Unsure if I should apply to doctoral programs..

[hannah0322]

Hi everyone! So I took my GRE exam today, and I'm very disappointed with my results. I was surprised, because I was hitting my desire score on practice exams, but no where near that today. I'm not sure if it was anxiety or what, but it just didn't happen today. My scores are V: 151 and Q: 143 (ouch).

I have a 3.830 GPA, Dean's list every semester, three national honors societies, experience as an RA at a lab for three semesters, two clinical internships, past history of a job in the mental health field, one clinical fieldwork experience, and one peer mentorship experience.

I am planning to apply to about 10 PhD and PsyD programs, as well as a few one year masters programs before reapplying to doctoral programs. Is this far-fetched? Should I skip the doctoral programs altogether and focus on LPC masters programs?

Many schools say they have an average 10 points higher than my scores, but there's no range or concrete minimal cut-off. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Edited August 25, 2013 by hannah0322

[SportPsych30]

Hannah,

Unfortunately I am as much in the dark on this matter as you are. I'm still confused on if I should be applying to Ph.D or Masters programs, based on my strength of application. I will say, that I am impressed by your positive attitude, and am certain that if you re-took the test that you would score better.

The rest of your application looks really strong from where I'm sitting. I think you have time to re-take the test if you are considering trying to strengthen that aspect. Good luck, I wish you the best!

SP30

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Hannah,

Unfortunately I am as much in the dark on this matter as you are. I'm still confused on if I should be applying to Ph.D or Masters programs, based on my strength of application. I will say, that I am impressed by your positive attitude, and am certain that if you re-took the test that you would score better.

The rest of your application looks really strong from where I'm sitting. I think you have time to re-take the test if you are considering trying to strengthen that aspect. Good luck, I wish you the best!

SP30

Apply if you have research, a decent GPA, volunteering, honor societies, or anything that makes your application stand out more so than the standard Joe, then by all means go ahead and apply with that GRE score. This is for you and the OP. Regardless of what you do, goodluck!