Jacob Said:

What are some specific do's and dont's when doing an interview for a clinical psychology graduate program?

We Answered:

Be direct, open, honest. Try to have good boundaries though - don't go on and on about your drinking habits for example. Smile and maintain eye contact. Shake hands. Dress conservatively.

good luck!

Marie Said:

What are my chances (clinical psychology graduate program)?

We Answered:

You do have a chance, but you will really need to do well on the GRE. Your overall GPA is not too bad at all and the admission committee cares more about the last two years than the first two years. The fact that your Major GPA is a 4.0 works to your advantage. Now you just need to shoot for at bare minimum, an 1100 on your GRE.

Susan Said:

Where are the best graduate programs for psychology/clinical therapy?

We Answered:

A really good starting location is the american psychological association website. You will find a list of accredited Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs by state. No matter what you decide, make sure you go to an accredited school.

Believe it or not, BOTH PsyD and PhD programs have a focus on research, and you have to do a masters thesis and dissertation for both.

PhD: you will learn how to conduct clinical research, as well as how to be a therapist and clinician.
PsyD: you will learn how to read, analyze, interpret research, and how to be a therapist and clinician.

**Also, each PhD program is different in how much emphasis they put on research and clinical work. That is something that reading through the website will tell you. I know that UIC (U of IL in Chicago) is super big on research, NIU (Northern IL U) is more on clinical, but I don't know about other ones. Look at how much field work you will be required to do, and also look at the required course. that will give you an idea of where they stand**

another HUGE difference between PhD and PsyD that is worth considering is this:

PhD: in general, accepted students are fully funded with tuition waivers that means that you will be a research assistant or teachers assistant for 20 hours/week for someone at the university you are at. you will receive a stipend that depends largely on the school--each school is different. some include health insurance, too. In other words, the school is paying you to become a Doctor and attend their school.

PsyD: never (at most, extremely rarely) do they offer this type of deal. you will survive on your own money, and from students I have talked to, I heard the debt can be overwhelming ($400,000.00!!!). It's so large because you can't really work outside of school because you're so busy unless you attend part time, but then it takes even longer to get the degree, and AAAHHH! annoyance!

Okay, this is really long! I'll shut up now.

Grace Said:

Graduate Clinical psychology programs/requirements?

We Answered:

No, generally speaking they do not. Your particular academic background seems well suited for graduate level clinical psychology. What doc programs tend to look for are your GPA (3.75 is often the unstated minimum) and GRE scores (1200 or higher is kind of the starting point), as well as relevant experience in the field (either life experience or if you're coming out of college, which you are, than lab work as a research assistant for a professor). You'll be fine. Just be sure to apply to several programs as admissions in this area are very competitive!

James Said:

Is it really that difficult to get into a clinical psychology graduate program?

We Answered:

Getting into grad school, especially PhD programs can be hellish. That being said, you sound like you're in great condition.

If you're really worried about the way your earlier withdrawals and such look, include an explanation to the program to which you're applying explaining why they're there. I was in a similar situation where in my first year of undergrad a medical condition emerged that caused me some problems (withdrawals, a few grades I wasn't delighted with) and out of paranoia I sent along a note explaining that year and it turned out happily for me.

Agnes Said:

What are the best graduate programs for Clinical Psychology?

We Answered:

Any program certified by the APA. (American Psychological Association)

Stanford, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and Yale tend to be considered the most prestigious if you are looking for a PhD.

If you are looking for a PsyD, Pepperdine University and Alliant University are good schools in California

Lynn Said:

What classes are needed to get into a clinical psychology graduate program?

We Answered:

It is very too late to go back to school. My mother is almost 50 and she went back to school. There is always time.

I'm planning on going to school for psychology as well. :)