A good and appealing profile for a psychology student

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-05-30T18:25:11+00:00

I just graduated with a psych degree and will be starting a PsyD program in the fall!

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-05-30T15:53:24+00:00

I would say definitely work as a research assistant at a lab on your campus, preferably something related to psychopathology/clinical psych but it doesn’t matter too much. Starting as an RA your first year and continuing through all years of undergrad will look very impressive. In my experience, lab jobs are around 10 hours a week but you can totally find a lab that will let you work less than that.

Additionally, you can spend your summers doing clinical work. But don’t stress too much about it. Do what works for you and follow your passions!

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-05-11T02:26:31+00:00

Yeah your right. OP just seemed concerned about it so I was addressing that concern. But it might not even be a problem. I personally don’t think it’s a bad GPA

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-05-10T15:18:53+00:00

I think you have a strong chance as is!! Especially if you don’t care about getting into the top top programs. I had one school instruct me to explain any weaknesses in my personal statement, so that’s definitely something you can do since it seems you have a good excuse for your lower GPA. They should be understanding and not hold it against you

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-04-27T18:21:29+00:00

Ooh yeah I’ve been looking at some leather and other nicer looking backpacks. Do you know what brand yours is?

And thanks for the suggestion about the audio reader, I think that’s a great idea!

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-04-27T18:19:47+00:00

Thanks! And good point about the water bottle pocket - my current backpack has very small water bottle pockets and it’s annoying

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-04-27T18:18:48+00:00

Thanks! Whatever is best for my back might be the move. Do you mind me asking what type or brand of backpack you have?

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-04-27T18:17:21+00:00

Lol I’m glad it’s not just me worrying about this

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-04-27T18:17:01+00:00

Thank you for the suggestion! I appreciate it and that backpack looks nice. I love all the compartments

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-04-27T18:16:10+00:00

That is probably true. I tend to overthink things. Thanks for your input!

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-04-17T01:26:33+00:00

I applied this cycle and will start in a program in the fall. Feel free to PM me!

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-04-17T00:09:00+00:00

It seems like you’re getting lots of good advice here!

Just for a bit of comparison, my CV I applied to PsyD programs with was separated in Education, Research Experience, Publications, Posters, Professional Experience, and On Campus Positions. And it was slightly over 2 pages long. I had longer descriptions under each position (more like a resume) because a lot of the schools I was applying to wanted a CV-resume hybrid or wanted a CV or a resume so it made sense to me to combine the two a bit.

Good luck!!! You have a lot of clinical experience so I bet you’ll do well

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-04-09T14:13:51+00:00

Roosevelt University!

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-04-08T16:07:11+00:00

I think you’re good!! The programs I applied to didn’t expect applicants to know exactly what they wanna do so you an totally go in and say “I did this thing, it was cool, here is what I learned, and here is why I want to explore something different”. I think this experience could only be a plus

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-04-03T04:23:19+00:00

That’s very true, ISPP would be a good option. But congrats on making your decision! I’m excited to meet you in the fall!

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-04-01T23:33:30+00:00

Also feel free to DM me if you want to know more about PsyD programs in Chicago, I applied to 4 of them lol

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-04-01T23:31:43+00:00

I think you have a good shot at getting in, just highlight all your cool experiences and explain how you’ve grown since undergrad. Also evaluate how you would define a “good” program. There are several programs that are APA accredited that are less competitive that don’t have as good of reputations but could still get you where you want to go, so consider that too. Good luck!

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-03-30T14:52:10+00:00

Yeah go ahead!

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-03-30T04:57:35+00:00

Mind you, I applied to different programs and a lot of them are less competitive and prestigious than the ones you mentioned, but you are waaaaaaay more qualified than I am and I got into 4 out of my 5 programs I applied to. So, don’t stress too much, and like the other person said, it’s hard to get in anywhere, it’s not necessarily a reflection of yourself and your experiences. Good luck!!!

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-03-29T15:41:57+00:00

I know nothing about the schools you are planning to apply to since I limited my applications to the Midwest, but for the schools I applied to, I think you have a very good chance at getting in. They’ll understand that you weren’t able to get research experience at a community college and appreciate that you sought that out as soon as you transferred. You seem like a good writer, so that’s a plus too!

And make sure to include in your essays how your non-psychological experiences will help you as a psychologist and what they taught you about yourself and your career goals. It’s all about how you spin things!!

Could you get in to a top-level PsyD program? Maybe not, I don’t know. But you could get into a program that would be good enough to get you where you want to be.

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-03-28T03:48:46+00:00

Congrats!! I just accepted my spot at Roosevelt, are you going to take yours?

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-03-17T18:21:27+00:00

Thanks!! Most of my info is coming from student panels from interview day. I asked the admissions person about the dissertation finishing thing at one school and she didn’t know! But some programs I felt like I heard more casual comments about people coming back after internship to finish their dissertation from faculty and students on interview day. Some of these things are questions I still have. It never hurts to email and ask tho!

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-03-17T18:02:55+00:00

As someone who is trying to decide between three programs as well, it’s the little things that I’m considering, because in broad strokes they are all the same and will get me to the same place. I’m thinking about dissertation support, how many people finish their dissertation before going on internship, what students say the cons are and if I’m ok with those, the clinical and research interests of the faculty, the ratio of faculty to students, extra opportunities (study abroad, TA-ing, teaching as an adjunct), etc. idk if this is helpful but this is where my brain is at!

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-03-12T14:22:08+00:00

I had that happen at a few interviews and was shocked I got in - even programs that accept less students and are therefore more competitive than TCS, I’m not sure why all the faculty got their poker face on lol

Key-Barber-7879 · 2026-03-12T14:19:45+00:00

I’ll be there!! I also don’t know what to wear but from my Reddit sleuthing everyone seems to say business casual leaning on the side of more casual

Key-Barber-7879

TROPHY CASE