Re-taking GRE if entering MA program before PhD

[thirdfromthesun]

Hi all!

 

I'm wondering about the value of re-taking the GRE if I'm planning on going into a master's program before a doctoral program. My personal situation was that I gained acceptance into D2/D3 doctoral programs (in social psychology), but had very low GRE scores that locked me out of the schools I really wanted to attend (for reference, V: 159, M: 151, W: 5.0).

 

My other qualifications were acceptable: 3 years of social psych research experience at top-30 universities, 3.80 undergrad GPA, and, by the end of this summer, 2 publications with a well-known researcher. I will be attending Wake Forest's MA program, and have heard that it's a wonderful university (and the full tuition + stipend that they give makes it hard to say no).

 

Seeing how unbelievably competitive the social PhD programs were this year, I'm afraid that GRE scores under 165 will be unacceptable in two years when I re-apply. Is anyone else in the same boat thinking of re-taking the GRE, or will a MA override poor scores? 

 

[eeee1923]

Retake the exams, you have two years to prep and get into the competitive score range.

[Rose Tyler]

I agree, you'll have two years to prepare and take the test. Depending on the experiences that you amass during your master's it might be enough to override a poor score (assuming you get in past any cut-offs for your preferred programs), but why risk it?

[neural-plasticity]

I had a similar experience - I went into an MA program with average GRE scores (particularly math and analytical). I wasn't going to take the GRE again but after falling in love with a pretty competitive school, decided to suck it up and retake it. I ended up improving my scores and got into one of my top choices (clinical psych) this year, so I would definitely encourage it.

[Engali]

I would highly recommend retaking it. I did a 3 month prep schedule. 2-3 hours a day, 4-5 on weekends.

 

You're very fortunate to get into the Wake Forrest MA program. I've heard it's very research focused and should prepare you very well for a PhD.

[thirdfromthesun]

Thanks for the input! Guess I'm heading back into GRE purgatory this summer... or would it beneficial to go through a year of grad-level stats first, and then re-take it? 

@Engali- Thanks; I'm very excited about Wake Forest Seems like a dynamite program. 

[rwillh11]

Thanks for the input! Guess I'm heading back into GRE purgatory this summer... or would it beneficial to go through a year of grad-level stats first, and then re-take it? 

@Engali- Thanks; I'm very excited about Wake Forest Seems like a dynamite program. 

I don't think doing stats will matter much, there aren't a ton of stats questions, and the few that are on the exam are very basic. It's mostly going back and reviewing algebra and geometry that you haven't seen in years. I took it twice, and the second time I got a book, studied, and took it very seriously and my quant went up 10 points.