Back-Up Plans

[Rose Tyler]

Caught in waiting limbo I've been thinking a lot about back-up plans in the event that I don't get in anywhere this cycle. I'm probably going to also apply to master's programs. I'm thinking about staying at my undergraduate institution, but that's kind of a last resort option. No one there really does research in my interest areas. I've also thought about moving away from home and seeing if I could get a position in a research lab, even if it's not paid.

 

Does anyone else have a back-up plan? For those of you already in programs, if you got shut out before, what did you do? If you didn't get shut out, did you have any plans for if you did?

[VulpesZerda]

I'm thinking that I would try to put some money together for non-degree courses at one of my top choice schools, then re-apply there. Or if that proves to be unrealistic I would use my minor in public health to network and hopefully find a job in that field for a while - doctoral degrees in public health require work experience and I know I'd like it a lot more than my current job!

[Dedi]

I've considered doing some animal behavior field research. Get myself out of the area and travel a bit. I think that would be very rejuvenating for me. I've been so caught up in the technological world--there's more to life than that.

[KW58D]

I have about 13 backup plans.

 

Some involve just going back to work at various possible organizations. (I currently work now)

 

Some involve pursuing a different academic route entirely. (I spent $2500 this year in applications for psychology, not sure I would do it again.)

 

Some involve working, taking some additional undergrad track coursework, and then trying to go back to grad school a little later down the line. (Not necessarily for the same field, the competition is ridiculous.)

 

Side note; If you see me on the news, plan "13" is in effect. J/K

[PschoolPsychology]

I've been carrying the mindset that any program that turns me down is going to have made a mistake, and that if this happens it will lead to me becoming an even better candidate in the next application cycle. In terms of my day-to-day life, I'd keep my current job as a group-home counselor unless I could get myself a job in a lab, and I would try to take some non-degree classes over the summer as well.

[AvatarPsych]

I'm thinking that I would try to put some money together for non-degree courses at one of my top choice schools, then re-apply there. Or if that proves to be unrealistic I would use my minor in public health to network and hopefully find a job in that field for a while - doctoral degrees in public health require work experience and I know I'd like it a lot more than my current job!

Careful about taking courses. One of the schools I got rejected from specifically stated that it's their policy that those who do not get in/are not enrolled may not take classes at the school.

[KB0808]

Check out research positions at a VA! VAs (while not the greatest reputation in the news now) hire a ton of psychologists and may even be their #1 employer. Play for the long game - once you are in the VA it is easier to get back in as psychologist, phd level positions start around $90K (based on geographic location) and very competitive. There are always RA jobs available in our lab but shoot higher if your experience allows for it. It is not uncommon for a person to stay a year or two - get some publications and apply to school. Plus there are usually multiple projects to get your hands on. VAs also have MIRECCs that each study a specific issue - PTSD, suicide, TBI, etc. When looking for back up plans don't be afraid to look outside the box for experience - that is what will make you stand out. I have taken my time with school, joining AmeriCorps after BA then helping a friend start a business. Then went for MA and turned down phd offer for amazing job at VA because that is also difficult to score. Now reapplying because I have my in for lots of jobs down the road and can hopefully get accepted to an even better program. Don't forget about volunteering. I was an intern/volunteer part time therapist at a county jail for 3 years (during MA and then they let me to stay on to get licensed nights and weekends while I was working at VA for research experience). Now I had an MA which allowed me to do this but you're young - load up on lots of different experiences - crisis lines etc if you want that clinical piece. It may seem strange that I turned down school to only apply again but there is so much to learn and do in life - it's hard but try not to get to caught up with having to make certain accomplishments in a predetermined timeline. flying by the seat of your pants is so much fun Good luck - hopefully a non-issue!!

[Tolman's Rat]

I've got some collaborations set up around the area that will turn long distance if/when I get into grad school, so staying around here wouldn't be the end of the world. I also have a pretty great job, so I'm not too worried--I'd just spend another year paying down debts. Either way, I'm confident that I'll get in somewhere. Had a lot of very positive interactions, and I view two of my programs as extremely likely admissions, two as distinct possibilities, and the remaining five as true wildcards. 

[Pencilvannia]

Being in the Baltimore area, there are plenty of research jobs around me (having an MA helps with that). If I don't get in anywhere this time, I'll look for a job in research to build my CV for next year.

My adviser has also let some of her previous students who had already graduated use her lab space during off hours (i.e., at night) so they can continue doing research that interests them. She likes me (I believe) so I'll probably try and do that too! 

 

So I have back-up plans, but man I really hope it doesn't come down to that!

[Generis]

My goal is research, my back up is research, my current job is research. Not getting in a phd program isn't the end of the world if it's the research you are after. There are many ways to conduct good, meaningful work that do not require a Ph.D.

:)

[VulpesZerda]

Careful about taking courses. One of the schools I got rejected from specifically stated that it's their policy that those who do not get in/are not enrolled may not take classes at the school.

Luckily, my top choice encourages this option. Their information gave me the idea! My professor approved of this plan because she was admitted to her program after doing very well in non-degree courses. But, I still don't know if this would be a good idea financially, so we'll see what happens.

[TheMercySeat]

My goal is research, my back up is research, my current job is research. Not getting in a phd program isn't the end of the world if it's the research you are after. There are many ways to conduct good, meaningful work that do not require a Ph.D.

:)

 

Quoted for truth!!!!

[Piagetsky]

My goal is research, my back up is research, my current job is research. Not getting in a phd program isn't the end of the world if it's the research you are after. There are many ways to conduct good, meaningful work that do not require a Ph.D.

:)

Very inspiring.  Please share, because my backup plan next year if I don't get in anywhere is to quit my current job and do exactly this.  Not sure exactly how to go about it, though.  

[psych face]

Very inspiring.  Please share, because my backup plan next year if I don't get in anywhere is to quit my current job and do exactly this.  Not sure exactly how to go about it, though.  

 

I'll just share my own approach, just for funsies - first, I'm working up the protocol right now, although I won't have it done by the end of the break. I figure, if I get in somewhere I can say "Hey, I already have a protocol ready to go, can we just get this started" - if I don't get in, I've already gotten the support of a faculty member who will help me do it here. This doesn't require coursework, but I will still be taking part-time clases anyways. It's also better that way because the IRB here requires you to be a grad student or teacher to PI your own protocol, so as long as I enroll for something I can be my own PI.

 

I actually have some other job backup plans, but I'm going to conduct this research and write a couple of other papers *regardless* - I think everyone should. But I know it's tempting for some people to chill it out and do nothing for a few months. I've just never been like that.

[cjack87]

This is my second time applying and really can't imagine not getting at least one offer this time around, so I haven't let myself think about backup plans just yet. I have a research position at the VA, so I am in a good place if I don't get in though. I am not sure I could go through this agony a third time around, so hopefully this is it!