Do I have a shot at University of Pittsburgh's Applied Developmental Program?

[LiveLaughLove772]

Hey everyone! I'm currently about to enter my senior year of undergrad, at 21 years old. I will be obtaining two degrees when I graduate: a BS in biology and a BA in psychology (also completed a minor in chemistry). In order to get both degrees in 4 yrs, I have taken summer classes, and my regular semester credit hours have been 16+ hours. I want to pursue a Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh.

Here are my credentials:

-cumulative GPA: 3.76 (My GPA in my psych courses is a 4.0), and I have taken biology courses in anatomy, human physiology, along with organic and biochemistry courses and a full year of both physics and calculus
-currently on a full scholarship for my undergrad
-participate in Habitat for Humanity; involved in an annual homelessness awareness program; about a year volunteering in a pen pal program for underprivileged elementary schoolchildren; Relay for Life participant; member of Psi Chi, a honors psychology organization
-summer research in an endocrinology lab, working with rats
-performed data collection on two thesis projects last spring for two graduating seniors
-participated in Quest, where I presented some organic chemistry research with two other students
-job working as a peer tutor on campus
-research project with one of my professors, working with schoolchildren (if I continue this till I graduate next spring, I will get published)
-my senior thesis will involve working with schoolchildren (I also will be completing a capstone for my biology degree)
-I actually just took my GRE and I got 156V and 151Q (Pitt wants at least an 1100, and when I converted my scores to old scores, I have a 1200)
-I work part-time at kennel, and I have been there for the past 4 years

What are my chances and what can I do to improve? Pitt is my dream school 

[GeoDUDE!]

Your quant score is very low for someone who has a science degree, even if it is biology. While the GRE might not kill you, a strong GRE from someone else they like just as much as you might put that person over the edge. You probably want a 156 + on the quant. just IMO.

[LiveLaughLove772]

Your quant score is very low for someone who has a science degree, even if it is biology. While the GRE might not kill you, a strong GRE from someone else they like just as much as you might put that person over the edge. You probably want a 156 + on the quant. just IMO.

 

I was very disappointed in my quant score. On a previous practice exam, I actually scored 157Q. Would you recommend retaking it then?

[juilletmercredi]

Just as a note: most of your extracurriculars are irrelevant.  Graduate admissions are not like undergraduate admissions in that they don't really care about your volunteer work or school activities unless they are related to the subject.  So Habitat for Humanity, the homelessness awareness stuf, the pen pal program, the Relay for Life stuff, and the kennel, that doesn't matter for the purpose of getting into grad school (even though it's awesome).

 

Your quant score is a little low; it's in about the 45th percentile.  Whether or not it matters will depend a lot on the program; I think that an applied developmental program may not have as much of an emphasis on quant skills (as, say, experimental or cognitive).

 

I think that you may be a good but average applicant - it looks like you have a year of research experience, average GRE scores but a great GPA and some added classes.  A lot will rest on your research interests and how well you articulate your fit in your statement of purpose, and the strength of your recommendation letters.  We can't comment on your chances, though, because there are too many contributing factors.