Chances for competitive Counseling Psychology MAs?

[Ppkitty]

Hi all! I'm a newbie here at gradcafe, and I have to say it's been super helpful (and encouraging!). I would like some perspective from current and prior MA/PhD Counseling Psychology applicants on the strength of my qualifications for competitive MA programs in Counseling Psychology (with the hope of going on to a Counseling Psychology PhD.) If anyone has any input on how to strengthen my application, it would be extremely appreciated!

Strengths/qualifications:

Summa graduate of top 30 liberal arts college with 3.84 GPA (3.9 Psychology)

Dual major in Psychology and Health Policy

RA for two undergrad research labs, one in social psych and one in health psych for a total of 2 years research experience undergrad.

9 months clinical supervised experience in practicum undergrad.

TA three semesters.

Honors thesis in psychology (received high honors within department).

Research coordinator for 1 year (in middle of 2 year agreement) at a major research hospital.

Strong LORs from senior psychology profs as well as current PI

Potential Weaknesses:

Potentially poor quant scores on GRE - I haven't taken the test yet, but my SAT math was only average even though I scored 800 verbal. I'm guessing those results will be similar.

No poster presentations or publications

Somewhat older applicant - took gap year before college and would matriculate at 25 if accepted this cycle.

Questions:

Is it recommended to contact a POI even as a MA applicant? 

Would it be better to take a moonshot and apply for PhD directly despite lack of publications?

 

Thank you so much if you have read this far!

[_kita]

I received an MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree. Your statistics would definitely get you into a MA program - no question. Also, as a consideration, many MA programs will have partnerships with PhD programs to help someone on the counseling track if that interests you. For instance, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (APA PsyD accredited program) has a connection to smaller PA state institutions offering a guaranteed interview.  If you end up going the MA route, check to see if the program offers that.

You are definitely competitive right now for the PhD Counseling. Unfortunately, the PhD is a gamble in Counseling Psychology no matter what because of the onslaught of candidates. It really depends program specific, other candidates, and what the admissions committee is interested in. While the GPA/GRE will get your whole application looked at, the personal statement often becomes the biggest key to getting the interview. 

Just make certain that whatever program you look at is accredited from the APA or CACREP. That will help in licensing later on.

 

[Ppkitty]

Thanks so much for the reply @_kita. I'm concerned that my lack of publication is the real limiting factor for the PhD, and that is the primary reason that I think I should go the MA route, in addition to the fact that most Counseling PhD programs seem to prefer MA applicants somewhat (or even require an MA to apply). Some questions if you don't mind!

Do you think your MA helped considerably with your PhD application?

Did you get much one-on-one research experience and mentoring in the MA? I've heard that most PhD programs prefer MAs with a thesis rather than an exam at the end, but my top MA program doesn't offer a thesis or directed course. 

[_kita]

@Ppkitty So, about 1/2 through my masters, I realized that the degree wasn't the right direction for me. I wanted to focus on making programs more effective, and less so on the direct counseling. I finished my first MA with a 3.96 GPA.

My MA program focused on practicum and internship experiences over research. The MA was geared heavily towards practice and minimally towards the science behind it. Since your goal is a PhD, look specifically for programs that will give you both experiences. See if you can find an MS Counseling, maybe? I'm not really sure where they are, because I wasn't looking at that direction. If your goal is to practice, you may also want to consider the PsyD in Counseling.

You are correct. PhDs want the research (thesis) over the applied (exam). When I applied to the PhD from that MA, I did not get in (with the MA) solely because of the research experience. I was instead offered a second masters -MS in Mental Health from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. That degree has directly helped me in my future. I immediately got a job in my field and plan on applying for the DrPH (doctorate of public health) basing my doctorate and practicum on my work in 1-2 years.

 

[Ppkitty]

Thanks @_kita! I'm looking into whether the programs offer a thesis or capstone option, or guided research.

[_kita]

On ‎8‎/‎22‎/‎2017 at 2:00 PM, Ppkitty said:

Thanks @_kita! I'm looking into whether the programs offer a thesis or capstone option, or guided research.

No problem!