PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS FAQ

General Questions:

Are you taking a student next year?

Yes.

What type of applicant are you looking for?

We are seeking an applicant with a strong academic record, as evidenced by their GRE scores (a quantitative plus verbal sum of 1350 or greater is desirable), strength of undergraduate institution and GPA (3.5 or greater is preferred). In addition we look for outstanding letters of recommendation (from doctoral-level academic, research-oriented psychologists, if possible), high-quality research experience, and a statement of purpose that indicates an understanding of the realities of the field and their own specific area of interest. Topics such as outcome research, cognitive-behavior therapy, acceptance and mindfulness, and anxiety disorders are the focus of the lab, so an interest in one or more of these areas is usually important. In other words, we select students who we believe are the best “match” for our lab group. Other qualities that are sought are strong writing skills, initiative, creativity, and ambition.
 

How does the admissions process work?

Applications are due December 1, 2008; for application requirements and instructions see http://www.drexel.edu/coas/psychology/phd/prospectivestudents.html If you are interested in working in our lab group, be sure to indicate this on the Faculty Preference Form that you include with your application. Beginning in January, we review applications from those applicants who have indicated a desire to work in our lab (normally 100-125 people). Out of this set, 10-15 students are invited to Drexel for in-person interviews and an opportunity to meet faculty and students. Normally, one student per year is admitted into the doctoral program for this lab.

Will contacting you help my application, or demonstrate my interest in the program?

No. We receive so many emails and phone calls per week (100s), and so many applications (500+ total; 125+ to our lab), that we honestly do not have any way of remembering who has and who has not contacted us. We make decisions solely on the basis of the criteria described above. Please only contact us if you genuinely have a question that we can answer.
 

What are your active lab projects?

Active lab projects include an evaluation of acceptance-based behavior therapy treatment program for social anxiety disorder, an evaluation of an acceptance-based behavior therapy intervention for obesity, and a randomized controlled trial comparing standard cognitive therapy to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for mood and anxiety disorders. We are interested not only in outcome results from these clinical trials, but especially in analyses of potential mechanisms of action of these interventions. Other projects include basic work on processes underlying psychopathology, especially mood and anxiety disorders. For more information see [link to projects page]. We plan to continue these projects for the immediate future.

What can you tell me about applying to the MS Program?

We use somewhat less stringent criteria for selection to the MS Program, but most of what is stated above still applies. The MS Program is a good option for applicants who are research-focused, but either do not want to attend a Ph.D. program, or who are not yet competitive for a high-quality Ph.D. program. However, we do not view the MS program as a likely vehicle for transitioning to our own doctoral program.

Questions for Students:

Would you describe your program as more research-focused or more clinically-focused?

“I would describe the program as more research-focused in general; however, there are some clinical opportunities, even for master's students. Because of our lab’s focus on translational research, there are clinical opportunities that involve everything from treating clients to conducting intake assessments and follow-up phone calls. Even if there are no clinical opportunities available with your mentor, often times it is possible to work with another professor on his/her projects for these experiences.” –Jessica

“The program is a balance of research and clinical work, and is especially well suited to those who wish to pursue clinical research. The focus is leaning more toward research in recent years. Therefore, if you are interested solely in private practice, Drexel would not be a good match for you.” –Erica E.

What are your roles as graduate students in the Ph.D. program?

“Graduate students attend classes, conduct research, and participate in clinical practica. Students also have opportunities to teach and to perform administrative roles, such as Advanced Graduate Assistant positions.”
-Erica E.

What clinical opportunities are there? What is the clinical training like?

“Drexel's practicum opportunities are arguably one of the program's greatest strengths. Students are required to complete practica during their second and third years of the program and have the option to complete a practicum during their fourth year as well. There are close to 50 practicum sites that have a relationship with our program, so students have the opportunity to complete practica in a variety of settings in the Philadelphia metropolitan area (such as the University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, etc.). Students in the Herbert-Forman lab frequently do a practicum at Drexel's Student Counseling Center (Hahnemann campus), as it houses the ACT/CBT trial and provides the opportunity for students to learn both CBT and ACT.” –Katie

“There are a variety of great clinical opportunities available. Our lab has ongoing clinical research that provides students with a chance to take an active role in working with clients. Moreover, many of our individual projects are clinical in nature and so there is always a chance to get involved in multiple projects involving clinical work at any given time. In addition to the clinical work that is a part of our lab, the doctoral program also offers year-long placements at various clinical sites throughout the city as a part of the practicum requirement.” –Kim

Recent Practicum Training Experiences of Lab Members:

• Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania
• Institute for Addictive Disorders, Drexel University College of Medicine
• Rehabilitation, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
• Friends Hospital
• St. Christopher’s Hospital
• Delaware Psychiatric Center
• The Anxiety and Agoraphobia Treatment Center
• Student Counseling Center, Drexel University – Center City campus
• Student Counseling Center, Drexel University – Main campus
• CHOP Immunology Family Care Center
• Division of Hematology, Division of Neuro-Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Forensic Assessment Clinic, Drexel University

What is the joint mentorship experience like? How does it work?

“Having two mentors really works to our advantage. Dr. Herbert's and Dr. Forman's research styles compliment each other so well, and I always find it useful to seek out both of their advice. The fact that they work together as such a great team makes it so much easier to brainstorm for great research topics or ways to approach issues.” –Lily

“Having two mentors is extremely helpful because it means twice the amount of support and guidance. James and Evan work extremely well together. Both have similar interests and their styles complement each other. The joint lab meetings are both fun and productive. Officially, each student has one primary mentor and one secondary mentor. In practice, both James and Evan serve as primary mentors.” –Ethan

“As a masters student you are assigned primarily to one faculty member, but because of the joint mentorship you do have two faculty available to you. It is really a great experience to be able to work so closely with more than one mentor.” – Amanda

What are the funding opportunities? How does this affect your quality of life?

“Doctoral students receive a monthly stipend (September through June) in their first through fourth years of the program. Students also have the option of supplementing this income through paying practica, teaching classes (once they have their Master's degrees), or taking on an administrative role within the department. Due to financial constraints, I certainly eat at home most of the time and save money in other ways. However, by living frugally most of the time, I am able to indulge in the wonderful Philadelphia restaurant scene and attend live music events.” – Ethan

“I have been funded through the standard departmental stipend, practicum stipend, graduate assistantship, and fellowship. In addition, there are also teaching opportunities once a graduate student has his/her Master’s degree.” –Erica Y.

“Funding opportunities are limited in the master’s program, but available if you search hard enough. If you have been awarded any work-study money through your loans, you can apply for a work-study position within the psychology department. Some faculty members have more positions available than others.” –Amanda

“Being a graduate student can be stressful - especially during exam period. Once you become comfortable with the idea of being poor it makes things a lot easier. :)” –Jessica

“My quality of life is great--I have been able to enjoy both school and my personal life while at Drexel. There are, of course, periods of high stress, but these are balanced with plenty of opportunities to unwind and enjoy what the city has to offer. Many students are able to balance graduate school with family responsibilities, and the program is very flexible and understanding if you need to take time off for any reason. Students here are generally very happy and find time for both academic and non-academic pursuits.” –Erica E.

What is it like living in Philadelphia?

“Living in Philadelphia is awesome. You can basically walk everywhere you need to be or take the bus which is extremely easy to figure out. There are hundreds of restaurants, dozens of happy hours, concerts all the time, museums, parks, and of course, sporting events.” –Jessica

“Philadelphia is fantastic--the city offers many cultural, professional, and entertainment resources, and transportation is easy. If you prefer a less urban environment, many students live in the surrounding suburbs. Both the city and the surrounding area offer many unique opportunities.” –Erica E.