Comments | applyingtograd: Revised SOP and a report of consistently poor GRE scores..

titivillus32 in applyingtograd

Revised SOP and a report of consistently poor GRE scores..

Nov 25, 2007 13:02

I've taken 3 practice tests this past week (I've been studying for about a month) and my scores were: 520V/290Q, 530V/290Q, and 550V/350Q.

One test was in my Princeton review book, one was in Barron's, and the highest was test 1 in Powerprep. I know these are awful scores, but I take my exam on Wednesday. My question is: Should I schedule another ( Read more... )

sop, preparation, gre

Comments 6

blastulababe November 25 2007, 18:29:36 UTC

ETS lets you take the exam once per month, so since you're taking yours on Wednesday, you can schedule another for December. But I wouldn't until after you see how you do on the actual exam. Do more of the PowerPrep - since it's a CAT, it gives a more accurate picture of how you'll really do. Also, try focusing on the opening questions - really work on getting those first 5 or so right, and see if that brings your score up. Also, don't worry about the math - if you want to work in editorial, the verbal is all that matters, and you're really close to a good target score there. Have faith - you can kick the butt of this stupid test yet!!
Just a quick note on the SoP - it reads sort of as a list of what you've done. There's no real sense of you as a person or your passion in it. I would try to make it a bit more dynamic.
Good luck!!

tylik November 25 2007, 18:31:41 UTC

I believe schools will often allow you to put the scores you got in on their sites and wait for the copies of the scores when they come out.

cosmicwonder November 25 2007, 18:56:58 UTC

I agree with blastulababe that your SOP reads too much as a list, which is common in preliminary drafts. What might help is if you take the first two sentences of the second to last paragraph and begin your essay with a modified version of these. Working from that, you can probably shape your essay so you can show the adcom why "these experiences illustrate what [you] can bring to Emerson's publishing and writing program."

Good luck with the GRE and everything else! And of course, feel free to post your SOP again.

arthenadent November 25 2007, 20:09:04 UTC

Haha, I have four applications due December 1st and eight more due December 15th ( ... )

showmehowyou November 25 2007, 21:10:06 UTC

I agree with the others regarding your SOP. You obviously have some unique skills, having already worked in publishing, make them stand out! While you do need to answer the prompt questions, your statement shouldn't read that way.

As for the GRE, I would plan on retaking it and getting your quantitative above 400. Beyond that, I wouldn't worry. Some people don't test well. (I'm one of those people.) The GRE is such a small part of the application process. Just make sure that your other pieces of the application are stellar and memorable.