Where do I stand? Help!

[PhDHopefulVA]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Ok so I've been up and down on the confidence scale when it comes to my chances of getting into clinical psychology phd programs and I just took the GRE leaving me even more confused. I am currently applying for next fall, so time is clearly of the essence. Any feedback would be much appreciated. Here are the facts:

GPA :3.0 low, but from a top university, with steadily improving grades as the years went on (last 3 semesters above 3.5) I also have 2 certificates on top of my BA from the same university.

For the past year I've been working in a neuroscience lab at a top university and also doing counseling work with teens at a group home facility.

Good letters of recommendation from my PI, the director of the facility, and 2 professors from college

GRE: 560 Verbal 660 Quantitative....should I retake? I'm also taking the subject test next month.

Thoughts? Advice? Anywhere I definitely should or shouldn't look into applying?

 

[jenn1015]

I mean, I'm no expert (applying for next fall also) but I say go for it. You clearly know what you're doing, and if you have good letters of rec and an impressive personal statement, I think you have a good chance. The research experience will also stand out.

 

[PrisonPsych]

Your stats are on the low side and will be unacceptable for some schools, but your research experience is good. Stay away from the top tier schools but you stand a chance.

 

[futureapppsy2]

Did you have any research experience as an undergrad?

 

[PhDHopefulVA]

I don't have any undergrad research experience, but what if I retake the GRE's? I think that might improve my chances.

 

[PsychPhDone]

You need to get some research experience.

 

[thewesternsky]

You need to get some research experience.

... Um, the OP has some: "For the past year I've been working in a neuroscience lab at a top university".

More wouldn't hurt and might help-- especially if it's more directly related to clinical psych. (You're not clear what kind of neuroscience lab, so you may be cutting up rat brains... if it's already directly related to your research interests, ignore that point!)

 

[futureapppsy2]

^
That. Also, I'd recommend retaking the GRE if you think you can score higher. Most programs with cut-offs (formal or informal) seem to cut-off somewhere in the 1200-1250 range, so, depending on the programs you're looking at, a score of 1250+ (or even 1300+ if the really research-oriented ones) might be a bit "safer."

 

[deleted176373]

Your stats are on the low side and will be unacceptable for some schools, but your research experience is good. Stay away from the top tier schools but you stand a chance.

I disagree, while the stats are a low, I would not shy away from a top tier program if it was an exceptionally good match. You might not get even a second look from such a program, but my stats were not stellar nor was my research experience astounding, but I did get an interview at a top 20 program. I did have a 4.0 GPA but it was from an unranked state college that accepted 99% of it's applicants... so my GPA meant little as well.

If you really believe you can do substantially better than the score you received, I would take the GRE again. It will help you when you have a low GPA.

Mark

 

[psychgirl05]

just a few questions about gre cut offs:

1. if the cut off is, for example, 1200, do schools automatically throw out applicants whose scores are less than that?
2. how do you know what schools have cut offs and which don't? (I'm assuming it might say somewhere on their website?)

 

[cara susanna]

Some schools would throw out the apps and some wouldn't, it depends.

And usually the website says. APA Guide to Grad Study in Psych also says the cutoffs.

 

[anxiousleigh]

just a few questions about gre cut offs:

1. if the cut off is, for example, 1200, do schools automatically throw out applicants whose scores are less than that?
2. how do you know what schools have cut offs and which don't? (I'm assuming it might say somewhere on their website?)

I will say this...I applied 2 years in a row (first year obviously did not work out). I have talked to every person I possibly could about this GRE issue because my scores were not that great and definitely did NOT meet any of the "cutoff" scores, and I have received different advice. After all that advice, the only thing I know for certain is that NOBODY KNOWS the answer to that question. A school will never come straight out and say they deny strictly due to scores and they will never actually call it a cut off, instead something softer like "recommended" score.

So bottom line: you will drive yourself crazy trying to figure out which schools do or do not use cut off scores and you will have people advise not to apply to school based on that, but in the end you never know what the faculty are looking for each semester. I just started my first semester of my first year in a Ph.D. program at a school that everyone told me I didn't stand a chance because of my GRE scores. Well guess what...my advisor saw something in me that my scores did not show!!

So apply to the schools based on fit. That is the most important!! and GOOD LUCK!!!!