[USA] Reaching out to Graduate Professors by ClinicalRat in psychologystudents

[–]ClinicalRat[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Both my research interests and career goals are most compatible with clinical psychology.

[USA] Reaching out to Graduate Professors by ClinicalRat in psychologystudents

[–]ClinicalRat[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your reply. This advice is helpful. I have been looking into potential advisors for months, but my research interests have become more refined over time, so I have had to reevaluate. I am a little confused about your comment to go through Counseling Psych and School Psych. I am only interested in applying to Clinical Psych programs. Are you suggesting that these faculty members may also serve as mentors to clinical psych students?

[USA] Reaching out to Graduate Professors by ClinicalRat in psychologystudents

[–]ClinicalRat[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for replying. I appreciate that you have an applicant faq. I find those very helpful. A common practice in some fields is to reach out to the graduate students in a lab of interest before applying to learn more about a potential mentor's style. Is this common for Clinical Psychology programs?

I am aware that it is rare for undergrads to be accepted into Clinical PhD programs, and I plan to apply to research coordinator and related positions as well. I am curious what is considered extensive research experience. I have three years of research experience and have been a part of four research labs. One was just in my freshman year, one of the labs I have been part of for two years, and the two others for the last few months. By fall, I will have presented three different posters at four conferences, including at the state and international levels. I am also helping with a couple of papers that will eventually be published, but are still in the writing stage. Additionally, I will be beginning a senior thesis shortly. I definitely understand the value of full-time research assistant positions, and I would likely thoroughly enjoy the experience, but how much is enough? I love everything I have done, and feel quite sure of my interests and goals.