Petition to Waive GRE

[jordiss]

I'm applying to a master's program that allows a GRE waiver if your GPA is above a 3.0. Mine isn't much higher than a 3.0, but it is. My GRE scores were not outstanding, but a professor tells me that they are reasonably competitive for master's programs. Do you think I should fill out the waiver, or submit my GRE scores? Which option makes me

Comments

[adequaticus]

What are your scores? Which field of study?

[mbwahl]

A GPA around 3.0 is probably a liability (although I don't know where you're applying). If you don't send anything, they'll probably assume you did poorly, even if they have a special waiver. If you send any scores at all, competitive or not, you'll at least refute their worst fears about how poorly you might have done. And if your scores are better than average, they will help your application by offsetting the GPA.

[cosmicwonder]

IAWTC A lot of these programs say 3.0 is the cut off mark, but most applicants have GPAs a lot higher than this. I would submit your GRE scores, it won't hurt you.

[ravenword]

I don't know if that's always the case. It might depend on the kind of program the OP is applying to. I have friends at a program in library science that had a similar policy about waiving the GRE above a certain GPA, and they didn't even bother to take the test at all -- not because they were scared of low scores, but 'cause they saw no need to spend the money.

[adequaticus]

Were their GPA's only just barely above the minimum for a GRE waiver? If not, then your example is not relevant

[smyleykyley]

I think that applying for the waiver will give the appearance that you did not do well on your GREs. Combined with an average GPA, that could hurt your application. If a prof says your scores are competitive, then I would definitely include them.

Good luck!!

[jordiss]

Which leads me to a new predicament. If I send the scores, they want them included in the application packet - no score code or anything is provided. Is just a copy of my scores okay?

[smyleykyley]

Try calling the admissions office and asking them how they would like your scores submitted?

[jordiss]

Thanks... man, this is such a pain in my ass. I'm about to have a nervous breakdown. :o(

[tastetherain]

If they're not all that bad, just send them in and face the music. They will definitely think you're trying to hide something if you don't, which is likely to be the case for people who try to waive them.

I wouldn't waive unless they're intolerable, like below 1000.