Can I Take the GRE Psychology Exam Without a Background in Psychology? Preparation Tips
It might seem absurd and potentially fraudulent to take the GRE Psychology exam without having a proper background in the subject. Many universities expect test takers to have completed coursework or have at least some experience in the field before attempting such a specialized exam. For high school graduates who have taken advanced courses like AP or Honors work, it may be wise to seek accreditation through the CLEP tests to demonstrate their competencies.
Why Take a Test You Lack Experience In?
The GRE Psychology exam is designed to assess a comprehensive understanding of psychological concepts and theories. Taking this test without adequate knowledge might not only be difficult but also yield unreliable results. It's crucial to understand that GRE subject tests are intended to qualify graduate students for specific programs based on their academic achievements.
Preparing for the GRE Psychology Exam
Before diving into preparation, it's essential to have an idea of the scope of the material you'll need to cover. Print out a practice test from the official GRE website and review the long list of subjects covered. This will give you a clear idea of the breadth of knowledge required.
Even if you get a decent percentage of the questions right on the practice test, it's still recommended to study the answers you missed to ensure you understand the concepts. The GRE Psychology subject test is meant to evaluate how well you have mastered the subject knowledge as taught in an undergraduate major.
Relevant Books for GRE Psychology Exam Preparation
While there are prep books available for the GRE Psychology exam, it's crucial to acknowledge that self-study without prior knowledge can be exceptionally challenging. Here are some highly rated books from Amazon that can help you in your preparation:
Kaplan GRE Subject Test in Psychology: A comprehensive guide with detailed explanations and practice tests. The book is approximately twice as thick, largely due to its inclusion of three practice tests, providing a more thorough preparation. Princeton Review: Crack the GRE Psychology Subject Test: Another valuable resource that includes one practice test in the book and two online. While highly rated, it is slightly less comprehensive than the Kaplan guide. Other books that can serve as supplementary materials, though less popular, might include Cracking the GRE Psychology Subject Test and The Official Guide for the GRE Psychology Subject Test.My best advice would be to purchase both the Kaplan and Princeton Review guides. This dual approach will provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of the exam format and the material covered. The Kaplan book offers more detailed explanations and more practice materials, which can be invaluable for gaining confidence and proficiency in test-taking.
While a single book can provide a solid foundation, it may not cover everything needed for the exam. Be prepared to take numerous practice tests and independently research any topics you find challenging. The GRE Psychology subject test is rigorous, and a well-rounded preparation strategy is essential for success.
Final Thoughts
Before pursuing the GRE Psychology exam, ensure you have a solid foundation in the subject or consider seeking alternative methods to demonstrate your knowledge. The GRE subject tests are crucial for university admissions, and taking the time to prepare adequately can significantly impact your chances of admission.