Fall 2015 School Psychology Applicants

[SchoolPsych_NYC]

Hey guys! I have been following these forums since undergrad and now it's my turn to apply after a few gap years.

All of you Fall 2015 School Psychology (Masters/Doctoral) applicants, curious to hear where you are applying!
 

I am applying to four masters/specialist programs in NYC:

St. John's University (only program requiring the GRE)

Fordham University

Adelphi University

Long Island University: Brooklyn

 

Very excited about submitting my apps! Currently working on my SOP. Anyone ever been asked to draft their own LOR? This is something I am facing at the request of one of my professors.. 

 

[iphi]

Just wanted to say that I hope this thread takes off! Last year we had some really lovely and supportive people in our School Psych thread.

 

Also I am a current doc student in SP and can offer advice if people want it!

[Guest lacrosse789]

iphi, as a doctoral student have you noticed that the majority of the students in your cohort are hoping to work in the schools? I am working on my applications for doctoral programs in school psych but hope to be in hospitals/non-profits and am unsure if this is a problem if I am upfront about it. I work in the schools now and know that's not where I want to be long-term

[iphi]

iphi, as a doctoral student have you noticed that the majority of the students in your cohort are hoping to work in the schools? I am working on my applications for doctoral programs in school psych but hope to be in hospitals/non-profits and am unsure if this is a problem if I am upfront about it. I work in the schools now and know that's not where I want to be long-term

 

It is the majority of my classmates' aspirations, yes. It is not necessarily mine. You have to understand that 80% of school psychs work in schools so the majority you will meet probably WILL want to do that. However, yours is totally a valid option, and one I am considering myself (pediatric neuropsychology) it may even be refreshing for some admissions committees to hear! However, I would be careful which schools you reveal that to.... Certain SP programs are just around to train academics so they may be wary of someone who has a different path. I would say generally it is a good idea to know what kind of career the schools you are applying to are training for, but that overall it should be totally fine to mention that being your career goal.   I would NOT mention that you don't like working in schools, as probably the majority of your practicums will be done there. I would just say that you are intrigued by the prospect of checking out other applications of SP.

 

Are you applying to PhD programs? Which ones?

[Guest lacrosse789]

Yes, I am applying to PhD as well as a couple of backup Ed. S. Right now I am looking at Texas A&M, U. of Iowa, U. of Delaware and U. of Nebraska... basically any ones that fit my research interests and fund well. I need a couple more but I'm actually having a hard time finding programs! I'd interested in multicultural education as well as developmental disabilities. 

 

You don't need to say which school you're at but does your school provide training for pediatric neuropsychology, or is that something you're hoping to get in your internship placement?

[SchoolPsych_NYC]

It is the majority of my classmates' aspirations, yes. It is not necessarily mine. You have to understand that 80% of school psychs work in schools so the majority you will meet probably WILL want to do that. However, yours is totally a valid option, and one I am considering myself (pediatric neuropsychology) it may even be refreshing for some admissions committees to hear! However, I would be careful which schools you reveal that to.... Certain SP programs are just around to train academics so they may be wary of someone who has a different path. I would say generally it is a good idea to know what kind of career the schools you are applying to are training for, but that overall it should be totally fine to mention that being your career goal.   I would NOT mention that you don't like working in schools, as probably the majority of your practicums will be done there. I would just say that you are intrigued by the prospect of checking out other applications of SP.

 

Are you applying to PhD programs? Which ones?

I am also interested in pediatric neuropsychology! school neuropsychology overlaps a bit, but I never see myself going towards the clinical direction.. However, I have heard that more and more specialist/masters level programs are pushing for additional training in neuropsych.

[iphi]

Yes, I am applying to PhD as well as a couple of backup Ed. S. Right now I am looking at Texas A&M, U. of Iowa, U. of Delaware and U. of Nebraska... basically any ones that fit my research interests and fund well. I need a couple more but I'm actually having a hard time finding programs! I'd interested in multicultural education as well as developmental disabilities. 

 

You don't need to say which school you're at but does your school provide training for pediatric neuropsychology, or is that something you're hoping to get in your internship placement?

 

Just a head's up that Iowa's program is basically imploding. They've lost some professors and now their department will be merging with Counseling. I applied last year (and have a friend who's there now) and they have next to zero funding. I would highly suggest taking your application + fee elsewhere.

 

eta: pediatric neuropsych would be something that I have to do in my internship. There's a good hospital for it where I am (albeit competitive). However, I guess interns spend so much time there just doing assessment, that they have to make up hours in other places to get the balance that they need. So that's something to keep in mind.

Edited October 3, 2014 by iphi

[Guest lacrosse789]

Just a head's up that Iowa's program is basically imploding. They've lost some professors and now their department will be merging with Counseling. I applied last year (and have a friend who's there now) and they have next to zero funding. I would highly suggest taking your application + fee elsewhere.

 

eta: pediatric neuropsych would be something that I have to do in my internship. There's a good hospital for it where I am (albeit competitive). However, I guess interns spend so much time there just doing assessment, that they have to make up hours in other places to get the balance that they need. So that's something to keep in mind.

 

Good to know about the University of Iowa. I would never have known that otherwise! Looks like that one's off my list. 

[iphi]

Here is a spreadsheet which shows funding offers from last year. It reflects all areas of psychology, but you can do a search for School Psych.

[SchoolPsych_NYC]

Just wanted to say that I hope this thread takes off! Last year we had some really lovely and supportive people in our School Psych thread.

 

Also I am a current doc student in SP and can offer advice if people want it!

 

I hope this thread takes off too! I wonder where all my fellow applicants are?? Maybe towards the end of this month after the Psych GRE, more people will post.

Back to editing my SOP.... :/

[Guest lacrosse789]

Maybe that means less competition for us  

[iphi]

I don't think things heated up last year til January/February. EdS applications are due later, I believe - maybe around February? So we had lots more people then, around interview time.

[SchoolPsych_NYC]

I don't think things heated up last year til January/February. EdS applications are due later, I believe - maybe around February? So we had lots more people then, around interview time.

 

This is true. I am very punctual lol only one of the Eds/MA/MS.MSEd programs I am applying to has a deadline of January 15. Everything else is either March, May or rolling. However, all schools interview between February-March, with an April 15 decision day so I wanted to get my stuff in before Christmas so I could rest easy and enjoy the holidays. 

 

Hope this thread doesn't get lost in cyberspace. But you are probably right, iphi, things should pick up in a few months. We shall see!

[schoolpsy15]

Hello!

 

I am interested in School Psych, too! I followed the thread from last year and am looking forward to discussing topics this go-around. I am applying to 3 PhD programs, and 3 EdS programs. I currently have my MSW and work in a Therapeutic Day School in Chicago, which has led me to the decision of going back to school for (hopefully) my PhD in School Psych.

 

Can anyone shed some light on graduate funding. I am a little confused on the whole process. I have read all of the websites for the schools I am applying, which discuss the types of aid and assistantships, but there isn't a ton of info on how to apply or requirements. I'm wondering if this is because assistantship info isn't available until after a student is accepted? Any info about this is much appreciated!

Thank you!

[iphi]

Exactly right, that info isn't available until after you are accepted (in most cases). Some schools will find funding for you, others will have you apply for funding after you have accepted their offer.

 

Who are you interested in working with at Loyola?

[schoolpsy15]

iphi, thank you!

 

I am interested in working with Gina Coffee or Rosario Pesce.

[iphi]

Nice! I've followed Coffee a little, she does neat stuff!

[SchoolPsych_NYC]

For anyone who will be applying to the PD (Professional Diploma/Advanced Certificate) in School Psychology at Fordham University, I just found out as of last year, they no longer offer the MSEd in Preschool Psychology, as the faculty member who ran the program is also no longer with Fordham. Instead, students are required to earn an MSEd in either Therapeutic Interventions, Educational Evaluation and Intervention, or The Psychology of Bilingual Students (separate from the Bilingual extension for the PD, and bilingualism is not a requirement of the MSEd in bilingual students). Handbooks, department bulletins, and the programs information and webpage do not disclose the information about the obsolete program and still lists it as an MSEd option. I just had to revise the focus of my SOP because I was set on applying to the PD program and specializing in preschool assessment and intervention. Just wanted to put the word out there for anyone who was not aware.. 

 

I was at their open house earlier this year and no mention of this was ever made, even after I expressed interest in the preschool MSEd.. 

Edited October 20, 2014 by SchoolPsych_NYC

[schoolpsy15]

How is everyone in the application process? Any struggles or suggestions?

[Guest lacrosse789]

I'm in crunch time right now. I found out that I need to get some of my applications in VERY SOON because I can't send out my letter of recommendations until after it's submitted, so that was a shock! I'm having people review my SOP and hoping that I can make it work

 

I don't have any suggestions, except make sure you check to see when you can send out your letters of recommendation if you haven't already... haha 

[caligirl002]

Does anyone know of any School Psychology of School Counseling programs that are distance learning with full accredidation? My husband is in the navy and things are too unpredictable to chance being separated more than the navy already dictates. I have a teaching background and almost a second bachelors in Speech Pathology.I enjoy the one on one aspect of working with children and teenagers.

[iphi]

Does anyone know of any School Psychology of School Counseling programs that are distance learning with full accredidation? My husband is in the navy and things are too unpredictable to chance being separated more than the navy already dictates. I have a teaching background and almost a second bachelors in Speech Pathology.I enjoy the one on one aspect of working with children and teenagers.

 

I do not believe NASP accredits any distance-learning programs. And every SP program will have to include a practicum component. You may want to try social work?

[dylricha]

I'm a first year PhD student in school psych, so i still remember the agony of the application process fairly well. Let me know if you have any questions about applying or the transition to grad school!

[caligirl002]

Thanks, I did not find any certified distance School Psych programs, either. Was not sure about School Counseling. I don't mind doing the practicum work. I actually would find that part very interesting. The problem is that even with a 3.9 GPA, many people are being turned away from Speech Pathology. I have the 3.9 and decent GRE scores, I just feel that I need a plan B because of how competitive it has become. The practicum does not bother me. I can do that wherever we live. Is there a thread for School Counseling? Thanks.

[iphi]

Thanks, I did not find any certified distance School Psych programs, either. Was not sure about School Counseling. I don't mind doing the practicum work. I actually would find that part very interesting. The problem is that even with a 3.9 GPA, many people are being turned away from Speech Pathology. I have the 3.9 and decent GRE scores, I just feel that I need a plan B because of how competitive it has become. The practicum does not bother me. I can do that wherever we live. Is there a thread for School Counseling? Thanks.

 

 

You can not do this job -- let alone do it well -- long-distance, plain and simple.

 

School counseling is under the "Education" board. Honestly I'm not sympathetic toward someone who admits that my career choice is her backup plan.

Edited November 4, 2014 by iphi