GPA 4.0 GRE 1380 Where should I apply?

[ajaxanon]

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Hi,

I'm trying to figure out which schools I should apply to for PhD/Master's in Research Psychology.

I previously studied in South Africa, where I got an undergraduate degree in English literature. The degree was not accepted here in the US, so I'm currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree (BA in Psychology). It looks like I'm going to graduate with a 4.0, and I've already taken the GRE, getting 1380 (780Q 610V). I have been working in a lab as a research assistant, and I've recently been given the responsibility of lead experimenter on a project that I've been assisting a grad student with.

Unfortunately, my grades during my undergrad in South Africa (which I completed in 2005) were mediocre, and once transferred over here, they were less than desirable. I don't know how much attention admissions officers will pay to that though. Any ideas??

I would ideally like to get into a PhD (or perhaps Masters) program at the University of Masssachusetts, Boston, or Washington. Will I have a chance of getting into those schools? Also, what range of schools in general should I be aiming for?

Thanks for any assistance! 😳

 

[erg923]

All those great stats dont mean anything until you know what you want to do ( specific career goals, etc), and if your interested in the ph.d, what you want to research. Pick schools because they match with your interests and there are faculty there doing/researching things you want to become involved in.

 

[ajaxanon]

point taken

 

[numbereight]

i think you're pretty well set up to get in anywhere. as a big shot faculty member wrote to me: "good grades/gre's/research experience are necessary but not sufficient to gain entry into a great program". the part on top of the good stats is somewhat of a mystery, but i think that the most student-controllable part of it is matching research interests. it also helps a great deal if you have a history in the field you state that you want to research. previous experience generally matters more in the top programs (UW) that have researchers who are the top in their field and less with less competitive programs. all three of the schools you have listed are competitive and will be looking for matching research interests. good luck.

p.s. I dont see a reason for you to go for a master's. go straight for the phd.
p.p.s. i reckon that admissions officers will not pay much attention to your SA grades.