How to get into PhD program vs MA program?

[meep95]

I am about to start my MA in order to become licensed.  However, I am certain that I want to continue on in order to get my PhD.  How different is that application process? I am thinking I will go into a Counseling Psychology program, but it could change. Either way, it will be psych based.  I know research and the GRE (subject specifically) are more weighted usually.  I want to know now any tips or tricks so that I can get what I need to done as a masters student in order to be the best possible PhD candidate.  

 

As a bachelor's student, I talked to MA students to compile the best way to get into MA programs.  This is what I did, or would recommend, if anyone is curious:

• good GPA (duh)
• take the GRE in advance, so you can take it again if needed (I did not do this, and ended up with a subpar quantitative score unfortunately)
• work experience in your area, or an internship (i have both, and am fortunate to go to an undergrad program that has a practicum experience that was very helpful)
• get research experience, and present if possible (I co-authored with a professor and did an independent one)
• get volunteer experience, potentially in a few areas (I volunteered at a domestic violence shelter and taught suicide intervention classes in my community)
• get leadership experience, as manager at work or club officer (I was an officer in my school's psychology club)
• form relationships with professors and supervisors early on in college so they know you when you need letters of rec.
• if you have an opportunity for certifications in your field, take them

If I think of anything else I'll update it. I appreciate any answers! And feel free to ask any questions about what I listed. Or if you did anything different that worked for you I would love to hear about that too!

[Le Chat]

I've been interviewing at doctoral programs and the factors that seem to get people admitted are significant research experience, publications, experience with assessment, and clinical experience. If you can be an RA while also doing your own research that would make you more competitive. 

Counseling and Clinical are both competitive doctoral programs to get into. My plan while I'm in my Clinical MS program is:

-Work as an RA. Conduct my own research.

-Travel to conferences, present, listed on publications.

-Study for and retake the GRE to get a stellar score. Maybe study for 6 months + prior. Also take the Psychology GRE.

-Join Psychology organizations and national groups. 

-Get as much assessment experience as possible. 

That is idealistic of course. In reality I will probably do assessment and clinical work and research after Master's graduation which I hope will make me experienced.

[meep95]

1 minute ago, abnumber5 said:

I've been interviewing at doctoral programs and the factors that seem to get people admitted are significant research experience, publications, experience with assessment, and clinical experience. If you can be an RA while also doing your own research that would make you more competitive. 

Counseling and Clinical are both competitive doctoral programs to get into. My plan while I'm in my Clinical MS program is:

-Work as an RA. Conduct my own research.

-Travel to conferences, present, listed on publications.

-Study for and retake the GRE to get a stellar score. Maybe study for 6 months + prior. Also take the Psychology GRE.

-Join Psychology organizations and national groups. 

-Get as much assessment experience as possible. 

That is idealistic of course. In reality I will probably do assessment and clinical work and research after Master's graduation which I hope will make me experienced.

I agree, I think research is very important for PhD.  My biggest problem is most MA programs I applied to turn out to emphasize research way less than they let on from their website.  I've only found this out in interviews. One school only requires one stats class, and it apparently doesn't even involve SPSS or a similar program. The only opportunities at these schools seem to be a RA, if you are lucky.  Luckily I still have two interviews left, both of which I am are more competitive and do involve a lot more research.  Hopefully I get into one of those schools! 

[Le Chat]

1 minute ago, meep95 said:

I agree, I think research is very important for PhD.  My biggest problem is most MA programs I applied to turn out to emphasize research way less than they let on from their website.  I've only found this out in interviews. One school only requires one stats class, and it apparently doesn't even involve SPSS or a similar program. The only opportunities at these schools seem to be a RA, if you are lucky.  Luckily I still have two interviews left, both of which I am are more competitive and do involve a lot more research.  Hopefully I get into one of those schools! 

I've found the same! If you are really concerned about research, there are definitely PhD feeder programs that a exclusively research based. The program I'm interested in has research, it's not heavy but the opportunity is there. I'm looking at doctoral programs in medical schools, so fortunately those usually are less-research heavy. 

There is another possibility- if you attend a school that does a lot of research, you might be able to get a research job there outside of the usual RA position.