1. Since I was about 16 I wanted to be a clinical psychologist. It was my main goal since then.

2. I'm not sure!

3. Yes Clinical Psychology is about 80% women. Probably lots of societal factors explain that difference. I don't think being a man or woman is a benefit or weakness.

4. I taught myself R to do the statistical analysis for my dissertation and I really enjoyed it. I figured if I could teach myself R during an undergraduate dissertation, that I could learn enough to become a data analyst, and from there transition into data science. I have no idea how realistic it was, but I think it would have worked if I put my mind to it.

On that note, if you are interested in quantitative analysis/maths I would recommend doing further learning yourself where possible. If you are a mature student does that mean you live at home as opposed to rooming with students? I lived at home and I think this gave me a good advantage over my peers. I wasn't surrounded by alcohol and drama and noise. This gave me the opportunity to work much harder. This is why I was able to do extracurricular reading and learn skills such as R. There's a great course by Daniel Lakens online about p-values and frequentist statistics. If you go through it you will end up knowing more than not just your peers, but a lot of the lecturers and clinical psychologists too. This then allows you an extra perspective in being able to critique research which is a really important skill in psychology.

On the topic of career, it depends on your goals. Spending another 6-10 years to become a clinical psychologist can sound daunting, but you need to reframe it. You will be spending that time learning really valuable skills, earning some money (most roles are band 5 so ~27k). For example, to some people being a PWP is their entire career. Or some will progress to Senior PWP and Band 6. There's also a new role as a Clinical Associate Applied Practitioner (or something like that), which is Band 6 (or Band 7 in Wales) and can function as a career or a step to Clinical Psychology (although like a pwp, locks you in for 2 years).

P.s I've mentioned a lot about working hard, but I also spent a lot of time doing other things like gaming, watching football, going on walks, etc. You need a work life balance.

Everyone looks at the pay and compares it to to average, but then completely ignore the fact that:

• this is often after a decade of gaining experience

• these also include some of the highest performing academically capable people

I'm privileged to be in a role with almost guaranteed progression to earning about £60k. But at the same time, I could earn most twice that if I'd gone into Data Science and worked for a private company. Or even just moved to Canada doing the same job!

Damn that sucks. PWP is still a great job for experience but being locked in makes it hard to recommend when the stress can be unhealthy.

It is competitive but if it's what you want to do I'd still encourage going for it. There are many other job routes other than Clinical Psychology if it doesn't work out. You can become a CBT therapist, or look at a Health Psychology route, or a PhD if you like research. I think I'd have kept trying for the doctorate if I hadn't got on at least for a few more years (I know some people that take 5+ attempts to get on).

My backup career outside mental health was data analysis/data science, or some research position.

Don't worry too much if you don't get a first. As long as you can show you're academically capable, that's what's needed. Experience + clinical skills are what most institutions look for.

Support worker is good experience prior to being an AP.

Research assistant can also be good experience

If you are UK based:

• Get a degree that gives GBC. I think every Psychology undergraduate degree is BPs accredited and gives GBC, but if yours isn't you'll have to complete a Masters that does give GBC.

• try to get a 2:1 or higher. It is not impossible to become a clin psych with a 2:2 but it's much harder. Some universities would only offer you a place if you have a "high 2:1 or better".

• if you get a 1st class honours that's great, focus on clinical experience. Assistant Psychologist roles are the best route for this, but Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner is also another valued role. Although just to warn you, the latter is associated with high levels of stress and burnout and there's some talk of "locking" trainees into the role, meaning they can't leave for 2 years post-qualification. Research assistant roles can also be good for research experience. Just to warn you that these roles are very competitive amd you will likely need experience prior to getting them e.g as a support worker. If financially feasible you could also get experience in a voluntary role.

• if you don't get a 1st class honours (I.e 2:1 or 2:2), I'd suggest following the previous steps but maybe also consider doing a Masters to further prove your academic competence.

• choose which courses you want to apply for purposefully. Some may have entry requirements that don't suit you. For example a couple institutions count your A level results, some require you to take tests of GMA, etc.

• be prepared for a really competitive field. I'd only recommend it if you are truly passionate and focused on it as a career. I'd say most people are looking at 3-4 years minimum of experience after undergraduate before they get onto the course, which is then another 3 years. I was fortunate to get onto the course with "only" 2.5 years of experience. Most of my colleagues have more.