Re-evaulating after low GRE score... Graduate Certificate Alternative?

[Kiara15]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello everyone!
I am currently working towards my MA in marriage and family therapy. My plan was simple: Get my MFT, get my psy.d or DMFT, and live happily ever after. However, that plan is now in danger because of my low GRE 🙁 . With the stress of being in graduate school and working full time, I forgot my GRE was scheduled until the night before I had to take it. Therefore, my low score (especially in math) wasn't completely surprising or undeserved.

Quantitative: 147 (40th percentile, YIKES)
Verbal: 153 (62nd percentile, meh)
Analytical: 4.5 (72nd percentile)

I don't have time at the moment to study for a retake, so I'm planning on a graduate certificate program instead (considering child psychology or drug and alcohol counseling). Does anyone know how hard it is to get into these programs? I have a 3.7 GPA, about 1 year of research experience (hated EVERY minute of it), and currently work as a behavioral therapist for children with ASD. Do certificate programs tend to be competitive?
Do any of you have any experience with certificate programs? Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer!

 

[ClinPsychEnthus]

for such a big decision, why would you not have the time at the moment for a re-take?

 

[IT514]

What would be the purpose of going through a certificate program? I doubt that would add anything to your MA. Sounds like a waste of money. If you dont like doing research I would not recommend going through a doctoral program. Any Psy.D program worth going through will have you doing a fair bit of research throughout.

There absolutely nothing wrong with having an MFT and being an outstanding therapist.

 

[Psychadelic2012]

I have a drug & alcohol counseling certificate and admission was a cinch. In fact, I highly recommend that certification as it opens many doors for employment and doctoral admissions. It was well worth the money and time spent in my case.

 

[Kiara15]

for such a big decision, why would you not have the time at the moment for a re-take?

I work full time and go to school full time during the week, and intern at VA and do homework on the weekends. There is physically not enough time for me to take a course on the GRE or study for a retake, not now or in the near future.

The money is no problem for me. My job reimburses about 80% of my school costs, with me paying about 20% out of pocket (hence the full time job). That was partly why I was grabbing at the idea of getting a psy.d, because I truly enjoy learning, and I could do it for practically free! At this point, I'm happy doing the certificate, I just don't really have any information about them.