GRE, Rejections

[WeCanDoThis2016]

Hello GradCafe! - I applied a couple seasons ago for a PhD in I/O psych and got rejected across the board. I feel as though a lack of research experience and poor GREs were to blame. I want to re-apply either this year or (most likely) next year. Can someone help me figure out my GRE situation? GPA is 3.98, research with well-known I/O psychologists/professors at the school I want to apply to. ONLY problem is my GRE scores STINK! First attempt 148V 156Q 5.0AW Second attempt 149V 154Q 5.0AW. Do you guys think these scores might be good enough to apply this year? Or should I wait another year? I am having so much trouble deciding it's literally giving me an ulcer. Any help/thoughts much appreciated!

[St0chastic]

I would say it's probably worth applying to at least a few schools if you can spare the money for the application fees. Your letter writers may want to provide some support of your intellectual aptitude, however, as there's quite a discrepancy between your near perfect GPA and middle-of-the-road GRE scores.

How have you prepared for the GRE in the past? With the right study approach you should be able to up your score by at least 5 points and potentially a lot more if your math skills are rusty. There are tons of helpful resources to train for the GRE. Here are my favorites:

--Magoosh (subscription) and Magoosh blog (free)

--All official ETS materials, which you can find on the GRE website and Amazon.com

--Khan Academy

--Manhattan 5 lb. Book of Practice Problems (Quant only)

--For vocabulary development: Vocabulary.com, Quizlet.com, Magoosh vocab app, Magoosh Youtube vocab videos, Word Power Made Easy

Edited November 16, 2016 by St0chastic