Clinical Psychology GRE scores (Applying for Canadian schools)

[JoyJoy]

Hello, 

I took my first GRE test last week, my scores are: V: 159; Q:162; still waiting for my writing score. I want to apply for the PhD Clinical psychology program in most of the universities in Ontario, Canada (e.g., Western, UWaterloo, Queen's). I checked a few schools about their GRE requirements. 

For UWaterloo, the average scores were: V 156 and Q157 for the 2018-2019 academic year; V161 and Q157 for the 2017-2018 academic year. 

For Queen's university, the average were V158 and Q155 in general. 

I think I have a strong background in research. Three publications, 2 first authors and 1 second author; 2 first author manuscripts under-review; and more than 10 conference presentations. My goal was to get a 160+ verbal scores,  I studied very hard, but at the same time, I am also swamped by other tasks and responsibilities. I'm not sure whether I should retake the GRE to strengthen my application. I am very hesitant to take it again...... English is not my first language, so I have to spend extra time and efforts compared to native speakers to study it. 

Look forward to hearing your advice!

Thank you!

Joy

[higaisha]

I think you have nothing to be worried about, you sound like a very strong applicant and your scores are pretty much above average everywhere. Note that average scores fluctuate (sometimes quite drastically) year to year, and you'll be compared against the rest of the class applying that year, so its a matter of who you'll be competing against this cycle, not from years past. 

If schools are worried about your writing/verbal score, they can look at your SOP or writing samples to see what kind of a writer you are. 

[PsycUndergrad]

Your scores are fine. The GRE isn’t as important as it seems, especially for Canadian schools. You have very strong research experience so I wouldn’t worry unless you have a lower GPA or something. 

[JoyJoy]

16 minutes ago, PsycUndergrad said:

Your scores are fine. The GRE isn’t as important as it seems, especially for Canadian schools. You have very strong research experience so I wouldn’t worry unless you have a lower GPA or something. 

Thank you! My last 2 year undergraduate GPA is around 4 and for my Master courses, I got 3 As and 4A+. So I guess it should be fine. I have to stop pursuing perfectionism 

Edited October 2, 2018 by JoyJoy

[JoyJoy]

.

Edited October 3, 2018 by JoyJoy

[JoyJoy]

4 hours ago, higaisha said:

I think you have nothing to be worried about, you sound like a very strong applicant and your scores are pretty much above average everywhere. Note that average scores fluctuate (sometimes quite drastically) year to year, and you'll be compared against the rest of the class applying that year, so its a matter of who you'll be competing against this cycle, not from years past. 

If schools are worried about your writing/verbal score, they can look at your SOP or writing samples to see what kind of a writer you are. 

Thank you very much. I do think I need to spend time to prepare for other application materials rather than retaking GRE. 

 

•