Predicting Success

[lhouston]

Hey guys,

After completing all of my applications, the questions are rushing through my head. I have a GRE V: 620; Q: 630; and A: 5. My GPA is 4.0. I have research experience, a submitted manuscript (co-author), over 5 presentations, and TA experience. What are my chances of getting accepted into schools like PSU,  Michigan, and Teachers College? I'm referring to doctoral programs. Furthermore, I have been contacted via email and postal mail by schools such as Cornell and WashU. Is that an indication of interest or just a standard letter sent out to most students?

[swisnieski]

I think you should be fine. Your GREs are probably the closest thing to a weakness in your application and even they aren't that bad, they're just not exceptional (I'd say they're above average). Publications ALWAYS look great in applications; even top-tier schools frequently don't except students to have publications when they apply. Provided you have a decent SOP and good letters, I'm sure you'll do fine.

[alexis]

I'm no expert, also applying to similar-ish programs to study OB. My take: your verbal is good, I would say your quant might be considered a little low, but your great GPA & research experience are going to help a lot. I can't say what your chances are at those particular schools though, I don't really know much about them. Here are some good admissions stats from PSU's psych department though (although you may have already seen this):

http://psych.la.psu.edu/graduate/stats-IncomingClasses-AdmittedStudents.pdf

[fuddy]

Check out the I/O 2009 thread!

I don't think anyone can really say how you'll do because there's so much involved and we're on the edges of our seats too. We'll just have to wait and see. Good luck!

[lhouston]

Check out the I/O 2009 thread!

I don't think anyone can really say how you'll do because there's so much involved and we're on the edges of our seats too. We'll just have to wait and see. Good luck!

[lhouston]

Thanks! I plan to look over the 2009 forum although I think that you are right in believing that no-one really knows. Good luck to you also.