Comments | applyingtograd: Should I do another BA?

yes_just_lovely in applyingtograd

Should I do another BA?

Dec 05, 2009 23:16

I'm the person who posted a question on here yesterday about my low GRE scores (in the 300 range for both V&Q). I've been spending a lot of time thinking about why I did so poorly after spending so many months preparing. I took into consideration everything you all mentioned (test anxiety, English not a first language, poor preparation, learning ( Read more... )

education, second ba, gre

Comments 60

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Re: firsthand experience kleis December 6 2009, 05:15:03 UTC

With her GRE scores, I think she would have trouble even getting into low-ranked, unfunded MA programs (depending on the field, I suppose). Scoring in the 300s on both sections will be a red-flag to anyone, while a 1000 cumulative score at least shows the ability to answer some questions correctly.

Also, I think your friend's success story is unbelievably rare. You're right that LORs do a lot of work, but would most likely not do the kind of work that such low GRE scores necessitate. I wonder what field your friend is in; the requirements for different fields might not be comparable.

Re: firsthand experience yes_just_lovely December 6 2009, 05:24:02 UTC

Thanks coyabean!

Re: firsthand experience ivich December 6 2009, 14:51:17 UTC

I know another similar story, where the person had a low 900s GRE score and managed to get into a PsyD program. It wasn't top ranking, but it wasn't shabby either. (I'm going to avoid further descriptions to protect this person's identity.)

It was also do to this person's LOR. However, even more than that, one of this person's writers was a relative to the program director of this program and personally pushed this candidate. I think these situations aren't very rare, but ... if you don't have anyone notable backing you, it'll be hard.

Thread 5

captiv8ed December 6 2009, 04:34:53 UTC

I don't think it will help. I think more prep would help you, and college is not specifically gre prep.
But what about finding a program that doesn't require it? Is that an option?

yes_just_lovely December 6 2009, 04:39:50 UTC

Thanks for your kind comments. Yes, that is an option, however, I have my heart set on programs that do require it. My professors have strongly suggested I apply to these specific schools because they feel I'm a "perfect" fit. Unfortunately, my professors are unaware of my GRE scores.

captiv8ed December 6 2009, 04:55:36 UTC

I would sink into more GRE study then. Maybe work one on one with a tutor? The first time I took it I got a 410 on the Q and I knew there was a lot of stuff that I just didn't know. I studied a lot and found myself actually learning concepts that I thought I never would. I raised it 180 points in 2 months. I found the GRE Math Bible and Barron's GRE book to be the most helpful

yes_just_lovely December 6 2009, 05:25:28 UTC

Thanks for the GRE Math Bible suggestion. I might try that if I decide to retake it.

Thread 7

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yes_just_lovely December 6 2009, 05:27:06 UTC

I thought about including it in my SOP but I can't seem to figure out how to incorporate it in there. Especially since I cannot really pinpoint the exact problem as to why I received such a horrible score.
Thanks for your suggestions though!

ieatpotatos December 6 2009, 17:02:15 UTC

Many schools allow you to include what they call "Additional Information" in your apps, often an uploaded Word doc. This might be a good place to explain the scores, as I agree that they might seem an odd inclusion in the SoP.

kleis December 6 2009, 05:03:14 UTC

I'm not sure what you should do, but I understand your line of reasoning. If ETS says that what their tests gauge is the sufficient and successful amount of knowledge garnered in an undergraduate education, and if graduate programs accept this rationale by requiring the GREs for all applicants, then it seems that by ETS' reasoning, your undergraduate education did not provide you with sufficient training or critical thinking skills. But I think ETS is wrong about this ( ... )

yes_just_lovely December 6 2009, 05:05:38 UTC

Your suggestion about taking a practice test with a friend is a wonderful suggestion. Thank you! I appreciate it.

kleis December 6 2009, 05:15:48 UTC

Good luck with everything!

yes_just_lovely December 6 2009, 05:35:41 UTC

Thank you, and best wishes to you.

Thread 8

rambing answer eruditeviking December 6 2009, 05:09:16 UTC

Unless you're planning to wholesale change fields and don't have any background in the new field, I don't recommend doing a second bachelors ( ... )

Re: rambing answer yes_just_lovely December 6 2009, 05:17:42 UTC

Thank you! And thanks for the MAT suggestion.