felt like it was the perfect choice for me) and then the PhD route.

[Lisa44201]

Okay. Well what about applying to a Masters program? Would that be more efficient? I'd say I'm dedicated, although my GPA doesn't reflect such. I had a few rough patches dealing with serious issues that kept piling up one after another, though, I did not give in. Most of the job positions I have been offered are the data analysis type. Which is kind of alarming...would a year or so in a data analysis position put me more in the running?

 

I'm pretty much on a roller coaster ride on this issue. I have a professor strongly encouraging me and an adviser discouraging me. Others saying apply for the sake of applying so that when I reapply I'll show dedication and maturity.

If you ace your Masters coursework, it will help you - you need to prove you can do the work. Look for programs with a Thesis requirement - that will help fill in the gap with research experience, as well.

[emmett81390]

If you ace your Masters coursework, it will help you - you need to prove you can do the work. Look for programs with a Thesis requirement - that will help fill in the gap with research experience, as well.

Definitely agree with this poster. Getting a MA with a stellar GPA will really help. FYI If funding is an issue there are some funded masters programs (Wake Forest and William & Mary come to mind) but these will be pretty competitive.

[gellert]

To be frank, you will not get in with your current stats, so it's not worth applying this year (to MA or to Ph.D./Psy.D. programs).

 

I recommend, as others have said, getting a position somewhere as a research assistant, even if only volunteering while getting the experience necessary for a full-time paid job (these jobs themselves are very competitive).  Take some classes at a local community college and do well in them to prove you have the capacity to do coursework.  If you can find graduate courses to take, do them.  I also suggest getting clinical experience, such as volunteering in a hospital, working as a MHC, or becoming a CNA.

 

But most importantly: why waste the time, money, and stress in applying if you aren't certain it's what you want to do? Taking time off will give you the chance to decide for sure.