uromastyx

Definitely not!! 1) It would carry zero weight. LORs should speak to your potential as a student and scholar, that is, your capacity for graduate study. 2) Committees will wonder why you included a (seemingly) personal LOR from a high school student. This would look bad. You have three LORs. Stick with those. Also, I would certainly mention this orchestra, but this specific anectdote with the HS student will not only sound like a cliche, it will take up valuable space. Think about the big picture.

Don't stress. This shouldn't be held against you, as this is more common than you'd think. They will review the materials that they have accordingly. No worries.

Why not all?? I always recommend 4 or 5 LOR, especially if you can taylor them to varying strengths. I obtained stacks of additional signed and sealed LORs and mailed them directly to the program to be included in my application. Most people have a hard time finding 3 LORs, let alone 3 good ones. Having 5 (assuming they are solid) will speak volumes.

I did the same. Three profs I had worked with (2 in my field) and a fourth professional LOR. I had an additional recommender mail me a stack of signed and sealed letters. I contacted the graduate director of each program to inform them that I would be snailmailing an additional letter. It was not really an issue and most pragrams were happy to oblige.

I would think so, but you will need to address this in your SOP. I hope you plan to make contact with your POIs, at which point you should mention this matter.

I will dissent and say it's best to take pictures on your own time.

If you know other candidates have been notified and you still haven't received word a few days later then it's safe to assume you've been rejected. But sometimes acceptances come at strange intervals. If you are stressing about it then send the department an email. But give it some time before asking them. Check the results section to get an idea of when programs in your field begin contacting candidates.

I would weigh each anecdote, but would remain reticent about divulging sensitive personal matters. One needs to keep their academic reputation in mind.

I'm with you! I'm a bodybuilder and I've found it difficult to stick to my usual diet. I'm rarely even hungry. But I still have the gym. That's my sanctuary from all the stress.

The cat is out of the bag, my friend. All you can do is perform at your best and always remain professional. Best of luck.

I do not know their system, but with Oxford the college is important. First, some have more opportunities with funding. Some lean towards particular fields, thus they offer field specific scholarships, as well as acting as a hub for faculty and students in your academic areas. In terms of accomadation, that should all be at your fingertips. If all else fails, consult with the Sorting Hat.

I recently had a foreign language interview and am preparing for others. Part was in the target language, part English. I got questions like: Why this field? Explain your experiences abroad. How did your interest in 'theoretical framework X' develop? You have a heavy interest in 'theoretical framework X,' which we don't emphasize. Why have you chosen this program? Beyond the basic CV/SOP stuff your guess is as good as mine. But think also about traditional interview questions as possibilities. What are your strengths? Weaknesses? What are your hobbies? Describe an obstacle that you've overcome. Etc. I didn't get any odd questions, but I've heard of such things. Being interviewed doesn't guarantee a spot. For some programs it's almost a sure sign; for others it's part of a highly competitive process. Basically, know your CV. Know your SOP. Know the program. Be able to discuss these matters in the target language. Best of luck.

That writing sample can make or break you. Revise, revise, revise.

That Verbal will hurt you more than the AWA. I would focus on both for your retake, but really focus on the Verbal. That will require lots of time working with flashcards and reading problems. Good luck!

A mininum score will refer to the entrance requirements of the graduate school. You will want substantially higher scores. BUT if you took it on a whim those scores should be a positive sign. Study hard to bring up those scores. Good luck.

We get it, you got into your top choices.

Don't do that.

Check out Sweden.

I drank unicorn blood and said "avada kedavra" every time I selected an answer.

Hi Maria, Which progams are you applying to? Those scores are on the weak side. Your honours will help and those languages will be a very nice bonus! At least some part of the GRE is always crucial. But these numbers must be put in relative terms. Knowing which programs you are applying to would help.

Based on the numbers (which is only part of the picture) you will want to boost those GRE scores. The Quant is quite low. I'm not in a STEM field, but given your schools I would imagine you'll want to be at least in the 80th percentile to get a decent look at your application. Study hard. You have some time. Best of luck on the retake!

A killer writing sample will greatly help the cause. GRE scores are crucial. Programs will see your high AW score, but those V&Q scores are extremely low. Honestly, I would add a few less-reputable schools. Best of luck to you.

I tested at a university testing center. Very friendly and professional. Great experience (besides the test!!).

Considering your emphasis it should be fine. Submit a strong writing sample.