OISE SCCP vs. York Clinical Developmental

[lucid]

Hi All,

 

I have been offered admission into both programs, so I am in a bit of a dilemma as to which one to accept. Is there anyone out there with knowledge of one or both programs that can give me a good synopsis of the pro's and con's and/or a comparison and an overall judgment of each? 

 

Thanks so much!

[student896]

I'm wondering what your application looked like to be offered admission to both programs. Could you share some details like that. I am very familiar with both programs (good friends in each program) and would be happy to share some info in return

Edited February 27, 2015 by student896

[lucid]

I'm wondering what your application looked like to be offered admission to both programs. Could you share some details like that. I am very familiar with both programs (good friends in each program) and would be happy to share some info in return

Sorry but for my own privacy and respect for my POIs I cant provide anymore details. But if you would still like to share your knowledge it would be much appreciated! 

[LebaneseKafta]

They're just asking to share your application details like your GPA publications conferences experience so that other people may know what they need to do to get an offer...not asking you to share personal information and from what I know OISE is a better more reputable program from what Ive heard

[lucid]

They're just asking to share your application details like your GPA publications conferences experience so that other people may know what they need to do to get an offer...not asking you to share personal information and from what I know OISE is a better more reputable program from what Ive heard

GPA: 4.0

 

Good GRE General (except quant.), very good GRE subject

 

3 very strong letters of reference 

 

2 years of very focused clinical research experience in children's mental health on three separate projects in four different labs 

 

4 years clinical experience experience working closely with children and adolescents (and their families) with varying disabilities, mental health problems and levels of functioning 

 

A few publications and conferences in the works currently

 

Cant really say much more than that, thanks! 

[clinicalapplicant]

I would personally choose York Clinical Development. I've heard amazing things about the program, and it has some pretty reputable names attached to it. I know people in the program who have raved about it, and are very happy with the level of training they've been receiving. 

[toastytoast]

I would absolutely choose OISE over York, especially with UofT starting a clinical program last year. York's clinical program is still selective because it is a clinical program, but they have been so tied to the Les Greenberg model that they've definitely declined relative to other evidence based programs. A degree from U of T is worth more than a degree from York, and U of Ts practicum network is considerably larger. I know people who have gone through each program, and the OISE one is much more rigorous. 

 

Also, living in downtown toronto is way better than richmondhill

Edited February 27, 2015 by toastytoast

[lucid]

Thanks for all who have replied, and those who shared their experiences and opinions! I am definitely leaning more towards OISE. My research interests line up a bit better there in terms of the clinical population I have the most experience with and want to work most with in the future. Also, the funding seems to be a bit better at OISE and being in downtown Toronto would be super convenient as I already live there. Having to go to North York every day would be a pain, and with the subway not coming until 2016 at the earliest I would have to drive or bus up there, which would be another added expense and source of stress. I know that York has some great researchers, and I know a few of them quite well and have worked with them before. But the possibility of being downtown is really enticing. How is OISE for research reputation and in terms of connections and networking?

 

And is a degree from UofT worth more than York at the graduate level? I was always told that York's Clinical Program was the best in Canada, bar none. Furthermore, I was told that in terms of the name of the school, it does not matter as much at the graduate level. Obviously I want the best training and education possible for both short and long term research and clinical opportunities and my future career. I also want the greatest chance at creating a name for myself clinically and research wise and want to be at a school with a large practicum network, lots of opportunities for making connections and the best reputation possible, domestically and internationally and within the field and also from a more general perspective outside the field. 

 

I have also heard of hints of internal strife within OISE and between the departments. Anyone with any info on this?

[LebaneseKafta]

Generally speaking UofT has a WAY better reputation than York does, UofT is internationally recognized as one of the top schools in Canada ... a lot more opportunities and better programs overall and in my opinion reputation of the school is important more so at the graduate level than undergrad. Also, their SCCP program is only one of two CPA accredited programs like it which means it is a very high calibre program area and it is well recognized. For me if I got those two offers it would be a no brainer, the competition for the SCCP program is absolutely ridiculous and the popularity of it I think speaks volumes about what kind of program it is. I haven't actually heard that Yorks program was *the best* really ever in comparison to others also there's better funding and is in a better location for UofT. But, truly at the end of the day, you said that OISE is a better fit for you in terms of research and clinical population and for me that is what my decision would come down to ..'can I see myself here doing this work for x amount of years?'

 

And also, congrats on both offers thats truly an amazing accomplishment! 

Edited February 27, 2015 by LebaneseKafta

[lucid]

Generally speaking UofT has a WAY better reputation than York does, UofT is internationally recognized as one of the top schools in Canada ... a lot more opportunities and better programs overall and in my opinion reputation of the school is important more so at the graduate level than undergrad. Also, their SCCP program is only one of two CPA accredited programs like it which means it is a very high calibre program area and it is well recognized. For me if I got those two offers it would be a no brainer, the competition for the SCCP program is absolutely ridiculous and the popularity of it I think speaks volumes about what kind of program it is. I haven't actually heard that Yorks program was *the best* really ever in comparison to others also there's better funding and is in a better location for UofT. But, truly at the end of the day, you said that OISE is a better fit for you in terms of research and clinical population and for me that is what my decision would come down to ..'can I see myself here doing this work for x amount of years?'

 

And also, congrats on both offers thats truly an amazing accomplishment! 

 

 

Thanks so much for the kind words and the advice!   

[toastytoast]

Thanks for all who have replied, and those who shared their experiences and opinions! I am definitely leaning more towards OISE. My research interests line up a bit better there in terms of the clinical population I have the most experience with and want to work most with in the future. Also, the funding seems to be a bit better at OISE and being in downtown Toronto would be super convenient as I already live there. Having to go to North York every day would be a pain, and with the subway not coming until 2016 at the earliest I would have to drive or bus up there, which would be another added expense and source of stress. I know that York has some great researchers, and I know a few of them quite well and have worked with them before. But the possibility of being downtown is really enticing. How is OISE for research reputation and in terms of connections and networking?

 

And is a degree from UofT worth more than York at the graduate level? I was always told that York's Clinical Program was the best in Canada, bar none. Furthermore, I was told that in terms of the name of the school, it does not matter as much at the graduate level. Obviously I want the best training and education possible for both short and long term research and clinical opportunities and my future career. I also want the greatest chance at creating a name for myself clinically and research wise and want to be at a school with a large practicum network, lots of opportunities for making connections and the best reputation possible, domestically and internationally and within the field and also from a more general perspective outside the field. 

 

I have also heard of hints of internal strife within OISE and between the departments. Anyone with any info on this?

A degree from UofT is always worth more than a degree from York. The York clinical program is a good program. I definitely would not say that it is the best program bar none. Having spoken to a number of students there, it definitely has it's rough spots. The way they do the first practicum is pretty terrible.