|
What are the pre-requisites for applying to the program?
We require fifteen credits in psychology (usually satisfied with five classes of three credits each). These 15 credits must include at least 1 semester of Statistics and 1 semester of (laboratory) Experimental Psychology. In addition, both the general and the Psychology GRE are required. There are many students in our program who have undergraduate degrees in subjects other than psychology, so that in itself is not a problem; in fact, we like to see a diversity of backgrounds. However, all applicants must take at least 15 undergraduate credits in psychology.
What do you mean by Experimental Psychology?
One of the things we look for in a potential applicant is some kind of experience with research, either through working on a research project (e.g., at a hospital) or through a course that focuses on research "methods"--that is, a course that includes data collection and/or analysis, and in which you learn about research design. Sometimes these courses are called "Research Methods" or some equivalent, rather than "Experimental". The admissions committee looks carefully at each application and at your specific coursework and research experience when evaluating your application.
What does my GRE score/GPA have to be to get in?
There are no official minimum scores or GPAs. The most accurate information we can give is that most students have GRE scores above 650 on each section and high GPAs (over 3.2), but there are always exceptions.
Some GRE specifics:
GRE scores are good for five years. Please make sure you take the GRE so that the scores arrive by the December 1st deadline. Do not send GRE scores directly to the clinical program. YOUR GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATION SCORES MUST BE SENT TO THE GRADUATE CENTER, 365 FIFTH AVENUE, and NOT to The City College. The ETS Code number for The Graduate Center (CUNY) is 2113. The TOEFL number is the same.
Do I have to take the psychology GRE?
Yes, the psychology GRE is required. We ask that you take the November exam so that scores will be processed before the December 1st deadline. Though scores from the November 8th subject test will not be available until mid-December, we will accept those scores so long as we receive all other materials by the December 1st deadline.
How long does it take to get through the program?
Four years of required courses for a total of 90 credits; plus the second doctoral examination (written over the course of your third year in the Program), a dissertation and a year of internship.
Can I transfer credits?
The only credits that are transferable to our PhD program are graduate-level classes (either Master's or PhD-level). The maximum number of graduate credits that you can transfer in is 15; transfer credits are always at the discretion of the director. With the exception of a statistics course, accepted transfer credits do not substitute for the required courses in the Program.
If I was not accepted last year and I want to apply again, what do I do?
The Graduate Center holds onto all applications for two years. They will resend all of your previous application materials to us when you fill out another application and pay another fee. In other words, you will not need to contact recommenders again, resend GRE scores or send new transcripts unless you choose to do so. We do suggest sending along a new personal statement to tell us anything new since the last time you applied. Please address any questions regarding your application to the Graduate Center admissions at admissions@gc.cuny.edu .
Can I go to City part-time?
No, this is a full-time program. Classes are usually held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays all day. Many students continue to work part-time throughout the program despite this schedule.
Can I take classes as a non-matriculated student?
You may not take courses within the clinical psychology program as a non-matriculated student. If there are specific courses in other areas of psychology that you are interested in please contact those programs or the admissions office at the Graduate Center.
What do I do about financial aid?
We make every effort to provide some form of financial support to every student who needs it. But the availability of financial aid may depend on circumstances beyond our control, and so we cannot guarantee it on a blanket basis.
In general, any applicant who is interested in receiving financial aid should send in the financial aid form that is included in the application package. All applicants need to wait until they have been accepted to the clinical psych program in order to apply for specific teaching or research positions. (Also, just so you know, it is usually not possible for students to begin teaching until their second year in the program.) If you do earn admission to CUNY's program, we will inform you of any paperwork necessary in order to apply for these positions. For more information, please go to:
http://www.gc.cuny.edu/prospective_students/viewbook/master_finance.htm
I am an International Student, who can I talk to about my application?
The program welcomes applications from international students. If you have a question regarding the admissions process you should contact the Graduate Center admissions office at admissions@gc.cuny.edu . If you have questions regarding specifics about what life will be like if you are admitted to the program you should contact the Office of International Students at the Graduate Center: intstugc@gc.cuny.edu .
In addition, we have a number of international students presently in our program who have volunteered to consult with applicants from their countries. They have direct experience with the questions and ambiguities that may arise in both directions and are happy to assist you in clarifying the nature of our own requirements and clarifying for the admissions committee the nature of your own experience and credentials. If you would like to check if there is a student in our program from your country, you may send an email to clinicalphdinfo@ccny.cuny.edu with the subject line 'International Student' and someone will get back to you at his or her earliest convenience.
Who should I have write my letters of recommendation?
We require at least two letters of recommendation. We have no "requirements" as far as who writes your recommendation letters; in general it's a good idea to include at least one from a professor (to vouch for your academic work and ability) and an employer or supervisor-someone who can speak to your research and clinical work and ability. It is important to ask people who can speak of you with real knowledge of your abilities and personal qualities (rather than "he/she was one of 200 undergraduates in my lecture course. He/she did very well with a grade of A in the course...) You can include more than two letters.
What research opportunities are available?
Students in the program have a variety of opportunities both on and off campus to participate in research. Some students participate actively in research projects conducted by individual faculty members. Others take advantage of the wealth of opportunities that are available in New York. In recent years, for example, students have worked in research projects at The New York State Psychiatric Institute, Cornell, Mount Sinai, NYU, and Beth Israel Hospital. The program has recently begun a psychotherapy research project based on data deriving from our clinic, The Psychological Center. It is anticipated that a number of students will eventually do their dissertations utilizing this data, and we encourage students to actively participate in shaping the data collection and research questions that will evolve from this project.
Should students contact an individual faculty member to inquire about working with him or her?
Once students are admitted, they have the opportunity to explore the research activities of as many faculty members as they like and can choose to work with whichever faculty members have a mutual interest. You should not contact an individual faculty member as an applicant. You are applying to the program, not to work with a specific person. In many programs, students are admitted specifically to work with a particular faculty member, and that faculty member virtually chooses the student on his or her own. Our admissions process is very different. All applicants are considered by the entire admissions committee and are compared to all other applicants to provide us with a strong and diverse incoming class.
What is the theoretical orientation of the program?
The orientation of the program is broadly defined as following the scholar-practitioner model. We are committed to training thoughtful, serious clinicians and researchers. The orientation of the program is psychodynamic; however, other perspectives such as family systems and neurospsychology are well-represented. The program has a strong commitment to multiculturalism and interdisciplinary work is highly valued. The program runs its own clinic, and clinical work is central to the training that students receive. It is important for applicants to be interested in research as well as clinical work. First year students begin their clinical training via intake evaluations; students typically begin seeing patients in psychotherapy at the end of their first year or the beginning of their second year.
How do the various concentrations work?
After you are accepted to the clinical program you may apply to a specific concentration (health, law, etc) and take the additional courses needed to fulfill the requirements outlined by the specific area of focus.
Can I come in and talk to you in person or take a tour?
Unfortunately, no. An open house will be held on October 28th, 2008 between 5:30 and 7 pm in the NAC building's first floor Ballroom. In addition, AEMI (Association for Ethnic and Minority Issues) will be hosting an OPEN HOUSE for prospective applicants on November 11th, 2008 from 6 - 8 pm in Shepard Hall, Room 250. Regrettably, we have too many applicants to be able to meet with individual students before the interview process. If you would like to get a better sense of our community please check out our newsletter at http: www.theobservingego.com .
Can you apply to more than one psychology subprogram at CUNY in the same year?
Unfortunately, you cannot apply to more than one subprogram at a time. In order to apply to more than one CUNY program in a year you would have to have received an official rejection from one program before applying to another, if they are still reviewing applications.
I have more questions -- who can I talk to?
Please contact the admissions coordinator, Gina Andersen at clinicalphdinfo@ccny.cuny.edu (if you are unable to use email you can call 212- 650-5667) for questions related to the Clinical Psychology doctoral program. For questions about the admissions process please email admissions@gc.cuny.edu .
|
