Jacquelyn's Space

Serene Forest on Mackinac Island

Serenity now…

Another reason why I am anxious today is I am starting to investigate grad schools. I told myself not to get anxious, take it slow, one thing at a time but it is hard not to think and worry about all the possibilities, good and bad. I have a plan in my head on how everything should play out but of course nothing ever goes according to plan. Case in point – I had planned to have graduated with my bachelors already but I got sidetracked thinking about 2 degrees.

I almost did apply for graduation this past week (and I have to apply by the 31st of January) but getting 2 bachelor degrees is still on my mind and I stopped myself. That and the fact I am planning on being around UM-Flint next year while I study for the GRE, get some more  research experience, and become more involved with Psi Chi.  I decided to go see an counselor first.

I talked to the counselor and I only need 2 more semesters after this one to get a Bachelor of Arts in English – Specialization in Writing, in addition to my Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I want it so bad!! I don’t know if it will make me more employable or more desirable to grad schools but since I am going to be around anyway…

I think I am going to go for it. I just wrestle with the fact that I want to graduate soon though. Plus I hope I can fit everything in that I want to do. I was hoping to take in easier next fall while I study for the GRE and apply to Grad school. That is a job in itself. But I think if I start lining up all the info now, start getting all the applications and required paperwork ready little by little I may be able to do it.

Because of that I started looking at all the APA accredited Clinical Psychology programs in the country and I narrowed it down to ones in Michigan and also in states closest to me. You have to keep an open mind when applying to grad school because the programs are so competitive (A professor told me getting into medical school is easier). I have a 7 page list of schools/programs I need to research (the list of programs in the country is like 30 pages long!). There are only 7 doctoral programs in Michigan, 6 of which I plan to apply to. I hope I get into one because having to leave the state would be so much harder, and more expensive. That is what makes me anxious.

My age also makes me anxious. Of course programs can’t discriminate but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it doesn’t happen. That is on my mind and simply my ability to do it – will I have the time and the psychological and physical resources? The counselor I talked to about getting my English degree, I happened to ask her what her degree was and where she got it, etc. She has a Masters in Counseling. She said she decided to get that (I guess she graduated with it in 2006) and not pursue a doctorate because of her age. I found out she is a year younger than me!

I want a doctorate though. I think it will bring more opportunities. That is my hope. I think it has to be a PhD and not a PsyD too. I am more suited to a PsyD but again the PhD allows for more opportunities in the long run. I just need to find the right program.

So with all that in mind, I think my plan is:

Slowly research grad programs/visit campuses/get paperwork in order

Study for the GRE

Get through this semester

Get to know the faculty better

Get involved in research

Get more involved with Psi Chi

Study for the GRE

Apply to the English program

Apply to the Honors Program

Apply to Sigma Tau Delta (English Honor Society)

Study for the GRE

Attend UM-Flint next year while I…

get more research expereince

Study for the GRE

Take GRE in October 2011

Apply to grad school (Michigan programs first)

Whew!! Anxiety level is high. Can I accomplish all that?  We’ll see…. I certainly intend to try.

Serenity now, serenity now…

Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes

Oh well, I can always fall back on my back up plans if I don’t get into doctoral program – Masters degree in counseling, and/or P.A. school OR law school. No worries, LOL.