Hello!
I’m currently applying to graduate schools and trying to determine my chances of getting in. I’m applying to Social Psychology programs.
My credentials:
GPA: 3.98
GRE: V: 157, Q: 150, AWA: 4.5
I have two years of research experience and have been working simultaneously in three different labs during those two years. I know I can get pretty strong recommendation letters from the professors I’ve been working with. I have also presented my research at poster conferences twice.
The schools I’m planning on applying to are:
Northwestern University (this one is the dream school- most likely wouldn’t get in)
Arizona State University
University of Arizona
University of Chicago
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois at Chicago
Northern Illinois University
What do you guys think my chances are of getting into these schools? Do you think I have what it takes to get into the PHD programs, or should I apply for Masters?
Thank you!!
Yay, social psychology is my field!
First of all - no, don’t apply for master’s programs. Even if you weren’t a competitive candidate, the best thing to do in psychology is actually to work as a research associate or lab manager for 2-3 years after college. Those are paid positions; you can usually take some grad classes for free; but most importantly, you get more research experience.
Your grades are great and the research experience you have (in terms of time) sounds like what most programs are looking for. It’s difficult to gauge your chances, because I don’t know what your research interests are. Basically, though, make sure that your own research interests are a great fit with the research going on at the program, and be able to identify professors in whose labs you could work if you were admitted. Fit is the most important aspect of applying to PhD programs in research psychology.
I will say that your GRE scores are a bit low. The verbal score is borderline, but that quant score is below what most programs will be looking for. Most top programs are going to want around a 155+ on the GRE, and both sections are important in psychology. If you can afford it, I would retake.
I’ve noticed that your apps seem concentrated in two rough geographic areas. Is there a specific reason for that? Generally speaking, you shouldn’t choose your PhD programs on the basis of geographic area. You should choose them on the basis of your research interests and fit with the department, as well as their reputation in the field. This is especially important if you want to be a psychology professor, because graduates from top programs will have the best options. Northwestern, Chicago, and UIUC are excellent top 20 programs, and Arizona and Arizona State are great mid-ranked programs. UIC might be an okay choice if there’s a top scholar in your area there with a reputation of getting his/her graduates placed in tenure-track jobs, but I think that’s unlikely. And NIU probably isn’t a great choice if academia is your goal. Personally, I would say it’s better to take 2-3 years post-college to beef up your credentials for top-tier or well-regarded mid-ranked programs than it is to go to a low-ranked program right away. You’ll have better career options on the other side.
Thank you so much, you’ve been extremely helpful!!