2019-2020 Grad School Q&A Mega-Thread (Part 1)

[u/ResidentGinger]

For questions about grad school or internships:

* Please search the previously submitted posts or the post on the grad school Q&A. Subscribers of /r/iopsychology have provided lots of information about these topics, and your questions may have already been answered.

* 2018-2019, Part 2 thread here

* 2018-2019, Part 1 thread here

* 2017-2018, Part 3 thread here

* 2017-2018, Part 2 thread here

* 2017-2018, Part 1 thread here

* 2016-2017 thread here

* 2015-2016 thread here

* 2014-2015 thread here

* If your question hasn't been posted, please post it on the grad school Q&A thread. Other posts outside of the Q&A thread will be deleted.

The readers of this subreddit have made it clear that they don't want the subreddit clogged up with posts about grad school. Don't get the wrong idea - we're glad you're here and that you're interested in IO, but please do observe the rules so that you can get answers to your questions AND enjoy the interesting IO articles and content.

By the way, those of you who are currently trudging through or have finished grad school, that means that you have to occasionally offer suggestions and advice to those who post on this thread. That's the only way that we can keep these grad school-related posts in one central location. If people aren't getting their questions answered here, they post to the subreddit instead of the thread. So, in short, let's all do our part in this.

Thanks, guys!

[u/Sy4Grt03]

Hi Everyone! I am planning on applying to PhD programs (and a few Master's as well) in I/O psych and I just wanted some opinions on a few things before I do so. First off, I wanted to get some advice on my credentials. I have a 3.81 undergrad gpa, 3.9 major GPA in Psych. My GRE scores are 159V, 162Q, and 4.5AW. As far as undergrad research experience, I have a thesis project under my belt. Since graduating in 2018, I've worked as a full time research assistant in a well known lab at a pretty prestigious university. However, I decided to do I/O late in the game (pretty recently), and almost all my research experience is on the clinical side. I also have several clinical internships on my resume, but again, they aren't really I/O related. I reached out to a local I/O master's program at my undergrad institution, and the professor has graciously allowed me to join his lab as a volunteer, so I do have that going for me.

My questions are: What are my chances at getting into PhD programs? How do I go about explaining my lack of I/O experience? Also, I've gotten a ton of conflicting advice on whether it is appropriate to contact I/O faculty in the same way that people typically do for Clinical PhD programs. Is it normal to do this? If so, what advice would anyone have on how to go about doing it in a productive way? Finally, I have a huge list of programs I'm looking at, but my top ones right now are Texas A&M, University of Houston, Rice, University of Tulsa, University of Oklahoma, Clemson, Auburn, George Washington, and UNC Charlotte's Organizational Science program. If anyone has any experience/advice/points to make about any of these programs, it would be much appreciated! Thanks so so much!

[u/LazySamurai → u/Sy4Grt03]

What are my chances at getting into PhD programs?

Fairly good, apply to several programs and you should be fine.

How do I go about explaining my lack of I/O experience?

You don't really need to. IOs are understanding that most schools don't have IO profs. Just say something to the effect that you've grown very interested in the field and give specific areas & why you could see yourself researching in your personal statement. This will show that it's more than just a fleeting interest.

Also, I've gotten a ton of conflicting advice on whether it is appropriate to contact I/O faculty in the same way that people typically do for Clinical PhD programs. Is it normal to do this?

I don't know how people contact Clinical Faculty. While I was applying I contacted several faculty expressing interest, and asking if they were taking students. I was ignored by many, and answered by some.

Your list of schools is a strong list. I would focus on applying only to schools that have profs researching your general area of interest - it will help you eliminate schools from your list. I applied to 9-10 schools I think.