Retaking GRE

[JessHooi]

I've a score of 155 for Verbal, 153 for quantitative and 4 for analytical writing for my GRE general. I'm wondering if I need to retake the GRE or if I should just focus on my GRE psych and statement of purpose instead. Any thoughts?

[kaister]

I got a similar score. I've heard from some that this is enough for a cutoff for some programs and that stellar SOPs, LORs, etc would make up for it. I've also heard many recommending you reach at least a 75% percentile to be competitive. It's completely up to you. As for me, I decided to retake it, despite the time and agony it will cause me lol.

[JessHooi]

I decided to retake it as well.

[jmbrown88]

From what I've gathered, the psych GRE isn't really that important. It's pretty much just there for psych grad hopefuls who didn't major in psych but need to prove that their knowledgeable in psychology. I'd just focus on the GRE; furthermore, Magoosh and Nova's Math are exceptionally helpful resources. Hope any of what I just said helped.

[ChitownSVL]

I got similar scores. I am going to retake Nov 1

[JessHooi]

jmbrown88, thanks for your tips!!

[_kita]

I've taken the GREs twice because my math scores are horrendous, and realized that unless you have the time to devote to re-teaching yourself what you feel you may be lacking in, it's not really worth the headache. I'd suggest focusing on relationships with your recommenders and your personal statement. Also, look for a few programs that may not require the GRE if you feel that might be your Achilles heel. There are lot out there.

[grimmiae]

"also look for a few programs that don't require the GRE" I am sorry but what the hell? What reputable programs in neurological/developmental psychology do not require the GRE? It seems to me the the majority of schools that don't are professional schools who seem to exist to make money off of students who are willing to be in tremendous amounts of debt. My advice is take the time. You won't regret it. Get a better score and apply to programs that aren't bottom tier schools.

[firstsight]

What are those scores in the latest percentiles? Percentiles are more important than raw scores, from what I've heard. The big thing is having your application make any first cuts, so they can actually evaluate your package for /fit/. I'd say if you're above fifty percentile you have a greater likelihood of making a first cut than under -- because there *is* a psychological break between 49% and 50%. I had a score sub-fifty and retested to higher than fifty percentile in that. The $250 I spent to register, buy study materials and cart myself to the testing center two hours away is worth the peace of mind walking into the application season!

[_kita]

Gimmiae, you may very well be right about no programs being available that will specifically match Jesshooi's specific goals. That there may be none specifically under the label "PhD neurological/developmental". Because neuropsychology is pretty much straight to PhD's. I remember barely finding masters programs available as backups. And, kidding, even those programs weren't neuroscience specifically, but social psychology with a research lab in neuro-cognitive psychology. That being said, it does not mean that none exist and it's not worth looking into. Yet every adviser out there suggests not just applying to PhD programs right now because there are too many applicants to too few slots. And yes, you're right, a good deal of those "non-GRE" programs are crap.

That being said, there are some diamonds in the rough. I found programs at even Ivy league schools such as the University of Pennsylvania that do not require the GREs in their Biology, Chemistry, and other Psychology programs. Another such program is :

Columbia University (New York City) does not require the GRE for its Psychology in Education (M.A.), Education Psychology, Cognitive, Behavioral, and Developmental Analysis (Ed.M), Psychology-Developmental (M.A.), and Cognitive Studies in Education (M.A).

My main resource for these is here: http://ainsleydiduca.com/grad-schools-dont-require-gre/ I'm not sure what changes some of these programs may have made, but every program I've personally looked into seems to be right on par.

While I do agree with you that re-taking the GRE again is fantastic, I suggest that only as long as the person in question can and will devoted all the necessary resources to do it properly (both their money and time). If not, there are some other secondary choices that are available.

[grimmiae]

Well...I was responding to the OP. Not to people in general. Everyone is entilted to their opinion and we all have our own individual goals.

there was a thread similar to this... I agree whole heartedly with this advice.

"Every time somebody asks, "Should I (re)take the GRE?" it devolves into a discussion of the GRE's merits or lack thereof. The fact remains that to get in, you have to buy in to the system. For those who doesn't like the GRE, remember this thread in the future when you're sitting on an admission committee, or making admissions policy for your university. Until then, play the game, take the GRE, and score well, else you're limiting your chances to even get into graduate school." -Macchiato

succint and to the point. Beautiful.