<p>Hi there.</p>
<p>I am really curious what schools would be appropriate for me to apply to. I just graduated from Portland State University with a double major in French and Arts & Letters with a minor in Anthropology and a 3.5 GPA. I studied abroad for a year in France, and was the Art Director for the Atheist/Agnostic student group for a year. I was homeschooled until high school, where I graduated valedictorian. I am a white female and also orphaned at age 13. I have not yet taken the GRE as I will be applying for the 2011-2012 school year. </p>
<p>I would like to apply to Counseling Psychology programs, though I don't have a psychology background. This was a recent decision and I feel very good about it. </p>
<p>NYU Steinhardt would be my dream, but I don't think I have what it takes to get in. I am also thinking Hunter College. Should I shoot high or is it unlikely that I will get in? I need as much advice as I can get. Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>If you do not have any background in psychology - as in 0 credits - then it is unlikely that you will get into a PhD program, particularly not a top program like Steinhardt’s.</p>
<p>When applying for counseling psychology programs the only thing that you mentioned that will matter is your major and your GPA. But if you want to get into top programs, you will need to take at least basic psychology classes somewhere - general psychology, statistics I, research methods, abnormal psych, and two other classes - maybe in the population you’re interested in working with (like developmental if you want to do children, or group dynamics if you’re interested in family or group therapy) - at minimum. Most places require that you have at least 18 credits in psychology and some places require that you have the “equivalent of a major” in psychology which is usually around 40 credits at most places.</p>
<p>Also, you will need strong letters of recommendation from psychology professors and you will need some kind of experience. In counseling psychology both research experience and clinical experience is valuable, although research is more important at certain programs like Steinhardt’s.</p>