Ok so, I know this may seem trivial, but I need some help talking it out!
I am applying for schools next year to get my Dr in clinical psychology.
I took the new GRE test yesterday. I was really flustered when I got there (thanks to going from being 40 minutes early to being 5 minutes late due to a parade route I had to find a way around) and I have a bad cold, which made it hard for me to concentrate. I got through the test, and I get my scores, but not really. Since they have a new scoring system they are working on, they give me a range of scores that my performance probably falls within. When I (and the schools) get my actual test results, there will also be a percentile ranking how I did vs my peers (is it wrong I am crossing my fingers for them to fail so I will be higher ranked regardless of my score? lol). So if my score is on the low end of that range, I did somewhat better than average, and if I got on the higher end my scores are pretty competative, however I wont know until about Nov 9th or 10th.
I know that even my low scores will get me into some of my backup schools, however the schools I want to go to are very competative. Meaning they can have upwards of 300-400 applications for 10 spots (some schools) or up to 20 spots (others). I have pretty good stats, I had a 3.9 graduate GPA, which shows that I can do grad level work (which supposedly the GRE is "supposed" to demonstate), I have very good clinical experience already, and I also have research experience and 2 publications. Another thing having high gre scores can help with is better financial aid package (assisstentships/scholarships/funding/stipends/etc) which would be super awesome so I dont have to take out more loans. Some schools are all funded, some partially and some depend on how much they want you based on stats and interviews.
Ok, so. I am not eligible to take the gre again until Nov 10 (can only take it every 60 days now). Most my school applications are due Dec 1, 15 or Jan 1. If I take the test between Nov 10-18, the reporting date will be Dec 1. Most schools will still process your application while waiting on gre scores if you tell them the date you took it.
I am thinking I want to take it again, just in case and try to get higher scores BUT do I want to spend the time and money for that? In the next two months I am also moving across country, and I have to get my application stuff together too (essays, recommendations, etc). Am I going to have enough time to make to study to make it worth while? I could definitely make it a priority...
I really dont want to do another application round, I just want to get in this year... lol. So would you guys take it again? or am I being too nit-picky?
Re: Help me talk this out.
All of this.
I don't doubt that you had a great test score. But if you are that unsure of yourself, take the test again. It will make you feel better.
I would take it again. IMO, it would be worth it to know that you have the confidence of submitting your best application possible to your top choices. I also think that it would be worth it to spend the money on another test now if it means a chance at better financial aid in the future.
As long as you're sure that you can make it a priority with everything you have going on, it would be worthwhile. Just my two cents
I changed my name