Low GRE, high GPA?

[psygrad81]

Hello,

More of the same I'm afraid

I just took the GRE for the second time V: 560 Q: 560 AWA: 5.

I have an undergraduate GPA of 3.95, and a 4.0 in a masters program that I am finishing now.

I have significant research experience (including research coordinator to one of my department's labs), above and beyond that of other grad students in my current program. Hence, I have four very, very strong LORs.

One publication as first author, and one as second, currently in submission. One other publication in prep. Several conference poster presentations. Teaching experience as a TA, including several guest lectures.

Basically, I am applying to competitive schools, as that is all there really is in my geographic area and it is difficult for me to relocate too far.

I have one pre-application in-person interview at a top tier school, although I am afraid my GRE scores will ruin my chances.

Any comments or suggestions? Does anyone know of any exception-to-the-rule examples that might boost my confidence a little?

Thanks!

[milkshake22]

Hello,

More of the same I'm afraid

I just took the GRE for the second time V: 560 Q: 560 AWA: 5.

I have an undergraduate GPA of 3.95, and a 4.0 in a masters program that I am finishing now.

I have significant research experience (including research coordinator to one of my department's labs), above and beyond that of other grad students in my current program. Hence, I have four very, very strong LORs.

One publication as first author, and one as second, currently in submission. One other publication in prep. Several conference poster presentations. Teaching experience as a TA, including several guest lectures.

Basically, I am applying to competitive schools, as that is all there really is in my geographic area and it is difficult for me to relocate too far.

I have one pre-application in-person interview at a top tier school, although I am afraid my GRE scores will ruin my chances.

Any comments or suggestions? Does anyone know of any exception-to-the-rule examples that might boost my confidence a little?

Thanks!

Honestly, I would not worry at all. Your scores are not THAT low and the rest of your academic record looks solid. The only thing that low scores might impact would be merit-based scholarships.

[DrFaustus666]

Honestly, I would not worry at all. Your scores are not THAT low and the rest of your academic record looks solid. The only thing that low scores might impact would be merit-based scholarships.

I agree.

I looked up statistics from ETS (from the year 2002-2003). 560-V was 80th percentile for all psychology graduate students, and 560-Q was 58th percentile for all psychology graduate students. In a word, the verbal score is probably fine for all but the topmost-ranked universities, and the quantitative score, while not ideal, is probably OK if your coursework included plenty of heavy mathematics. (Then the AdComms will conclude that you simply had a bad day on GRE-Day.)

[TheDude]

What is your subfield?

I wouldn't say, "not to worry." This theme has been battered around this forum over the last 3 months, with psychology majors specifically.

You have great research experience. However, the trend has been if you aren't over 1200 you have some need for concern with some programs who might use a formula to toss apps before they look at them. This is why I ask the subfield. When you look in the APA grad school guide how many people typically apply to a program within the department? Is it 40 or 120? if the number is lower chances are you have a better shot at having your application looked at. If you are applying to clinical then those scores won't cut the mustard even with research experience, it will most likely be a different case with other programs. The pre-application interviews should help you too. In that case if a professor really likes you and has the cash you might get pulled from a pile, etc.

This is what I've been told by professors where I graduated, in interviews and people here.

I wouldn't sweat too much you have great stats aside from the GRE!

[DrFaustus666]

What is your subfield?

I wouldn't say, "not to worry." This theme has been battered around this forum over the last 3 months, with psychology majors specifically.

I stand corrected. I do remember those discussions, your post jogged my memory.

Slightly Off-Topic: Is this sharp upward trend of selectivity for prospective clinical psychology PhDs possibly activated by managed health care? That is, since social workers have largely replaced psychiatrists as psychotherapists in the last 20 years --- and maybe a large number of people who might otherwise become social workers are now applying for clinical psychology because it presumably promises better earnings?

[Mocha001]

I am in the same situation.

My undergraduate GPA was 3.9. By the way I am communication major (not mass media).

I mainly study human behavior like psychology.

I took the GRE and my verbal was 450 and quantitative was 780.

I was shocked.

Well, I am not a native speaker, but I expected my verbal score to be a little bit better than that.

[neuropsych76]

I stand corrected. I do remember those discussions, your post jogged my memory.

Slightly Off-Topic: Is this sharp upward trend of selectivity for prospective clinical psychology PhDs possibly activated by managed health care? That is, since social workers have largely replaced psychiatrists as psychotherapists in the last 20 years --- and maybe a large number of people who might otherwise become social workers are now applying for clinical psychology because it presumably promises better earnings?

This is definitely a part of it. The ironic part is that since social workers are cheaper and there are numerous research papers showing that there is no significant difference between education and success in therapy, I think that social workers will be in higher demand than psychologists in the future.

Continuing with my off topic reply, clinical psychology as a whole is looking a bit bleak for the future unless clinical psychologists specialize in health or neuropsychology for example. The earnings for clinical psychologists are going down and even psychological assessment is receiving less money. Furthermore, those who get online PhD's or degrees from professional schools are flooding the market while offering questionable training.

Anyway, the previous posters pretty much summed up what I would have said to the OP anyway The GRE is a nefarious test and it can remove otherwise qualified candidates from a large and competitive applicant pool.

[psygrad81]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I am not applying to clinical programs. I am interested in cognitive programs. I realize that many of the schools I am applying to may use GRE scores as a way to preliminarily sort through the many applications they receive. Which is why I am from the camp that firmly believes in the importance of contacting faculty members before submitting applications - which I have done. I have a few good contacts, and some general replies from people. But I definitely think (hope!) that making contact increases one's chances of not being passed over immediately due to low GREs. I am hoping this tactic works in my favor.

[neuropsych76]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I am not applying to clinical programs. I am interested in cognitive programs. I realize that many of the schools I am applying to may use GRE scores as a way to preliminarily sort through the many applications they receive. Which is why I am from the camp that firmly believes in the importance of contacting faculty members before submitting applications - which I have done. I have a few good contacts, and some general replies from people. But I definitely think (hope!) that making contact increases one's chances of not being passed over immediately due to low GREs. I am hoping this tactic works in my favor.

When I talked to a clinical faculty from a school that received 400+ applications he said he would look for my app even if my GRE score didnt make the "cut". That was really encouraging for me to hear coming from a clinical program. I changed my mind and decided to apply to cogneuro programs but since cogneuro programs have so many less applicants I have to think that even my average GRE score won't get me axed right away due to my contact.

In sum, yes I feel as though for psychology programs talking with professors ahead of time can only help. (though it won't make up if someone is a lousy applicant )

Good luck!