Which GRE Score to Send? (Clinical Psych)

[ContentFaces]

Hi everyone,

I'm having difficulty thinking about which GRE scores I should send:

First round: 153v 155q 5.0 awa (my worst score)
Second round: 156v 157q 5.0 awa
Third round: 153v 159q 5.5 awa

I'm not sure if I should send just the second score, or all scores to include my higher math score and awa score. Does anyone have any thoughts?

[April12345]

I don't have any particular insight into this process, but I'd just send all of them. To me, taking the exam three times shows that you're incredibly persistent and serious about applying. Plus, then they'd be able to see all of your high scores.

Edited November 13, 2017 by April12345

[psych0]

Do not send all three. I would pick the second.

[ContentFaces]

10 hours ago, psych0 said:

Do not send all three. I would pick the second.

Thanks for the response! Is there any particular reason why?

[Psych_Law]

I would focus more on the percentile rankings for those scores, and send 1 score with the best overall percentile rankings. My guess would be that your second scores would have the best overall percentile rankings.

AWA scores really don't matter that much to most psychology programs. Or at least that's what I've noticed. Most of them prefer a 4.5 or better anyway, so you're good either way. 

 

 

[psych0]

You're second one is the highest total (though do check percentages) and puts you over official or unofficial cutoffs of 155 in both sections, whereas your third does not. 

[HigherEdPsych]

On 11/14/2017 at 9:59 AM, ContentFaces said:

Thanks for the response! Is there any particular reason why?

I took the GRE three times as well and was told by multiple mentors and advisors NOT to send all of my scores. The rationale behind this is, by sending multiple scores, you're telling the person you're applying to work with (a) you were not prepared for the test the first time, and (b) you do not know the material to begin with. I can't say that this rationale is universal, though. It might be best to look at the GRE acceptance averages of the schools you are applying to try to match them (typically committees are more lenient with the lower quant scores). You could also reach out to the Director of Clinical Training (or even the person you are applying to work with - if you're feeling brave) and ask them what they recommend. Not only would you likely receive a straightforward answer, but you will also begin to build a relationship with someone at the school - which, I think, is the best way to get an edge on applying. 

[Clinapp2017]

9 hours ago, HigherEdPsych said:

I took the GRE three times as well and was told by multiple mentors and advisors NOT to send all of my scores. The rationale behind this is, by sending multiple scores, you're telling the person you're applying to work with (a) you were not prepared for the test the first time, and (b) you do not know the material to begin with. I can't say that this rationale is universal, though. It might be best to look at the GRE acceptance averages of the schools you are applying to try to match them (typically committees are more lenient with the lower quant scores). You could also reach out to the Director of Clinical Training (or even the person you are applying to work with - if you're feeling brave) and ask them what they recommend. Not only would you likely receive a straightforward answer, but you will also begin to build a relationship with someone at the school - which, I think, is the best way to get an edge on applying. 

Do not ask the DCT or prospective mentor which GRE to send. This is a question to ask your current or former mentors. Asking it of future mentors will come off stupid. 

 

Source: my former mentor was the DCT at my undergrad and frequently told me about people doing this as a “kiss of death.”

[HigherEdPsych]

On 11/19/2017 at 9:54 AM, Clinapp2017 said:

Do not ask the DCT or prospective mentor which GRE to send. This is a question to ask your current or former mentors. Asking it of future mentors will come off stupid. 

 

Source: my former mentor was the DCT at my undergrad and frequently told me about people doing this as a “kiss of death.”

That's an interesting interpretation, I can't say that I agree with your former mentor, though. When it comes to GRE scores, there are no universal beliefs across all institutions. I'm sure there is a tactful way to do it, perhaps without providing your actual scores in detail. For example, asking if there are aggregated hard cut offs, in my mind, would hardly classify someone as stupid.

Also, since we are on the topic, here's a helpful article that discusses actual "kisses of death": https://psychology.unl.edu/psichi/Graduate_School_Application_Kisses_of_Death.pdf

[ContentFaces]

Thanks all! I only sent the second score.

I appreciate the assistance!

[Timemachines]

ContentFaces - I first read your handle as ContentFeces, which more than anything, I think is a reflection of how Im feeling about this application process. Best of luck to you, and for my case, hopefully I stop projecting on your username 

[ContentFaces]

14 hours ago, Timemachines said:

ContentFaces - I first read your handle as ContentFeces, which more than anything, I think is a reflection of how Im feeling about this application process. Best of luck to you, and for my case, hopefully I stop projecting on your username 

haha I feel that! Best of luck to you as well!