Is my GRE high enough for PhD programs in Social Psychology?

[ahurst]

I recently took the GRE, and I am not sure if my score is high enough for a good PhD program in Social Psychology.

 

My score is 157V, 154Q, 5.0 AWA

 

I am interested in programs such as the University of Southern California, U of Oregon, U of Illinois, and U of Michigan.

 

I have research experience (currently working on a study, but no pubs to my name), 4.0 cumulative GPA, and I'm taking a graduate stats class for psychologists (500 level) as an undergraduate.

 

Should I retake the GRE? I think I might be able to raise it a few points, but don't want to spend the money (and time) if it is not necessary.

 

Will that score be high enough for places like the ones I have mentioned?

 

Thanks!!

[MsAmira]

I think those scores are fantastic and re-taking may not result in a huge difference. I wouldn't worry about it. That's just my opinion!

[bsharpe269]

Im going to disagree with MsAmira. What are your percentages? My guess is that you are around 50%Q and 70%V so those scores are average. Keep in mind the average of those taking the test will be lower than the average of those accepted to programs so your scores are probably lower than the average of those accepted, especially when considering top schools like you those that you are interested in.

 

Since it looks like you have a great application overall, lower than average score may not kill your chances. That is not a risk that I would want to take though and im sure that you would hate to get rejections due to GRE scores when you have worked for years to create a solid applicaiton. My advice would be to retake. Scores over 80th percentile are generally what you would want for top schools like U Michigan and U of Illinois.

[ahurst]

As per the post above, the average scores for admitted students last year (2014) for all psychology programs at the U of Michigan were:

 

159V

155Q

4.53AWA

 

So, the average last year was 2 points higher for verbal and 1 point higher for quant than my score. How much of a difference will these 3 points make? I will be slightly lower than the average, but I think other aspects of my profile will help. Is it worth it to try and get those extra 3 points?

 

Here is the info from umich

http://www.lsa.umich.edu/psych/graduate/prospectivestudentsapplicants/admissionsfaqs

[lyrehc]

I think those scores are great and the likelihood of increasing your score enough to make a difference is probably pretty low.  I wouldn't invest the time and energy into retaking it.

[Vene]

As per the post above, the average scores for admitted students last year (2014) for all psychology programs at the U of Michigan were:

 

159V

155Q

4.53AWA

 

So, the average last year was 2 points higher for verbal and 1 point higher for quant than my score. How much of a difference will these 3 points make? I will be slightly lower than the average, but I think other aspects of my profile will help. Is it worth it to try and get those extra 3 points?

 

Here is the info from umich

http://www.lsa.umich.edu/psych/graduate/prospectivestudentsapplicants/admissionsfaqs

Doesn't that also include masters students who generally have lower scores?

[StenoLubr]

Doesn't that also include masters students who generally have lower scores?

 

This is not true because alot of masters for psychology are clinical, which is competitive as that of phD

[ahurst]

There is no terminal master's degree program in the psych dept at Michigan. All admitted students are admitted to the PhD program.