Fall 2015 School Psychology Applicants

[iphi]

Hi everyone,

 

I've got a question for students currently in school psych programs:

 

How should one go about emailing the professors he or she is interested in working with? Do you need to read a ton of this professor's research, and then come up with your own questions about his/her work? Or is it enough to mention that you have similar research interests, and then ask the professor if he/she is taking students next year?

 

Thanks so much!

 

If you are applying to PhDs, then yes you should try to email them. Don't be too discouraged if you don't get a reply (it's a little late in the application season, lots of things happening at the end of the semester)! If you are applying for EdS then I really wouldn't bother. This is the advice given by the prof in charge of admissions for my program, btw.

[new here]

Thanks for the reply, iphi! So what happens if I don't get a reply from a particular professor? Does this mean I'm probably not going to get into that program?

[iphi]

Thanks for the reply, iphi! So what happens if I don't get a reply from a particular professor? Does this mean I'm probably not going to get into that program?

 

Not at all! I had barely any professors respond to me, and I got into every SP program I applied to! Actually, some I didn't email at all because I felt as though it was too late.

[new here]

Really? That is so reassuring to hear! Thank you! I'm at the point where I'm starting to think I'm not going to get in anywhere, and I'm freaking out a little, so it's nice to hear that you have still have a chance of getting in if professors don't reply to you.

[Echidna]

Hi everyone! I came across this forum today (so happy to know that we're all freaking out a little bit -- and that people did last year too, and everything turned out pretty well). I'm applying to mainly phd programs in school psych. Maybe a couple of EdS (One in state and Columbia for the heck of it). Anyway, I was curious if anyone knows when it's typical to start hearing back from schools and POIs? And where all is everyone applying to? That's should be fun to hear.

 

Hope the app process is going well for everyone! (I'm currently studying abroad, so it's been a struggle to stay afloat with work, travel, and completing apps)

[iphi]

Hi everyone! I came across this forum today (so happy to know that we're all freaking out a little bit -- and that people did last year too, and everything turned out pretty well). I'm applying to mainly phd programs in school psych. Maybe a couple of EdS (One in state and Columbia for the heck of it). Anyway, I was curious if anyone knows when it's typical to start hearing back from schools and POIs? And where all is everyone applying to? That's should be fun to hear.

 

Hope the app process is going well for everyone! (I'm currently studying abroad, so it's been a struggle to stay afloat with work, travel, and completing apps)

 

For PhD programs you should most likely hear in January about interviews, and then relatively soon after about results. Most of my interviews were scheduled for the first week of February, and I'm pretty sure I had all my offers by the end of February. EdS deadlines and interviews are typically later. You can always use the Results Search to see what your schools/programs have done in the past!

[gray cat]

Hi everybody!

 

It's nice seeing other people going through the same process as me, although my case is a little peculiar because I'm an international applicant. I'd like to ask if anyone knows any international students already attending or applying to School Psych programs. I lived in the US for 2 years, but I'm still not sure if not being American is a weakness, a strenght or does not affect at all in this process.

 

I recently applied to UConn's School Psychology PhD program (deadline was Dec 1). I read last year's thread and didn't find anyone applying to UConn. Anyone has any opinions about UConn?

 

Thanks and good luck!

[iphi]

Hi everybody!

 

It's nice seeing other people going through the same process as me, although my case is a little peculiar because I'm an international applicant. I'd like to ask if anyone knows any international students already attending or applying to School Psych programs. I lived in the US for 2 years, but I'm still not sure if not being American is a weakness, a strenght or does not affect at all in this process.

 

I know a few international students who are School Psych PhDs. In my experience, departments tend to like them. But I wouldn't say its necessarily a strength or a weakness. I think that if you make a good case in your SoP and interviews that you want training that only the US can provide that usually does the trick!

[gray cat]

Thanks! That's good to know. I'm actually interested in multicultural education, so the US should be the perfect place =D

[iphi]

Thanks! That's good to know. I'm actually interested in multicultural education, so the US should be the perfect place =D

 

Great, that's my area too! Deadlines have probably passed, but you should look at Ohio State, Loyola Chicago, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, SDSU and maybe UCLA.

[Echidna]

For PhD programs you should most likely hear in January about interviews, and then relatively soon after about results. Most of my interviews were scheduled for the first week of February, and I'm pretty sure I had all my offers by the end of February. EdS deadlines and interviews are typically later. You can always use the Results Search to see what your schools/programs have done in the past!

 

Thanks for this, iphi!

[new here]

Hi everyone,

 

So i have yet another question.

 

I only recently decided to apply to school psychology programs, and I know it's really late in the application season, but I'd like to try to apply anyway. I have found a few doctoral programs with January deadlines. I know it's a pretty bad idea to limit yourself to a small number of schools because you've missed the deadlines for most programs, but I really don't want to wait another year to apply. So I'd like to go ahead and just apply, and try to get all of my apps done in a month. What do you guys think - can this be done?

 

Also, I have heard that "good" programs are the ones with the earliest deadlines. Is this necessarily true? Some of the schools I'm looking at (which have both January deadlines and faculty members I'd like to work with) are the University of Rhode Island, University of Oregon, Kent State, St. John's, Fordham, Rutgers, UC Riverside, Lehigh University, and SUNY Albany. Does anyone know anything about these programs? In your opinion, would they be considered "good" programs?

 

Thanks!

[iphi]

I only recently decided to apply to school psychology programs, and I know it's really late in the application season, but I'd like to try to apply anyway. I have found a few doctoral programs with January deadlines. I know it's a pretty bad idea to limit yourself to a small number of schools because you've missed the deadlines for most programs, but I really don't want to wait another year to apply. So I'd like to go ahead and just apply, and try to get all of my apps done in a month. What do you guys think - can this be done?

 

Also, I have heard that "good" programs are the ones with the earliest deadlines. Is this necessarily true? Some of the schools I'm looking at (which have both January deadlines and faculty members I'd like to work with) are the University of Rhode Island, University of Oregon, Kent State, St. John's, Fordham, Rutgers, UC Riverside, Lehigh University, and SUNY Albany. Does anyone know anything about these programs? In your opinion, would they be considered "good" programs?

 

One thing you can do is apply to the EdS programs (they usually have later deadlines) at the schools where you want to do your PhD. It should be fairly easy to switch tracks after your first year, and that way all your credits should count.

 

I thought about applying to Oregon last year but was discouraged because it looked as though you had to take some sort of state licensing exam before you applied? You should check on that, though.

 

I may get some flak for saying this, but I have heard (from my profs) that Riverside is a "struggling" (code for bad) program.

 

I'm pretty sure some people from last year's thread applied to St John's, Lehigh and Fordham. Maybe one of them will turn up to answer questions, but if not you can turn to

Edited December 4, 2014 by iphi

[athlete2academic]

It can definitely be done, yes. I applied to a number of School Psychology programs and started this process back in late August. That's rather early, though. A few things you may want to consider: 

• You may want to check with your letter writers and see if they can realistically submit a good, thoughtful letter for you before the deadline (since it is in the very near future). This may influence who writes your letters. Just something to think about. 
• You'll most likely have to cut down on your draft process. My SoP took 8 or so drafts to perfect; I sought the help and guidance of many others, too. Not saying yours will take 8 (that's a lot, I know), but you'll have to hammer out your supporting materials fairly quickly in order to meet a January deadline.  

Depending on how many schools you are planning on applying to, this certainly can be done. Each addition school you apply to is more and more work, though. If you're confident in the strength of your application and think you can be a competitive applicant, absolutely, go for it.

 

As for the specific schools you mention, I'm really not sure. IPHI is right in that Oregon requires an extra exam. That was actually one of the reasons I decided against applying there. As for UC-Riverside, I applied there and have not heard that the program is struggling. Maybe I don't know the full story; I cannot attest to that comment one way or another.

 

No matter your decision, best of luck to you.  

[new here]

Thanks for your replies!

 

Iphi, thanks for the suggestion about the EdS. This is something I hadn't realized. Is it really that easy to switch tracks after a year? I always figured that once you were in a graduate program, you were sort of locked in.

 

And thank you both for the heads up about the extra exam that Oregon requires! I think I'll be taking Oregon off my list because i'm not sure it's worth it to take an extra exam, especially when I'm so limited on time.

 

Also, athlete2academic, you said to go for it, if I'm confident in the strength of my application. I honestly have no idea if I'd be a competitive applicant at all. I graduated with a pretty decent gpa, I have some research experience, and I work in a school - but that's about it. I've never been published or attended a conference, or anything. Is it unrealistic for me to be thinking about applying to graduate programs, especially so late in the application season?

 

Okay, sorry I've asked so many questions. As you may have gathered, I'm pretty anxious about this whole process.

 

Again, thanks for your answers/insights

[athlete2academic]

Also, athlete2academic, you said to go for it, if I'm confident in the strength of my application. I honestly have no idea if I'd be a competitive applicant at all. I graduated with a pretty decent gpa, I have some research experience, and I work in a school - but that's about it. I've never been published or attended a conference, or anything. Is it unrealistic for me to be thinking about applying to graduate programs, especially so late in the application season?

 

 

Depending on where you are thinking of applying, programs usually have on their website "data" or even just suggestions for what a competitive applicant looks like. For instance, this is directly off of UC-Riverside's website: "In general, students with at least a 3.50 GPA in the last two years of upper division undergraduate work and a master's degree, along with a combined GRE score of 1100 or above have a higher rate of admission to our program." This is pretty generic; some schools clearly value research experience over anything else. Publications and presentation certainly help - but I can't speak to how admissions committees see an application with neither of the two. Perhaps IPHI could better answer that since he/she is in the midst of their graduate career.

 

Using the word "unrealistic" is a bit harsh...I think. I've heard of people getting accepted into programs with no research experience but great GRE scores and a well-written SoP. After all, while everyone wants to have well-rounded application, the fact of the matter is, it only takes one person on the admissions committee (maybe your PoI?) to like a piece of your application in order for you to get an interview.

 

In my opinion, what it comes down to is your confidence level. What I mean is, if you're confident in your application and that confidence shines through on paper - and you clearly outline what your interests are - I think your application is fair game. I can't realistically tell you that it will be as strong as those applicants who have been working on their application for months. But, who's to say you're not better qualified than them anyway?

 

Everyone who applies is anxious! Forums like these are to help relieve that anxiety while providing insight         

[iphi]

Iphi, thanks for the suggestion about the EdS. This is something I hadn't realized. Is it really that easy to switch tracks after a year? I always figured that once you were in a graduate program, you were sort of locked in.

 

I wouldn't necessarily say "easy" you will have to go through the admissions process again. But it will be easier. My program at least does this relatively frequently, and the transition is seamless because we take all the same courses in the first year or two anyway. But I'm sure it is program dependent. I would say this is an option if you REALLY want to go to a school and have missed the PhD deadline.

 

Just remember that most EdS programs do not have funding.

[new here]

Thank you! Everything everyone has said has been tremendously helpful. I think I have one final question, and then I'll stop with the slew of questions :-)

 

I hate to create one of those "what are my chances?" posts, and I don't know if this is the place to do it, but...what do you guys think my chances are of getting into a school psych grad program?

 

I graduated with a 3.94. I worked in a cognitive psychology lab for two years, and I am working in an I/O lab now. I have volunteered at a school for the past few years, and I am now working there as a teacher. Also, I'm not sure if this is relevant, but I've been involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for over a year now.

 

On the downside... I've never presented or been published. The grad students and professors I worked with did include my name on their posters...at the very bottom, where they thanked me for assisting with data collection.

 

Also, this is pretty embarrassing, but I did pretty poorly on the GRE. My verbal and writing scores were okay (161 on the verbal, don't remember the writing), but when it came to the math section, I got really nervous and well...it was bad. (I freaked out and spent all my time just staring at the questions, then realized I only had two minutes left and I still had more than half the section to complete. I ended up just clicking random answers for most questions.) I ended up scoring 148.

 

So...do I have a shot at getting in - anywhere?

 

Thanks!

[PschoolPsychology]

Hey everyone, I'm really glad that I've finally found a community of people going through the same application process I am! I'm applying to six doctoral programs for this cycle in LSU, South Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, The Teachers College at Columbia, and Tennessee. I'm a bit worried that I didn't plan with safety schools enough but at this point I'm just glad that I've completed my first wave of applications

[gray cat]

Great, that's my area too! Deadlines have probably passed, but you should look at Ohio State, Loyola Chicago, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, SDSU and maybe UCLA.

 

Yeah, it's a little late, but thanks anyway! Just a little curious, have you started working on your dissertation topic? I think this is your first year, but when are you supposed to tell your professors?

[gray cat]

Thank you! Everything everyone has said has been tremendously helpful. I think I have one final question, and then I'll stop with the slew of questions :-)

 

I hate to create one of those "what are my chances?" posts, and I don't know if this is the place to do it, but...what do you guys think my chances are of getting into a school psych grad program?

 

I graduated with a 3.94. I worked in a cognitive psychology lab for two years, and I am working in an I/O lab now. I have volunteered at a school for the past few years, and I am now working there as a teacher. Also, I'm not sure if this is relevant, but I've been involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for over a year now.

 

On the downside... I've never presented or been published. The grad students and professors I worked with did include my name on their posters...at the very bottom, where they thanked me for assisting with data collection.

 

Also, this is pretty embarrassing, but I did pretty poorly on the GRE. My verbal and writing scores were okay (161 on the verbal, don't remember the writing), but when it came to the math section, I got really nervous and well...it was bad. (I freaked out and spent all my time just staring at the questions, then realized I only had two minutes left and I still had more than half the section to complete. I ended up just clicking random answers for most questions.) I ended up scoring 148.

 

So...do I have a shot at getting in - anywhere?

 

Thanks!

Hi! I'm not an expert, but I'll try to give you my honest opinion.

 

I think you shouldn't worry too much about not being published. You have worked in labs and that's really good.

 

As for your GRE scores, if you think you have the time and money to retake it, then go for it. If not, don't panic. Let them know if you took any Math or Stats courses. Anyone can have a bad day.

[iphi]

Yeah, it's a little late, but thanks anyway! Just a little curious, have you started working on your dissertation topic? I think this is your first year, but when are you supposed to tell your professors?

 

I think about it, but change my mind every week. The Master's thesis is a much more pressing issue for me at this point.

Edited December 6, 2014 by iphi

[b87]

Hey everybody! Thanks for all the great information. I've applied to 4 EdS programs and one PsyD program for Fall 2015. Problem is, I live in Istanbul and there is no way I'll be able to leave my current teaching job to fly back for interviews (if I get invited - fingers crossed!) I know interviews are very important, and I'm a little worried it will ruin my chances of admission if I can't physically be back in the States. Any ideas on this? Does anyone know if some programs are willing to do Skype interviews/phone interviews instead of in person interviews?

 

Thanks a lot! 

 

[iphi]

Hey everybody! Thanks for all the great information. I've applied to 4 EdS programs and one PsyD program for Fall 2015. Problem is, I live in Istanbul and there is no way I'll be able to leave my current teaching job to fly back for interviews (if I get invited - fingers crossed!) I know interviews are very important, and I'm a little worried it will ruin my chances of admission if I can't physically be back in the States. Any ideas on this? Does anyone know if some programs are willing to do Skype interviews/phone interviews instead of in person interviews?

 

Thanks a lot! 

 

Programs should be very willing to do Skype interviews. I did 4 that way last year and was accepted to every one. There is also an international student in my current program who did a Skype interview as well.

[schoolpsy15]

I received an email today from Loyola that said they have received my application and are in the review process.  It also provided the date that interviews will take place. This has increased my anxiety by 100%. Who knew the waiting would be the hardest part of this process??!