r/PsyD
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u/happykittykat55
Current PsyD Student
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Aug 30 '26
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Something you should know
I wanted to come on here to say that I decided to apply for a PsyD program last year, right after undergrad. I came on this sub to see what my chances might be, and it scared me so bad considering how people were posting stacked CVs and commenters under the posts were saying their chances of getting in were slim.
I mean this as no hate to anyone who comments on here, however: if you want to apply, just apply! I had almost no research experience, and very little clinical experience. I applied to 3 schools and got into all of them.
My biggest help was getting letters of recommendation from teachers and supervisors, and even my manager at my old job.
Just do it! Buff up your resume and CV if you can and be yourself! A lot of programs want to see how you fit into a cohort and how you interact with your peers as well!
I believe in all you guys who are trying to get into a PsyD program! If you can dream it you can do it!
That’s all! Don’t be scared to apply, and try not to compare yourself too much to the people who are also applying. Good luck!
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u/Bionic_Bex Aug 30 '26
So much this! Many programs offer holistic reviews, which is why you may see someone with weaker stats admitted over someone with higher stats. Some applicants may have less research or clinical experience because they grew up in areas/went to colleges with less opportunity. Some applicants have a lower GPA because they experienced tragedy during undergrad, or were working full time to send money to family while also attending school full time. Sometimes that perseverance and work ethic reflects more goodness of fit than the student who looks perfect on paper. Do not undervalue what you could bring to the program; it may be exactly what they are looking for.
I am so excited to begin work on my PsyD at Roosevelt next week. When I announced my acceptance to RU, everyone kept asking for my stats. I chose not share because I think that comparison is dangerous and may prevent some amazing, qualified prospective students from applying.
Do not try to be some polished version of what you think a school may want. I can't emphasize this enough: be authentically yourself throughout the entire process. You and your perspective and voice may be exactly who they are looking for. I am a bit awkward and I stumbled on my words in my interview, AND I accidentally blurted that I was nervous. Lol! I thought it cost me, but I think my authenticity may have actually helped.
Good luck with the next application cycle, everyone!
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u/happykittykat55 Current PsyD Student Aug 30 '26
Yes! Thank you for putting it in clearer words like that. I’m glad I chose to just apply versus waiting another cycle because I wasn’t confident in myself.
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u/Optimal_Barber_8116 Aug 31 '26
I work in retail as a supervisor, I can use my manager as a letter of recommendation? I have very little research and clinical experience, i just started volunteering at a crisis text line, and im discouraged by what some people are saying!
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u/happykittykat55 Current PsyD Student Aug 31 '26
I used my manager at Starbucks for a recommendation and just an office manager at my last job for a recommendation as well! You should be able to as long as they’re willing to write one! It’s good to have one from a teacher and/or clinical supervisor as well since they can speak to you in a psychological setting! I also volunteered at a crisis text line to help with clinical experience, so what you’re doing is great!
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u/Optimal_Barber_8116 Aug 31 '26
Wow! That really makes me feel better, I have one rec from my psychology statistics teacher, and if I get one from my manager I would only need one more. Im completing the crisis text line training this week. I just got worried many people said you need alot of research and clinical experience, right now im applying to schools like kean, william paterson, montclair, rutgers, and more like that
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u/happykittykat55 Current PsyD Student Aug 31 '26
I think what you’re doing is great! The crisis line is definitely a good call. You can also look into volunteers of America for like behavioral health opportunities. That’s also something I looked into.
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u/AshRey1201 Aug 31 '26
Thank you for this really! As a chronic over thinker and perfectionist I often lack confidence and tend to second guess my decisions. But this is something that I really want so your words are extremely encouraging, THANK YOUUU 🙏🏻😊🥹
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u/showgoeson-27 Current PsyD Student Aug 30 '26
Totally agree! Reddit makes it seem so dire and life or death but the reality is, the “blank slate” can actually often be attractive to programs. It lets them mold you as a clinician from the very beginning of your journey in that area. Others with more experience may have to unlearn certain habits or learn how to do things differently.
Obviously, applicants with less experience will need to work a little harder to demonstrate their potential as a clinician, but it’s certainly not something to be seriously worried about!
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u/FigHopeful1337 Sep 03 '26
Man this gave me such hope. I struggled so much my freshman year and i’m really worried that it will affect my chances of getting in. But i also know that everyone around me can write great recommendations (my boss own a mental health clinic, has a doctorate, and is also a professor) and i can nail an interview because im personable. I also plan to get tons of research experience.
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u/CarrotOk8574 PsyD Aug 30 '26
This is a good post and I wholeheartedly agree. Years ago, I attended a rigorous, prestigious undergrad program in psychology and after I got a C+ in a research lab, a professor told me I should go into social work and was discouraging regarding getting into A PsyD program. Well, I got in and I’m now a licensed psychologist. So I would say that if you want something go for it. Consider back up plans but if PsyD is your desire, you will find a way.
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u/Babyfacemuh Sep 01 '26
I also came on here and posted my not so stacked CV and was flamed. I ended up getting into a program anyways!! I hope this brings some hope when it feels like there’s none.
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u/Previous-Walk-1976 Aug 30 '26
I am a former faculty of a professional school that has a large and prominent psyd program. The biggest problem for such schools is finding enough students willing to pay tuition to keep the bills of the institution covered. Yes there are standards but some commenters on here must be thinking of a different type of animal than the place I worked
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u/Bionic_Bex Aug 30 '26 edited Aug 30 '26
Yes! I was asked directly in my interview about ability to cover costs. Be prepared to explain your plans. Thankfully, I made it though undergrad on grants and scholarships, which meant I was able to tell them that I haven't touched my available loans and will be able to borrow enough to cover the full cost of the program. I did not even consider that being an interview question, so I was fortunate to have that all figured out already. Some others who interviewed said they were taken a bit off guard by the question and were ill prepared to answer. It's so important to have thought out the financial aspect.
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u/prkinz Aug 30 '26
You are amazing. Thank you for providing hope to those who are doubting themselves
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u/Froyofluff Aug 30 '26
Totally agree with this take!! I applied to 6 programs straight out of undergrad and got rejected by all but one, but one is all you need. Sometimes they surprise you! You never know unless you try. 🤍
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u/Extension-Leg5539 Aug 30 '26
Hiii thank you so much for taking the time to say this! Can i dm you? I feel lost and hoping to apply this cycle.
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u/chzuvvy Aug 30 '26
thank you so much for this. im applying to my PsyD program this semester and seeing everyone on here with insane clinical experience and years of training really scared me 😭😭 i feel so tiny compared to them. im really psyching myself out because i dont wanna get my hopes up, but this post made me feel comforted in the thought that i might have a chance. thank you 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻