lopsided gre scores?

[PsyDStar]

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Hello all,

Forgive my neurotic-like question(s) but this year between undergrad and grad school has me 'concerned' about my potential for getting addmitted to the school psyc PhD programs I recently applied for.

I have 4 decent recommendations, 2 especially good I think... however, my research experience is largely limited to the training and pseudo-experiences I gained in my psyc coursework.

My question for you fabulous sdn board readers/posters is simple... what is your opinion concerning my GRE scores, for School Psyc PhD programs? 540V/720Q/6.0W?

With a high (but non-4.0) GPA, do you think I stand a chance?

Mind you I have applied to a mere 4 schools... all good schools I think, 2 top ranked.

Another question: How plausible is it to get significant (or perhaps semi-significant) coursework in another area of interest in during the graduate school years (I realize that the answer to this will vary from school to school, program to program, but I am interested in your general thoughts on this too).

Best,
former PsyDStar

 

[JatPenn]

Do you have a great research match at any of your 4 schools? That will make the biggest impact. You may consider taking some time off to re-take the GRE, but more importantly, get more hands-on research experience if your present experience is limited only to classes taken.

As far as taking classes in other disciplines - I doubt it. This is grad school, and by attending you profess a certain devotion to becoming an expert in your field.

IMHO,
-J

 

[Sanman]

Hey,
I'd worry more bout your lack of research experience than your gre scores. Having good research experience and finding a professor you cloick with is far more important. School psych isn't nearly as competitive as clinical, so you should be fine numbers wise. As far as gaining experience or coursework in another area, it is possible. If you are talking about something related, peds psych or neuropsych, there are programs that specialize that cross section. Other programs may let you depending on how much they allow you to tailor your education. Though if it is an unrelated interest you may have to take extra coursework on top of the regular load. That is not suggested.

 

[PsyDStar]

The research issue is definately one of concern. I was headed for a PsyD program before and decided not to compete for an undergrad research spot... perhpas it will cost me. I am confident in my application, though...

Any suggestions for research experience I may look for before a PhD program should I not get accepted? Or perhaps quality west coast psyc MA programs (that have a late application deadline?)

Thanks for replies 🙂

 

[SaraL124]

Um, to address your other question about other coursework....as a first year phd student I highly doubt that you will be able to engage in serious outside coursework. As it is now, people in my program are not allowed to even work (that's why we have a stipend) because the faculty don't want you to be distracted by anything else.

I'm sure ot varies in other programs, but so far it seems that most of these programs are pretty intensive.