Porshyen

Is it worth applying to a grad program if your GRE scores don't make its minimum listed cut?

I am in a similar pickle as the original poster. I took the GRE in August and did not do well. I totally bombed the quantitative with a score of 137 (a mathtastrophe as I saw someone call it), 153 V, and 3.5 on AWA (which totally shocked me - numerous respected professors have commended me for my writing skills). I get very stressed under time limits and am much more of a creative/analytic thinker than a quantitative/analytical thinker. I know I should probably retake the test but am running out of time, especially since it takes about a month to six weeks for the AWA score to be released and all my applications are due early to mid-January. Is there time? (I would need to study hard...) Here are my other "stats" or whatever you would like to call them: received a BA in Russian Language and Literature graduated with honors 3.61 overall GPA 3 stellar recommendations only one "C" in undergrad (in math), solid A/B student good SOP's and writing samples decent work and research experience several awards/distinctions in my field (ACTR Post-Secondary Russian Scholar Laureate) distinction at my university current Fulbright Fellow in the Republic of Georgia I am applying for Master's programs in Russian and Eurasian studies at leading institutions in this field. The schools are Indiana University, Georgetown University, University of Washington-Seattle, and University of Kansas. Would my GRE scores dramatically weigh down the rest of my application? Is it too late? Do I have to take my chances and see what happens? I am not asking what my chances are since I know that cannot be answered. I am just stressing out big time. It is possible to retake the GRE which I was only made aware of only recently despite having searched before leaving the U.S. (It would just be a big pain in the ass/not enough of time to study and to effectively improve the score, yada...yada). I let my weaknesses get the best of me far too often. At the very worst, I am rejected and can retake the GRE next summer and reapply for grad programs next fall...

I had anticipated that the GRE would mark down for that type of writing, which I do. So, I went for the formulaic route and got a bad score, which still floored because I am good writer and have always been praised for my work. Go figure.

The orientation went really well. If you are interested in the details, you can check out my blog: http://gretaingeorgia.blogspot.com/2013/07/fulbright-orientation.html

Awesome! I am so happy for you. XD

Ugh, that's unfortunate. I am sorry. It is too bad that they are doing that, they are really missing out on a great candidate. Well, best of luck to you! It has been great seeing you on this board.

Congratulations! That was fast. I am happy for you.

I am so sorry! *hugs* clearly Fulbright is missing out on a wonderful person. I wish you the best of luck!

Oh my goodness. That really blows. Stupid sequestration. Well, hopefully more funding will come in...I am rooting for you and everyone else still waiting.

Yay! I am so happy for you. If you want, you are welcome to join our Fulbright Eastern Europe group on FB! https://www.facebook.com/groups/123978867801178/ Congratulations!!!

Goodness, I hope you guys find out soon. Waiting is so hard, especially when you have been waiting for four months.

Hey everyone! I created a Fulbright group on Facebook for those going to Eastern Europe/Eurasia/Central Asia! Come join! https://www.facebook.com/groups/123978867801178/

All these Chicago people! That's my hometown. I am going back this summer.

Here is the link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmoTe-gJd4B9dFJ0aW1mYTVkYnhKcUEzR28yRTNwdlE#gid=1

Congratulations to all those who heard good news this morning! What a way to start the week. Hugs to those who received alternates or were not selected. Don't give up hope! Reapply for next year. Good luck to everyone!

I tried, but in order to actually "create" the group, I needed to invite a friend. If someone else knows how, please feel free.

Wohoo! Congratulations!

First of all, I just want to say thank you for all the advice regarding my question! I would not want them digging through my personal medical history, especially if I don't think it would be relevant. Yeah, how is that supposed to work? How can you be expected to purchase tickets when you are not sure of the location in which you are going to be placed. Aw, that really is too bad. I am sorry. *internet hugs* The last couple of days have rough. :/ Come on, Morocco!

I do have a question about the medical forms that I am hoping somebody has some insight. Although, I doubt it, I have gotten a different answer from every single person I've asked. Here it goes. The medical form asks if you have ever been to counseling...I had a death in the family earlier this year and I know that with the Peace Corps, it won't send you out until at least a year has passed. I don't know if that is the same policy with Fulbright? The reason I wonder is that they are both government sponsored organizations. One friend suggested, and I am leaning towards agreeing with her, is "don't ask, don't tell" but I don't know if the program has access to my medical records? Any thoughts? I wouldn't want to have my Fulbright experience cut in half because of this.

I will be around. I like hanging out on this board. Usually...haha.

Oh no! I am sorry. Good luck with your future endeavors!

This what I was going to say. I am sorry! *Hugs* There is always a chance, I am pulling for you!

Congratulations Turkey applicants! That's good news to hear.

I was definitely at the anger stage when I found out. I would say that although this forum gave me some anxiety, I was and am still very happy to have people with whom I can commiserate about this process.

End of June? Eesh. I really hope that is a worst case scenario. I still haven't come out of it - I think it's shock. I kept obsessively checking my email today, and then I would have that "oh, yeah" reaction. Man, what is with Switzerland? I would have thought that Switzerland would have been one of the first to notify. I guess it has to be independent and do its own thing. Well, I am rooting for you guys, and for any other country that has not yet notified. I sure hope you find out before June.