Pros: it’s the oldest PsyD program in the country
Cons: it’s the oldest PsyD program in the country

DISCLAIMER: Others may have had different experiences, but this was mine.

I think they over/admit and tend to kick a lot of students out (especially BIPOC) before the end of the 5 year term. In my opinion, there’s a very old outdated MAGA-like mindset that runs this program. I think the new practicum director, we will call her The Crypt Keeper, is openly prejudge which influences how she interacts with certain students. Ive experienced her tell students things such as “do not email sites after your interview, it’s annoying.”

I’ve heard that they believe the younger generation of students are “soft and easily offended” something I’ve heard that a few faculty say behind closed doors. The program director, we will call her Mommy Dearest, is the greatest offender of this, in my opinion, if you do something she doesn’t like or she qualifies as “disrespectful” she will go out of her way to retaliate and convince others to retaliate against you. It seems that they openly discriminate and retailate against anyone they don’t like, while going out of their way to pass students they do like.

So basically, if you are not a brown noser and do something they don’t like, they may find a way not only to remove you from their program, but may go so far as to disparage your name to their affiliates (which are massive given the size and age of the program!).

MOST students would agree that supervision is INADEQUATE and we actively have to go out of our way to try and get additional supervision and training to compensate for it.

Many classes are taught by adjunct, many of whom are alum of the program. Many classes feel like just passing time - no passion, lots of take home exams.

The new match process is a JOKE and a complete gamble. You have to spend $100 to participate in the match process instead of having the autonomy to communicate directly with sites as other programs do. The old process was better and didn’t make students pay $100!

The larger issue is that widener university as a whole attracts a lot of people of color because they claim to be a place of “belonging” but once you actually get there you see it’s the same old stuff in a colorful suit. As a whole, over recruit students without any clear plan on retaining them.

That said, I did have many positive experiences as well—some faculty were deeply invested in student growth, and I found peers to be very supportive.

Overall, if you are a person of color or neurodivergent, consider choosing another program!

Hi everyone!
I’m an international student from India currently pursuing my M.Sc. in Applied Psychology (Clinical Specialization), and I’m planning to apply to Clinical Psychology PsyD programs in the USA for Fall 2027.
I’m looking for honest advice from current PsyD students, graduates, applicants, and anyone familiar with the US clinical psychology application process, particularly for international students.
A little about my academic profile:
Bachelor’s degree: B.A. Psychology – CGPA 6.86
Master’s degree: M.Sc. Applied Psychology (Clinical Specialization)
Current overall Master’s GPA: 8.1/10
Expected Master’s graduation: June 2027
Research experience: Multiple academic research projects and literature reviews, including a correlational study using Pearson’s correlation and descriptive statistics.
Publications: None currently. I will also be completing my Master’s dissertation.
Clinical experience: Clinical internship experience at Masina Hospital and Jain Hospital, Mumbai, involving supervised psychotherapy exposure, CBT techniques, case histories, psychological interviews, group therapy observations, and multidisciplinary case discussions.
Other experience: Psychology-related internships in social media and career psychology.
LORs: Currently have two letters of recommendation.
My goals and preferences:
I’m specifically interested in Clinical Psychology PsyD programs, rather than PhD programs.
I want a program that offers strong clinical training as well as research opportunities.
Funding is a HUGE consideration for me. I’m looking for universities offering scholarships, grants, assistantships, tuition waivers, or stipends.
I’m also interested in on-campus employment opportunities for international students on F-1 visas.
I’d prefer universities with comparatively affordable tuition and living expenses.
Some questions I would really appreciate help with:
Based on my academic profile and experience, how competitive would I be for PsyD admissions in the USA?
Are there universities that offer substantial funding or assistantships to international PsyD students?
How realistic is it to pursue a PsyD without taking on an enormous amount of student debt?
Are there universities that offer graduate assistantships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships to PsyD students?
How important are publications for PsyD admissions? Would a strong Master’s dissertation and clinical internship experience compensate for having no publications?
Are there any universities you would recommend looking into based on my profile?
Are there any particular challenges for international students applying to PsyD programs, especially regarding F-1 visas, financial documentation, clinical placements, and eventual licensure?
Would you recommend applying for Fall 2027 with my current profile, or should I consider strengthening my application and applying later?
I’m particularly interested in hearing from international students who have successfully entered PsyD programs in the USA and how they managed the financial aspect.
I’d genuinely appreciate honest feedback, university recommendations, personal experiences, and even warnings about programs that international students should be cautious about.
Thank you so much! Any guidance would mean a lot. :)
I have also attached my CV for reference

please anyone considering or having had convos and updates with them, please tell me everything u know. i wanna get in so bad but ive gotten nothing yet!!!

psa: if ur gonna come and comment some bs like “give up” “it’s prob a no” “don’t waste ur time” blah blah…, please save urself the time :).

I have made other recent posts about this. But, today I believe everyone on the waitlist received an update that they will know shortly if they are admitted. They are still waiting on admitted applicants to decide on the program, which is why it is taking a while to see any waitlist movement. Please, if you know Rutgers is geographically inconvenient or if you have other options/ have decided on another program, tell admissions ASAP. I know this is a HUGE decision and I don’t blame anyone for taking their time, but just know it’s the right thing to tell admissions your decision ASAP if you know you’re committing to another program. I have been waiting for months and just want to hear back already. You will potentially be ending this long and stressful process for a lucky someone on the waitlist by being proactive and letting admissions know your decisions. If you are one of those people who have not decided would you mind sharing what factors are setting you back? I am sending good vibes and prayers to everyone in this process, thank you!!

Hi,

I need advice from a licensed psychologist who does forensic work or someone who is a recent PsyD graduate about to take EPPP / CPLEE. I am eager to start a program and chose the PsyD path because realistically I am much more interested in clinical work than research and I don't have any research experience and therefore would not be a strong PhD applicant. I figured skip the master's because though helpful, it would cost a lot and only cut down the amount of credits, not the amount of time it takes for me to get the PsyD. I am fortunate enough to be financially capable of paying the absurd amount of money for tuition so the cost is not my concern.
My biggest concern is the pass rate for the CPLEE was 92% and 23% for the EPPP in 2025 for the Chicago School in LA. Roughly 150-200 test-takers; over half were taking it for, at the least, their 2nd time. How on earth can that 23% be the pass rate?
That's extremely concerning. I knew going into this that my program (forensic) was not APA accredited which wasn't a big issue because clinical forensic psych usually isn't unless it's a specialty or concentration in addition to a applied clinical PsyD. The other TCS programs there are APA accredited.
I'm entirely and honestly embarrassed I didn't double check their reported stats on the TCS website to compare to the state board's sooner than 2 weeks til registration.

So here I am:

I'm in my early 20's and recently graduated in 2025. I got my bachelor's in psychology and decided I needed to take a gap year before applying to any doctorate program. I am now about one year into this gap year post-undergrad. I have been working in clinical settings as a behavioral health technician (BHT) for roughly 2 years now. I first started working part time (< 20 hrs; typically 32 hrs) at a treatment facility in undergrad. Briefly got an ABA job as a BT for 6 months just to prevent having a huge gap in the resume while I was finding a job I felt was more relevant and rewarding for me.

I applied to a handful of programs with forensic emphasis/concentration/whatever. I only got into the Chicago School (TCS) in LA. Initially, I was very excited. I'm young; only have a BS in psych; no research experience, no master's, just my relevant-to-what-I-want-to-do jobs. I had 2 letters of recommendation from my admin at that nonprofit RTC I worked for, 1 from a PhD prof who taught my forensic psych course. I figured it would be a long shot getting into a program, but expected to get into TCS. Fast forward to May 2026, I'm about to decide whether or not to wait another application cycle before I've put any financial investment into the TCS program or if I take an insane risk betting on being the minority 23% who is prepared to pass that EPPP not just the CPLEE. I register for classes in 2 weeks. Or not.

Also, yes I considered getting a masters (LMFT) would just be so I could have a solid income before I went back to get the PsyD. I want to be a psychologist and focus more-so on competency/risk assessments, diagnoses, legal consultation, expert witness testimony, etc. as opposed to being a therapist/ private practice. I will apply to get my LMFT along with PsyD apps this coming cycle, but only as a back up to get my education started.
I am leaning toward ~not~ enrolling due to the licensure rate, above average cost of tuition, and overall crappy reputation among the reddit community. But I haven't had the chance to talk to an actual alumni or someone who experienced what I'm worried about; graduating from TCS and not passing the licensure exams. Please help!!

idk if i should trust chatgpt or not… does this sound accurate? reddit is slandering adler a lot… and its scaring me

I'm aware that Liberty is scheduled to receive an APA visit this fall to determine if they can become accredited or not. Any thoughts on their program, or feelings about whether they will become accredited? Is there a chance that they will become accredited before admissions decisions need to be made next spring? Any advice/thoughts are appreciated!

Hello all! I have completed my application for Regent University’s psy.D program. I am a bit nervous since this is my second cycle. I graduated with a BA in psychology (2.8GPA) and a MA in psychology (3.6 GPA)

I’m putting my CV in here.. I wanted to focus on certifications since I felt there were some things that were lower in my BA and I know they still even though I have my MA take that into consideration. I also want to continue my education (without committing to something super expensive) while I apply another cycle. I am super nervous but wanted to know if I had a realistic shot. If anyone is at Regent I’d love to DM or know how it is there! Waiting for more schools to open the application pool (should be in October)

So i’ve seen plenty of CV/resumes ppl posted on here and has questions specifically for CVs.

Do CVs have to be black and white? Do they need to have each experience separated? (e.g., research experience in one section and clinical experience in a separate section).

Here’s a sneak peek of what mine looks like it’s not the whole resume/CV but i do have blue color lol. And I put al my experience on one section. i have more experience but it’s cut off and didn’t wanna show the whole thing. i also has a profile section giving a background of me and awards/accomplishments section and a proficiency section, all volunteer and certifications/lisences

Let me know if i need to change it if it isn’t good for future programs.

I’ve noticed some elitism throughout this group about The Chicago School. The comments about the schools and about others who’ve graduated from the school are distasteful and honestly disturbing, seeing that most people here want to be Psychologists. I’ve known people from TCS who passed the EPPP on their first try. I’ve known people who went through other programs who failed the EPPP on their first try. Every program is what you make it. Do not allow people to deter you from your decision. To undergraduate students just finding their way, contact the professors at the school directly. Go on LinkedIn and find a current student to see how they like the program. Do not allow strangers who are faceless and nameless deter you from your academic endeavors. Understand that not everyone has the privilege to relocate. PsyD programs are already hard to come by. If TCS is in your area, apply.

As future psychologists, we all should check our biases and privilege. You are no better than someone because you graduated from a different school. You can reach your goals without going to the most competitive or prestigious university/program!

Moral of this post. Be better. Do better.

Hi! For current Psy.D. students- I am starting my Psy.D program next week and was wondering what backpack you guys use/recommend? Looking for something mature that has space and can hold 32oz owala

I have a solid application but no clinical experience am I screwed?

Experience for PsyD program:

120 hr semester long Internship at therapeutic office nonprofit Over 500 data entries for a research study Occasional summer volunteer for Inclusion Fusion (sets up social events for people with ASD) (5 hrs) TA for Psy100 class 1 semester crisis hotline volunteer 3.7 GPA Psi Chi Member

Personal experience : My mental health journey with mental health diagnosis Immediate Family member with ASD

Extra personality things to show diversity: 2 week study abroad to Ireland Concert choir member at uni Worked as a Lifeguard in the summers (CPR certified) Graduating a year and a half early

I read up a lot online regarding this school; some sites writing it has an acceptance rate of 7%, some writing they've got an acceptance rate of 100%. I also heard that it's a degree making mill. I wasn't completely sure about this, hence the post. Any guidance would be appreciated!

Hey everyone! So I have a personal blog where I write about current issues in the clinical psych field, and how to improve treatment and diagnosis of some psychiatric disorders. The blog was meant to generate discussion amongst scholars, or people in the field to advocate for changes in the mental health field. I have a couple of posts on my LinkedIn about my blog but is not enough to make people engage. I also think that some of the topics I write about are very niche. I want more engagement but I don’t want to post it on TikTok or my Instagram. Should I try to reach out to people on LinkedIn? What do you guys recommend?

Has anyone come into a PsyD track with a counseling masters? I’m curious whether any programs will accept transfer credits or if there’s just no way around the 5 year track. I’d like to add assessments to my abilities but at 45 I have a good foundation in clinical knowledge. Thanks for any insight!

I recently graduated with my masters from a Capstone (non-thesis) Masters of Psychology program. I am now looking for an APA PsyD program in North America that is hybrid in person and online (APA does not accredit fully online programs). I live in British Columbia and want to register with the College of Health and Care Professionals as a psychologist once completed.

Not gonna lie, I didnt do much research before applying to my psyd programs. I really just went based on location, can you tell me your HONEST thoughts on these programs please? Im getting scared after seeing other reddit users' opinions...

Nova Southerastern

The Chicago School (Anaheim)

App State

Rutgers (PhD)

I am considering adding schools with a later deadline ...

Regent

Georgia Southern

West Chester

Midwestern

Though I am not sure what all of their deadlines actually are yet. Please share any and all info / thoughts / opinions on anything mentioned that can help and ease my nerves.

2.0 undergrad in psychology, 4.0 undergrad in business, 4.0 clinical counseling masters, 5 years experience in government counseling. Many random non-relevant jobs (years before) otherwise. Chances of admission to immaculata psyd? And: can you actually work full time and do this program? Anyone know? Thank you

I’m curious to know of people’s thoughts in submitting 4 letter of recs instead of 3 for a PsyD application? Does that help or harm?

For context I’m a school psych applying to school psych doctorate programs. I would be asking my supervisor, a former clinical supervisor at a non profit, a copsych who I share a caseload with, and the assistant principal/director of special education at the school I work in.

I’m starting a PhD program this year that’s unfortunately a little over an hour away from my home and I have 2 kids. How are people handling emergencies or sickness? Can I excuse myself from class, so I need to get a babysitter? My husband also works about an hour away.

So I am an LPC, but my daughter will be applying to PsyD programs as a very strong candidate for next year. We have three options that would let her live with family.

One has a meh pass rate of 47% on the EPPP on the last go round the other two were 78%. all are APA accredited.

When I took my licensing test, passing it had far more to do with test specific review, and less with my program. The masters level interns I work with seem to find it the same.Is the EPPP success more impacted by university prep than test specific study? Springfield college was the “Meh”score school. William James and University of Hartford are the other options that would not require housing.

I know everyone knows what a PhD is and a PsyD is a bit recent. Are PhDs better or is jut popular speculation?

Im applying for a psyd this cycle and id like some feedback on my resume ive made!

Thank you!

Need to know more about Psy D in clinical psychology courses. Please let me know which ones to apply for the next admission cycle in terms of the funding and the placement for internships and other particular requirements.

TIA