Can a high subject GRE score make up for a low GRE score?

[TKYU]

Any input would be much appreciated!

Also, the subject GRE is "not required but recommended" for most of the schools that I'm applying to. Obviously if I get a high score on the subject GRE I will definitely report it, however, if I get a mediocre score, would it still be wise for me to report it?

(Side note, will be taking the test at the end of this month.)

 

[dancedementia]

The psychology GRE is really not that "advanced" - just a lot of memorization/regurgitation of information that you probably glossed over in an undergrad class. As such, it's not really a good predictor of your academic skills in the same way an assessment of critical reading, math, and writing is. From what I've heard (others feel free to correct me if I'm wrong), the GRE proper is much more important, and if it is low, that is a major red flag. It definitely trumps subject GRE.

Edited October 8, 2015 by dancedementia

[clinicalapplicant]

The psychology GRE is really not that "advanced" - just a lot of memorization/regurgitation of information that you probably glossed over in an undergrad class. As such, it's not really a good predictor of your academic skills in the same way an assessment of critical reading, math, and writing is. From what I've heard (others feel free to correct me if I'm wrong), the GRE proper is much more important, and if it is low, that is a major red flag. It definitely trumps subject GRE.

The regular GRE is a terrible predictor in terms of academic skills. I've heard that perhaps the Analytical Writing section is somewhat predictive (and for some reason, only in males) but even that is debatable.

If you get a mediocre subject score (i.e. anything under the 80th percentile), I would advise not sending it unless it is required. Because while you can get away with saying "I don't remember Grade 10 math", it's harder to explain why you weren't able to get an least 80th percentile in a subject you want to dedicate the rest of your life to. 

Edited October 8, 2015 by clinicalapplicant

[dancedementia]

The regular GRE is a terrible predictor in terms of academic skills.

This may be true, but it is generally perceived (whether it's true or not is another issue) as a better predictor than the subject tests, right? I'd say the GRE measures more fluid intelligence ("intelligence" used lightly) while the subject tests are more crystallized intelligence... and FI seems more important for admission purposes.

Edited October 8, 2015 by dancedementia

[Gvh]

This may be true, but it is generally perceived (whether it's true or not is another issue) as a better predictor than the subject tests, right? I'd say the GRE measures more fluid intelligence ("intelligence" used lightly) while the subject tests are more crystallized intelligence... and FI seems more important for admission purposes.

Eh, let's face it: the GRE(s) test how well you take the GRE. You have to take it, you will be judged on it, it sucks, but it's the way the world (read: grad school admissions) works. At least until it -- one day -- get's overhauled for being rather discriminatory and biased towards high SES.

[VulpesZerda]

Short answer to both questions: no.

I viewed the Psych GRE as a cherry on top that, if high enough, could set you apart from other great students. If you don't score well, reporting it might hurt you. If you do score high enough, it probably won't do much to attenuate your regular GRE scores. If it's not required, you have to assume it doesn't matter as much to that program as other materials do.

Other thoughts - if you don't have a psychology background, I would say it matters more because it helps to prove your knowledge. And my disclaimer is that I never took the Psych GRE!

[dancedementia]

If you don't have a psychology background, taking some post-bac courses or doing research is worth far more than taking a subject GRE. I absolutely don't plan on taking it since none of my schools require it.

[TKYU]

Thanks everyone for information!

My current situation is that on the GRE I took a week ago, since I scored terribly on the Quant section of the GRE but decent on the Verbal, I have registered to retake it at the beginning of November. However, because 2 out of the 9 schools that I am applying to require the subject GRE, I am going to take the test at the end of October. The rest of the schools don't require the subject GRE but is recommended. Now this doesn't leave me a whole lot of time to study for both. I want to study for the subject GRE and get a stellar score on that because I did really well in my undergrad as a psych major, but I also want to study more for the general GRE to ensure that I get a much better quant score than the last time. I'm planning on studying for the subject GRE most days leading up to the exam but also give myself one or two days over the weekends to study for the general GRE so I don't completely forget everything that I've studied for.

What do you guys think is the wisest thing for me to do?

Any advice would be much appreciated!  

[Gvh]

In line with what everyone has said here, it would probably be prudent to prioritize the general GRE. Clinical psych is fiercely competitive and if your Q score is very low (e.g. below 50-60th percentile) you will most likely be cut from consideration in many programs. 

[kmeredithc]

I am taking the Psychology Subject GRE at the end of October as well and am wondering if anyone knows when I will get my score? (I am taking a paper version of the test.) How long does it take for scores to be posted online on my account?

[haltheincandescent]

I am taking the Psychology Subject GRE at the end of October as well and am wondering if anyone knows when I will get my score? (I am taking a paper version of the test.) How long does it take for scores to be posted online on my account?

The ETS site says the scores will be back pretty much exactly one month after the test date (though I think for the October one its actually a month + a day because they want to release scores on a Monday--so Nov. 25 or something.) I'm not sure if there's any chance scores might come in early (still waiting on mine from Sep. 19th), but I think they definitely shouldn't be any later. 

[the_grimweeper]

no

 

 

 

 

 

 

but seriously, most schools (outside of clinical psych) don't take the GRE subject test too seriously. Even in clinical psych programs GRE scores are more important, even more so than GPA depending on the school.

[Oshawott]

The Psych GRE scores are only really relevant if you don't come from psychology, or if the school wants a common metric in which to compare its applicants in terms of psych knowledge (so it would be helpful if you score high and you don't come from a well-regarded program). I'd say you should still do it since most clinical psych programs require it, meaning that most applicants will have it anyway. I've also heard that "highly recommended" actually means "required, but we're not allowed to say that" in some schools.

With that said, the scores that really differentiate psychology applicants from one another is the quant score (and maybe analytic writing if the school actually looks at that). You shouldn't get low scores on verbal or the subject-GRE since its implicitly assumed that you'll do well in it, so its one of those things that won't help you if you do well, but will hurt you if you do poorly.

[samundar17]

So, my rationale for taking the psych GRE is that, while I do have a psych background, my GPA is around a 3.3. I had of health issues during undergrad so the GPA I ended up with isn't indicative of my knowledge/level of motivation/passion for science and I want to figure out a way to get that across!! Is the subject GRE the way to do that??

 

I'm going to have two years of solid research experience in a well-known social neuroscience lab (the area I want to go into), good GRE scores and recc letters, two publications, but I'm scared that my GPA is going to mess up my whole plan! I want a career in academia so much... Is there any way to get around this roadblock?