<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I am currently an undergrad student at Temple University and I am majoring in Psychology. I have been thinking about applying to grad school but I am not sure if I should apply right away or gain some experience and then apply. I currently have a 2.9 GPA but plan on bringing that up to at least 3.0 by my graduation date in May. I have take the GRE's where I received a a 154 on Verbal and a 146 on Quant. I was an intern at a hospital for six months. I was interested in going to Pepperdine university for a MA in clinical psychology or USC for a MA in social work with a concentration in mental health. </p>
<p>I am really not sure about how grad school works and have no real guidance. Do you think it would be in my best interest to gain some real life experience first and then to apply?</p>
<p>Your GPA is a bit low, as are your GRE scores, but since you are applying to MA programs mainly the requirements are not as stringent. I’m also assuming that you are aiming for applied work, given that you’re interested in an MFT program and an MSW, so even though you don’t have any research experience you may not need any.</p>
<p>Personally, I would recommend the MSW over the Pepperdine program - there’s more demand for social workers than marriage and family therapists, and I think you can find a wide range of work with an MSW.</p>
<p>With a 2.9 currently, you may find it necessary to work for a few years before successfully gaining admission to an MSW program (or an MA in psychology if you so choose), especially with mid-range GRE scores and only 6 months of internship experience. I would apply selectively in your senior year (maybe to 3-4 programs that are your like dream places) and see if you get admitted. If you don’t apply to jobs and then try again after 2-3 years.</p>