Is SIOP.org enough to shortlist universities ??

[Saman]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm sorry in advance if this post seems silly to you but I kind of stuck with the dilemma so thought to put it in front of you. I hope I will get the solution with the help of your insights.  

 

I'm an undergrad student from India, aspiring to study I/O (Ph.D) for Fall 2015 from US. From the last few months I have been visiting this great forum as well as SIOP.org too. On the SIOP, there are many universities along with their average requirement ( GRE, GPA, funding opportunities) are mentioned. So I was just wondering if it is a reliable source for shortlisting universities or I should look to some other websites too such as Pearson, Princeton and so on. 

 

And my other questions is what is the criteria based on I should shortlist a university ?? I mean, I have checked all the stats which a Ph.D candidate needs to qualify for the program and luckily I pass the threshold including GPA, research exp., extracurricular activities but GRE which is pretty low; V-152, Q-155, AWA- 4. Based on my GRE scores should I drop the schools despite the fact that they match my research interest or I should just play the hunch.  

 

This might seem kind of boring to answer such questions but please do answer if you can in anyway possible. I hope I will have a chance to get to know your insightful remarks on my queries.

 

Thanks a ton...     

 

 

 

 

[Munashi]

I think siop.org is a good starting point, but here is what you have to remember - that page is often out of date and I don't think they are actively updating the information.  So make sure that you double-check the actual I/O program's website for a particular university to double check the information that siop.org gives you!

[Saman]

I think siop.org is a good starting point, but here is what you have to remember - that page is often out of date and I don't think they are actively updating the information.  So make sure that you double-check the actual I/O program's website for a particular university to double check the information that siop.org gives you!

 

Thanks Munashi for your quick reply. 

 

Yes I do check the info. by visiting the particular websites of the schools but my concern was whether the siop lists all the I/O schools or I should explore some other sources too to look for schools apart from siop ??   because as far as my knowledge is concerned, most of the universities with I/O program are listed on the website which kind of makes me reluctant to go for other sources. Just wanted to know your thoughts.  

[Munashi]

Hopefully someone will come to correct me if I am wrong, but SIOP is definitely the most comprehensive/thorough source that I am aware of.  I am not sure about Pearson, but I didn't find Princeton Review particularly helpful as they seem to be focusing mostly on MA programs and I was getting ready to apply for PhD programs.

 

Still, it wouldn't hurt to look around somewhere else but I can't name another place (that I know of) with a larger database of schools than siop.org.

[BeingThere]

I did not find a better or more comprehensive listing than the one at siop.org.  But yes, I looked down at the bottom of each listing to see when it was last updated, then went to the program website to get more info. (And UT Knoxville no longer offers a PhD in I/O psych.) 

 

Regarding whether to apply to programs that list higher grades/scores than yours for their average accepted students, I would say yes, apply to the program if your research interests/experience align very well with the faculty and program even if your scores are a bit lower than their average accepted.  I got into a very good program with a quant score that was lower than their stated average.  Research fit is key.  It's not the only thing, but it's a key thing.

 

I started building my list by doing just what you are doing:  scouring the siop listings and then going to and reading through the websites of the schools I identified that I might be able to get into.  But look beyond the numbers, too.  It may sound corny but this is the time to dream and to reach a little bit.     

Edited April 1, 2014 by Bren2014

[Saman]

Hopefully someone will come to correct me if I am wrong, but SIOP is definitely the most comprehensive/thorough source that I am aware of.  I am not sure about Pearson, but I didn't find Princeton Review particularly helpful as they seem to be focusing mostly on MA programs and I was getting ready to apply for PhD programs.

 

Still, it wouldn't hurt to look around somewhere else but I can't name another place (that I know of) with a larger database of schools than siop.org.

 

Thanks Munashi, I appreciate your words  

 

 

I did not find a better or more comprehensive listing than the one at siop.org.  But yes, I looked down at the bottom of each listing to see when it was last updated, then went to the program website to get more info. (And UT Knoxville no longer offers a PhD in I/O psych.) 

 

Regarding whether to apply to programs that list higher grades/scores than yours for their average accepted students, I would say yes, apply to the program if your research interests/experience align very well with the faculty and program even if your scores are a bit lower than their average accepted.  I got into a very good program with a quant score that was lower than their stated average.  Research fit is key.  It's not the only thing, but it's a key thing.

 

I started building my list by doing just what you are doing:  scouring the siop listings and then going to and reading through the websites of the schools I identified that I might be able to get into.  But look beyond the numbers, too.  It may sound corny but this is the time to dream and to reach a little bit.     

 

Thanks Bren for your suggestions, I will definitely consider your points.

[IO guy-o]

Each year the APA releases this book: https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/4270098.aspx Graduate Study in Psychology. It lists each university by state and has up-to-date information on enrollment numbers, criteria, emphases (whether research experience is weighted higher than GRE score, for example), and contact information. I would reccomend purchasing a copy. I also reccomend that you apply to a variety of schools, some that you feel overqualified for, some that fit your qualifications, and some that may be a bit of a reach. Meanwhile, find and contact specific professors whose research is interesting to you. Keep your emails polite and concise, and think of a good subject-line (IO Student Interested in Researching " "), that conveys you know a bit about the person you are emailing.

 

Best of luck to you!

[Saman]

Each year the APA releases this book: https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/4270098.aspx Graduate Study in Psychology. It lists each university by state and has up-to-date information on enrollment numbers, criteria, emphases (whether research experience is weighted higher than GRE score, for example), and contact information. I would reccomend purchasing a copy. I also reccomend that you apply to a variety of schools, some that you feel overqualified for, some that fit your qualifications, and some that may be a bit of a reach. Meanwhile, find and contact specific professors whose research is interesting to you. Keep your emails polite and concise, and think of a good subject-line (IO Student Interested in Researching " "), that conveys you know a bit about the person you are emailing.

 

Best of luck to you!

 

Thank you so much for your help. This link seems to be a great help, you are a savior   

[haoran]

Is there a School Psychology version of this SIOP website?

 

And Saman, you sound like a great candidate for PhD programs. I'm lacking research experience myself, and I feel like that's so important in a candidate. Good luck to you!

[Saman]

Is there a School Psychology version of this SIOP website?

 

And Saman, you sound like a great candidate for PhD programs. I'm lacking research experience myself, and I feel like that's so important in a candidate. Good luck to you!

 

Haha Thank you Haoran for building my confidence, I was feeling a bit low lately regarding the same. Anyway, I was also at same position as yours before one year but then I took independent research work ( two publications) which I guess filled the gap. So you may also consider doing some research with your professors or undertaking independent research work. It will definitely bridge the gap.

 

Best of luck !!

[BeingThere]

Is there a School Psychology version of this SIOP website?

 

And Saman, you sound like a great candidate for PhD programs. I'm lacking research experience myself, and I feel like that's so important in a candidate. Good luck to you!

 

Haoran,

Have you looked at the APA division for School Psychology on the APA website?  They may have a similar listing there.

Edited April 4, 2014 by Bren2014

[roebuck1]

Yes, the APA list is probably more comprehensive than the SIOP list. I know SIOP list is missing a few of the newer I/O Ph.D. programs. Not trying to be discouraging, but I applied last year with GRE scores almost identical to yours (a little lower GREV score) and didn't get in anywhere. This year, I retook the GRE and my scores didn't improve much (3 pts. combined). What made the difference for me was the fact that I had manuscripts under review. Therefore, my suggestion to you would be to join as many research labs as you can (2-3 would look great!) and inquire with whoever you're working with if there would be an opportunity to collaborate on a manuscript. It could be what puts you over the edge! If you're considering retaking the GRE, may I suggest www.magoosh.com. It's cheap and they guarantee a 5 pt increase in your score if you go through the entire program or your money back. Just make sure you start a few months ahead of the retake because there are A LOT of questions.

 

Best of luck!

[Saman]

Yes, the APA list is probably more comprehensive than the SIOP list. I know SIOP list is missing a few of the newer I/O Ph.D. programs. Not trying to be discouraging, but I applied last year with GRE scores almost identical to yours (a little lower GREV score) and didn't get in anywhere. This year, I retook the GRE and my scores didn't improve much (3 pts. combined). What made the difference for me was the fact that I had manuscripts under review. Therefore, my suggestion to you would be to join as many research labs as you can (2-3 would look great!) and inquire with whoever you're working with if there would be an opportunity to collaborate on a manuscript. It could be what puts you over the edge! If you're considering retaking the GRE, may I suggest www.magoosh.com. It's cheap and they guarantee a 5 pt increase in your score if you go through the entire program or your money back. Just make sure you start a few months ahead of the retake because there are A LOT of questions.

 

Best of luck!

 

Thanks Roebuck for your suggestions. But I don't think I'm gonna reappear for the GRE since last effort was full fledged from my side, i can't put more effort in it. It's great to hear that somebody made it to doctoral program having stats similar to mine, gives me confidence. For now, I have 2 publications in terms of research experience as I have said earlier and definitely I will try if I can get my name on some more publications. My major worry was GRE scores as I lack in verbal but now it seems that I have a pretty good shot to all the programs.

 

Thanks to you again and hope you will have a great Grad life ahead. Best of luck     

[roebuck1]

Thanks Roebuck for your suggestions. But I don't think I'm gonna reappear for the GRE since last effort was full fledged from my side, i can't put more effort in it. It's great to hear that somebody made it to doctoral program having stats similar to mine, gives me confidence. For now, I have 2 publications in terms of research experience as I have said earlier and definitely I will try if I can get my name on some more publications. My major worry was GRE scores as I lack in verbal but now it seems that I have a pretty good shot to all the programs.

 

Thanks to you again and hope you will have a great Grad life ahead. Best of luck     

 

 

OHHHH I see. I didn't read the part where you said you had 2 pubs. That should help considerably.