RealApplicantofGradCafe

I'm not sure that "75% of our applicants meet quantitative standards [are able to learn what we teach]" is the same as saying they screen out 25% of the applicant pool in a given year. Also, this video is from 2009... I've always imagined the process as one that has to do more with sorting. Applications that are sorted/rated into a higher GRE/GPA/etc pile would obviously merit more attention than those applications which received the lowest ratings. However, that ideal isn't based upon anything. It could just as well be tossing the applications down a stairwell and accepting only those files that landed on the bottom 3 steps. Gives a whole new meaning to resume/application padding eh?

What are your thoughts on my chances at WWS (clear first choice) given my profile? I know my GRE is rather poor, at least in quant and my GPA could be highe, but hoping other pieces make up for it. What sticks out the most or is a key area to improve? Schools Applying To: Fletcher, NYU, SIPA, SAIS, WWS Undergraduate institution: Brown U. Undergraduate GPA: 3.4 cum, upward trend (3.6 cum major) Undergraduate Majors: Political Science, Africana Studies Study Abroad: None GRE: 159 Verbal/153 Quantitative, n/a Analytical Writing - Retaking in 30 days to break 160 for Verbal and at least 80th percentile for Quant. Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3 Years of Relevant Work Experience: Peace Corps Volunteer 2+ years with leadership position, Internships in Education and Banking Quant: Statistics, Calculus (2nd semester), Intro Econ (Macro/Micro), Macro Strength of SOP:Fairly confident about PC experience and background Strength of LOR: Professor, Direct PC Supervisor, PC Regional Superviosr