Best Path to Get MA is Counseling
I have just graduated with a B.S. in psychology. Due to health conditions, I completed my degree through an online university, so I didn‘t get much mentorship. Now, I’ve graduated and I’m not sure what I’m doing. I would like to become a licensed therapist or clinical psychologist and eventually work toward having a private practice. I know clinical psychologists have a PhD, and honestly, I’m not sure I would be qualified to get into the program. I plan to do this at WVU because it is close, affordable and their programs seem decent. I’ve heard the priority is to get the license, regardless of what school it’s from.
I will not be applying to the program until January of 2027 to begin the program in Fall of ’27.
My cumulative GPA is around a 2.8, not as high as I‘d hoped. I haven’t done any research programs or internships, or volunteering. Is that something that would make a real difference? Would it be worth it to reach out to WVU and audit classes or take a few more before applying? Is the GRE worth taking?
I don’t want my GPA to be the only representation of my character, and the 2.8 GPA wasn’t because I was partying or being reckless, I was literally trying to take care of my health. I‘m a first generation college student and graduate, I worked throughout my college career while also managing an autoimmune disorder. I spent most of my degree learning on the fly, since no one around me had ever gotten that far. I just want to represent myself positively and I don’t know if that’s possible at this point? Any tips or advice is appreciated.