GRE Psychology & Master's Degree

[PsychGirl1]

Hey everyone-

I am currently enrolled in an M.S. program, and I'm planning to apply to PhD programs this fall. How important do you think the GRE psychology is? I've heard from a few other students that if you already have a master's degree in psychology, the GRE psychology recommendation/requirement is waived. I'll have to take it in October for this round of applications, which isn't ideal, but I'll do it if I have to :-). I know I could email schools to ask, but I haven't finalized (frankly, I haven't even started) my list of schools to apply to, and was wondering how much time to devote this summer to studying for the GRE subject test.

I think there has been past threads on this, but if anyone wants to throw in any suggestions to me for studying or taking the test, that would be fabulous too!

Thanks!

- Lisa

[Ennue]

Are you a good standardized test taker? If so, I'd say take the test. I had a M.S. and applied to a school with a Psychology GRE recommendation, and I took the test (I wanted to do everything I could to try to get in). I got a good score and ended up getting a scholarship for my first year - I'm sure my score on this test was a factor in that.

On the other hand, if you're not sure you'll get a good score or if you don't have time to study: check websites and email schools. So, you haven't finalized or started your list. You'll still have some idea of where you want to apply, right? Figure it out for the ones that are most important to you. If none of them require it, I don't think you'll need to take it. It's usually required for people with less psychology background. Unless your M.S. isn't in psychology, in which case I say: definitely take it.

Good luck!

[PsychGirl1]

I'm a good standardized test taker, but I feel like I'd have to put a lot of time in studying the basics again in order to get a great score (I took PSY 101 in 2004, if that gives you any indication). I've TA'd PSY101 since, but it's still a lot of stuff I'm not as familiar with now that my research has been more focused. So yeah, it's mostly just me figuring out if it's worth the time and cost, when I could be focusing on things such as getting publications and posters. I did make a list of all the potential schools I'm interested in, and only a small percentage requires the GRE psych. I guess I'll see if any of those end up on my short list :-). Thanks!