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20 Applications, 1 Perfect Fit: Autumn's Journey to Regina
- Tushinka Pereira
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
“Inside Clinical” Series, Episode 3
By Tushinka Pereira, Undergraduate Psychology Student (University of Waterloo) & Dr. John Lee, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology (University of Waterloo)
With Autumn Brambell, M.Sc. Candidate in Clinical Psychology (University of Regina)
Getting into a clinical psychology program today is not an easy task. Applications are competitive, expectations are high, and the journey can feel pretty overwhelming to students planning on applying to this program. That’s why the Inside Clinical series shares real stories of students who’ve recently made it, showing not just the end result but the rollercoaster ride it took to get there.
In this episode, we meet Autumn Brambell, a student from Waterloo, Ontario, who applied to 20 clinical psychology programs, faced numerous obstacles along the way, and ultimately chose the University of Regina where the supervisor and training model felt like THE perfect fit.
Meet Autumn
Autumn Brambell grew up in Waterloo, Ontario, and completed her undergraduate degree at Wilfrid Laurier University. At the start of her undergraduate journey, Autumn knew she was interested in psychology but wasn’t yet sure where it would take her. Her Honours Thesis solidified this direction, allowing her to explore how coping strategies affect well-being among populations in high-stress roles.
"I realized I wanted to be in a place where my work could actually support people, where research isn’t just academic, but has real-world impact"
During her undergraduate years, she balanced research assistant roles, lab management, and volunteering in mental health settings. These experiences not only strengthened her applications but also helped her clarify what she truly wanted in a graduate program: a supportive mentorship environment, opportunities for hands-on clinical work, and research that could make a tangible difference. Beyond academics, Autumn enjoys connecting with peers, exploring new cities, and mentoring undergraduates herself, which is a practice she finds deeply rewarding in her own journey.
Finding Fit in Research and Training
By the time she was applying to graduate school, she was determined to find a program that combined rigorous scientific training with hands-on clinical experience. She found that balance at the University of Regina, where she joined Dr. Nick Carleton’s PTSS Lab. There, she investigates well-being, coping, and social anxiety among public safety personnel, including RCMP officers, paramedics, and firefighters. Her work on maladaptive coping strategies, such as alcohol use in response to stress, directly informs real-world interventions.
"We’re not just studying theories, we’re supporting people in high-risk roles. The work can shape interventions and support programs."
The Application Marathon
Applying to 20 programs might sound intense - and it was - but Autumn made it work with careful planning. She began researching schools the summer before applications were due, building a spreadsheet to track requirements and deadlines, while also drafting a “skeleton” statement of intent she could customize for each program.
Autumn stresses the importance of reaching out to potential supervisors early, ideally in July or August, with short, focused emails about research fit. And while applying widely was part of her plan, it was never random; she only applied to programs she could genuinely see herself attending. That mindset paid off when she interviewed at the University of Waterloo and the University of Saskatchewan, but found her true fit at the University of Regina.
Along the way, securing the CGS-M (Canadian Graduate Scholarship–Master’s) boosted her confidence and even led to another offer later in the process, proving that funding really can open doors.
Building a Profile Without Publications
Like many students, Autumn didn’t have publications going into her applications, but that didn’t stop her. She highlighted her research potential by putting RA roles, her Honours thesis, and experience as a lab manager front and center on her CV. Volunteering in mental-health-related roles added another layer of commitment.
“Committees look for potential, so highlight what you do have and what it says about how you’ll grow.”
Grades also factored in, but not in the all-or-nothing way many students fear. While many programs use GPA cutoffs (often around an A-), growth and context matter. An upward trend can outweigh a rocky start, and even weak spots, like a low statistics grade, can be reframed if you show how you’ve improved through hands-on analysis and coursework.
Myths and Facts Every Applicant Should Know
Perhaps the most refreshing part of Autumn’s story is how she challenges the myths that so often scare prospective applicants.
Bad first-year grades don’t ruin your chances if you can show growth.
Not having clinical volunteering doesn’t disqualify you when strong research and references carry weight.
Switching undergraduate supervisors isn’t a red flag, it can actually demonstrate a better mentorship fit.
You don’t always need a master’s before a PhD, it depends on the program.
GPA isn’t the centerpiece of an interview, because interviews test fit and potential.
Statements of intent shouldn’t just rattle off research techniques; they should tell the story of your motivation and trajectory.
And applying straight from undergrad isn’t always best, sometimes taking time to grow makes you a stronger candidate.
The one fact she insists everyone remembers is that feeling nervous in interviews is completely normal. Preparation is what keeps nerves from running the show.
Mentorship and Moving Forward
Mentorship has been central to Autumn’s journey. Her mentor, Sydney Austin, boosted her confidence, provided practical guidance, and even shared email templates for contacting supervisors. Sydney helped Autumn strategize early communication with potential supervisors and offered reassurance during stressful parts of the application process.
Inspired by this support, Autumn now mentors undergraduates herself through the CPA Graduate Mentor Program, passing along the lessons she learned. She encourages students to reach out early:
"Don’t wait until you’re in crisis to connect with mentors. Build connections with graduate students, professors, and TAs. Mentorship doesn’t need to be formal to be life-changing."
Moving provinces for graduate school was a big leap, but Autumn has found Regina’s community collaborative and supportive. Graduate orientation smoothed her transition, and her cohort quickly became a team that shares resources, collaborates on papers, and helps each other thrive.
"Grad school isn’t a cutthroat race; it’s a cohort. Once you’re in, you’re in. We help each other succeed."
This collaborative environment has helped Autumn settle into her new home province and focus on both her academic and personal growth.
Final Encouragement
Great read!