What is a good GRE score for Internationale students?

[Marina S]

Hello everyone,

I'm interested in applying for Phd programs in clinical/educational/developmental psychology,

in Canada (Some of my choices are Mecgil, University of western ontario, Ottawa, British Columbia and more).

A little bit of background on me:

I'm an international student (well I hope to be), right now during my MA in educational psy in my country.

I have good clinical and research experience (Will be presenting a paper in progress in an international conference in Europe this summer).

My psychology GPA (from the BA) is 3.94 and the general GPA is 3.95.

My GRE scores are 158 verbal (79%) 153 quant (65%) and 3.5 (29%) analytical writing.

My question is whether the AW score is important or is it just a formality?

I'm really disappointed with this score, wasn't expecting it. I know my qunt isn't that great either, but it's my weak spot, so I was expecting to do worse. Is it really low for Psychology or is it fine?

I haven't taken the TOFEL yet, but I'm quite sure it will be high, I've done some practice tests and it's really easy.

I will appreciate greatly any advice about the specific questions I asked and about my overall chances.

Thanks!!!

Edited May 17, 2012 by Marina S

[1FJG]

AW score is just a formality to many science programs, but then 3.5 (29%) may potentially hurt your application. AW is more about using critical thinking/logic to analyze a specific discussion/topic. If I were you I would retake it.

[BrianM]

I too will be applying to clinical psych programs.

I think your doing well. Some programs would want 600 on each sections, which I think is about 156 or something on verbal and Q.

But they should be looking at your overall package unless you apply to a school that gets hundreds of applicants. Then some schools, I have heard, use your GREs as a cut off.

[Marina S]

Thanks for the answers.

Unfortunately, I don't have time to retake the GRE.

But understanding a little bit more about the criteria can help me decide to which schools

I want to apply.