Concern about psychology subject GRE score

[somedude14]

I plan on taking the Psych GRE's because a few schools I want to apply to recommend or require this test.

Well I took a kaplan practice test to see how I stand and I bombed it. I only got 60% of the questions correct. This concerns me because I have received all A's in my psych courses. I know I haven't studied for it is it normal to do so bad on the subject test if psychology is your major?

I haven't taken any developmental or sensory+perception courses so that doesn't help I'm guessing.

Thanks for any feedback!

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[HopefulStudent8]

I wouldn't be concerned if I were you. Many of the questions on the Psych GRE involve antiquated topics that no researchers even care about anymore, so it's not surprise that you missed a lot. I would just study for a few weeks to freshen up, particularly on some of the developmental theorists because my test really made sure I knew those guys!

 

[deleted176373]

This is a test you have to study for to do well on. First I would see if ANY of the schools you want to apply to even REQUIRE it. If they don't then don't bother taking it, it was a waste of time for most of the schools I applied too... they just didn't care what you got or even if you took it.

A few schools use it, and if you are applying to one, then best to study. I studied fairly intensively for a few weeks and pulled a 680 overall. I also had all A's in all my psych courses, it's not an easy test.

Mark

 

[kbean]

I took it because I figured if I did really well, it would help boost my stats and I was worried about my GPA dragging me down.

I took plenty of psych courses and I still didn't know most of the material. I got several subject test review books, as well as a cheap used introductory psych textbook and...pretty much just memorized everything. I ended up getting a 780 (97%ile)--and I also bombed my original practice tests.

I definitely think you still have to study for it even if you've taken lots of psych courses.

 

[Psy01]

I think the figures are that the average taker tends to only get about half of the questions correct, which would put you ahead.

 

[progter]

this is one of the last things grad school admissions committees look at, like posted above, many do not even require it.