kdavid Posted August 24, 2013 Share Posted August 24, 2013 I'm interested in Yale's MA in East Asian Studies as a back-up in case I don't get into a good PhD program for Chinese History. Unfortunately, the department's website states the minimum GRE score is 308, and my combined score is a 304--though I did get a 5 on the writing. I believe my background is unique (I've lived in China for seven years, have an MA from a mainland university) and that language skills are very strong (my Mandarin, reading and speaking, is impeccable). I'll also have a strong writing sample grounded in original research. As such, I believe that aside from my GRE scores, I'm an excellent fit for the MA program. Should I go ahead and apply anyway, or will my scores eliminate me from consideration? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bactrian Posted August 26, 2013 Share Posted August 26, 2013 While I can't speak for Yale (and thus can't answer your question directly) I think your best option would be to try and raise your score by retaking the exam if at all possible. The conventional wisdom is that a strong showing on the GRE won't get you into a program but a low score will keep you out. poliscar 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CageFree Posted August 28, 2013 Share Posted August 28, 2013 I would contact Yale and find out if that line is an absolute cut off (as the GPA can be for some) set by the university, or whether they have considered people who didn't quite meet that requirement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdavid Posted August 28, 2013 Author Share Posted August 28, 2013 Thanks for the replies. I'll be contacting a POI there shortly. I suppose that will be one of the questions I ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thumbelina Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 Hi kdavid, I applied to Yale's history MA program last year and was admitted for this fall. I did not do well on the GRE's quantitative and or verbal portions but did well on the written (like you). I definitely think you should apply, and you have a good chance of being admitted! Will you have strong letters of recommendation? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdavid Posted September 3, 2013 Author Share Posted September 3, 2013 Hi Thumbelina, My LORs will be strong, but not from anyone well known. What sub-field are you in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
accioanime Posted September 23, 2013 Share Posted September 23, 2013 Hi kdavid, I applied to Yale's history MA program last year and was admitted for this fall. I did not do well on the GRE's quantitative and or verbal portions but did well on the written (like you). I definitely think you should apply, and you have a good chance of being admitted! Will you have strong letters of recommendation? Hi Thumbelina: May I ask what your GRE scores and GPA were? What do you think was the strongest part of your app that lead to your acceptance? My total GRE score for both quant and verbal is 312, which is not the most stellar. I graduated with a 3.9 from a top public uni so I am not sure what my chances are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thumbelina Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Hi Thumbelina, My LORs will be strong, but not from anyone well known. What sub-field are you in? Hi kdavid, So sorry for the delay - just saw this. I'm studying late medieval/early modern history with a focus on the development of witchcraft in England and Germany. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thumbelina Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Hi Thumbelina: May I ask what your GRE scores and GPA were? What do you think was the strongest part of your app that lead to your acceptance? My total GRE score for both quant and verbal is 312, which is not the most stellar. I graduated with a 3.9 from a top public uni so I am not sure what my chances are. Hi accioanime, Just sent you a PM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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