Hello all -
I am looking into returning to school to pursue a career in clinical neuropsychology at the age of 40. After completing a BA in psychology in 2008, I took time off from school to work at a neurology clinic hoping to get some exposure to their npsy department before looking at grad school... and never went back to school. I worked in clinical support, admin, and a few years ago took what was likely a professional step back, away from the admin track, to take a position as a psychometrist in the npsy department working with some amazing neuropsychologists - all at this same neurology clinic. I love this work and don't regret it in the least, knowing that I was coming in topped out at psychometrist salary, vs. potential future increases or directorship in admin.
Although BA classes included courses like intro to npsy, cognitive psych, sensation/perception, etc. - there was not much of a research component. Final seminar was in Positive Psychology. Attended a private university with an academic Presidential Scholarship.
Due to some personal struggles with mental health for about a year and a half during undergrad, my GPA at graduation was about 3.3 (psych GPA 3.64) but I finished my last 11 classes/44 credits with an average 3.8 which is more reflective of my academic history prior to that stretch.
Personal experience with agenesis of the corpus callosum (brother) and caring deeply for a child born with an occipital encephalocoele (among other conditions) that really drove my interest in this area early in life.
Since I have been out of school for so long, would it be worth it to take the GRE or Subject test to demonstrate preparedness to jump back into school, even if not required by programs I am looking at?
I have spoken to the two npsy doctors I work with and both are supportive and believe I would be a successful candidate. I anticipate strong LORs from each of them, and will likely also ask a neurologist I worked closely with for my third letter.
Is there anything else I should be trying to do at this time to boost my CV? Does the above sound at all like I could be a competitive prospect? I'm working full time as a psychometrist but financial changes in my household coming this winter should allow me to either stop or cut way back on work by fall 2027 so that I can return to full time school.
Thank you in advance for any input!