<p>I just finished taking the GRE and received a 660 total. I know I could probably get it a bit higher if I actually studied, but I'm god damn horrible at standardized tests; I got around a 16 on the ACT and 930 on the SAT. Despite being absolutely awful at these tests, I've maintained a 3.7 GPA in a cognitive science program which has consisted of taking neuroscience, a lot of linguistics, psychology, and a few computer science courses. My GPA in my major is about a 4.0 as of right now. I have a feeling my scores on the SAT and ACT have not been totally predictive of my performance at UConn. I mean, come on, an ACT score of 16 means you can barely read, right? Of course I could be wrong and all of the professors I've had just like to hand out free As. I'll also likely have original research in psycholinguistics published in a journal as the second author this spring. </p>
<p>So, should I even bother applying to an experimental psych program with an average GRE score between 1200 and 1300 that is a few steps down from my undergrad institution (which I probably shouldn't even be at if you consider my ACT or SAT score)?</p>
<p>I was told most schools utilize an automatic screen to weed out a portion of the applicants with scores less than say 1100, so it is possible that these schools won't even have a chance to look at the rest of your application. Which part of standardized testing do you find most difficult?</p>
<p>I had quite a bit of difficulty on the quantitative portion relative to the verbal part, but I definitely could have studied for it to make it a bit better. Really though, how much can you actually raise what is basically a very generalized psychometric test by studying for it? I'm absolutely going to take it a second time, but I doubt I'll see anything that goes into the acceptable range. </p>
<p>The gap between my academic performance and standardized test scores is a real blunder to me. I was diagnosed by a psychiatrist with a pervasive developmental disorder (mild autism, basically) in my early adolescence. Getting extremely obsessive about something (whether it's an academic pursuit, counting cards, or collecting god knows what) seems to come with the disorder, and what I happened to get obsessive about during early high school was psycholinguistics. Perhaps I just learned to play the undergrad cog sci game very well because I already somewhat acquainted myself with a lot of the basic literature and theoretical problems before I even started the major. Other than being socially awkward, having a short attention span, and having odd motor coordination, I'd like to think that I'm fairly normal. It'll be disappointing to be basically barred from doing anymore real research in this area when I'm done with undergrad due to these scores, but I can move onto another career in something that only requires a Bachelor's if I have to.</p>
<p>I don't really know what to do besides study for the test, retake it, and pray that I miraculously raise my score by 500 points.</p>
<p>So, what you're saying is that you didn't study for the GRE? Well, that was your mistake right there.</p>
<p>The GRE is not a psychometric test. People can and do study effectively for it and raise their scores tremendously. I'm in shock that you couldn't even bother to study for a test that can make or break your applications. (Before anyone jumps on me about that statement, look at the OP's scores again. Scores like that will make or break.)</p>
<p>With a score of 660, your application will not even be forwarded to the department for consideration. Most departments have a stated minimum of 1000, and those that say they have no minimum are competitive enough that there are unstated minimums that are enforced by the Graduate School.</p>
<p>I'm going to say the unpopular thing - you were really irresponsible by not studying. However, taking it a second time and improving dramatically will save your butt. The GRE is not something to be blown off. Get thyself a copy of Barron's and the PowerPrep software. Use Number2.com. Read the Wall Street Journal. And, for Pete's sake, don't schedule that GRE until you are scoring at least an 1100 (to leave test anxiety wiggle-room) on the PowerPrep.</p>