Grad School Freakout Time

[scottyK18]

Hey guys,

I'm a rising senior in undergrad who has strong aspirations of applying to clinical psych Ph.D. programs, but I can't seem to shake the self-doubt that my resume isn't complete enough. 

I attend a small liberal-arts college where I am majoring in psych and minoring in neuroscience, and I'm maintaining a 3.9 in both overall and in my major. I took the GRE two weeks ago and received a 161/161/5.5, so I'm fairly confident about my numbers - I feel they are competitive just about anywhere based on the schools I've looked at so far.

I'm worried that my research experience isn't quite comprehensive enough, because my school doesn't have active research labs that other larger institutions do. I have already completed my senior thesis a year early, have taken some advanced laboratory courses in chemistry and neuroscience, was a lab assistant for a neuroscience class, and am planning on doing an honors project this upcoming academic year. I also spent last summer in a lab at Johns Hopkins, where I presented the research at Experminal Biology 2017 as the first author on the poster.  I also have a few side projects I'm helping my professor with. I feel like I have strong, quality experiences, I just don't know if the quantity is enough so to speak.

This field is certainly what I want to do, and I will achieve my degree eventually, but the anxiety and self-doubt are sometimes a little bit of a deterrent, so I'm really just looking for some reassurance that this application process isn't a waste of my time. 

Thanks in advance, and to those applying this fall, best of luck!

 

[JoePianist]

Man, you don't have much to worry about  I suggest putting your time and energy more towards researching Ph.D Clinical Psychology programs that offer training in the specialty you want to focus (e.g., I assume you're leaning more towards Neuropsychology-related topics).

And more importantly, look up professors in the programs you want to apply for and see which ones do work in the lines of research you want to do. Email those professors by writing a brief introduction of yourself and perhaps attach your current C.V or resume. If the professor responds and shows clear, strong interest in you, then definitely make sure to put them at the top of your list for programs to apply for. Many applicants underestimate the importance of networking with the faculty at these programs: you'll need to approach the process like you're applying for a job and stand out as someone familiar the hiring committee will recognize during the selection process.

Edited August 8, 2017 by JoePianist

[8BitJourney]

Your stats are fine and your research looks good. Focus now on fit with the POI and framing your experiences as a valuable assets in making you a competitive applicant at that lab. And for goodness sake breathe!

 

Where are you looking to apply? Pm if you don't feel comfortable posting publicly but if I'm familiar with the program I can give you more info.

Edited August 9, 2017 by 8BitJourney