grad school help please!

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Hi guys,

I am currently applying to grad schools and wanted to hear back from a few of you that have either got accepted into grad school or are currently in grad school now. I graduated from St. Johns University with a 3.2 , and a 3.1 in psych and my gre score is V-500 and Q-560 A-4.0. I am applying to only MA programs now (New School, NYU, Teachers College, BU). However what Im afraid will mess me up is a few things: in 2004 i attended umass boston as a non-degree and got a .75, then at St. Johns I was getting 2.5 my two years but turned it around recently with a 3.78 last spring, 3.6 summer and 3.9 this past semester. Im really worried about the .75 at the other school though. Any opinions? I am currently volunteering within St. Johns as well as a research assistnant at the New York State Psychiatric institute so I have experience about 6 months to a year worth.

I really want to get into TC, NYU, and BU. Anyone a student or got accepted? Also TC says that gre scores are reccommmended but not required? should i put my scores? do u think it would help me? Sorry for the long text! Im just stressed out and need help! Thanks guys alot! Great site!

-Dominic

Hi Dom:

Well, I'm a bit worried about the .75 too. Since you have to send your transcript from all post secondary schools attended. Question though: by non-degree you mean a course you took there just for the heck of it? I don't know.
Ok, as for your stats, yes you are better applying to an MA program rather than PhD, they are a bit easier to get into. That nice pick up of 3.76, 3.6, and 3.9 is certainly going to help you, but I don't know or think it will save everything since the .75 is pretty ... and the GRE scores are not stellar....(I'm only being honest, not mean) So no, I don't think they'd help you. They might in fact, hurt you.
However, It's great you're getting research experience. That, is key. The .75 doesn't have to be the end of the world, but you may want to really do something that will distinguish you from other candidates in a good way. Research experience is always good.

Maybe others will have better responses. I don't know much about the schools to which you're applying.

thank you for your opinion and honesty, I took those non degree classes to try to easy my way back in to a matriculated institution, but didnt take it seriously (hence the egregious grades). I dont know what else I can do at this point besides write a strong statement of goals, I suppose I should take the gres again? Thanks again, can any one else give their take or advice? Id appreciate it!

Yes yes yes take the GREs again and reapply if you don't get in. Don't be so discouraged. It's hard to get in, and a lot of people don't do well on their first try.
Writing a strong statement will be helpful
Your research will be helpful
Having pulled up your grades significantly will be helpful

**I wish you best of luck!***

anyone else got some advice for me?

Retake the GREs.

Your cumulative GPA isn't *abysmal* or anything, just on the low side. However, your psych GPA and last 60 credit hours will matter more as far as grades go at most places. If you have an unimpressive GPA, I've repeatedly heard that it's much better to have a bad start with a big upswing in later years than be a consistently average performer--programs know that not everyone knows what they're doing in their first year.

Originally Posted by JockNerd

Retake the GREs.

Your cumulative GPA isn't *abysmal* or anything, just on the low side. However, your psych GPA and last 60 credit hours will matter more as far as grades go at most places. If you have an unimpressive GPA, I've repeatedly heard that it's much better to have a bad start with a big upswing in later years than be a consistently average performer--programs know that not everyone knows what they're doing in their first year.

I definitely agree!!

Don't lose hope!! And apply to a diverse group of programs that meet your needs. Good luck!!

(and yes, retake the GREs)