What are my chances for clinical psychology Ph.D program?

[Payvand]

Hi everybody,

 

I'm an international student with an M.Sc. in General Psychology (3.75 GPA). I'm going to apply for Clinical Psychology programs for Fall 2015. I've got a GRE score of 160V/164Q/4.0W. I have some research experience in forms of a master's thesis and international conference posters, and one year of part-time clinical experience. 

 

Although I'd consider some top universities (e.g. UW), I'm planning to focus mostly on 20 to 40 tiers (UOregon, UMichigan, UNevada, SDSU, etc.). I'm also willing to apply for some Canadian programs (in UT, York and Concordia University). 

 

I know there are many factors involved in getting admitted, but I wonder if I have any chance at all?

 

I would appreciate your comments.

 

 

[VulpesZerda]

Nothing you mentioned indicated that you wouldn't have a good chance.

[Realities]

I agree; I would think that you'd have a good shot. If I were you, I wouldn't even worry so much about the "tier" of the program and rather focus on applying to professors with whom you have an excellent research fit.

[Payvand]

Thanks for your encouraging comments  

[when]

Just echoing what the other posters said - your chances look good and maybe focus more on fit rather than tier. In my opinion the most important things about a program are whether they have supervisors with complementary research interests, decent funding (both what the school offers you and what your supervisor gets, as it can affect the research resources you have access to) and matching statistics for internship.

 

By the way, I see you're applying to some schools in Toronto. Maybe I ask why you're not also considering Ryerson?

[Payvand]

By the way, I see you're applying to some schools in Toronto. Maybe I ask why you're not also considering Ryerson?

 

Thanks for your point. I just checked the psychology program at Ryerson. I couldn't find the financial information, though. Does the program provide full funding for graduate students?

 

I also have another concern. Since I come from a Middle-Eastern country, and I might be more comfortable and efficient working with Persian, Afghan, and to a lesser degree, Arab populations, would you recommend me to consider applying to universities located in areas with higher populations of those minority groups? Would the racial composition of the university students or the city residents have any effects on my training during the PhD program (in practicums, for instance)?

[nugget]

Since you are applying to Concordia in Montreal, you may also wish to consider McGill, which is a top notch school. I don't think you will need to focus on multicultural cities. Is there any reason you think this could hinder you in any way? As long as you have the right training, knowledge and skills, your race should not get in the way of you being effective at doing your job well. If you still have doubts, keep in mind that your year long internship in your final year could end up being anywhere in North America. Internships are highly competitive and Canadians and Americans alike apply and interview at sites in both countries and there is no guarantee your internship will be in the same city as the school you attend. So I would encourage you to apply to any schools that you are interested in.

 

I also have another concern. Since I come from a Middle-Eastern country, and I might be more comfortable and efficient working with Persian, Afghan, and to a lesser degree, Arab populations, would you recommend me to consider applying to universities located in areas with higher populations of those minority groups? Would the racial composition of the university students or the city residents have any effects on my training during the PhD program (in practicums, for instance)?

[Payvand]

there is no guarantee your internship will be in the same city as the school you attend. 

 

Good point! 

McGill is a very good choice, but unfortunately the supervisor I'd prefer to work with won't accept students this year.

Well, I was a little concerned about being a non-native and having difficulty in communication with native speakers. But it seems necessary for anyone who wants to be a competent therapist anyway, so I'll think of it as a positive challenge.

[when]

Thanks for your point. I just checked the psychology program at Ryerson. I couldn't find the financial information, though. Does the program provide full funding for graduate students?

 

 

My understanding is that every student receives around $20k in funding.