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With more than 100,000 copies in print, this bestseller is the resource students rely on to find graduate clinical and counseling psychology programs that meet their needs--and gain admission to them. The 2008/2009 edition includes: *The most current data on more than 300 accredited programs in the United States and Canada*Crucial information on financial assistance and government-sponsored loans*Descriptions of each program's specializations or tracks*Listings of acceptance and attrition rates*Specific, helpful guidance for applicants with disabilities The Insider's Guide provides step-by-step advice to help students complete prerequisite coursework, accumulate clinical experience, and prepare strong application materials. Special features include tips for mastering admissions interviews, sample letters and personal statements, examples of curricula vitae, an application timeline, and a worksheet to help applicants make wise final decisions.
E-Book Content
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN CLINICAL AND COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY INSIDER’S GUIDE to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology 2008/2009 Edition John C. Norcross Michael A. Sayette Tracy J. Mayne THE GUILFORD PRESS New York London © 2008 The Guilford Press A Division of Guilford Publications, Inc. 72 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012 www.guilford.com All rights reserved No part of this book may be reproduced, translated, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, microfilming, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America Last digit is print number: 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 ISBN-10: 1-59385-258-4 ISBN-13: 978-1-59385-258-0 ISSN 1086-2099 CONTENTS Tables and Figures vii About the Authors ix Acknowledgments xi Preface Chapter 1. Introducing Clinical and Counseling Psychology Clinical and Counseling Psychology 1 Combined Programs 5 The Boulder Model (Ph.D.) 5 The Vail Model (Psy.D.) 6 Differences between Boulder and Vail Programs 7 A Word on Accreditation 9 Online Graduate Programs 11 Practice Alternatives 12 Research Alternatives 14 On “Backdoor” Clinicians 16 To Reiterate Our Purpose 16 Our Approach 17 xiii 1 Chapter 2. Preparing for Graduate School Different Situations, Different Needs 18 A Master’s Degree First 20 Graduate School Selection Criteria 21 Course Work 23 Faculty Mentoring 25 Clinical Experience 26 Research Skills 28 Entrance Examinations 33 Extracurricular Activities 39 18 Chapter 3. Getting Started Common Misconceptions 41 Acceptance Rates 42 Costs of Applying 43 Starting Early 43 For the Research Oriented and Dually Committed 45 For the Practice Oriented 50 For the Racial/Ethnic Minority Applicant 51 For the LGBT Applicant 52 For the Disabled Applicant 54 Assessing Program Criteria 54 41 v CONTENTS Chapter 4. Selecting Schools A Multitude of Considerations 59 Research Interests 60 Clinical Opportunities 61 Theoretical Orientations 64 Financial Aid 66 Quality of Life 69 Putting It All Together 69 Chapter 5. Applying to Programs How Many 72 Application Form 73 Curriculum Vitae 74 Personal Statements 77 Letters of Recommendation 80 Transcripts and GRE Scores 85 Unsolicited Documents 86 Application Fees 87 Check and Recheck 87 Chapter 6. Mastering the Interview Interview Strategically 90 The Dual Purpose 90 Rehearsal and Mock Interviews 91 Interview Attire 92 Travel Arrangements 92 Interview Style 94 Stressful Questions 96 Group Interviews 98 Additional Tips 98 Telephone Interviews 99 A Note of Thanks 100 The Wait 101 Chapter 7. Making Final Decisions Acceptances and Rejections 102 The Financial Package 104 The Alternate List 106 Decision Making 106