dreamingofubc-blog

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Struggles

It is definitely not an easy walk at times. Although I have support from loved ones, there isn’t much that anyone can do for me at this time to help me on my way. When I had wanted to become an elementary school teacher, I had a host of personal resources. Many family members and friends of family would have been willing and able to give me advice. But the path of becoming  a school psychologist is one that is dark.

Often times I feel as though I am walking down an unknown path with only a small candle and the hope that before this one burns out that another will be attainable. Just moving forward with little knowledge of where to make my next move or how. It can be a daunting task at times. I know that it could be worse though and I try to make use of any luxury or opportunity at my disposal.

At the moment, having a roof over my head is the biggest thing. Not having to worry about making rent payments helps out. In addition, I have so far encountered many friends and strangers willing to help in any way that they can. It is really very heart warming to know that strangers would be willing to help someone struggling and friends would be willing to reach out to connections that they have, simply for my benefit.

All I can do is try to be prepared, keep pushing forward, and hope that opportunity presents itself so that I may forge my path.

[dreamingofubc-blog]

Pre-application Experience Required

To be sure that I spend my time wisely and get the experience that I truly needed before applying for a Masters program, I emailed a person on the committee that reviews applications and decides who will be accepted.

I was, as expected, suggested to get experience in a research lab and with children.

(bold font emphasized by myself to highlight key points)

“We generally look for two types of experience specifically: research experience and work with children.

The best way to gain research experience, the kind that would lead to a poster or paper presentation or even better, to a publication, would be to get involved in a lab. Working with a professor who could eventually become your supervisor or at least attest to your research skills would be very well seen in your application.

The second kind of experience is the one acquired working with children. Most of our incoming students have been camp counsellors, teaching assistant or have direct experience working with children in an organised setting (as opposed to baby-sitting for instance). Knowledge of child development first hand is necessary as you will have to work with children of all ages very early in your program.”

This affirms what I had already suspected and I will continue on my search for the appropriate experience to prepare me for my eventual application to my dream school.

[dreamingofubc-blog]

Best Psychology Universities in Canada - 2017

10. York University

9. McMaster (tie)

8. University of Alberta (tie)

7. Dalhousie University

6. Queen’s University

5. Western University

4. University of Waterloo

3. McGill University

2. University of Toronto

1. University of British Columbia

http://www.macleans.ca/education/unirankings/best-psychology-universities-in-canada-2017-ranking/#

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Breakdown: School Psychology Master’s Admissions Requirements at UBC

Prerequisites

In addition to the minimum admission requirements set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies (normally, a four-year bachelor’s degree with a B+ average in third and fourth year-level course work) in a relevant area of study, students are required to meet the following pre-requisite requirements:

a minimum of 18 credits in Psychology, Educational Psychology or Special Education and related disciplines,

*Got it! - 51 credits in Psychology courses

Course work in statistics, and research methodology

*Got it! - Stats I & II, Intro to Research Methods, and Advanced Research in Psychology

evidence of suitability for professional work with school-aged populations, including successful work experience with school-aged populations, school-based experience and/or teacher certification.

*This one is complicated. I’ve worked with children my whole life, in different capacities: from helping in kindergarten classrooms during recess, doing CO-OP in an SK class during high school, to tutoring and babysitting. I’m not sure what they would consider. And, I don’t have any additional certificates (besides my yoga teacher certificate).

Students are required to complete the GRE with minimum scores of 153 in verbal and 144 in quantitative or 500 in both verbal and quantitative categories for GRE administrations before August 2011.

*This one I need to do

Applicants for whom English is not their primary language should write the GRE but inform the admissions committee of this fact. Minimum TOEFL scores are 600 (paper), 250 (computer-based) or 100 (internet-based: 22 Reading, 22 Writing, 25 Listening, 25 Speaking).

*English is definitely my first language

M.A. applicants are required to submit additional documentation that outlines their prior research experience, as well as potential research interests. Each applicant is encouraged to provide a sample of their professional writing (e.g. honours thesis, published manuscript, conference paper, etc).

*I have research done from my “Advanced Research in Psychology” course, but none since then. As for research interests, I’ll have to go over that in a different post; there are a few.

[dreamingofubc-blog]

Breakdown: General Admission Requirements for Master’s at UBC

MASTER’S PROGRAMS

Normally, applicants for a master’s degree program must hold the academic equivalent of a four-year bachelor’s degree from UBC including one of the following:

Bachelor of Arts with Honors majoring in Psychology, Minoring in Philosophy *Got it!

A minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC) in third- and fourth-year courses.

3rd and 4th level courses GPA: 6.36 (B), or last 60 credits GPA: 6.8 (B) *Either way, not quite up to requirements

Academic standing with at least 12 credits of third- or fourth-year courses in the A grade range (80% or higher at UBC) in the field of study.

PSYCH 4170 - Advanced Research in Psychology: 8.0 (A) *Missing a second

Alternatively, applicants who do not meet the requirements stated above, but who have had other significant formal training, relevant professional experience, and/or otherwise possess demonstrable knowledge or expertise that would prepare them adequately for successful study in a specific graduate program, may be granted admission on the recommendation of the appropriate graduate program and approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

*THIS is really what I need to build on since my grades aren’t up to snuff

Individuals of Aboriginal ancestry are particularly encouraged to apply. Please read the additional information for Aboriginal applicants to graduate programs.

*Not applicable

Note: Additional coursework outside the bachelor’s degree to improve a low GPA or to meet the 12 credit requirement, for example as unclassified student at UBC, can be taken into consideration based on a rationale from a specific program, but does not guarantee eligibility for admission.

*Have to email about this

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MASTER'S PROGRAMS

Normally, applicants for a master's degree program must hold the academic equivalent of a four-year bachelor's degree from UBC including one of the following:

A minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC) in third- and fourth-year courses.

Academic standing with at least 12 credits of third- or fourth-year courses in the A grade range (80% or higher at UBC) in the field of study.

Alternatively, applicants who do not meet the requirements stated above, but who have had other significant formal training, relevant professional experience, and/or otherwise possess demonstrable knowledge or expertise that would prepare them adequately for successful study in a specific graduate program, may be granted admission on the recommendation of the appropriate graduate program and approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Individuals of Aboriginal ancestry are particularly encouraged to apply. Please read the additional information for Aboriginal applicants to graduate programs.

Note: Additional coursework outside the bachelor's degree to improve a low GPA or to meet the 12 credit requirement, for example as unclassified student at UBC, can be taken into consideration based on a rationale from a specific program, but does not guarantee eligibility for admission.

DOCTORAL PROGRAMS

Applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) must have completed one of the following requirements prior to admission:

     1. In the case of the Ph.D., a master's degree (or equivalent) from an approved institution with clear evidence of research ability or potential; in the case of the D.M.A., a master's degree (or equivalent) from an approved institution with outstanding ability in musical performance or composition; in the case of the Ed.D., a master's degree from an approved institution.      2. A bachelor’s degree with one year of study in a master's program with 9 credits at the 500-level or above and of first class standing. Students entering the doctoral program after partial completion of the master’s degree must, during the first two years of study at the graduate level, complete a total of 12 credits with a first-class average (of which at least 9 credits must be at the 500-level or above and at least 9 credits must be of first-class standing) to maintain registration as a doctoral student. Also:

(for Ph.D.) clear evidence of research ability or potential;

(for Ph.D., Elementary Education) first class standing in Teacher Training or a B.Ed.;

(for Ed.D.) first class standing and first class standing in any required prerequisite work, and five years professional experience; or

(for D.M.A.) outstanding ability in performance or composition.

Transfer directly into a doctoral program is normally accomplished after completion of the first year of study at the master's level and will not be permitted after completion of the second year.

     3. In exceptional cases, applicants who hold a bachelor's degree with an overall average in the A grade range and who demonstrate advanced research ability may be granted direct admission to a doctoral degree program on recommendation of the admitting graduate program and approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Students entering directly from a bachelor's degree must, during the first two years of study, complete a total of 12 credits with a first class average, of which at least 9 credits must be at the 500-level or above and at least 9 credits must be of first class standing, to maintain registration as a doctoral student.

Individuals of Aboriginal ancestry are particularly encouraged to apply. Please read the additional information for Aboriginal applicants to graduate programs.

Please note: Given that the number of applicants exceeds the number of positions available, a record that satisfies basic entrance requirements does not guarantee admission to graduate studies.

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Prerequisites

In addition to the minimum admission requirements set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies (normally, a four-year bachelor’s degree with a B+ average in third and fourth year-level course work) in a relevant area of study, students are required to meet the following pre-requisite requirements:

a minimum of 18 credits in Psychology, Educational Psychology or Special Education and related disciplines,

Course work in statistics, and research methodology

evidence of suitability for professional work with school-aged populations, including successful work experience with school-aged populations, school-based experience and/or teacher certification.

Students are required to complete the GRE with minimum scores of 153 in verbal and 144 in quantitative or 500 in both verbal and quantitative categories for GRE administrations before August 2011.

Applicants for whom English is not their primary language should write the GRE but inform the admissions committee of this fact. Minimum TOEFL scores are 600 (paper), 250 (computer-based) or 100 (internet-based: 22 Reading, 22 Writing, 25 Listening, 25 Speaking).

M.A. applicants are required to submit additional documentation that outlines their prior research experience, as well as potential research interests. Each applicant is encouraged to provide a sample of their professional writing (e.g. honours thesis, published manuscript, conference paper, etc).

Mandatory Criminal Record Checks:  All School Psychology students MUST have a criminal record check completed through the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Teacher Education Office prior to the start of classes.  The application DEADLINE to authorize the Criminal Records Check is August 31 to allow sufficient time for the results to be returned to the Practicum and Internship Coordinator prior to beginning practicum placements in the schools in September.  The criminal record check CANNOT be done at a local police station or RCMP office. Learn more about Criminal Record Checks.

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My top choice of program.

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Context

This is a blog for me to track my pursuit of UBC. Since hearing about School Psychology, I thought it would merge my inclinations towards education, learning, and helping others learn with a newer (at the time) love for psychology.  

When I was applying for my Undergraduate degree, I didn’t want to go to post-secondary just yet. However, parent-pressure, getting early-acceptance, and some funding from the school encouraged me to start. I had a choice of any of the three programs I had applied for: Child development, Psychology, and another one I can't quite remember. I wanted to become an elementary school teacher and hoped that a major in psychology would help me learn how to best teach my future students.

As my undergrad continued, there were less and less jobs in teaching; all the while, I was falling more any more in love with psychology. Fast forward to my third year, second semester. One day, at the beginning of an Educational Psychology lecture, the prof mentioned “School Psychology” and it really got my attention. I waited until after lecture to ask him about this field that I was unaware even existed. He said there were even jobs open for it. Considering the career that I’d always envisioned myself working in was not hiring much, this was refreshingly encouraging. I still had some research to do to make sure that this new career was even something that I would really enjoy.

I liked a lot of what I heard, though found it difficult to find much information about it through Canadian sites. Most information was based out of the US and majority of the programs were also in the US. 

Challenges in my home front grew as I moved back home from being in residence for one year, my third year. I ended up finishing my undergrad in 5 years, working 20+ hours a week when I was a full time student, more still when I was part time in the final year.

Looking back, I wish I worked less and spent more time trying to get a foot in the door of professors who could give me experience. I have learned that this experience is extremely hard to come by if you have no prior experience and your undergrad is completed. Specifically, research assistant experience.

Relationship issues became unavoidable once school was done. Come fall, I had to break up with my boyfriend of almost 4 years. Overwhelmed and unsettled, I looked to an activity that had calmed and had centred me in the past: yoga. My practice and clarity grew.

I knew that yoga was something that I had to invest more of myself in. I knew that I had to invest more in myself, actually. And I did; I stopped waiting on other people to be able to enjoy the things I wanted to enjoy in life. Though I prefer to share the experience with another, I knew that I needed to be abel to share them with myself regardless. I became a certified yoga teacher, I took myself on dates to the beach (my happy place), and I began on my journey to myself.

Two years have past since I graduated with my undergraduate degree. I have learned more about myself and have decided what I would like to do and where I would like to go.

UBC for School Psychology.

Now for the hard part, getting myself and my application ready for acceptance.