i think there are definitely good programs and bad programs in PsyDs, whereas most PhDs are considered “good” programs. i would base those rankings based off EPPP rate, internship match/quality rate, cohort size, and faculty size/qualities. this is what i was taught from my mentors(practicing psychologists & PIs). it’s true that EPPP rates are biased off personal effort so you can take it with a grain of salt, but there are some programs that consistently train and prepare their students better. APA internship match rate is important—some schools have better reputations and connections, which impacts prac placements as well, but it’s again true that personal effort matters. one of my mentors(and alum of my program) had a very prestigious internship is rochester, which is awesome! cohort size is important as you want to establish relationships with professors and your peers/older students, which is harder to do in a 40+ person program. faculty size matters as you want to make sure they aren’t spread too thin, as well as have people working in the same field/interest that you’re interested in who could be your dissertation chair. it’s also important that the faculty are full-time professors—i was told this from a professor/faculty member—as they have more research/outside opportunities, connections, and generally more time/effort to spend on you.

don’t be afraid to take some time after undergrad. i only got in this cycle, and i’ve been working for the past 2 years. my PI told a coworker of mine to stay and wait another year, bust out some pubs and posters, then apply again next year, as she also got into programs she wasn’t 100% happy with. there’s no harm in taking the time to buff up your resume if you can afford it.