What is the average age of a clinical psychology grad student?

Question

I'm wondering how old most students are when beginning the program. I realize that many go right after finishing undergrad, while many others take some time off.

The problem for me with taking time off, however, is this: I graduated in May with a BA. I really wanted a year to relax. However, if I want to return to school in Fall 09, I have to be on top of applications RIGHT NOW. The app. process is difficult, so "one year off" really seems to mean begin applying in 2009, start school in 2010.

In the end, I worry that the two years off will make it difficult to get accepted. In Fall of 2010, I will be 24. Am I falling behind?

Answer 1

You are not falling behind.  In my clinical psychology incoming class of 12, only about half when straight from undergraduate.  The other half ranged anywhere from age 23 to 30 and we were a younger class.  Some people wait 15 years and work in the real world for awhile.  In the end, if you don't have much research or clinical experience, it might be helpful to wait a year or two and get some more experience.  Clinical psychology is tough to get into, so you need as much going for you as possible.