To Apply or to Wait?...

[Tahlain]

Hi.

 

I'm an undergraduate (rising senior) who is highly considering applying to psych Ph.D. programs next cycle for social and affective neuroscience. I have identified several programs and mentors already and have a decent amount of research experience. However, I have been hearing conflicting messages from my mentors/advisers about whether I should apply now or wait. Some think I should go ahead and apply and others think I should try to do a post-bacc IRTA at NIH for a couple of years first, and then apply. I hope to eventually do research professionally (as a professor or research associate) and don't really have a strong opinion on whether I should wait for a couple of years or try to go straight into grad school. Would anyone be willing to look over my CV and grad school list and advise? If so, post/send me a message.

 

Thanks!

[cagedbird77]

Just from a personal preference, I went straight into my psych doctoral program right after undergrad. For me, it was the right decision because I felt that I would have been less likely to go into grad school had I waited. I think it's a natural transition and I actually found my first year of grad school somewhat easier than my last year of undergrad. Besides, what do you have to lose if you apply now (regardless of application fees)? And even if you don't get accepted the first time around, a lot of grad schools can give you feedback specifically on what your application may be lacking. I was doubtful that I would be able to be accepted into a doctoral program right out of undergrad but I'm happy I took the plunge and applied. 

[Jay's Brain]

Perhaps you can shed some light as to why some of your professors think you should return for post-bacc? Myself, I chose not to start my graduate studies until this year when I graduated from my undergraduate program in 2014. During my fourth year, I completed my honours thesis and I didn't want to distract my research and other courses with the application. For me, personally, I also wasn't entirely sure on my research interests yet. Ultimately, finishing my thesis helped me tremendously, which made my SOP that much stronger. This year off also helped me immensely in preparing for my applications (you can never have too much time to get ready), and getting more relevant research experience also proved worthwhile.

 

So unless there's some serious deficiency in your profile, I agree with cagedbird77. Shoot for the moon, because even if you miss, you'll be among the stars

[juilletmercredi]

I think it depends on what you want to do with the interim.

 

If your reasons for taking time off are because you want to do something unrelated before the PhD - travel, teach abroad, work for a few years, save money, etc. - then I think you should take the time.

 

If your reasons are about improving your record so you can be more competitive to programs - doing IRTA or working as a lab manager - then I think whether or not you should wait depends on how competitive you are and what kinds of programs you're aiming for. If you're already competitive for top programs, then go ahead and apply and see what happens! If you are borderline for top programs, a good fit for some mid-ranked programs, but you really want to go to a top program - consider applying to a few long-shot, perfect-fit programs while planning to take a year or two off to do a post-bacc.

 

Professors are always going to give you conflicting advice; they all have strong opinions based upon their own experiences and knowledge. But there's no one right answer.

[hopefulclinicalpsych]

Hey!  I think the best would be listening to your main mentor in the field.  My professor in undergrad told me that I should get more experience (already 2 years of experience + a poster at a conference in the field). My professor actually got me interviews for the IRTA program at the NIMH!  I ended up not getting the job, but I interned at USUHS (across the street from NIH) and they brought me in for an interview once hearing I got an interview at the NIMH.  I was offered a job there and at another university.  I'm currently no longer in DC, but working under a great professor in the field. I'm coming up on a  year working for him and I have a publication that's gotten press, have a 1st author pub under review, and have two more publications in the works.  Now I know that it isn't a typical experience, but just think of the different paths you can have!  I NEVER imagined I would live in this state!  With an RA position, depending where, you can get your name on SO many things. You can also get an AWESOME letter of rec from your mentors when you do research for them! You can PM me for more details.  I'll definitely help you with your CV and list of grad schools!  

 

Good luck!