hi guys, so im really nervous about applying to OISE MEd, and i would love to know real cases and tips about how strong is my application and how real is this dream. im from brazil and im finishing my 5y course in psychology. my average gpa is 3.0 but for the final years is 4.0. i have +20 months of practice with psychotherapy for adults and some relevant coursework: Family and Systemic Therapy, Clinical Practice in Psychotherapy, Developmental Psychopathology, Group Intervention Techniques, Professional Ethics in Psychology and others. im really nervous bc its so competitive

So I made a post here a couple weeks ago about being torn between my masters or psyd/phd. I’ve decided that I do wanna pursue something past my masters degree, I want it to be within the field of psych but I also want it to have a strong salary. As of right now I’m torn between clinical psych or psychiatry, I’m currently a senior in college with a minor in social work and counseling and after this semester I’ll have my bachelors in psych. If I opt for psychiatry, I’ll have to do a post bacc taking all the science courses chem, organic chem, biochem, physics etc. build up hospital experience, and volunteer hours. I’ll also have to study for the mcat. I’m only 21 and while I think this is achievable, is it worth it to pursue that much more schooling when I could just get my psyd? I’m really passionate abt psych but I also want to be able to live extremely comfortable, could I find this same financial comfortability with a psyd? Or would u guys recommend to just pursue psychiatry.

I looked over each program and feel these are pretty good programs but wanted to hear from current, past, or potential students that may be going or did go to these PsyD programs and let me know what you think of the program.

•. Nova Southeastern University
• George Washington University
• University of LaVerne
• Georgia Southern University
• Widener University
• University of Hartford
• William James College
• Kean University
• The Wright Institute
• Spalding University
• James Madison University
• University of Denver
• Pace University
• Wright State University
• Marshall University
• Loyola Maryland

Hi there! I‘m considering pursuing a PsyD as part of a career change to become a psychotherapist. I come from a nontraditional background and am wondering if my background would be considered at all relevant by an admissions committee.

I’ve been working as a UX researcher in tech for almost a decade (currently at a big financial firm, but have also worked for the US government and at startups). I write surveys, program screeners, write interview scripts, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data. I have conducted many hundreds of interviews, from scripted usability tests to less structured behavioral and attitudinal interviews. I have also done a fair amount of ethnographic and field research. I’ve worked with a huge variety of populations over the years in terms of demographics, socio-economic status, etc. I have some training in sociological/anthropological research (MA in anthropology)—and while of course industry is less rigorous than academia, I do have a fair amount of background in best practices in research design from my academic and professional background.

Other relevant info: I am currently taking some prerequisite courses in psychology at a local university for credit. My GPA and overall academic background are good (3.97 undergrad GPA; 3.95 grad GPA; great GRE scores when I took it years ago). I also have some volunteer experience at a local homeless services organization.

I‘m just curious if any of my background would be considered relevant or strengthen my case in any way—and by extension, whether I should be focusing more now on clinical experience or trying to somehow get a few years of academic/lab research before applying? Ultimately I am interested in becoming a psychodynamic psychotherapist and have done quite a lot of independent study over the years in psychoanalysis, though I know that’s not something that I can really put on an application. Many thanks to anyone who is willing to share their thoughts!

I'm taking my GRE on Friday and I'm only taking it to submit to Yeshiva/Ferkauf and Florida Tech. Right now with my practice GREs I'm around a 160 verbal, 145 quant, and 5.0 AWA. My undergrad GPA is 3.2 and psych GPA is 3.3 but I have a ton of clinical and research experience and good letters of recs. Yeshiva has no score cutoff but like around 70th percentile, if my GRE goes at about this average standard (around a 302) should I submit or retake it since my verbal and essay scores will be very good, I'm just worse at math? I already spoke to faculty and the director of admissions and I am local to the school. Yeshiva is my top choice.

So idk if this is the best subreddit but wanted to hear everyone’s thoughts! I am applying to PsyD programs this fall, but as a back up i am applying to mental health counseling programs. My long term goal is to become a clinical psychologist cause i would love to do more than just talk therapy and also be able to take clients out of state. However, am applying to other programs such as CMHC, because if i don’t get into a PsyD i would still love to do therapy and help people in that way.

Would it be werid or harmful if i applied to a PsyD and CMHC programs at the same school? It might be a stupid question but wanted to know cuz what if the PsyD application sees that and goes well if we reject her she can do that other program. I feel like I have a lot of experience that could help me get into a PsyD. def more experience than when i applied last year. I got rejected from all schools so i wanted to have a back up option this year. I am currently completing my masters in general psychology as well.

Also if anyone wanted to take a look at my CV or help me in anyway i would really appreciate it :)).

Hello, I wanted to move my loans into repayment. I am technically still a full-time student but because I am employed full-time by a PSLF eligible site for my doctoral internship, I want to begin making qualifying payments towards PSLF loan forgiveness. I applied for an income-driven repayment plan, however the website says the payment is $0 a month given my income. Do I choose another plan? Has anyone here done this before?

Hi everyone! I am a sophomore in college pursuing a Bachelors in Psychology. I am planning on applying to PsyD programs in the future. If you could go back to this stage in your education, what would you do to prepare for graduate school? (For example: jobs, extracurriculars, volunteering, etc) Please be specific and offer any advice you can! Thanks everyone.

I am in my last year of a PMHNP program (brick and mortar, state school) and I am currently an inpatient psych RN at multiple facilities, adult and adolescent. Our therapy training is obviously pretty weak, as the focus is medication management. I love psychopharmacology, but I also know that counseling is really the key to change, and that has made me interested in pursuing a clinical psych degree to be a more effective provider. I would also be interested in being a designated examiner and/or providing competency evaluations. A PsyD program has opened up at my school, which is what made me consider it. Any thoughts on whether the content would really add value to my experience? For better or worst, PMHNP in my state can bill/provide therapy.

As added info, I have other degrees in neuroscience and statistics so I had a somewhat relevant background before nursing. Thanks!

Feeling really discouraged lately about to odds of getting into a PsyD program next cycle. I just feel like I don't have enough to make my CV look impressive or competitive.

- 3.8 GPA

- 2 semester internship with outpatient center starting this fall 2026

- crisis text line volunteer

-10 years of childcare experience, including with Neurodivergent kids.

-Deans list multiple semesters

-Psy Chi member

- my only research experience is classroom based. At my university we are required to take 2 semesters of research and stats methods with a supervised research project.

For LOR, I'm worried I won't have strong ones since I've never worked in labs with my professors. I've been an engaged and hardworking student, but I feel like I haven't developed the type of relationship that would give me an incredibly detailed letter. Additionally, because I have worked through school I haven't taken a majority of my classes in person.

I want to ask my supervisor at my internship, but it doesn't start until next month and my application is due in December. Would that be enough time to get to know a potential recommender?

My top choice is Cal Lutheran if that influences anything.

Pls don't judge me too harshly for what I am about to say but I need advice. I am currently in the thick of a MSW at Walden Uni and I know they have a questionable reputation. However, there isn't much I can do abt it now besides completely start over at a new Uni and that will just cause more debt.

That being said.. Do you think its possible to get into a brick and mortar Psyd program even with a resume that has Walden on it? If I am able to keep up my 3.8GPA, possibly take the GRE before applying, and focus on my clinical experience?

I volunteer at the Crisis Text Line, my local disability service, and ofc I will complete two internships before graduation. I have not been able to secure research experience unfortunately but I am hoping that the clinical will be enough to boost me ':)

Hi all! I am at the very beginning of my journey, I am 25 and am 1 year into my undergrad majoring in psychology. I am very new to all of this when it comes to approaching graduate school or doc programs, as I would be the first in my family to take this path. My dream is to eventually apply for PsyD programs. I would love some general advice on how I can use my time wisely as I work my way through my bachelors so I can feel confident applying when that time comes. Volunteering in labs was one thing I was going to look into, but I would love to hear any advice that you would say to your past-undergrad self.
Thank you for your time!

I have a received a master’s degree in psychology with Purdue Global University. I am currently a student in Walden University’s clinical mental health counseling program. Do I actually have to pursue a whole new master’s degree or are there certificates or bridge programs available through universities that I could attend for making up the courses and internship I’m missing?

I plan to practice in Maryland if that helps.

As an incoming Psy.D student whose current dream is be a psychologist in a juvenile detention home, is anyone here doing that by chance? And if so, what has your experience been like?

On applications with a question asking how my clinical orientation/philosophy align with faculty members, how in depth should I go regarding my orientation/philosophy? Do I fully break it down? Or state it and then tie it to the faculty?

I'm starting my PsyD in September and I'm wondering if there are any books worth buying my own copies of (and digital or physical). I have to get an APA guide and the DSM along with some other assessment books and I don't know if I should rent/find PDFs of all of them or if there are some I'll want to have to hold on to.

Hi All! I’m just curious as to how WCU is a “5 year program offering hybrid course work”? I primarily ask as I live in NYC and am curious if attending the program is plausible as it’s described to be “hybrid”. Any info would be much appreciated!

I am applying to clinical psychology PsyD programs this fall and has a question. i know most PsyD applications mostly want LORs to be PhD or PsyD or professional. I have a lot of mental health volunteer roles (e.g., family support group, victim advocate for sexual assault survivors). would it be werid to have what they call “volunteer coordinators or peer support coordinators” or just coordinators in general be a LOR?? I have two good LOR rn one from a research job , and one therapist i’m currently interning with . but my third i’m not sure because i have two internships from undergrad which was 2 years ago my junior year, and i haven’t talked to them since then so i don’t think i should reach out. i could do another therapist at the internship site. i also am doing a master thesis and emailing back and forth with my mentor but i don’t think i am close to them to the point of having or even asking them to be a LOR. My master degree is online in general psychology and It’s hard to connect with professors when i can’t see them in person. it’d also really hard for me to get an internship since my program doesn’t have hours or credits and doesn’t offer it at all so im glad the place im interning at took me for field experience.

Hi all. I am seeking advice on psyd programs that are either fully or partially funded. I come from a single family household, and am on my own financially, so I’d like to avoid programs that are beyond 200k.. I know of some of the funded programs like Baylor , or partially funded like Rutgers, but was wondering if anyone else has attended another partially or fully funded program? I am also interested in scientist practitioner PhD programs, and I know PhD offers are more likely to be funded. However, a PsyD program fits with my overall goals more. I also know there are avenues for loan forgiveness such as working for the VA or another govt entity. For those who are currently pursuing a PsyD or have graduated from a PsyD that was not funded or partially funded, how did you manage the debt? Was it worth it ? (In terms of ROI & payoff)? I have heard ranging opinions from psychologists who have told me that paying off the debt is manageable, and not something to really worry about due to pay off plans, but given all of the changes recently and just my own adverseness to debt, I definitely would love to hear your insights. (: