Any programs where my 170/170 Verbal GRE would be a big help?

[Pennywise]

Hi, so I got a 170/170 Verbal and 161/170 Quant, without studying. I realize it's a little obnoxious to flaunt these scores (and that my Quant isn't anything special), but I'm wondering if anybody knows of programs that really want to boost their GRE averages. Most of the advice I'm seeing suggests that there are GRE minimum cut-offs, but that otherwise the GRE scores are not a major factor in admissions. This was confirmed by a dean at a medium-ranked school, but I wonder if better ranked schools might weigh GRE scores more heavily. Or perhaps state schools?

 

My background: 3.55 undergrad GPA  at a top 10 college, but with a major in the humanities, and then a Masters in the humanities at another good school, with a 4.0. I have a few publications in peer-reviewed criminology journals, but kind of weak LORs. I'm interested in doing some crim stuff in sociology. I'm a weird candidate in many ways because I'm basically new to sociology, so I was hoping to apply to a couple programs where my GRE scores might outweigh my other weaknesses. Thanks for any tips!

[SocInTheCity]

At most places, a GRE score won't make or break you, unless there is a huge discrepancy in your two scores or if the scores are way out of line with the department. Scores like this will likely ensure that your app will be read any places where you apply, which is a good thing. There are no departments where this would be slam dunks....it's really more about the materials that you put together. 

 

Oh and it's not that unusual to switch into Soc. It's a field that welcomes and collaborates with many others. Good luck!

[Pennywise]

Thanks for the tip! I guess I was hoping to add one extra school where my scores might be weighted a little more, because at least one program told me they're basically irrelevant. Perhaps there aren't programs like that, though...

[uselesstheory]

Scores are mostly used for cut-offs, though sometimes schools will waive fees if an applicant's scores are high (I do not know if this happens with sociology departments, though), but no score can guarantee anything other than that your application will be read, to reiterate what SocInTheCity said.

Considering your other stats, I think you can be successful without relying on your GRE scores to give you a huge advantage -- publications are very important, but LORs are quite important, so I understand your concern. Best of luck!

[anna_M]

Why would your LOR not be strong? If you have a publication in a peer review journal in your field of intrest, I assumed you got some help from someone in that field? Seems like you have a really got shot (if you have a good SOP and LOR of course).

[xolo]

Good question about the LORs. I only took regular classes and I have at least one LOR that is glowing, from my mentor, who also told me her GRE scores were pathetic. (Point being they aren't that important except maybe when scholarships and other goodies are handed out?). Actually, in reading the OP again, I'd say that there is little in the post that indicates what kind of candidate they are. I scored 168V (we shan't mention my Q), but by far the biggest improvement in my app was from the various reviewers that told me how bad my Writing Sample and SOP were - caused a lot of stress and several re-writes, but I'm much happier with them now.

[Karl32]

Absolutely yes!!170/161 is outstanding.