Psych Research Programs (not Counseling)

Graduate School
1

<p>I'm hoping to get into research programs for psych, I'm still just a junior now, but I'm looking for some advice...</p>

<p>I have a 3.97 as of now at my current school, not involved in anything on campus except Psi Chi, very involved off campus, will be getting my first internship this summer. Problems include a first semester at another school where my GPA was horrible as was my health (I transferred right after this), a course I'm afraid of getting below a B in this semester, and a lack of calculus on my transcript.</p>

<p>I'd very much prefer to stay in Pittsburgh because of certain circumstances but at the same time I'm not sure if Pitt will accept me since they only take 15 applicants. My mom said she'd be willing to move the family if I could get nearby, but anything on the west coast is out for me simply because of the distance. I'd be looking anywhere in PA, OH, FL, maybe WV, VA or states around there.</p>

<p>How many schools out there have RESEARCH (not counseling) programs for grad students? I'd be willing to go to a smaller and less known university.</p>

<p>My fear is that I'd apply to two dozen schools and not one of them would accept me. That first semester stings big time on my resume...I only got a 2.98 and have one D+ there. (And to make it worse, it was the prof's fault). Since then I've looked impressive and will probably get a 3.9 minimum at my current school.</p>

<p>Letters of recommendation--should I go to profs who have had me? Maybe the people I'd do an internship with this summer? Anyone else to think of?</p>

<p>Not too worried about the GREs...I can probably get pretty close to perfect on them. Will be taking them very soon.</p>

<p>Does Psi Chi help when looking for psych programs?</p>

<p>Any RESEARCH (not counseling) psych programs out there that aren't as competitive? I don't really care about big name schools, just as long as I get a good education and a good potential for a PhD in the future (based on work/grades, right?) and can live comfortably (i.e. put gas in the car and pay the heating and water bills, have enough to get food and clothes; don't need entertainment money since I never go out to movies/bars/clubs/really anywhere).</p>

<p>Any thoughts on this? If I apply to 12-24 programs, is there a chance I'd get into at least one?</p>

<p>Also, would taking a few years off from school and working somewhere (maybe taking calculus along the way) hurt my chances of getting in to one if I wanted to get some money first? Or should I apply this fall and just hope that they can see past that first semester/possible bad grade this semester/lack of college activities?</p>

2

<p>NRC</a> Ranking of U.S. Psychology Ph.D. Programs</p>

3

<p>Your GPA is pretty impressive. The internships you are doing will help you. Try to get into some research too. Psi Chi is an honors society and that look good on your resume</p>

<p>The east coast is full of great schools with research in Psychology.
Start by talking to teachers and advisors at your current school. Use the web to search for the school in your psychology field of research. You have for instance Guide</a> to Graduate School, Graduate Program & Graduate School Search, Masters Degree Programs - GradSchools.com, ww.gradportal.org, Graduate</a> Guide Home - US graduate schools, masters, doctorate, law program information... The USNews ratings is also a good source. YOu will fing a lot of school you can choose from and make the list according to what is important to you (Location, funding, research interest...) Well and then apply. I did apply myself apply to 12 schools in the science and got into only two of them. So it is kind of rough.</p>

<p>For the recommendations ask people that know more about you, your work and also teachers that you are in good terms with.</p>

4

<p>I don't think you're going about this the right way. Don't think about applying to schools, think about applying to specific faculty members. Also, don't worry about not taking calculus - it doesn't matter. Psych is all about statistics, with some possible exceptions mainly in cognitive psychology and artificial intelligence.</p>

5

<p>the number one thing you need to have is research experience, as well as a specific research interest.</p>

<p>what sort of psychology are you interested in? clinical? cognitive? social? developmental? etc etc etc </p>

<p>do you want a phd or a masters?</p>