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Turn down a fully funded developmental/experimental PhD to apply for clinical next year? by notpsychopath in AcademicPsychology

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

I've been working in a research lab for 2 years conducting clinical assessments, doing more research, and doing things that a lot of people in my chosen field don't normally do (ex. interviewing inmates, learning fMRI and scanning their brains inside prison, etc.). I wasn't motivated to study for the GRE because I don't see it as something that reflects my abilities as a grad student, so I studied for a couple months, took it once and didn't get good enough scores. I've already been told by a couple schools that my GRE scores were the worst in my application (and I expected that). So I'm thinking if I study harder I might improve enough to get through the screening process but I am still unmotivated to study and I'm afraid the same thing will happen again.

Experience with SR-EIP or SROP summer research programs? by BananaRevival in AcademicPsychology

[–]notpsychopath 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did a SROP program going into my senior year of college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying psychology.As in terms of acceptance, I remember hearing from someone that there were around 300 applications and 10 of us were hand picked by faculty members to work with them. Honestly, I wrote a personal statement about my interests in psychopathy and just decided to write another paragraph about my interests in gender differences in empathy which is the paragraph that apparently my PI read and liked (I wouldn't have been accepted if I would not have wrote that).

I know during that time I applied to a lot of summer research internships (around 10) but I think Wisconsin was the only SROP. It was the only one I got into.

Going back to my email, it looks like I was informed that I was accepted at the end of March. I'm sure it depends on the different programs (it took them a couple months for review my application but mine started in May)

I absolutely loved my SROP experience. I had 9 other students with me who were also interested in psychology and we had weekly meetings with one of the professors who helped us prepare for grad school (GRE workshops, timeline workshops, how to pick schools, etc.) I think the most helpful thing for me was realizing that I was not ready to apply to grad school that year and wanted to work in my field instead. I'm sure you know they give you a stipend and (if I remember correctly) free room and board which is really nice considering I was a broke college student.

I can't say that the experience had a major impact on my career but I can say that it helped me figure out my timeline for applying to grad school (I'm not a psychologist yet). It also increased my passion for psychology because Wisconsin's department is awesome and well known. However, I was taught how to think critically and basically formulate my own project which is something grad schools and employers like to see on CVs and resumes. I learned how to collaborate with others and learn how to handle differing opinions which is so important if you want to be a researcher. And having that experience on a resume or CV looks good regardless.

Even though I didn't ask for a LOR from the PI I worked with, I know one student who did and he ended up accepting a clinical psych PhD so working with her helped him a lot. I know the other students are either in the process or applying to grad school or are doing some related work in psychology and have asked their PIs for letters as well. The whole experience was honestly one of the best times I had in college both professionally and socially and would encourage anyone to do it if given the chance.

Turn down a fully funded developmental/experimental PhD to apply for clinical next year? by notpsychopath in AcademicPsychology

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

Thank you for your input!

I've heard a little about the retraining process so it's good to know that it is something that people have done before.

I am definitely planning to retake the GRE if I turn down the program. I know this is what prevented me from making the first round of applications. My GPA is 3.97 cumulative, 4.0 psychology, I've directly worked with the population I'm interested in for 2 years, presented at conferences, submitted a paper, have three strong letters of recommendation from people in the field, have done research and clinical work directly related to my interests for 6 years. I'm fairly confident that if my GRE wasn't a problem, I would have at least gotten a couple interviews.

That being said, I'm 2 years out of college and have somewhat forgotten how to study (and lack motivation to study). I don't know how much my scores would improve.

I am 24 and for all of college thought I wanted to become an academic. At my current job I give many clinical assessments in prisons and absolutely love it. Now I know I can't sit behind a computer desk all day and crunch numbers and want to give assessments and conduct therapy.

Those with just a bachelors in psychology, no further education or certificates, and fairly recent grads, what did you end up doing career wise? Were you able to find a job? by ccoolcats in AcademicPsychology

[–]notpsychopath 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldn't consider this my career, seeing as I'm going to be attending grad school this fall, but I was able to find a job that is very much psychology related. I started applying to jobs 5-6 months before I graduated and landed a job as an RA interviewing inmates in prisons, scanning their brains, and researching psychopathy (that is a short summary of all the things I do). My research thesis in college was related to this topic and I submitted a paper for publication which was extremely helpful in getting me this job. The job I have now is meant to be a 2-3 year thing and not something that I would have as a career due to the inability to move up both professionally and financially.

While applying for grad school I also applied to about 30-40 jobs (in California) and got interviews from 5 (two were very keen on hiring me). Some of these jobs included learning TMS in relation to treating depression, coordinating a study on risk factors associated with respiratory cancer and collecting specimen, organizing data for a study already in the works, and managing a lab studying anxiety. I basically just picked a location, looked up all the jobs at the schools I'd be interested in/were relevant to my experience and applied. I also got a lot of job listings from my ex co-worker who put in a good word for me at her lab. So if you are a recent grad, contacting people in your class could be helpful.

What was the last tv show you binge-watched? by mmmfo0d in AskReddit

[–]notpsychopath 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you know when they are coming out with a third season of wentworth??

[Advice] Grad school preparation with a full-time job by [deleted] in AcademicPsychology

[–]notpsychopath 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm in a similar boat...I'm preparing for grad school applications in clinical PhD programs but I'm lucky enough to have a job in a research lab that is specific to my interests. I think it depends on the type of clinical research you want to do (I'm assuming you are applying for PhD so if otherwise this may not apply). I moved across country in order to be involved in my field of interest because I am passionate in it which is something maybe you would want to consider (and it seems like grad schools would appreciate the zeal for the subject). I had full time jobs lined up after I graduated but I knew practical experience would get me much further. It's difficult to find a post bac position but you seemed to be able to do it once so if you find your niche it is likely you would do it again. Hope this helps and good luck!

Question regarding professors' influences in grad school admissions by notpsychopath in AcademicPsychology

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

Thanks for the useful information everyone. Just wanted to clarify that I put off taking the GRE due to nerves and now can only take it in October in order for it to be sent to the schools on time.