I am going to be applying for PhD programs in clinical psychology. While none of the programs I am considering require any of the GRE subject tests, I was wondering if grad school actually look at subject test scores if they don’t require them and if I should take the subject test for psychology?
They’ll look at your GRE subject test score, though if you have good grades in your major-related courses, and research experience, it might not be worth your time or money.
The graduate admissions website will usually say if the subject tests are considered for anything. I saw one science PhD program that does not “require” subject tests, but if you take them, they will use them in the admission decision and in deciding whether to offer fellowships, teaching assistantships and research assistantships. Although that was science, I would imagine that psychology graduate programs would similarly specify if subjects tests will be considered, and for what purposes.
Personally, I would only recommend taking a subject test if it was required, or if you knew you would ace it, or if you did not have a background in the subject of the graduate degree program and needed to prove you know something about the topic.
Take it and if you don’t do well, you don’t have to send it.
I don’t think there’s any point in taking them if the program doesn’t require them. If you do take them and send them, they will glance at them, but good scores won’t help you much (if at all) at programs that don’t require the scores. Not requiring the test means that they don’t value the information…otherwise they’d ask for them.
I agree with mommyrocks in that I’d only consider taking it if maybe I didn’t major in psychology as an undergrad and was trying to prove my prowess in the field - assuming that I also had the necessary prerequisite coursework. And even then, I’d only do it if my coursework was lacking in comparison with other applicants (e.g., I had the equivalent of a minor when most other students will have the major). Otherwise, skip it and save your money.