Sarahmarie

So what if you have an awesome GPA but did mediocre on the GRE? I have a 3.81 GPA with a 4.0 in my major. I am also in the Honors program. However, I got a V-162 Q-148 (YUCK!) and AW 4.5 (I really thought I did better on the writing too). Any thoughts on how that might look to a funding decision maker? A lot of my programs will depend on my getting some decent funding to be able to attend. Otherwise I will be stuck at a state school...not my first choice!

Now that all my applications are submitted I have been pondering what I will do when I start (hopefully) receiving acceptance letters. My honors professor (who wrote several LOR's for me) gave me a talk today about taking on too much debt to go to a prestigious school. Will I choose my dream school even though I may rack up significant debt for a profession that may not pay a great salary? Or will I go somewhere I am not 1000% excited about for financial reasons? Or maybe there is another way? The National Health Service Corps offers loan forgiveness/repayment programs for LMHC's, LMFT's, and clinical/counseling psychologists if they work for at least 2 years in an "underserved" area. Has anyone heard of these programs? Considered them? Know anyone who has?

I am in a similar boat - did very well on the verbal but the math was disappointing. I am applying to master's programs though and it looks to me like there is a distinct difference between the minimum score reqs for M.A versus PhD. My GPA is 3.81/ 4.0 in major. I think (hope?) that will offset the so so quant score. Lucky for me my top two schools didn't even require the GRE so....we will see. I am just happy to be done with it.

I took the test today and it showed my actual score...no range like other students have reported. It didn't show the AWA obviously but I was surprised to get actual numbers instead of a range...I wonder if they are accurate?

Can you bring your school codes in with you or do you have to use their database (or memory)?

The GRE issue is true! I had professors look at me like I was crazy when I told them. Of course it is for the masters only. PhD applicants still have to submit the GRE. I have tried the "finding students" idea...I gave up after a few people didn't respond. Plus I have just been so tied up with getting all my apps finished plus my classes this term I haven't had the time to pursue it at length. Even though I am applying to other schools...I am just so intrigued by going to school in NYC I have already downloaded subway map applications to my i Touch, etc. Thanks for the forum link!

Anyone have any thoughts on which is the better program in terms of faculty, class size, etc?

Thanks so much for the advice!

I had heard the same things about Columbia and NYU but so far, my contact with TC in particular has been fine. I participated in an online chat several weeks ago and it was very productive and the admins were very courteous in answering all kinds of questions. Also, I emailed an admissions counselor and she called me the next day to discuss the program. I continue to communicate with her via email regarding different issues and she has been pleasant. I haven't had much contact with NYU yet.

Samblues- I am going through the same thing...every school's application process feels like a separate project plus I am doing my senior comps and an honors course this term! I am applying to Columbia, NYU, Boston College, Wake Forest, William and Mary, GWU, and USF. Columbia is my top choice as well. I plan on going on for my PhD but want to get my feet wet in the masters. I really have no research experience so I probably would have gotten laughed at if I applied straight to a PhD program. I would like to practice after graduation and investigate PhD programs while I gain some real world experience. If we all end up at Columbia we should be roomies...haha! Thanks Gvh for starting this thread

Joe- From the financial perspective, I know that ETS (the company that gives the GRE) gives a certain number of Fee Reduction Waivers to every school's Financial Aid department. If your estimated family contribution on your FAFSA is $1800 or less, they can give you a waiver for a 50% reduction in the fee for the test. If that applies to you, contact your school's fin aid and ask about it. The info is also on the ETS website here http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/fees/reductions/

Thanks for the advice. This alumnus is an adjunct professor and is probably not in the best position to eval me anyway. I only had her for one class and she is a business leader in real life (academia is a side gig for her). When I asked about the letter she said she would be happy to but then proceeded to ask what it should include, etc. so my indication now is that the letter would not be as strong as from a professor who has had me for several courses and knows how to write the letter at least! I just was momentarily blinded by the alumni label...You just reinforced my feelings. Thanks again!

So I am just curious...which do you think would be better received as an LOR: a Masters Level alumnus of the University I am applying to who is an adjunct at my undergrad institution OR a PhD professor in my undergrad department who has no connection to the University I am applying to? I guess I always thought getting a reference from alumni would up my chances but now I am not so sure...Thoughts?

Forgive me if this has been posted before but if looking for a place off campus what are the best areas in the outer boroughs to commute from for NYU and Columbia. I know the schools are in different areas of Manhattan so what would be a better place to look for each school. I am just not familiar with the subway/bus lines and which areas are connected the best. I am finding that living IN Manhattan may be out of my price range, depending on the aid I get. Any ideas? Thanks so much!

I will...I just found this site today and I have been combing through it for hours Thanks for the info!

Hi all! Applying to Counseling Psych M.A/Ed.M programs for Fall 2012. Great to find this forum with so many others!

Are "full rides" ever offered for master's level programs?

I am interested in swapping as well. Human Development background here applying to Counseling Psych programs. PM me if interested!

I am applying to several masters programs and I am confused as to whether or not a masters offers the same "stipend" allowances that doctoral degrees get...the FA counselor at my top choice school told me that they are very generous with their aid and they budget in approx. 30,000 into COA for room/board/expenses. This is for Columbia in NYC. I am just curious how stipends work - are they for PhD's only or can master's students get them as well?