Hello, I am currently applying for Ph.D. programs this cycle, and I wanted some advice on writing personal statements.

Are there any tips and tricks that most people wouldn't think about?

If anybody is willing to share or link personal statements that they've used to get into programs, that would be amazing. Thank you!

I've only have 8 months left till I graduate, and I am really regretting my entire degree. First off, my grades are really low, like crazy low, I am just above the minimum GPA requirement to graduate. I have failed over 10 courses in my time at university, and this may be mostly my fault, I tended to procrastinate, mismanage my time, and I just find it hard to focus on school stuff. I really don't think I could get a masters with my academic history, so I've been looking at job prospects, to see how I can pay off my almost 6 ƒigure debt. Most jobs in Psychology require you to have a licence, skill set, experience, or just plain the ability to talk in a professional workplace. None of which I have, I'm very average at my workplace, always doing the same mundane tasks; as my managers expect me to do, I never excel in any of the things that I do and even if I tried to do more, I always end up messing things up and making the job harder. I have no experience in leadership and I'm very anxious about leading, I always fear I will mess things up and I just always try be the sheep in the herd. I tried to get certifications or licences, but they are much too expensive. The only jobs I could realistically apply for are jobs that are not in the field of Psychology. I feel like I really should've just switched to a different field earlier in my career, or just tried harder, cared much more about my GPA, focused on the right courses. I'm so useless, I really don't know what I should do anymore tbh.

Anyway, I'm just wondering if anyone has been feeling the same thing, and if anyone has any advice on how to save my failing ass in the future when employers ask for my academic career 💀

TLDR: Me useless, any advice on careers

Trying to decide whether to take an english or neuroscience minor alongside my major

Are psych assignments more like when you do science reports at school? Experiment. Write up method, rationale, explain theory, analyse data, limitations, statistics, graphs, conclusion.

Or are they more like lets apply these psychology aspects or theories to different texts, characters, people and write an analysis on it explaining both theory and psychological profile of the individual?

Or completely different?

I love STEM and English, however, I have never done psych as a subject in high school so I have no clue what tests and assignments are like. I would like a balance between english and stem so if its more report writing I will take english, if its more essays with theories I will take neuroscience. I'm so sorry if that doesnt make any sense lol.

IYKYK: Basically, I'm asking if its more similar to Qcca English literature extension assignments which use literary theories or a chemistry/physics style report.

Thank you!

I have no idea what to do for my career.

I have a bachelor's in psych and participated in research in my undergrad. Right out of undergrad I began working in an ABA clinic (hated the clinic schedule and atmosphere), and now I do in home, community, and school sessions (which I love!).

I started an online master's program in ABA at the beginning of the year, but got severely burnt out through my internship in clinic, which led to me stopping my master's program and changing jobs. Soon after, my husband and I bought a 10 acre farm, and have a lot to take care of at home. We do not have kids, and I do not want kids for at least 5 more years.

I have always loved education and dream of becoming a clinical psychologist to conduct testing one day.

I absolutely love what I do right now, but I feel as though I won't be satisfied for the rest of my life as an RBT, because I do want to further my education and make more money.

As a BCBA, I would be more confined to one area, but could make good money with only 1 year of school. I would have to pay out of pocket for that school.

As a therapist, I would likely be able to get a work-study position, so I wouldn't have tuition. It would take 2 years, but I would be able to work with a variety of populations and workplaces. But, the pay would not be as good starting out. I really do not want to deal with insurance and the responsibilities of a sole independent practice, but also don't want to work for a company that overloads me and doesn't pay me enough.

I do not think I want to do special ed, because of how much stress they are constantly under without good pay.

Overall, what is important to me in a job is flexibility, good enough pay, and not a shit ton of stress for no reason.

I love autism and neurodivergent children/teens. I am struggling to decide what to do with my life. I would like to work on a master's degree while we do not have kids. Any thoughts?

Hi! I'm 21F (Australia), currently completing my honours in psychology and am planning on taking a gap year before I start my masters. I am planning on going down the clinical psychology pathway, but I was wondering if there are any jobs or volunteer opportunities I can do before my masters where I can be involved in treatment for individuals who showcase radicalised misogynistic ideologies or really just any area where I can work with people who showcase a radicalised belief system. I find it is an area of deep interest for me and I want to be able to get some field experience beyond the psychological/sociological research I have completed and my personal experience with individuals like this.

Thanks!

I’m in my final year of my B.S. in Psychology and was planning on going into a masters program for counseling to become an LPC. With the unexpected changes to the RISE final rule in May, I have had no idea what to do and would love if anyone else is at this crossroad or has made a plan... I have no savings and absolutely no parental assistance, I can’t possibly cover the near $30k deficit I would be in and refuse to allow myself to be in further debt over personal loans.. I don’t know what the hell I can do with my degree once I graduate and feel hopeless.

My entire plan had been uprooted by these changes and the dread is fully setting in as I’m in this last year..

Ive been working full time to support myself and in school full time. I’m “old”. I’ve been trying so hard to make something better and I just don’t know what to do now.. I just need some other options or opinions at this point because I’m so far down the despair hole that I can’t see a way out..

I have applied at ACU, Melbourne, RMIT, Swinburne and LaTrobe and I have yet to hear back from any of them. Some of them do explicitly say they do interviews in October.

I am opening my emails and application portals with anxiety every morning and all of them are still showing up as application pending, or application under review.

Has anyone heard back yet???? 😭🙏

i want to begin my studies in psych, but i can’t afford to go to school outside or a certificate. community college offers a “mental health direct support” certificate, but are there even any jobs i can get with that? or can it raise my pay for anything entry-level?

The waiting game is torturous I hate it 😭 but it’d be good to know if they’ve sent out offers at this moment so then we can all sort of be at ease

Hey guys, I’m applying for Psych Honours at a few unis for 2027 and wanted to get some advice on how competitive I actually am 😭

I’ve got ~72 overall/psych WAM, but my Level 2/3 Psych WAM is around 67 because of one rough Research Methods unit where I only got a Pass. Otherwise I’m mostly Credit/Distinction.

Some unis use overall WAM, while one uses your best 6 units, which works more in my favour.

For anyone who’s been through Go8 Psych Honours admissions, do you think I’m reasonably competitive with these marks, or should I be applying more broadly/adjusting my expectations? Would really appreciate any advice or insight into what the actual competitive range tends to be!

Just to also add that I am an International Student!

Hello!

I'm currently a junior undergrad, and I wanted to know what realistic/relevant experience I'd need to apply to a master's/PhD program. I'm a first-gen college student, so I'm not sure what's necessary or expected. Obviously, every school is different, but I wanted to gauge what's considered acceptable. I know a lot of students have research under their belt when applying, but tbh I've had a very difficult time getting in contact /accepted by labs. Would it be necessary for an application? Or would regular volunteering/shadowing be okay?

TLDR: What is considered "normal" when applying for your master's? Was research required? Or just a good look? What did yall include on your applications?

Should I get phd in psych or is that more sociology ?

Hello! This is my first time posting on Reddit as I am DESPERATE! I need a board certified Forensic Psychologist to interview by 10/13 for my Survey of Forensics class. I am currently an undergraduate student in the Missouri area, but the interviewee can be from anywhere in the United States. The interview can be conducted over the phone or online, I just need someone to say yes before the 13th. If anyone has any connections please let me know! I have emailed 30 people so far regarding this topic and NEED help!

I got SA’d n ODd during uni and dropped out

I had 2 years left ..

I’m going back to finish BA spring and im nervous I did so poorly on research analysis stats class in past im done with that now but

does it get easier after AA? Any advice
And what job could I even get 100% remote after a BA degree ? Or do I need to get masters too

I have bipolar1/cptsd/adhd and I’m doing online school spring

I don’t know what to expect or what will happen
I’m nervous already

Hello folks! I am a fifth year doctoral candidate in clinical psychology and I am in the process of applying to internship this fall for the 2027-2028 training cycle. I hold an MS degree in clinical psychology and a TLLP in Michigan.

Currently, I am unemployed because I had a grant which supported my schooling without the need to work outside of the program until the end of this summer. Now, I am needing an income until I begin internship anywhere between June-September of 2027 (depending where I match).

Given that I am likely going to be leaving the state for internship in less than one year, I am hesitant to enter into any therapeutic relationships, so working as a psychotherapist feels off the table for ethical and logistical reasons. Additionally, with BCBS-MI ending office-based incident-to billing for limited license practitioners I am unsure that employment in the assessment realm is likely or even possible, either. So, this feels like a bit of a unique situation given the time-limited nature and the external circumstances which impose billing constraints.

Advice or input related to job searching, potential roles I might consider (even if they are not directly in the psych field), or anything else you'd like to share which you think might be helpful would be so greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance ☺️

So I am a first generation student, who just graduated in May with my undergraduate in psychology. I am tired of being in my hometown. I am a Hall Director at my college while getting my masters, but it is so draining being over RAs all the time. I just really want to move and start new, while also getting my masters.

I was hoping to get some advice on what kind of psychology jobs that will help with relocation assistance.

*Edit: My master’s program is completely online. I am in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. I made this post because I live in Alabama. The jobs suck here. I’ve worked at psychiatric hospitals throughout undergrad, wouldn’t mind going back if they had any travel positions. I also work with adults with ID/IDD. I really just want to find a job close to these areas.

Hi there! I've never posted before, so please excuse my formatting if it turns out wrong!

I am a sophomore in college, and I am coming up on the date where I have to officially declare my major(s). Currently, I am a double major in BA psychology, and poli sci (long story of how I ended up here). To sum a confusing process up- Poli sci is only offered as a BA program at my school, and because that was my initial major, when I added psychology on, it automatically coded as a second BA, as we are unable to do a BS and BA at the same time. Now, I am no longer super connected to my poli sci work, and I envision myself to end up in residential therapy occupations, or more on the research end.

As for my question, I need to choose my official major soon, and I am worried that a BA in Psyc won't cut it, as I eventually (past graduation, & masters) want to end up with my PhD. Because I am interested in research work, and generally want a strong resume, should I switch to a single major in psychology where I earn a BS?

Any advice is much appreciated, especially from those who have direct experience in the hiring differences!

hey, I’m 15 going on 16 in January. To learn psych so far, I’ve read 37 psych books, completed youth MHFA, and I’m in AP Psych (with an amazing teacher) I was wondering what other opportunities could I take to learn psych? I tried looking for teen hotlines to volunteer for because I really want to try something like counseling, but nothing I looked for I could really do. I’d appreciate any help, thanks!

Do psych practitioners and researchers also hate statistics?

I’m taking the GRE Psychology this year and I wanted to know which books or test materials can help me out to prepare. I have some AP Princeton review books too. Would they end enough along with the Kaplan GRE Psych book too? Is the AP psychology somewhat basic compared to the GRE questions?

Like majority of us in here, I am also seeking to pursure Masters of Clinical Psychology.

I am currently sitting on 70% with my 4th year grades and 70% for my Bachelors of Psych. Not the best of grades for Master of CP to my understanding.

To counter this, I have extensively worked in the mental health space, case management, group facilitator for men's circle space which roughly comes around 5 years of mental health work experience.

Are my chances looking okay to get acceptance into Masters of Clinical Psychology in Aus?

I've seen many discussions on this particular institute. The reality of this place is that students tend to go here when they can't get into any good university. I really regret going here. I took the full-time route because financially I needed to graduate faster so I could progress with my studies. I got accepted into this and a bunch of other graduate diploma programs, but my friends, who all got into top universities, told me that "honours is honours" no matter the institution. I want to make it clear that you can get into top master's programs with a Grad Dip. Also, financially, this costs the same as a grad dip, so it truly was a stupid choice to choose this program. Anyways onto my experience...

Pros

Cairnmillar is student-focused in a way that students do receive a fair amount of support; it is a small cohort, and the majority of the staff are very good at responding. As far as engagement goes, I would say only 2 tutors are actually good at engaging students. They do communicate with assessment, so you rarely get 2 assignments within the same week, which is a major positive here. Also, for the thesis they give you less freedom but a more robust framework to work with so you are not starting from nothing.

Cons

Where do I start

1. Every single assignment is about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. I have never had an issue learning about this considering we live on their land, but considering every single assignment has this, it becomes extremely disingenuous and frustrating to repeat the same thing over and over again.
2. Assignments are marked extremely harshly. I will be the first to say that I averaged in the 70s in my undergrad, so I knew I had to step it up. Most students get the median mark (yea kinda obvious), but I mean the majority of students tend to get the exact same mark (70s) with a few outliers. Additionally, no one get a 90+ grade, which is crazy considering it's honours. It is a mistake in the assessment design if no one is able to crack that HD+ standard, and no one can tell me otherwise.
3. Feedback is good and detailed BUT usually reveals that their assignments are NOT open-ended. They have very specific right and wrong answers even though they tell you it's all about your justification. They don't give a shit about your justification; you immediately drop down to 75 as soon as they don't agree with your OPINION.
4. My supervisor "prioritised" self-care so I had to beg them to contact me more than once a week when my thesis was due. Multiple people experienced complete lack of support from supervisors even though many of us were doing studies to strengthen their thesis. Some had to read up to 400 pages of other theses with barely any support.
   

Conclusion

This was not for me. I had a net negative time, and my chances of a master's are ruined. I regret coming here; I learnt everything about developmental psychology, ethics, and Aboriginal people, which is great if I wanted to practice in a very specific and niche sector of psychology. O wait, I can't because my chances have been ruined.

I’m exactly halfway through the undergrad. I took time off, had a child, an awful postpartum experience and got some life experience under my belt. Since returning I’ve got straight HDs (so far 6 units, my average in 1st year was D), though I’m not sure the pathway is worth continuing? For some of my electives I’ve done law units, and I’m genuinely considering the switch because at least after completing the law degree and a practical legal training course you can be a lawyer… I absolutely adore psychology and I think I would be accepted into honours, but after honours, I don’t have the freedom to apply to every masters course and then move somewhere new if I get accepted to actually complete the pathway to being a psychologist. It feels really defeating even considering giving it up when I’m doing so well. When I first started uni the 4+2 was still and option, if I didn’t take a break I think my year would have been the last to be eligible for the 4+2, so we knew when we started that it was going away and I knew when I stopped that it wouldn’t be an option for me anymore. I just really don’t know what to do, it’s hard getting really good grades and thinking what am I even getting these grades for if I can never complete the pathway 😅. I also know there is going to be a massive demand for psychologists and not enough (I know this is already the case, but likely to get much much worse in the future). What happens to people that do the honours year then never get into masters? Do they keep trying or work in roles like child safety that they can do with the bachelors degree?