Master's in psych before applying to PhD programs-- Villanova or American?

[Psychperson]

Does anyone have any perspective or thoughts on this?

I am giving my decision today, but I am really torn between the two.

My sole purpose for getting a master's is to enhance my application to clinical PhD programs. My undergraduate GPA is strong in the last two years but just okay overall, so I want the opportunity to get a higher graduate GPA (I am confident that I can do this). I also need more research experience and have had difficulty in obtaining a full-time RA position. Both are two-year programs with a research/thesis component. I would be working in faculty labs in both and doing independent research in both.

Villanova is less expensive, but I am more drawn to American's program and researchers. American is a better "fit," but maybe that isn't as important for master's programs as it is for PhD... I'm not sure. I don't know which one would give the advantage for getting in PhD programs. I know that Villanova has a solid record of students earning PhD admission, but I don't know how that breaks down by subcategory. I know people have gotten into clinical PhD programs, but I don't know that rate, and there aren't many clinical faculty members. Again, that might not be incredibly important for what I need right now. I would certainly prefer a better fit, but I would also like to minimize my debt.

I have heard less about American, so I would really like to hear anything about that program. I met with both schools, and I really liked my potential mentor at American, but he was not one of my first choices, and my interests are somewhat distantly related to his. I do not yet know who would be my mentor at Villanova, and there is not really an obvious choice.

I don't even know which program is considered "better"-- maybe neither is? Yikes. I have considered this every which way, but I feel like (besides money), I don't even have the info to compare the same variables.

I cannot believe that I am still undecided. Any help, advice, interrogation, or moderate shaking would be appreciated!

[avidman]

Well, based on what you said:

- Villanova has a good track record for getting students admitted to a PhD program, and it is cheaper, but you don't know who the mentor will be, so that can be scary.

 

- American is more expensive and you like the fit, but you aren't super passionate about your potential mentor's research and you don't know the stats when it comes to PhD admittance.

 

I suppose the way I'd look at is in the following: If your main goal is a PhD, then pick the school that will help pave the way. You know Villanova can, and it is cheaper. Although you aren't completely in love with the theory behind the research, you need research experience, and getting experience in a field you aren't super in love with can help broaden your perspective on the research you do care about.

 

As for American, you like the mentor, but he is not a first choice, and although it is a good school, you don't know too much about it. So then:

 

Good Mentor + Unknown Track Record

VS

Unknown Mentor + Good Track Record

 

Personally, I'd go with Villanova, since it seems better in terms of achieving your PhD goal. However, I would definitely like to hear from others too, haha.

[Psychperson]

Thanks for the reply! Good advice... IIn the morning, I really thought I would choose Villanova. I ended up going with American though! After a few really helpful conversations, like the one I had with the director of the lab in which I do part-time research assistance, I realized that a good research fit could make a huge difference in making sure I get the strong training and a solid background that is most relevant to what I intend to pursue beyond the master's degree. I will likely make more important connections because of this, too. Villanova is a good program, but it seems to be light on clinical psychology. American seems to have a better platform for studying clinical psychology and for my specific interests suicide/self-destructive behaviors and, more broadly, emotion regulation.

I am a little queasy about the money, but I feel like it is a good decision. I want to put myself in the best possible position to get into a strong PhD program which fits my interests. I think I will find that path through American more likely than through Villanova. I feel much more enthusiastic about the research at American, and I am already relieved to not have to be forcing myself into a different box.