GRE Psychology Subject test

[bigworrier]

Hi everyone,

I'm wondering about how ETS sends scores to schools. (As the Oct 13. test date is approaching, I'm starting to get worries about what if I screw up the subject test).

My General GRE score is pretty decent, my concern is that if I screw up my subject test, I don't want my schools to see it. Is there a way of only sending the general GRE score to schools even when you have already taken the subject test?

Thanks a lot!

[psychdork]

ETS will only send your Psych GRE scores if you request them to be sent. For instance, most of my schools won't require the Psych GRE so I am only sending my subject test scores to the schools that do require it (I took the subject test back in 2009 I believe) and the rest of my schools will only see my General GRE scores. Now if you listed any schools for the four "free" score reports you get for taking the subject test then these schools will see your scores. But if you didn't list any schools, then no one will see your scores unless you specifically request that they see your scores.

Good luck!

[PsychGirl1]

I'm having the same stress! Also taking it on October 13, and I know I won't have any time to study. But yes, psychdork is on it- they only will send it to the places you request.

[bigworrier]

ETS will only send your Psych GRE scores if you request them to be sent. For instance, most of my schools won't require the Psych GRE so I am only sending my subject test scores to the schools that do require it (I took the subject test back in 2009 I believe) and the rest of my schools will only see my General GRE scores. Now if you listed any schools for the four "free" score reports you get for taking the subject test then these schools will see your scores. But if you didn't list any schools, then no one will see your scores unless you specifically request that they see your scores.

Good luck!

Thank you so much for your clarification!

[bigworrier]

I'm having the same stress! Also taking it on October 13, and I know I won't have any time to study. But yes, psychdork is on it- they only will send it to the places you request.

Good luck on the test! I'm just trying to use every free minute I have after work to study ...

[PsychGirl1]

Thanks! You too! I will probably study the day before hahaha (and no, not cause I'm cocky, but because I need 40 hours in a day! expecting less-than-stellar scores...).

[PsychGirl1]

Hope it went well for everyone! It wasn't as bad as I imagined but there were definitely some things on there I had never seen before- weren't in my review book or in my past psych classes! I'm just glad it's over. Sucks we won't get our scores before the November test, though, since I would consider re-taking it if my score is horrendous.

[DarwinAG]

It was actually more difficult than the practice test had me believe. Plus I found out last minute that you get dinged for incorrect answers. I must have overlooked that, so I ended up skipping 8 questions where I completely had no idea.

[PsychGirl1]

Yeah- I skipped about 5-6 questions. It took a lot of self-control, I hate skipping questions. Almost worst than the actual test is waiting for scores!

[PsychGirl1]

Scores come out tomorrow and I'm nervous! Although to be honest, I'm really not sure what I consider a "good" score versus a "bad" score- so that's making me doubly nervous. I only sent the scores to two schools that required it, but if I guess if I do well I should send it to me? Any thoughts on the cutoffs? (I've already looked at the avg scores of the two schools but they were wildly different since one is sort of my "backup" and one is a "stretch" school).

I've been checking the website pretty much every day since I took the test- I suck at waiting!

[DarwinAG]

Lewin gave some great advice in one of these threads. He said an important skill to learn in academia is the ability to turn or finish something and be able to let it go before you get results or feedback. There is no utility in worrying and waiting. I took his advice and been cultivating the letting go mindset ever since.

[PsychGirl1]

Good advice... harder to implement though! I've always been high-strung and horrendous at waiting. But I guess it will (maybe?) get easier over time!

[DarwinAG]

Question: Most social psyc programs don't require the Subject GRE. I did not do well on it at all, but I am still debating whether I should send it out. What percentile rank do you think would be the critical tipping point where it would help you more than hurt you?

[PsychGirl1]

Do any of them have averages for the subject GRE on their website? Some will include it on their website even if it's not a mandatory submission. It would be helpful for you to get a few data points before you make any decisions.

Here is what I had come up for rules with myself: anything below 600, I wouldn't send out unless required. 600-700 I'd probably send out but maybe not to the most competitive programs, who sometimes show averages in 750+. 700+ I'd probably send it out to everyone.