<p>Hi, parents,</p>
<p>I’m trying to devise a back-up plan if I don’t get into grad school this year (School Psych PhD). I’m guaranteed .5 FTE at my current Research Assistant job (written into a grant) and could probably pick up some more hours from other people if I scramble. I would have good housing and decent health insurance through the school. I really like my current lab–my PI is excellent and awesome at getting us on publications and presentations, and the work is close-ish to what I’m applying to study.</p>
<p>The other option is a terminal, funded MA in Experimental/General Psych (at a different university). It likely won’t be such a good fit for my area, but it would give me diversity of education. I’d continue clinical/child volunteering at either/</p>
<p>My research background is fairly strong–2.5 years of experience in psych labs, multiple theses, national conference posters/presentations, one peer-reviewed article (with several more in the prep/submital stages, etc.) and my clinical experience is fairly strong, though my CV definitely leans strongly toward research. GPA’s competitive (3.7-3.8 range) and GREs are good for the programs I want.</p>
<p>If any or therir child has gone either route, your opinions would be much welcomed (though hopefully, I’ll get in some where and it will be a moot point! 
)</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>