<p>I could go into specifics, but to summarize--for the sort of programs I am applying to, my GPA is considered average or slightly lower than average (I suffered from depression at the time, though I'm not sure if that's something I would want to bring up), my GRE scores are approximately 50-100 points better than the average admitted (except that my written score is a 3...), and my undergraduate research experience has been a plus in my applications so far, although I have only received declinations.</p>
<p>To make a long story short, I've been out of school for a couple years (mostly due to financial reasons), and I've been studying much for the sake of both the subject test and out of my own curiosity. I really do believe (I also have scores on practice tests to support this) that I'm capable of scoring in the 90th-95th percentile. Even if the test is essentially psych trivia on steroids (that, and it isn't a requirement for most graduate psychology programs), it's difficult for me to believe that that would not significantly aid my application.</p>
<p>Thanks for any input.</p>
<p>I’ve arranged ‘safety’, ‘fit’, and ‘reach’ programs to apply to–like an undergraduate applicant might consider doing. I know that fit with a department/professor is <em>much</em> more important than a department’s prestige, but I think it’s for the best that I stay realistic. And two programs have deadlines far enough in the future that my Psych GRE scores could make a difference.</p>
<p>Is there any way to check admissions stats for these programs, other than trying to find them on the pages of the respective universities?</p>
<p>Thought I’d give this thread one more bumping before I let it rest. I feel like I know what I’m doing, but I was curious to see if anybody had any advice or other input they could offer me.</p>
<p>Thanks for reading.</p>
<p>Programs really don’t care much about the Psych GRE. A strong GRE may help you but GREs and GPAs are used mostly for screening purposes. It all comes down to experience (research much more than clinical) and fit.</p>
<p>Does this mean that I shouldn’t bother taking it, even if I can get a very high score on it? I find that I disagree with the values admissions departments place on nearly every part of the application, but obviously, that’s not my decision.</p>
<p>My nightmare is taking yet another year off from school, in which case, I’d be very, very miserable.</p>
<p>Only take it if the programs you are interested in state they require/recommend/will accept it.</p>
<p>It also would be advisable to take it if you did not major in psych as an undergrad. Did you? What is your coursework background in psych?</p>
<p>All the programs I’m applying to either recommend it or mention it but say it is not required.</p>
<p>I majored in Psychology, and actually conducted quite a bit of research, but I’m worried about my GPA (which I can’t help) and my GRE scores (which I <em>could</em> help, but I’ve heard that most programs simply average your GRE scores if you retake it, rather than put significantly more thought into your most recent scores… furthermore, I intended on taking the general test again when I apply for a doctrate program, and I think I’m better off not having 3 GRE attempts in my history… meaning, I don’t want to retake it too soon).</p>