Fall 2013 I/O Psychology Applicant - Tips/Advice/Information?

[polack009]

Hello all, I am new to these forums. I thought I would create a post, soliciting information and/or advice about some I/O (Master's) programs since it seems like others have done the same.

Over the last year or so, I have developed a strong interest in the psychology of the workplace. I find the field so very intriguing and I am genuinely excited when it comes to learning about it in my classes (HR and psychology classes). I love learning about the fundamentals aspects human behavior and its relationship to organizations. Because of this, I want to further my studies in the field.

My background:

I am currently a senior at a moderately-sized liberal arts university in Mississippi. I will graduate with a major in Human Resources Management and a minor in Spanish (about 35 credit hours). I will graduate with an approximate ~3.55-3.6 GPA in May. I just took the GRE last week and scored a 158V and a 150Q and do not know my AWA nor exact percentiles yet. (I am worried about my GRE quantitative score; that is why I mainly posted on here). Also, one of my professors (that is an I/O Psychologist) just invited me to work on some research that she and her colleagues are currently completing. I am excited about this opportunity since it is difficult to find such opportunities in my business school. The research being completed is on procrastination. I also have worked during the last 2.5 years of school, in which one of those was a management internship. In addition, three of my professors are writing letters of recommendation, one being a professor who I had for two of my statistics classes and made As in both classes. The other professors is the one allowing me to work on the research (also had her for two HR classes in which I made As), and the last being a professor I had for a Social Psychology class in which I made an A.

My question

I was wondering if anyone could provide me with guidance and/or information regarding admission into I/O Master's programs? I have just recently started compiling a spreadsheet of potential programs. I think I am going to apply to around 10 or 12, all around the country since I will not be tied down to anywhere in particular come graduation. So far, Middle Tennessee State University, UT Chattanooga, and Iona College outside of NYC have all caught my attention. I am planning on entering a program in Fall 2013. The majority of the programs in which I have started to research have deadlines falling between 2/15 and 3/15.

My main question is in regards to my GRE score. I have always done mediocre or subpar in standardized tests when it comes to mathematics. However, when it comes to my actual classes, I do well in mathematics. (I have made an A in calculus, 3 As in all of my statistics classes, and As in both of my Accounting classes). Although I will not know my actual quantitative GRE percentile for a few more weeks, I know it will be in the 43rd-53rd percentile at best. However, is it possible that a terrific LOR from a statistics professor discussing a strong aptitude for statistics can negate a not-so-hot GREQ score? Also, the professor allowing me to work on research also teaches my Selection and Placement class which is heavily focused on the qualitative aspects (specifically statistics) of the discipline and I currently have a 97 in the class.

Thank you all for the help/advice/constructive criticism in advance! I really want to further my education in this field so anything will be of the greatest help!

[polack009]

*I meant quantitative aspects. Sorry, typed fast.

[rocketbird]

Hi, welcome.

I'm new to this place as well (kinda, been lurking for a while) and I'm applying to PhD programs in I/O. Based on your scores, yes I think quant is a little low, but it's my understanding that master's programs are less selective, since it's less time and you're paying for it. I wouldn't take my word as law, but your scores are borderline towards the bottom for PhD averages that I've seen, so you should be fine in Master's applications. 8-10 might be overkill, since it seems like you have a pretty good head on your shoulders. That's just my two cents, but like I said I'm kinda new at this.

[iopsych]

It looks like you will be fine. a 150 Q looks like it is a 630 on the old version. It looks like you would have had a 1200 combined, which was usually the target for a chance at a PhD program. You should be fine. Good luck.