School Psychology Fall 2017

[Schoolpsych17]

Hi all! 

So I've been reading the threads from the past few years (SO helpful) and decided to start one for this year! I would appreciate any advice from people who have gone through the application process, and would love to hear from people applying for the fall 2017 season as well. Does anyone have any advice on narrowing down options of schools to apply to? I'm looking for a Ed.S. Program that is:

1. NASP accredited

2. Affordable (possibility of funding, assistantship, out of state tuition waiver, etc.) 

I have some schools in mind mostly based on location and tuition but I don't really know much about many of the programs on the NASP website. 

Any advice, things you wish you had known, information about programs, etc. would be greatly appreciated!

Do you know of any programs that are well-respected but still affordable? I have a 3.96 undergrad GPA, am currently studying for the GRE, and have experience working with both young children with disabilities as well as culturally diverse youth. However, I have no research experience. Will this affect my chances of getting in to a good specialist program? 

Edited September 13, 2016 by Schoolpsych17

[cherry12055]

Very excited for this thread. I've read through all the past years. Planning on applying to doctoral programs for school psychology and maybe one or two EDs programs. I also have tons of questions all the time so hopefully we will get some people on here who have done this before!

 

[Anxiousapplicant01]

I'm a School psych phd first-year in a program with both phd and eds students (NASP and APA accredited). Feel free to ask me questions, although if they are specific about my experience that might be best addressed by PM 

[Schoolpsych17]

2 hours ago, cherry12055 said:

Very excited for this thread. I've read through all the past years. Planning on applying to doctoral programs for school psychology and maybe one or two EDs programs. I also have tons of questions all the time so hopefully we will get some people on here who have done this before!

 

@cherry12055 Glad to know I'm not the only one with questions! What programs are you considering so far? I have so many I'm interested in!! I am mostly interested in specialist programs, but am open to doctoral programs as well.

[transfatfree]

Another 1st year school psych PhD student here to help as I was helped here before as well. My school also has both specialist and PhD programs (NASP and APA accredited).

16 hours ago, Schoolpsych17 said:

Hi all! 

So I've been reading the threads from the past few years (SO helpful) and decided to start one for this year! I would appreciate any advice from people who have gone through the application process, and would love to hear from people applying for the fall 2017 season as well. Does anyone have any advice on narrowing down options of schools to apply to? I'm looking for a Ed.S. Program that is:

1. NASP accredited

2. Affordable (possibility of funding, assistantship, out of state tuition waiver, etc.) 

I have some schools in mind mostly based on location and tuition but I don't really know much about many of the programs on the NASP website. 

Any advice, things you wish you had known, information about programs, etc. would be greatly appreciated!

Do you know of any programs that are well-respected but still affordable? I have a 3.96 undergrad GPA, am currently studying for the GRE, and have experience working with both young children with disabilities as well as culturally diverse youth. However, I have no research experience. Will this affect my chances of getting in to a good specialist program? 

I'm sure you've been browsing the NASP website quite a lot. There is a page that tells you how to choose the right programs to begin with. Make sure you check it out.

From what I heard, Ed.S. programs place less emphasis on research experience, but many of the specialist-level students did have some experience with kids with special needs or teaching experience etc. 

What I think you should consider is the curriculum of the programs. Even though I applied for only PhD programs, I found the courses quite different across programs. So if you have a particular interest e.g. population, you can see whether the curriculum focuses on that. Also, if you are interested in getting an extra credential, there are programs that incorporate ABA training into their curriculum which enables you to become a BCBA if you're willing to take extra credits.

I really don't know much about reputation of particular Ed.S. programs, but do cast a wide net and apply for as many programs as you can afford so that you have different options instead of waiting for another year. Good luck!

[cherry12055]

One program I am very interested in is UT Austin, however I've read over and over on this site that they offer poor funding. Does anyone know whether that's changed & or how good you have to be to get some money from them? 

[Necrovex]

Glad to see we have a new thread up for this year. Flirting with applying to a EdS program. Little interest in the research side, even if being APA accredited is enticing. 

I'm looking at programs I'm Florida as I am a resident there. USF, FSU, and UF are my big ones, particularly UF and USF. The latter is amazing in terms of funding EdS students. Hooray for my Alma mater. 

I am either applying this year or next, fully depends if I extend my contract for another year. I'm currently a Peace Corps volunteer as a health volunteer who plays mostly teacher for primary children in South Africa. 

Finally had the opportunity to take the GRE a couple weeks ago. 159V, 146Q, and 4.5 AWA. Love two of three scores at least. Seems to be enough to get in a good Florida university (though I am looking at University of Washington as well, end game goal is to live there eventually). I graduated a few years ago in Criminology with an overall GPA at 3.69, and major GPA of 4.0. I would love  to hear some people's thoughts whether my credentials are strong for this application season. If I get my third year offer from Peace Corps, I plan to hold off from applying until next year. Hard to decline an opportunity to live and work in Cape Town with an esteemed international org. But we will see if I apply for this year, I do feel ready for school again!

[JamesMaple]

This is a great thread! I working on my personal statement and I can't formulate my thoughts on why psychology?

[cherry12055]

I have another question--- this one, hopefully someone will know the answer. 

I have several programs I'm looking at that have an EdS degree and a doctoral degree. The EdS degree is NASP approved, but the doctoral degree is only APA accredited, not NASP approved. If the EdS program is, then does that basically imply the doctoral degree is as well?

How important is it that the school be NASP approved? I feel like there are some great schools out there that aren't NASP accredited (Tulane?) and I just don't know why that is. 

[transfatfree]

On 9/14/2016 at 11:25 PM, cherry12055 said:

One program I am very interested in is UT Austin, however I've read over and over on this site that they offer poor funding. Does anyone know whether that's changed & or how good you have to be to get some money from them? 

I talked to a grad student (not in school psychology) at UT Austin about this issue and he said it's a school-wide issue. UT Austin tends to spend more on research rather than on research students. 

[transfatfree]

On 9/23/2016 at 7:05 AM, JamesMaple said:

This is a great thread! I working on my personal statement and I can't formulate my thoughts on why psychology?

It's certainly related to your personal experience. If why psychology is too broad, think about why school psychology. Try to make sure there's a strong connection from your experience to your interest(s) to your goal(s).

[transfatfree]

20 hours ago, cherry12055 said:

I have another question--- this one, hopefully someone will know the answer. 

I have several programs I'm looking at that have an EdS degree and a doctoral degree. The EdS degree is NASP approved, but the doctoral degree is only APA accredited, not NASP approved. If the EdS program is, then does that basically imply the doctoral degree is as well?

How important is it that the school be NASP approved? I feel like there are some great schools out there that aren't NASP accredited (Tulane?) and I just don't know why that is. 

The NASP approval should be considered separately for EdS and doctoral programs. If the EdS is approved and the doctoral is not, that is the way it is. 

A NASP approval makes things easier to get the NCSP credential. If you go to a program that's not NASP-approved, you'll have to prepare more to get the credential.

Some doctoral programs may focus on training researchers for the field and in this sense an APA accreditation is more important as they may not become school psychologists. But the rule of thumb is to apply to programs that are both NASP-approved and APA-accredited so you have more options later.

[Love3]

On ‎9‎/‎24‎/‎2016 at 2:57 PM, cherry12055 said:

I have another question--- this one, hopefully someone will know the answer. 

I have several programs I'm looking at that have an EdS degree and a doctoral degree. The EdS degree is NASP approved, but the doctoral degree is only APA accredited, not NASP approved. If the EdS program is, then does that basically imply the doctoral degree is as well?

How important is it that the school be NASP approved? I feel like there are some great schools out there that aren't NASP accredited (Tulane?) and I just don't know why that is. 

NASP approved is equally as important as APA accredited. It limits your options if you graduate from a school that does not have both.

I'm a first year in a school psychology doctoral program btw so I was just in this position last year. If anyone has questions, please feel free to ask. I've been through the application process twice so I have a lot of information.

[maester]

So glad this exists - I've scoured last year's thread multiple times!

I've been set on doing Ed.S. for the past couple years, but just today started thinking about potentials of a Ph.D. from the urging of my graduate mentor (a current Ph.D. student in the department). I know that she believes I'm competitive enough, but I'm afraid that I'm not because of how few those programs accept. I've been in a research lab in the school psychology department at my school for two years now, going on my third currently. For the GRE, I had a 159V, 148Q, and 5.5W, but I have a 3.53 GPA and will be graduating in the Honors program. I have my name on a publication under review and four posters, all in school psychology, and three have been or are going to be presented at the NASP annual convention, of which I am also applying for a research travel grant to attend (which would also go on my resume/CV, should I get it). Two of my letters will be from school psychology faculty (and then one likely from one of my regular psych professors) and one will be glowing as it's my lab director who I have worked closely with. Beyond this, I'm also a part of a social skills program in an elementary school, have run an SAT tutoring/mentoring class for low-income high school students, and visit a local school twice a week with another program to provide support in an ESOL classroom. I have a few club positions listed as well and all of this is on top of working to support myself at an unrelated job. 

I think I'm at least a competitive applicant for Ed.S., but I guess I'm just looking for an unbiased opinion on whether I have a shot at a Ph.D. program or not! I'm sorry to post another one of those "what are my chances," but I'm just really nervous about whether to just apply to Ed.S. programs or to include some Ph.D. ones in there. I can't really afford to wait a year if something doesn't work out, so I'm only a little bit terrified, haha. I'll definitely have tons more questions soon though! I'm so glad that we have a place where we can all support each other during this

Edited October 21, 2016 by maester

[SCHPSYC]

Thank you for creating this thread!

Are any of you looking into schools in SoCal for the EdS degree? I'm looking at Chapman, Azusa Pacific (APU), CSULB, and LMU. Did anyone hear anything about these programs? Also, I noticed that CSULB is the only school out of the four that doesn't offer a Masters degree along with the Specialist degree. Anyone know if there is a benefit to having that additional Masters degree? 

Edited October 23, 2016 by SCHPSYC

[Schoolpsych17]

I'm happy people are responding to this thread! I have narrowed down my list to College of William and Mary, University of South Florida, Worcester State University, and Appalachian State. Is anyone else applying to the Ed.S. program at any of these schools? Anyone attending one of them now? 

 

 

[Necrovex]

13 hours ago, Schoolpsych17 said:

I'm happy people are responding to this thread! I have narrowed down my list to College of William and Mary, University of South Florida, Worcester State University, and Appalachian State. Is anyone else applying to the Ed.S. program at any of these schools? Anyone attending one of them now? 

 

USF is my Alma Mater, so I am of course applying to my old school if I don't extend my current contract with Peace Corps. It's a fantastic school. Very commuter heavy. Nice apartment dorms. The education building is quite nice and right next to the library. 

Edited October 27, 2016 by Necrovex

[Necrovex]

Got my materials and apps all sent out. I decided to apply to three schools: FSU, UF, and USF. Only waiting for my last professor to send her recommendation letter in, and then I will play the waiting game.  Slightly surreal how quickly this season has gone by!

[DLS]

You guys should all come to USF! It's an amazing school. There are a plethora of opportunities available for the students. 

[DLS]

@maester I am in the PhD program now at USF, and I think you sound very competitive. I applied with slightly lower GRE scores, a publications, 3 or so presentations, senior honors thesis, clinical experience, volunteer work, 3.8 gpa, honors, etc. etc. etc. I actually didn't have any experience inside the school systems, so you definetly have me beat on that. I ended up getting a fellowship at USF,  so I'm sure you would be an extremely competitive applicant! Everybody better watch out  . 

[Necrovex]

On 11/21/2016 at 8:34 PM, DLS said:

@maester I am in the PhD program now at USF, and I think you sound very competitive. I applied with slightly lower GRE scores, a publications, 3 or so presentations, senior honors thesis, clinical experience, volunteer work, 3.8 gpa, honors, etc. etc. etc. I actually didn't have any experience inside the school systems, so you definetly have me beat on that. I ended up getting a fellowship at USF,  so I'm sure you would be an extremely competitive applicant! Everybody better watch out  . 

Any ideas on the quality of funding for the prospects of Ed.S. students at USF?

[DLS]

@Necrovex all students typically receive funding. Tuition covered and a stipend. 

[CMG]

Hi Everyone!

I am currently considering applying to school psychology programs in order to get my EdS. I graduated with a 3.8, have great recs, and a strong resume to show my experience working in schools. What's making me nervous is the GRE. I scored well on verbal reasoning and was very pleased with my analytical writing score. However, I am embarrassed by my quantitative reasoning score. It is not even at the 50th percentile, which I know is a cutoff point for many schools. The deadline for my first choice program is January 1st, so I don't know that I will have time to retake the GRE and get my quantitative score up. My first choice says they do not have an absolute cutoff for GRE scores, and they seem to have a more holistic approach to admissions, but realistically, will this factor prevent me from having a strong chance at being accepted into programs? Should I perhaps address this weakness in my application? My top choice does not ask me to explain any weaknesses, so I wasn't sure if I should slip a line into my SOP to address it. Any advice is appreciated!

[Necrovex]

On 11/24/2016 at 10:31 AM, DLS said:

@Necrovex all students typically receive funding. Tuition covered and a stipend. 

Sheer magic. So happy to see my alma mater continues to treat its students well.

[maester]

On 11/21/2016 at 1:34 PM, DLS said:

 

@DLS Thank you - I feel much, much better!! I've really started to like a lot of the PhD programs I've found up here around the east coast and am very interested in some of the research that I've found!! I've already had one notoriously flaky professor not respond to me in regards to letters, so I'm pulling out an emergency back-up that isn't academic, but should still be a good letter, since some apps are two and a half weeks away. 

Do you know anything about the importance of APA-accreditation for programs? I've heard a lot that you shouldn't apply to schools without it, even if their DL programs are NASP-approved, but I've started looking at University of Cincinnati and University of Delaware (I was originally applying for an EdS there). Does it only effect the internships that you can get? UD mentions on their page something about students still being able to apply for APPIC internships regardless, though I imagine they're harder to get. 

On 11/27/2016 at 2:35 PM, CMG said:

 

@CMG As far as I've been told from my mentor here at Temple, as long as your Q+V total is over 300, you should generally be okay. From the advice I've been given in the department here, I imagine you would be fine with EdS programs that I've seen. My Q is pretty bad too, but I think you should be okay so long as the other two are fantastic like your GPA, especially if you've got a ton of school experience. I don't think it hurts to acknowledge it in the essay, although not necessary, but I'd ask around about that one. 

I hope everyone is doing okay in this process!! I've been a constant ball of stress and can't wait to have (some) apps in finally!  Does everyone have a solid list of schools yet?

Edited November 28, 2016 by maester