Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology: Planning Ahead

Kristen G. Anderson, Ph.D.Assistant Research Scientist & Lecturer

UCSD Dept of Psychology

Overview

Careers in mental healthPh.D. vs. Psy.D.Preparing yourselfChoosing a programApplying

Money Magazine Top TenCareers

Career 10 yr job growth Average Salary

1 Software engineer 46.07% $80,4272 College professor 31.39% $81,4913 Financial advisor 25.92% $122,4624 Human resources manager 23.47% $73,7315 Physician assistant 49.65% $75,1176 Market research analyst 20.19% $82,3177 Computer/IT analyst 36.10% $83,4278 Real estate appraiser 22.78% $66,2169 Pharmacist 24.57% $91,99810 Psychologist 19.14% $66,359

Clinical PsychologyCounseling PsychologySchool PsychologyCommunity PsychologyClinical Social WorkPsychiatryPsychiatric Nursing

Careers in Mental Health

Clinical Psychology: APA Requirements

1. Curriculum Breadth of scientific psychologyDiagnosis/assessment and interventionCultural and individual differences

2. Practicum Experiences (M = 700 hrs)400 hours direct care75 hours supervision

3. Internship – 2000 hours4. 2000 hours Supervised Post-Doctoral Experience

National Licensing ExamState Licensing Requirements

Clinical Psychologists

Psychotherapy 80 34Diagnosis/Assessment 64 15Administration 53 13Research 51 14Clinical Supervision 50 6Teaching 49 10Consultation 47 7

Type % Involved %Time

Norcross, Karpiak and Santorro (2004)

Counseling Psychology

Problems of normal living, career/vocational assessmentSome differences between clinical and counseling programs8% acceptance rate (counseling) vs. 6% (clinical)

Mayne, Norcross & Sayette (2006)

School Psychology

School-based work with children and familiesLess competitive than clinical/counseling doctoral programsPh.D. level school psychologists have more flexibility

Mayne, Norcross & Sayette (2006)

Community Psychology

Prevention, broader community perspective, changing social policiesClinical community psychology, community psychology programs or specialty within clinical psychology program

Mayne, Norcross & Sayette (2006)

Clinical Social Work

M.S.WIndependent practice and autonomy in some states65% admissions rateLess comprehensive trainingLower paying

Mayne, Norcross & Sayette (2006)

Psychiatry

M.D.Medical school3 years specialized training48% acceptance ratesPrescribe medicationHigher pay

Mayne, Norcross & Sayette (2006)

Marital & Family Therapist

1-2 year programPractice focusedCertificationSupervisedMost states now regulate MFTs

Psychology Doctorates

Doctoral Employment

Ph.D. vs. Psy.D.

Scientist-practitioner or clinical scientistEmphasis on both research/practice (varies by program)UniversityPractice oriented programs: 17% acceptanceResearch oriented programs:11% acceptanceEqual emphasis: 57% fully fundedResearch-oriented: 84% fully funded$22,000 debt6.1 years96-98% matched

Scholar/professionalsFocus on clinical service/less researchUniversity depts./university-affiliate school/free standing psychology school3-4 times more students than Ph.d programs41% acceptance rate20% get full financial assistance (6% - 38%)$53-$60,000 debt5.1 years74% matched

Norcross et al. (2004)

Prepare yourself

How will I be evaluated?GREs/GPACourseworkExperiences– Research– Clinical

Importance of Criteria in Admissions Decisions (03-04)

Criteria Master’s Doctoral

Letters of Recommendation 2.74 2.82

Research Experience 2.04 2.54

Work experience 1.91 1.87

Clinically-related public service

1.94 1.91

Extracurricular Activities 1.46 1.41

Interview 2.30 2.62

Personal statement 2.63 2.81

GRE/MAT scores 2.36 2.50

GPA 2.75 2.74

Norcross, Kohout, & Wicherski, 2005)Range = 0-3

Importance of Criteria in Admissions Decisions (03-04)

Criteria Master’s Doctoral

Letters of Recommendation 2.74 2.82

Research Experience 2.04 2.54

Work experience 1.91 1.87

Clinically-related public service

1.94 1.91

Extracurricular Activities 1.46 1.41

Interview 2.30 2.62

Personal statement 2.63 2.81

GRE/MAT scores 2.36 2.50

GPA 2.75 2.74

Norcross, Kohout, & Wicherski, 2005)Range = 0-3

Importance of Criteria in Admissions Decisions (03-04)

Criteria Master’s Doctoral

Letters of Recommendation 2.74 2.82

Research Experience 2.04 2.54

Work experience 1.91 1.87

Clinically-related public service

1.94 1.91

Extracurricular Activities 1.46 1.41

Interview 2.30 2.62

Personal statement 2.63 2.81

GRE/MAT scores 2.36 2.50

GPA 2.75 2.74

Norcross, Kohout, & Wicherski, 2005)Range = 0-3

Importance of Criteria in Admissions Decisions (03-04)

Criteria Master’s Doctoral

Letters of Recommendation 2.74 2.82

Research Experience 2.04 2.54

Work experience 1.91 1.87

Clinically-related public service

1.94 1.91

Extracurricular Activities 1.46 1.41

Interview 2.30 2.62

Personal statement 2.63 2.81

GRE/MAT scores 2.36 2.50

GPA 2.75 2.74

Norcross, Kohout, & Wicherski, 2005)Range = 0-3

Minimum Requirements and Actual Scores of First Year Graduate Students (03-04)

Measure Minimum Actual

GRE Verbal 529 (580) 571

GRE Quantitative 538 (581) 626

Verbal + Quant 1066 1183

Psychology 552 (587) 633

Overall GPA 3.11 3.54 (3.5)

Psychology GPA 3.17 3.66 (3.6)

Last 2 years 3.16 3.67 (3.5)

Norcross, Kohout, & Wicherski, 2005

Mayne, Norcorss, & Sayette (1994)

• 60% require specific courses

• 15% require psychology major

• 10% minimum psychology credits

Experience

Research– 107, 199 opportunities– Off campus research– Any is good, clinical better– Opportunity for mentorship– Work for GREAT letters!

Experience

Clinical– Some experience working with disordered populations– Paid or volunteer– Supervised by psychologist– Options:

Crisis hotlinesHomeless shelters/programsSchools for children with special needsGroup homesSpecialized summer campsCommunity mental health centersCollege peer programsWomen’s CentersDrug and alcohol treatment

Mayne, Norcross & Sayette (2006)

Choosing A Program

What are your interests?What is your emphasis?Research or clinical opportunities?Theoretical orientation?Financial Aid?Do you want to live there for 4-5 years? How much work are you willing to do? Do you have a partner?

Applying

Know the program well10-12 programsCosts– Application fees: $0-100– Transcripts: $3-5– GREs: $15– Ph.D. in Psychology: Priceless

The Application

Plan Ahead!Be OCD!Application FormCurriculum Vitae (CV)Personal StatementLettersTranscripts/Scores

Waiting, Interviews & Beyond

Most materials due in fallMany programs interview in winter– On your dime– Everything is part of the interview– Dress for success– Be ZenMust accept by April 15th

The fun begins following fall!

Suggested Readings

Mayne,T.J., Norcross, J.C., & Sayette, M.A. (2006). Insider’s Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. NY: Guilford Press. APA (2005). Getting In: A Step-by-Step Plan for Gaining Admission to Graduate School in Psychology. Author: Washington, D.C.