freuduccino

@Concordia - I've heard that schools put the most weight on applicants' publication history and research experience. GRE scores don't necessarily take center stage. I'm not sure I understand your second comment... do you mean that I shouldn't let my lackluster scores force me out of applying to other programs? Or do you mean that I should not force myself out of my current program because, even with an improved CV, my GRE scores will prevent me from gaining acceptance elsewhere? @rising_star - That is a viable option that I have mulled over! However, I'm not sure if it would be helpful career-wise... my current program has an extremely poor track record of placing students into tenure-track positions, whereas the two dual programs have launched basically every graduate onto that path. The research I am doing here would also not translate well to feminist research, so I'm not sure that a certificate in women's studies would necessarily make sense.

Hi all, I've lurked around this site for a few years, but have never really participated. I'd like to see if anyone has insight re: transferring psych PhD programs. I have been out of undergrad for a few years and worked as a volunteer research assistant before applying to grad school this past Fall. I applied to twelve schools (including two dual PhD programs in social psych/women's studies), and was only extended one offer to a social psych program at a small university. The program and adviser fit is poor, but I ultimately accepted (the prof who took me in is a former student of a close mentor, which is the main reason I said yes). However, as time has gone by, I've realized that I really want the dual degree in women's studies/social psych-- and it is only offered at two schools in the country, both of which are highly ranked. I took the GRE in 2013 and earned not-so-great, but serviceable, scores (they meet the standard 1250 cutoff, if anyone is familiar with that criterion). I also did not have any publications during my application cycle last year, but now have a few first-author pubs in the works as well as upcoming conference presentations and involvement in professional societies. My question is: Would it be a horrible idea to re-apply to the two dual PhD programs only a few months into my first year of this program? And how would I go about discussing this with my adviser/asking him for a letter of rec? I was advised to at least stay in this program long enough to earn a master's degree, but my GRE scores will have reached their expiration date by that point (and I will not have time to study for them again while trying to do research and take classes). Also, for multiple reasons (e.g., financial), I cannot take a year off to study. Any advice or insight is highly appreciated! Thanks!