GRE Questions

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neurogirl23

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Hi,

I decided to apply to graduate school in September so I signed up for the November 13th Psychology Subject Test. I have already taken the regular GRE. I know that some of the schools require both. I am worried that if I wait to send in my Psych GRE scores they will be past the deadline. I have already sent my transcripts and applications in.

ETS says it takes 2-6 weeks to send out the Psych GRE scores. Should I send in my regular GRE scores now and then send my Psych GRE scores later? Or should I wait and send them both together? I know that schools also take a while to process everything. Also, it costs $25 every time to send the scores. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks!
 
neurogirl23 said:
Hi,

I decided to apply to graduate school in September so I signed up for the November 13th Psychology Subject Test. I have already taken the regular GRE. I know that some of the schools require both. I am worried that if I wait to send in my Psych GRE scores they will be past the deadline. I have already sent my transcripts and applications in.

ETS says it takes 2-6 weeks to send out the Psych GRE scores. Should I send in my regular GRE scores now and then send my Psych GRE scores later? Or should I wait and send them both together? I know that schools also take a while to process everything. Also, it costs $25 every time to send the scores. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I'm in the same boat. Go ahead and send your General GRE scores. Most schools recognize that your scores may get there later than everything else, especially the Psych GRE.

Most of your applications have a portion dedicated to testing scores, so you should just go ahead and put your "unofficial" scores down, and get your official GRE score report sent soon. Hope this helps!
 
I was in a similar boat last year, so I contacted all my schools. Nearly all said to send the General scores ahead of the Subject scores. The downside is you'll have to pay ETS twice for the privilege.
 
ETS is evil. I hope I live to see the day when standardized testing is considered laughable and ludicrous.
 
Most importantly check with the schools to see what they want you to do.
 
If you have the money, send it twice. Some schools will accept your november score and some wont, depends on the school itself
 
I also have a question regarding sending GRE scores - I just took the general test on Fri. I used my 4 free schools while I was at the testing center, but I would like to get the rest of my score reports sent out as soon as possible. Do I have to wait until I receive official scores to do this? I went to the ets website and it only gives me the option of sending scores from the last time I took it (in sept). I just want to be sure that the scores reach my schools by the Dec 1st deadlines...

any advice?
 
HopefulClinical said:
I also have a question regarding sending GRE scores - I just took the general test on Fri. I used my 4 free schools while I was at the testing center, but I would like to get the rest of my score reports sent out as soon as possible. Do I have to wait until I receive official scores to do this? I went to the ets website and it only gives me the option of sending scores from the last time I took it (in sept). I just want to be sure that the scores reach my schools by the Dec 1st deadlines...

any advice?
Click to expand...

My understanding is that you won't be able to order additional score reports until your scores are ready. The ETS site says computer-based General scores will be sent out "within 10 to 15 days after you take the test". My advice is to take advantage of the lag time between when the scores go "active" in the ETS system and when you receive them. Start calling ETS on day 10, and try to speak with a real person. Last year, the person I spoke with was able to order my reports before they were even in the mail to me (and before I was able to use the automated system).
 
ArthurIhde said:
what's the reason
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Because the idea that a standardized test that measures how well you can memorize random words and how well you can do tricky low level math problems is relevant to any sort of graduate success is ludicrous.

I know testing still has some good properties and is useful in some cases but think about it in a more broad perspective. Were giving a person a paper and pencil test and trying to understand complex aspects of their mind. The reification of testing drives me up the wall.

Again I know this is the best we have right now but in the future standardized testing will be comparable to phrenology.

self disclosure: M rant is partially because I'm going through the GRE process now but I would still hold my position at any point.
 
So a few questions relating to this:

1)Are the GRE Subject Test and the GRE General scores on the same score report? As in does ordering a score report send all my scores?

2)Just to confirm: I can't put in a request to send scores until 10-15 days after I took the test? Once this happens, how long does it take to reach the schools? Additionally, after this period, will my writing scores be available?

Thanks for your help!
 
I'm in the same position; I will be taking the Psych GRE on Nov. 13th. I'm on the GRE website now, attempting to request score reports for the General GRE and I see that there is an option to select the Subject GRE as well.

If I select both (General and Subject) in this point in time and pay, will it send the General now, and the Subject when it's ready?

I am going to call and inquire tomorrow, but perhaps someone here knows the answer! 🙂
 
PsychUndergrad said:
I'm in the same position; I will be taking the Psych GRE on Nov. 13th. I'm on the GRE website now, attempting to request score reports for the General GRE and I see that there is an option to select the Subject GRE as well.

If I select both (General and Subject) in this point in time and pay, will it send the General now, and the Subject when it's ready?

I am going to call and inquire tomorrow, but perhaps someone here knows the answer! 🙂
Click to expand...


In case anyone had the same question, they will only send the General and one will have to request Subject scores after taking it - mailing Dec. 24.
 
psychapps said:
My understanding is that you won't be able to order additional score reports until your scores are ready. The ETS site says computer-based General scores will be sent out "within 10 to 15 days after you take the test". My advice is to take advantage of the lag time between when the scores go "active" in the ETS system and when you receive them. Start calling ETS on day 10, and try to speak with a real person. Last year, the person I spoke with was able to order my reports before they were even in the mail to me (and before I was able to use the automated system).
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice! I had already picked my schools before registering for the exam, so I designated the 4 schools with the earliest deadlines (December). I can't wait until Day 10 post-exam to start calling ETS..
 
Nevermind.
 
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I took the GRE 4 years ago and scored a 1350 (640 V, 710 Q). I've been studying to take it again, so I could have a more recent score, and I've been doing absolutely terribly on the math section. I consistently score in the mid 700's on verbal, but have yet to get beyond a 640 in math. I'm scheduled to take the exam on Saturday, but I'm terrified I'm going to get a horrible math score. I'm thinking of just not going and using my earlier score for applications. I know I could improve my verbal, but I'm thinking that the decline in my math score just wouldn't be worth it. Any thoughts as to what I should do?
 
Born2rumble1st said:
I took the GRE 4 years ago and scored a 1350 (640 V, 710 Q). I've been studying to take it again, so I could have a more recent score, and I've been doing absolutely terribly on the math section. I consistently score in the mid 700's on verbal, but have yet to get beyond a 640 in math. I'm scheduled to take the exam on Saturday, but I'm terrified I'm going to get a horrible math score. I'm thinking of just not going and using my earlier score for applications. I know I could improve my verbal, but I'm thinking that the decline in my math score just wouldn't be worth it. Any thoughts as to what I should do?
Click to expand...

If you have a total score of 1300 you will be fine no matter the makeup (for the most part). If I had been you I would have gone with my old score and not taken it again. There is a reason they are good for 5 years.
 
GreenPsych said:
If you have a total score of 1300 you will be fine no matter the makeup (for the most part). If I had been you I would have gone with my old score and not taken it again. There is a reason they are good for 5 years.
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If you don't need to take it, I would not bother.

Mark
 
Lol Jesus. Yes because a score in the mid 600s is just AWFUL. Some people are just ridiculous on this forum. They know they're doing well, but must need some external reinforcements.
 
Born2rumble1st said:
I took the GRE 4 years ago and scored a 1350 (640 V, 710 Q). I've been studying to take it again, so I could have a more recent score, and I've been doing absolutely terribly on the math section. I consistently score in the mid 700's on verbal, but have yet to get beyond a 640 in math. I'm scheduled to take the exam on Saturday, but I'm terrified I'm going to get a horrible math score. I'm thinking of just not going and using my earlier score for applications. I know I could improve my verbal, but I'm thinking that the decline in my math score just wouldn't be worth it. Any thoughts as to what I should do?
Click to expand...

As someone who got 800 Q but 520 V the first time and yet did not get accepted to most programs I applied for, I think the math part is not that important unless you don't want to go into clinical psych. If you get 640 in the math section but 700s for the verbal, you're more than fine.
 
Sorry, I know I sound slightly ridiculous. When I talk about a 640 on the math section, I'm really referring to a range from 610-640 on the practice tests. According to the percentiles, I'm only scoring in the 50-59th percentile in math. That, to me, says a bad score. Are the percentile ranges not really taken into account in grad programs, as long as the total is above the cut off range? I know that I could get a much worse score than 600 math, but considering my past score of 710 in math, I'm afraid the decrease will be looked badly upon. And that the increase from 640-750 in verbal, won't be worth having a score on my GRE report that is below or at the 50%. I know I'm probably over thinking this, but it's really been stressing me out.
 
What sort of GPA do you have? And psych GPA?
 
To my knowledge most schools have a first glance cut off of around 1200 total to 1250 total on the GRE and a 3.3-3.5 for the GPA. Obviously this is an average and some schools will have lower/higher cut offs... point is after those cut offs GRE and GPA are not really a big deal.
 
GreenPsych said:
To my knowledge most schools have a first glance cut off of around 1200 total to 1250 total on the GRE and a 3.3-3.5 for the GPA. Obviously this is an average and some schools will have lower/higher cut offs... point is after those cut offs GRE and GPA are not really a big deal.
Click to expand...

I agree with GreenPsych. You just need to get past the cut-off point. My suggestion is to look at the average Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing, and Psychology Subject Test scores for the schools you are applying to and see if you are in the ballpark. If you are, I would stop stressing.

More importantly, if you are applying to Ph.D. programs, making contact with your POI is probably more important. This will keep you on their radar during the application process and you will have a better chance of your application coming across their desk. At that point, I would expect that GRE scores will play much less a role, while your research experience (i.e., # of yrs in lab, posters presentations, pubs, awards) and potential (i.e., LORs, Personal Statement, Grades, and last GRE scores) will probably be most important. Though, I could be wrong.
 
Thanks for all of the advice, everyone. After considering my options, I decided to forgo taking the test today. Instead, I'm going to use my old GRE score and if I happen to get universally rejected this year (which is likely), I'll just take it next year when my old score will no longer be useable!
 
Hi everyone-I posted not too long ago in the WAMC thread regarding GRE scores and other components of my applications, but I'm obviously stressing over my GRE scores. My GRE score is around a 1050, but I'm re-taking it this week to get it to the 1100 mark.

Can a master's degree from a reputable school, great grades, research experience from a highly regarded university, 4/5 pubs in the works (2 primary author), and great letters or recommendtion compenstate for lower GRE scores? Most of my schools do not have an offiical "cut off" score that they look at the app is looked at as a whole. I feel like if that's the case, I am a pretty decent candidate. I know fit is very important as well. What are your thoughts/experiences with this?? Thanks so much!!!!
 
Applicant03 said:
Can a master's degree from a reputable school, great grades, research experience from a highly regarded university, 4/5 pubs in the works (2 primary author), and great letters or recommendtion compenstate for lower GRE scores? Most of my schools do not have an offiical "cut off" score that they look at the app is looked at as a whole. I feel like if that's the case, I am a pretty decent candidate. I know fit is very important as well. What are your thoughts/experiences with this?? Thanks so much!!!!
Click to expand...

yes of course. That seems like a bit of overkill if you are going for a PhD program. But, you dont state where you want to go.
 
Existenz said:
yes of course. That seems like a bit of overkill if you are going for a PhD program. But, you dont state where you want to go.
Click to expand...

Thanks Existenz-I'm applying to about 12 schools or so-Tenn., St. Louis University, North Texas, Alabama, University of Miami, George Mason, Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, Drexel....

I just don't want my application to be thrown out firsthand b/c of my GRE score, however, that may very well happen w/ some schools. My GRE has definitely killed my confidence for now.
 
Born2rumble1st said:
Thanks for all of the advice, everyone. After considering my options, I decided to forgo taking the test today. Instead, I'm going to use my old GRE score and if I happen to get universally rejected this year (which is likely), I'll just take it next year when my old score will no longer be useable!
Click to expand...

Good for you. You have a fantastic GPA and very good GRE score. I hope you get accepted to the program(s) of your choice. Good luck buddy!
 
Hi,

I took the GREs a couple years ago and did terrible. I plan on taking it again this month but have barely had time to study. I wonder if taking it a third time would look bad for getting into a PhD program??
 
chohanm said:
Hi,

I took the GREs a couple years ago and did terrible. I plan on taking it again this month but have barely had time to study. I wonder if taking it a third time would look bad for getting into a PhD program??
Click to expand...

I think the answer lies in whether or not you take it a third time and do better than before.
 
Not only from what I've read, but based on what I've been told by professors at top schools: the letters and the personal statement are the most important variables considered in your application. If your GRE scores are your "blemish" compared to what else you have to offer, and it's not as though your score is so bad, Applicant03. If it's a concern, one of your recommenders can subtly address the point in their letter. (that advice is becoming my new favorite fix-it for everything.)
 
Last year when I took the GRE, I scored V:530 and Q: 610. When I applied, I received 4/8 interviews and then 2/4 wait lists and 0 admissions.

I just took the GRE over again and scored V:590 and Q: 550, meaning I went up exactly 60 points and went down exactly 60 points.

My questions is do schools look at the last score? I heard they look at the highest... but then do they split the scores up? Don't know what to make of this situation. 😕
 
psychadelics said:
Last year when I took the GRE, I scored V:530 and Q: 610. When I applied, I received 4/8 interviews and then 2/4 wait lists and 0 admissions.

I just took the GRE over again and scored V:590 and Q: 550, meaning I went up exactly 60 points and went down exactly 60 points.

My questions is do schools look at the last score? I heard they look at the highest... but then do they split the scores up? Don't know what to make of this situation. 😕
Click to expand...

Some will take the average, others will take the highest subscore, some will look at both...

What you should make of this?

1. That the GRE is noted for having fairly robust score stability, and you are a victim of that. (usually about 1/2 of one std dev, which is pretty close to where you are.)

2. Despite the reliability of the score, what is it really measuring and does it really matter for graduate school?

So worse case, a school might say, eh... you're a 1080 student, best case that you are a 1200 student, and more than likely you'll be treated like you scored 1140. Which you did, TWICE.

Don't lose hope, there is MUCH MUCH more to your application than your GRE score.

Mark
 
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I believe different admissions committees have different formulas for how they look at your GRE, at least according to the Insider's Guide. Some might take your highest of each, or average your scores, or look at the most recent. Regardless, when you tell ETS to send your scores everything will be seen so there's not much you can do at this point. But if you were getting interviews it means you probably made the first cut (I gather the GRE is mostly used for screening applicants moreso than it is for final decisions).
 
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