WeCanDoThis2016

Hello GradCafe! - I applied a couple seasons ago for a PhD in I/O psych and got rejected across the board. I feel as though a lack of research experience and poor GREs were to blame. I want to re-apply either this year or (most likely) next year. Can someone help me figure out my GRE situation? GPA is 3.98, research with well-known I/O psychologists/professors at the school I want to apply to. ONLY problem is my GRE scores STINK! First attempt 148V 156Q 5.0AW Second attempt 149V 154Q 5.0AW. Do you guys think these scores might be good enough to apply this year? Or should I wait another year? I am having so much trouble deciding it's literally giving me an ulcer. Any help/thoughts much appreciated!

I agree this process is brutal, but all the more worth it when we finally receive an acceptance right?! Even though this board has been so helpful in determining some of the criteria needed to get into a grad program it still feels so sporadic and there are so many factors we couldn't possibly fathom when each member of a committee reads our apps! Don't worry for those rejected across the board, we will get in at some point right? Staying positive for now and congrats to those that got acceptances this year!

Yeah i think anything that signals you are able to do research is the main point, which usually is done through posters/publications. However there can be other ways to do that as well i've seen. Most importantly i feel as though the GRE is the main tool of getting at least looked at in grad school admissions (sad but true). SocialHealth - That is good to know that interviewers asked about previous experience with them both! One of my interviewers this year did not ask about any research i've done, but i think it also depends on what type of program and that particular school. Congrats on your acceptance this year! Is it your first year applying? To Social Psych i assume?

Hi Everyone! I thought it might be helpful for students thinking about applying, or students who have already applied to see how big an emphasis is put on poster presentation and publication experience in PhD programs in psychology before the student applies to graduate programs. It would be awesome to see how this poll turns out! Thanks fellow researchers!