u/knockout9704

For reference, I am in my final year of college. I am applying to Clinical Psychology PsyD programs this semester that offer full tuition waiver if you secure an assistantship or at the very least low cost tuition. I'm considering PhD programs as well, but I genuinely do not enjoy research and don't see myself in academia.

I've been interning at research labs for a little over three semesters and volunteer at a psychiatric unit for adolescents. Additionally, I had an internship mentorning at-risk youth at a police department and other volunteer experience in hospitals.

As of now my GPA is a 3.725. If I make all As this semester it will be roughly around 3.744.

Is it even worth my time and money to take the GRE? It is optional for most of the schools I am applying to.

I have adequate research experience. As of now I volunteer as a cuddler in the NICU, but I want more applicable volunteer experience.

I thought about working as a Pediatric EMT since I got my license and certification last summer, but the shifts are from 7 am - 7 pm and I would have to relearn the content since it has almost been a year.

I was thinking of asking my volunteer coordinator if there any spots open at the psychiatric hospital.

Overall, which would look better for either a PhD or PsyD program?