slee
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Posts posted by slee
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Yeah, I think it's ridiculous how little time they give you on the GREs. It's also COMPLETELY unfair the stuff you have to go through to get extra time. I know that I'm going to have trouble on mine, and I'm not looking forward to it.
I'm wondering if you've ever thought about taking some medication? It's pretty easy to get. If you're worried about becoming dependent on it or whatever, I'm sure you could just get a prescription for the time you need to study and take the test. It's not giving up or conceding, it's just leveling the playing field for you. Best of luck!
Yeah, I noticed some had suggested it as well. At the time that I took the GRE this last time (second attempt) I had gotten off of my ADD medication about 1 week before taking the test. Cause my thoughts were- hey, I'm 33, I'm an adult, I don't need them?!?! I am wondering now if that was such a wise thing to do right before a test? I know...duh? Right? I don't know what I was thinking, I guess I wasn't. I simply was trying to go all organic and stay off of it, but now that I am planning on taking it a third time and have opted against getting extended time (because trying to do so would take a very long time to process or approve). I am currently back on ADD medication. I can read and focus much more on my medication. I know in some of my responses I had stated that I was going to try and avoid meds, but- it actually is working for me now. I didn't get off of them before because they weren't working. I was going through this phase where I was trying to go all holistic. Now, I've learned not to experiment with holistic/organic remedies before an important test. I've learned that it's not such a bad idea to maybe stay on the meds especially on the day of the test. Ha ha ha....I just have to laugh at myself. It has helped me concentrate and with the added support of all of you here that have been kind enough to offer some great suggestions and better study habits, I think three time's a charm. I am striving to do much better this next time around and have a sense of humor about it all. By simply lightening up about it, I'm much more relaxed and able to focus more during my study sessions.
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Hi Slee,
Others have said this, and I'd like to add myself to the roster of those who've said it already:
You have an amazingly good attitude and optimistic approach ... and I think you'll end up getting into a good program somehow, by hook or by crook ... just because you're so dedicated, so humble (in a good way!), and so determined.
Again, all the best of luck to you --- you deserve it !
John
Oh, thanks John- I certainly appreciate it. It has been a struggle for me. But, I try my best to stay positive. It's hard sometimes to do, but staying positive is like working a muscle. You simply work at it everyday. There are lots of things that have humbled me, the test being one of them. But, as I said in another post- Film School was a humbling experience as well. I used to work in LA in the Entertainment industry and that definitely helped my skin to thicken. All of these odd situations in our lives build or spirit and character.
I guess- it's back to studying...
Thanks!
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Something I find interesting about the GRE is that its computerized format, with questions worth different amounts, makes it entirely different from the standardized tests most of us grew up taking. Learning how to take the GRE was confusing for me because it went against much of the test-taking knowledge I had previously built up. Being able to read something with pencil in hand really can make a huge difference. I never read anything important without a pen or pencil in my hand to underline or make notes (which probably pisses off some people at the library). Not being able to do that is a very subtle difference that made the reading comprehension section extremely difficult for me. Reading off a screen is just much harder than reading off a piece of paper! I suspect that will cease to be a problem as younger generations of people start to take the test.
I have a question for the ADD folks out there. Do you take medication for it, and if so, do you take medication regularly, or just before you have to do certain things? Does it help?
That is exactly the same problem I had too. I didn't expect it would be such a long and painfully annoying process. My brain starts to get overloaded with having to stare at the screen and these passages are advanced reading- which is fine. However, the questions are pretty tricky. I did go over some of the methods on how to read and answer quickly. Yet, I still found having to scan the reading was not as easy to do. For example, some of the answers are inferred. Meaning- the answer is not right there in black and white. You have to read the entire thing in order to get the inferred answer. So, scanning and trying to fish for the answer often takes longer than actually reading the entire passage and then answering the questions. Most, if not all of the questions can not be found by simply glancing at the passage. Especially if you are asked what ought to be the title of the passage; you would have to read the entire thing in order for you to know what that title should be. Also, there are questions relating to using analogies to that of the passage. They will use a different example altogether to parallel that to the actual passage. You then choose which analogy is saying exactly the same thing as the actual author's intent. This takes time. This takes reading the passage completely and thoroughly understanding it and doing all of this in under a minute or so, otherwise you run out of time. If the section is 30 minutes and there are 28 questions, you only have about 1 minute per question. So this means you have to read the entire passage in 10 seconds and allow yourself the remaining 50 seconds-2 minutes to begin answering the questions. Reading a passage and comprehending it in 10 seconds is a little bit of a challenge for me. I find it to be unrealistic to expect everyone to be able to do it. Regardless of ADD or not- give that task to ANYONE and it is a challenge. It's tough- I guess all I can do is time myself and try to get this done as best as possible and as quickly as possible.
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You really do have a great attitude! You have taken all these comments so positively!
Have you looked into schools that don't require the GRE? Are there any out there for your program?
Yeah, when you are in the creative world you have to be prepared for criticism: the good, the bad, and the ugly. That's just the way things are and I've gotten extremely immune to comments. I have learned to never take things personal and that people are coming from where they are at, they simply suggest based upon their life experiences and what has worked for them. My undergrad was in film production, so I've learned to allow people to say what they have to say and accept it. Sometimes it's not easy and it gets uncomfortable, but not everyone will respond to what you write, create or whatever- well.
I have considered schools that do not require GRE scores. Matter of fact, there are a few top MFA creative writing schools that rank within the top 10 in the nation- that don't require the GRE score. But, I'm preparing myself because I believe the some of the schools back east (where I'll be moving soon) will require them. I have to be prepared because it's not enough to write well, it's all subjective anyway and some schools may look at my writing portfolio and hate my style or what I've written? Some may love it? It's just not as cut and dry the way other schools function. Such as Med school for example. You take the MCAT, score well, have a good GPA and boom- you're accepted. It's easier in some ways than artistic degrees because it then becomes about GRE scores, GPA, Portfolio/writing samples and then if they actually like your style or see potential in your writing.
So, we'll see what happens and how things turn out. I may in the end up, not actually need the darn GRE score and it was all stress that I didn't need to go through. But, I'm working my left brain muscles and it's been good for me to get back into studying like this. In film school it was all about directing and writing and other stress- but all right brain activity, so my left brain is a bit rusty. I do feel those muscles getting stronger daily-
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Slee,
You say you do not want to make excuses, but again you seem to be attributing your lackluster performance on the GRE to your inability to read the reading comprehension passages quickly because of your ADD. Isn't it a bit pointless to be attributing your inability to read quickly with your ADD? I mean, if you are depressed, do you do yourself any favors waking up every morning expecting to be depressed? If you go through the GRE thinking that your ADD is going to be this huge roadblock to reading passages in a timely matter, aren't you just setting yourself up for failure?
I mean, this is partly why the "placebo effect" is so apparent in drug testing. People who think they are in pain, depressed, or whatever, commonly respond just as well to a placebo as to the real medication. If you think you are unable to read at a normal pace, then you probably ARE going to be unable to read normally. Plus, is there not medication available to ADD/ADHD patients to specifically help people concentrate?
You have to look beyond your ADD if you want to get through reading. Use a different strategy. I mean, no one says that you actually have to carefully read through the entire article before you get to start answering questions. Read only the first paragraph to get an idea of what the passage is about, read the first question, and then scan through the passage to find the answer. If you find that you are taking too long on one question, then just make an educated guess and move on. Reading comprehension only represents about 6-10 questions of the entire exam. Don't get stuck on these, run out of time, and then miss out on the parts that you actually do well in.
Everyone has their own sets of challenges when it comes to the exam. Some international students can barely speak English and walk away with high V scores because they worked on strategies that address their own inherent weaknesses. If you have trouble reading quickly, regardless of whether or not you have ADD, you need to develop a set of strategies that works for you. If that means guessing on a set of three questions for a passage so you can get to the 10-15 other non-reading comprehension questions left, then so be it.
By the way, one more thing I would like to add to your above comment. When it comes to any diagnosis, people who are diagnosed with depression or ADD or whatever- they don't have to wake up convincing themselves that they are feeling a certain way. Sometimes it is not the fault of the person that they are the way that they are- sometimes they are born with a condition. Some people are in that state automatically (good or bad) and no rational or positive self talks can talk them out of it. In other words, it's okay for people to be born with chemical imbalances and it's okay for people to be different. Having said that, I do acknowledge that I could learn to apply reading strategies to help me.
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I love that cop-out. I'm from the UK [or insert location] and therefore my cultural heritage excuses me from being a jerk! We take the piss, mate. We take the mickey. You just have to grow a thicker skin and lighten up, and so forth. But the truth is, the world is full of really great humor, really relational people... and, sadly, a bunch of jerks, too. Or, to use a commonwealth-ism, heaps of tuggers, mate, like yourself.
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Hello Honest Friend,
I agree with your assessment, as I realized that I haven't worked on reading strategies that may not at all be attributed to this diagnosis or it could be? Who knows, I'm not necessarily an expert. There are tricks with the reading comprehension portions, those of which you listed. Focusing too much on ADD can be causing some sort of strange self-fulfilling prophecy. I am not ashamed to admit that this may be true and it may have hindered me. As you stated, International students is a fine example- those that do tend to score high on verbal because they worked on that specific weakness.
This is good- the purpose of my post was to narrow down what went wrong and how I can work on specific weaknesses. I feel confident that I have gathered some great suggestions and help through everyone who has responded. I will be honest and say that I arrogantly assumed that the reading portion would not be a problem for me initially. I didn't take into account prior- that I tend to read slowly and methodically. It wasn't until after the test, that I realized where I went wrong. In the case of timed test-taking my approach has to change. I forgot that the test can randomly give you more reading or more math and etc. So, now I know what I need to work on. I have narrowed down what my weakness is and I can work on it. So, I am admitting that perhaps there is some truth in what you are saying by pointing out these reading strategies that I should have worked on and not negated. I was so focused on trying to work on math and other portions of the test. I didn't realize that the reading portion would cause me to run out of time as it did.
Regarding medication for ADD, I have taken them and they don't always help. At this point my preference is to focus more on testing strategies, rather than medication which has proven ineffective for me. They may work for some people, but they are not for me.
Thanks, again- I agree there is some truth to your assessment.
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Okay- read some of the articles but not all of them. From what I gathered MA programs are very tricky. One who decides on an MA should consider how much of that money will they get back? After all, Master's degrees are not cheap. It is something to seriously consider and ponder. All I can do is keep studying, keep writing, and apply to some programs that will actually pay for it. There are MFA programs in creative writing that the fellowship actually pays for. It is still not concrete. Though, as long as I score well on the GRE then I will have the opportunity look at all my options.
We'll see--- thanks for the article.
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Slee - I think you have a great attitude, you're obviously good at dealing with and mediating conflicts, you have a clear idea of your strengths and weaknesses, and a good sense of the absurd. I wish you all the best in your application season, and I really hope that you get into a program that recognizes your abilities.
Me too! Thank you for your input and thoughts- they have all been helpful.
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Thank you honest friend,
I will have to sit down and read it, as I stated- I'm a slow reader. But, so far I've read this sort of thing before. It is a concern of mine. Currently- I'm working on a long form piece (book) for publication. Though, the publication is not a 100 percent guarantee. Therefore, the MFA program appeared to be a logical and smart fall back. Though, if I do get published, I may not need to even go through this GRE non-sense any more.
We shall see, we shall see----
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Actually the word "Condition" would be a better word. It lessens the feeling that ADD is an excuse forced to be categorized under the handicap clause. I think that is why most people are dissuaded by the word "disability" and why Attention Deficit Disorder is often looked at flippantly. Most people merely recall that one kid they grew up with that bounced off the walls and had to take Ritalen as a result. They shrug it off as some one who can't sit still. Most people are angry because if they have to take the GRE without special treatment and bust their ass to get a good score, then so do those with "ADD" ought to suck it up and just "get with the program". We reflect on disabilities and often associate that word "disability" with something much more catastrophic.
In my mind before I was diagnosed- which was just this year and I am 33 years old. The word disability in my mind was synonymous to being blind, deaf, being in a wheel chair, and etc. These extreme visual images are still what many people immediately think of when they hear the word. So with that said, there are even people on this post that have reacted flippantly to ADD being considered a "disability" or a "condition" that requires accommodations in the same that one would have a wheel chair ramp for those handicapped and needing a ramp?
In other words- ADD and ADHD to most people are not disabilities although it is considered one, not just by definition standards within the ETS manual, but by definition in the Science and Medical community as well. It is more than someone simply unable to focus or distracted by noise. It appears in other forms and in my case, although I am a writer, I am actually a slow reader. Stephen King is equally an extremely slow reader and there are many well known writers that are actually. It is not a challenge for me to memorize words, on the contrary the verbal section I do extremely well. I can absorb words and lots of them (well over a 1000 or more). I have a vocab word builder on my Mac that I have been using well before taking this test (for writing and personal reasons), that is about 5,000 words or more. I am not boasting that I have memorized all of these words, but lets just say- I love new words. Now, this last GRE test oddly enough I was given hardly any verbal questions at all and was given 5 reading passages which slowed me down big time.
I mentioned this in another comment I posted, so perhaps I'm being repetitive. But, my point is- for most people reading passages come easy. They can speed read through the passage, but I get stompt. It takes me a long time to digest written material and get inside the mind of the author. Give me a ton of sentence completions, and throw the hardest antonym questions at me- and I will do well. I love words and they don't scare me. Now, being timed and having to speed read passages on insects in the rain forest or whatever other passage they give- in less than 10 minutes (5 long passages) and still reserve an extra 5 minutes to answer all of the questions, and then make time for the remaining verbal questions? By the time I got to the questions I did know, I ran out of time. I think that there is a connection between those that have ADD and how fast or slow they can read. They think fast, move fast, are always busy and do have a short tension span. Though, sit them down and compare their ability to speed read a passage to an individual who is not diagnosed with ADD- and I guarantee one can find differences in performance. If not the speed of the reading, then the ability to go back and answer the question related in the short amount of time given.
So, what word would I use instead of "disability"- so to avoid flippant or negative responses? Condition. Condition is a much better word in my opinion.
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Hi slee,
I just wanted to say - kudos to you for not quitting and trying to overcome this problem. I don't have ADD, but I know some people that do, and I've had some students that were seriously learning "disabled' due to ADHD combined with dyslexia. Trying to teach them English as a second language was an uphill battle, and I really admire you for your tenacity.
The one thing I can add to some of the excellent advice you've already received on the post is this - don't just focus on the time issue. The time is a serious stress-factor, I know, but I had an ADD student that I worked with towards her matriculation exam in English (not her first language) that was really struggling, even with extra time. It turned out that her ADD was intensified because she didn't feel confident in her knowledge. We started focusing very intensely on understanding the material - improving her vocabulary, improving her reading skills, improving her understanding of grammar, and improving her listening skills. We stopped dealing with time-management strategies for the first three months of studying (and we studied a LOT), and we just slooooooooowly walked through every type of question, reading comp section, listening comprehension section, and so on. She slowly gained confidence in her knowledge and familiarity with the exam, and then we started speeding it up.
Of course, matriculation exams don't compare to the GRE - not in terms of levels tested, nor in structure. But her much deeper understanding of the language, question types, and testing strategies really payed off as she was taking the exam - she was much less stressed than in any other subject, and ended up scoring much higher than in things she didn't study slowly and carefully for.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that you'll find a way to get through this idiotic test - you sound like an extremely bright individual, with a great deal of gumption and drive.
Good Luck!!
Branwen
I appreciate your empathy and understanding. As it appears that Psychologist, Counselor's or teachers who work with ADD students seem to be providing the most moral support and empathy. Though at the same time, I understand how flippant of a diagnosis ADD seems to have. It carry's with it- a negative and flippant vibe that most people simply pass off as an excuse. I agree with gaining the confidence. I am actually very strong in Verbal, math I am gaining strength in more and more. The last time I took this test- instead of giving me sentence completions, antonyms, and etc- they gave me like 5 reading passages. I'm not kidding. These reading passages were rather lengthy and I was expected to read all of them answer the questions, then answer the rest of verbal section in what- 30 minutes? If they would have given me more of the other verbal section- I would have scored way above a 1000- easily. I am excellent in verbal, but was thrown off by how many reading passages I was given. I'm a writer, but I'm a slow reader. It takes time getting behind the author's thoughts and contemplating exactly what their intentions are.
Most people find that the reading portion is the easy part and they think all the other vocab stuff is hard. I find that verbal skills, vocab, and etc- are all my strengths. Ironically enough, because I felt pressed with trying to read the 5 different passages they gave me, I ran out of time on the portions I did know! Then, they gave me tons of math- more math than last time. Ironically enough I scored higher on the quantitative.
I was hoping to score at least a 700 or higher on the verbal. I flopped and did 710 total (verbal and quantitative). So now, I have to simply figure out a way to do every section and approach it with more confidence and speed.
Thanks!
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"I agree- I dislike the term "disability" as well. It is a classification that ETS uses, although I never had problems with learning either. I just have anxiety and focus issues that cause problems with time sensitive test taking. Good luck with Harvard!
"What terminology would you prefer?
I don't know- maybe I'll find it in my Vocab words-
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Considering the OP has told us he/she has already been diagnosed with ADD, I don't really see the problem with suggesting that symptoms of ADD (like issues with time management) could be contributing to his/her difficulties. If someone told me he was diabetic and asked for advice about low-sugar foods, I wouldn't say, "Sorry, I cannot help you until I have given you my own official diagnosis." Why is MedievalManiac expected to do that in this situation?
Generally speaking I'm skeptical about people receiving extra time on tests - since the time factor makes it more difficult for everyone, allowing only certain individuals to get extra time seems pretty unfair, especially when you consider the crazy diagnoses patterns for ADD (for example, about half of my high school test was medicated for ADD - something has to be wrong there!). But then, the GRE is a load of balls, so I'd be happy for anyone managing to do better on it despite its annoying limitations. Perhaps you should apply to MA programs where acceptance would be most likely, and use the time in that program to do what's necessary to get the extended time. Perhaps talking to your doctor might help, as he might be able to have some pull. Who knows. Best of luck.
I don't consider anything MedievalManiac said offensive in the slightest. I think he was simply pointing out that those with ADD often suffer with anxiety that does weaken performance on test taking. Again, not everyone is built the same way however we're all forced to adhere to the same test that is supposedly tried and true and 100% accurate in assessing what sort of student gets into a program. ETS has not been flexible with revising this test, I disagree with the fact that a group of people out there decided that this test is so absolutely perfect- that it ought not be revised. This test should be only left-brain geared and nothing on it should be creative at all- because I assume....what....only left brain people have the potential to excel? So if you do well on this extremely left brain test then your not a complete moron and you have proven yourself capable of attending Yale, Stanford, Harvard, and etc? Are they saying that creativity is something that should not be tested or valued? Shouldn't the test be more of a reflection on various subjects rather than the way it is designed currently? They do have subject tests, yet that is not including everything else you are forced to absorb and remember.
While some people may not agree with ADD being a disability, they may think the fact that I brought it up altogether an extremely stupid and irrelevant point and some here may indeed have ADD themselves and they have excelled in all fields of their life. For my specific situation and I am only speaking for myself- the condition has always caused problems and I know many people with my diagnosis that does poorly under certain conditions. It does not mean my IQ is so low that I am incapable of learning or not going to grad school at all. Just because I'm wired differently and I need- a little more time. And I am not talking about endless amount of time here. I'm talking about 10 minutes in each section at the most and it's like pulling teeth just to get it. So, regardless of my condition- I have taken the test twice WITHOUT EXTRA TIME and I'm studying a third time to take it again and this will more than likely be WITHOUT EXTRA TIME. Now regarding ADD- it is not a pass to get extra time. A person could have ADD and multiple diagnosis from credible doctors and ETS does not care. So, those with this diagnosis are not treated with any special treatment- trust me on this. It takes MONTHS to go through Neuro-psychological testing, send the reports back to a Neurologist for review, and then get the final reports to send to ETS. They want every documented material on the matter since birth. They want several tests, doctor's notes, psychiatrist notes, and more... The test itself that they request can take up to 2-3 days and this is 8-10 hours a day of testing. So, being treated like a lab rat is not fun. It is not something I went out of my way to do to somehow cheat the system? So, I am not going to bother trying to wait around for months and do all of this energy draining stuff- for extra time. I need these months to study- not run around from hospital to hospital.
In general, I find the test poorly designed. Having said that, anyone is free to respond and defend this GRE test. But at this point, I really could care less. Because you know what- as I have said before commenting on others- I have never hid behind having ADD or whatever else. Despite it all I have busted my ass to study for this test and as I said before I am not giving up. And honestly, I don't think a low score is an indicator that someone can't meet goals, or succeed in a given program, or is going to be less successful than someone accepted into an Ivy League school.
But once again, who the heck am I, right? My opinion obviously means very little to those schools wanting a high score. Some of you assume that just because I have chosen an MFA that somehow that excuses me from these scores and the pressure to score high. That is simply not true at all. Schools have a minimum and that minimum requires a certain standard score. So, I'm back to studying today and I just have to play by their rules. I don't like these rules and I dislike being judged on the basis of how well I perform on a test- but this is the way Grad-School world works.
Though, I hope that they consider my writing portfolio and see that I'm not a complete moron because I scored very low on some test. Hopefully, they read my material (writing samples) and review my statement of purpose and they see that I am quite accomplished, intelligent, and capable of success and meeting all objectives the school requests.
So be it....
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And I hate that term, "disability". Having ADHD hasn't prevented or handicapped me from learning anything. Sitting still for more than five minutes, yes, that was a problem. But certainly not disabled. Getting good grades, or doing well on tests, ok, there's a handicap there. But in terms of the mind actually learning, I don't believe that ADHD handicaps us from that. I'll find out more for sure, if Harvard lets me into their Mind, Brain, and Education Ed.M program!!
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Couple responses here:
1. The last time I checked ETS, the paper version of the GRE was being given in parts of China.
2. One testing outfit was offering to rent or sell a GRE test pacing watch. It is designed to give you the time PLUS an approximation of what question you should be on. It is CAT-sensitive and gives more time upfront. It may freak you out more or be useful for keeping you on task. Part of what led to my on the GRE was getting stuck on a problem for like five minutes and forgetting to pay attention to the clock.
Okay- that's good to know. I like the watch idea. I get stuck on problems often- in nearly every area. I'm working on speed at this point.
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Hi slee! While I did fine on the GRE, I think I know two strategies that may help you. First (and the easiest), you can hide the clock on the test. If you aren't sure how to do it, it's in the walkthrough before the exam starts. I also found this distracting, particularly on the reading comprehension questions, and I don't have any sort of diagnosed medical condition like ADD.
Second, and this is a bit more complex, but I really think you need to start focusing on the things that you can control. Of course, this applies to the GRE. I don't want to sound too critical, as I'm sure that the time is a factor for you. However, it might be more productive at this point to just let it go and focus on the time that you DO have during the test and make that as good as you can. The first part is the most important--if you can get through that, you'll be looking pretty good even if you have to just guess at the last 5 questions. I understand that you worked with a tutor, but have you tried working through some of the practice books on your own? Some of those can be quite helpful. Like I said, I totally understand where you are coming from with your concerns, but it seems that you've reached a roadblock in trying to get the test to change for you. Everyone comes to the test with their own set of challenges, and, in our own way, we all have to adapt (for better or worse) to the test. I just think that it would be better to focus your energy on that at this point, but only you can really know what would really help in that regard.
And, as always (whether your GRE scores is a 400 or 1600), make sure that your writing sample, personal statement, and letters of recommendation are extremely strong.
These are very good suggestions- so thank you. I will try not to look at the clock and focus on just doing my best and what I can control. The writing samples and personal statement and letter's of recommendation ought to be strong. You are correct about that and I will simply do my best with all of it.
Thanks!
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If you put your mind to it, I know you can do it! Good luck.
PS Thanks for responding
Glad to see you chose to ignore the most offensive posts on here by an unnamed user.Thank you for your responses as well. I did respond to the post you are referring to and was not offended by either you or the other individual. I am taking all opinions and seeking the truth in what everyone has to say. So, I am taking no sides here- but am being objective in all of this. There are no wrong answers, as I mentioned in another post. Everyone has some truth behind their logic and I do thank you and everyone else for caring enough to provide suggestions. It is all appreciated.
Thanks!
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My girlfriend is applying for creative writing MFA programs as well, and from what she's researched it sounds like the only thing that matters is your writing sample and maybe if you have letters from famous people. I get the impression for an MFA GREs matter very little for the program. However, they might matter for the Graduate School itself. The graduate school might have minimums for funding, or minimums for admittance, completely independent of the requirements of the MFA program. If you apply next year, you might want to email the DGS and just say, "I have low GRE score for this reasons. Will it make me uncompetitive?" or "Would you recommend I retake the GRE?" I have found that people answer those kinds of questions very candidly (they will not answer questions like, 'Is there a GRE minimum?" candidly; they will over general advice and say "most accept students...."). Good luck!
Also, you know about MFA blog and Suburban Ecstasies? Those are two website where people might have a better sense to what degree if at all GRE's matter specifically for a creative writing MFA.
You are right- the school usually has a minimum GRE requirement but the actual Creative Writing department may overlook low GRE scores if indeed they find that your writing portfolio is sound. If you are a decent writer and they see potential in you- then I believe they may let you in anyway. This is my hope.
Thanks!
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It's altogether possible that the person in question does have an actual underlying psychological problem with test taking in high-anxiety situations. This is a documented medical condition - at present, it can either fall under a long-term ADD diagnosis OR a shorter-term test anxiety disorder. People with mild to moderate ADD often go undiagnosed because they have learned coping skills or don't outwardly manifest their disorder, but in high-stress situations or times of prolonged stress their condition is exacerbated and things that they think are not going to be problematic become much more difficult, especially concentrating or focusing on a single task. There is also (much rarer, but it DOES happen) adult-onset ADD, which can be triggered by sustained bouts of stress and anxiety. Finally, there is test anxiety, and many more people than you would think are awarded extra time on ETS exams because somehow, psychologically, that helps to ease their anxiety to a point at which they can focus and take the test.
My sister was a National Honor Society student in the top 10 of her class, as well as a scholar athlete and just an all-around respected scholar. She never got less than a B on anything in any of her classes. Her PSAT score (back in the good old days of 1600 as a perfect score) was a 560 - no joke. She took it again: 560. She came home shaking and in tears after both exams. My parents had her evaluated. The doctor got the testing folks to grant her extended time. Her PSAT score: 1200. Her subsequent SAT score, also with extended time: 1470. Obviously, she was then blowing everybody else away the way everyone knew she could...the difference was in the time allotted; with the pressure off she could do the work. She ended up early decision full scholarship to W&M and is now a highly respected Math teacher.
Of course, from the sound of things, it is harder to be granted this extended time without a full bout of psychological work ups - which is unfortunate. It truly was the deciding factor for my sister.
Dear Med-
I find your assessment to be quite sound and accurate. I am not offended in the slightest by any of your comments. It is completely my own honesty that wrote the original post with my diagnosis included. I am seeing all perspectives and not at all ruling out any one's point of view. However, as you know there are many people who do suffer with anxiety and I am not ashamed to admit that I do. I understand your point was to not give a diagnosis and I did not get that by reading any of your comments. I appreciate your empathy and inputs thus far and for understanding that not all brains are wired the same way. I do indeed have extreme test anxiety which does indeed cause havoc for an adult with ADD and I was diagnosed much later, so I don't have the records dating back to childhood that ETS is requiring that I submit to them. Having said that, I do have proof this has been a continuous issue for me dating back since I could remember.
This is my first time posting anything up on this forum and so, my intention was to not use my diagnosis as any crutch or something to hide behind. I think you understand this and I appreciate your professional/personal opinions. And I have done everything on my part to work around it and push forward by studying probably longer than anyone I know. I've studied daily, every day for months and again- this is without the distraction of needing to work (because I am currently writing at home full time) and not having kids. So, as I reflect upon all of this- really, it has nothing to do with how much I understand or study or press on or evaluate myself. Some brains are just wired differently- as I am gathering is your point and I completely agree with you. I have taken into consideration tips for studying from other people. I have considered doing more practice tests at home, working on time management and have even worked on all of this with my tutor who specializes in not just GRE, but time management and study skills techniques. So, I did work with the best when it comes to this test and I did everything instructed of me and I still ran out of time on one section and still got struck with extreme anxiety regardless of all my preparations.
As I stated in response to another post- I did take the test home and gave myself extra time. When I did this- I scored 1100. But, when I was timed and under the pressure of the actual test and clock- I scored a 710 total. I have done this several times. Taking the test at home and then comparing it to 2 occasions in which I took the test and scored much lower than the times I felt the least amount of pressure because I gave myself more time. There are people out there (like my sister) who can go in under any circumstance, regardless of how stressful the situation, no matter how short of a time given, and regardless if there is distraction (noise or otherwise) and score extremely high. She is just that way and have been since she was a child. I have always been the opposite. So, all I can do is practice these tests under short time frames. I have a stop watch that I started to use and I have been timing myself so that I can try and answer the questions in a shorter amount of time. I am equally still trying to get the extra time on the test and not ruling trying to receive that extra time. Nonetheless, I am indeed looking at my weaknesses and evaluating myself as others have suggested. I am trying to see where and how I can improve.
So, everyone here is correct in their own way. There is no wrong answer. And I do thank everyone for responding and being helpful. It was never my intention to try and use a diagnosis as an excuse, nor was it ever my intention to stir up problems here. My intention was to simply get help and like I have said- this is my very first time ever posting anything on this site. Perhaps, I shot myself in the foot by being overtly honest in my original post. But, I really have nothing to lose. All I can do is ask for help and feedback and be prepared for all responses- favorable or unfavorable. There is a little bit of truth in almost anything that anyone says, so I search for it and try to learn. That is all we can do is continue to learn and get back up and try again. Failure is the only excuse I will not give myself. Failure is only one step away from success and that is one thing I will not do is give up.
Thanks!!!!
- jmb04, fromeurope, slee and 2 others
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Again, you say the only issue you have is being timed. Are you suggesting that if you had double or triple the time that you would score in the upper 90th percentiles on all three sections? That time is the only factor preventing you from scoring very highly? Take a practice test without setting any time limits and see how you do. If you indeed get a 1400+ score, then I will agree with everyone else that perhaps all you need to practice is your time management skills and make sure you aren't spending more than 90 seconds or so on any given question. But if you take a practice test and still score around 1100 or below, then I would argue that there is something more serious going on here than a simple lack of time management preventing you from scoring highly.
I am not sure why an honest reflection of your strengths and weaknesses seems to be so controversial. Yes, I understand that no one wants to be told that they have any innate weaknesses that they cannot attribute to some external factor. But I also understand that in order to really progress in life you need to be mindful of these weaknesses so that you can consistently work on them and better yourself in the long run.
Dear Honest Friend,
I see your reasoning. I agree with you that I ought to look at time management and other weaknesses to indeed understand everything from all perspectives. I did exactly what you suggested in your above statement actually. I took the test at home giving myself a little more time (not an infinite amount of time, but more time nonetheless), and I scored around 1,100. When I did take the test the second time (at the Pro Metric Testing site) and ran out of time in one section. Though this second time, it was only one section that I ran out of time and not all areas (as this occurred the first time). So, overall I got a 710 and that is total and with more time at home, I got a 1100- which is a huge difference. But, I do see what you are saying and I am acknowledging all perspectives, truly.
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I'm pretty sure the paper test is not an option in most parts of the world, now, definitely not in North America.
Good to know
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IF ... and it's a big IF .... the current paper test resembles the past paper tests, 10 of which are available from ETS for about $20.00, and on amazon.com (used) for as low as $5.00 .... the paper test's problems are easier but there are more questions ...
I consistently score LOWER on (reprints of old) paper tests than I do on either POWERPREP or the real GRE.
So, I'm sorry to say, but I don't think the paper test will help you out.
I'd say, pay the bucks to get the neuropsychological documentation (my ex-wife and I did that for our daughter) and get the time accomodation you need ! Yes, it's expensive. It cost us $2500, and that was ten years ago, but it enabled her to graduate from high school, and now, to attend a (middle-ranked) undergraduate college.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU ! whatever you decide !
Thank you- that's great to know. I will still try for the extended time and do my best with studying. I have evaluated myself and will try to work on the time issue, as I have been and do more practice tests and etc. Though, overall it goes beyond simple time management as you noticed about your daughter. There are just some brains out there that work differently than others and that is okay. None of us are the same and so I'll just work on it as I have been doing and keep trying. Thanks for the input on the paper test. It's good to know.
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Eh, how about enough with the back and forth. As far as your super craptacular GRE score. Maybe grad school, or just school isn't for you. I'm not saying you are as dumb as a bag of hammers, but your brain may just be telling you it's had it with the input function. So why not try something else? If I were you I'd load up on Adderall or Ritalin and try again. I'm not dispensing medical mumbo jumbo and I'm not legally responsible for any action you take. I'm just saying what I would do if I had your condition where . . . .was that a rabbit?! . . . you just can't focus on anything for more than. . . .I swear I saw a rabbi!. . . a few seconds.
Good luck buddy:lol:
It's okay- I'm laughing with you too. I do have a sense of humor as well. No offense taken. But, I'm gonna try again and simply give it a shot. There are many people that take the GRE more than 3-4 times and even 5 times.
Extremely Low GRE Score!!!
in GRE/GMAT/etc
Posted
Yeah, I noticed some had suggested it as well. At the time that I took the GRE this last time (second attempt) I had gotten off of my ADD medication about 1 week before taking the test. Cause my thoughts were- hey, I'm 33, I'm an adult, I don't need them?!?! I am wondering now if that was such a wise thing to do right before a test? I know...duh? Right? I don't know what I was thinking, I guess I wasn't. I simply was trying to go all organic and stay off of it, but now that I am planning on taking it a third time and have opted against getting extended time (because trying to do so would take a very long time to process or approve). I am currently back on ADD medication. I can read and focus much more on my medication. I know in some of my responses I had stated that I was going to try and avoid meds, but- it actually is working for me now. I didn't get off of them before because they weren't working. I was going through this phase where I was trying to go all holistic. Now, I've learned not to experiment with holistic/organic remedies before an important test. I've learned that it's not such a bad idea to maybe stay on the meds especially on the day of the test. Ha ha ha....I just have to laugh at myself. It has helped me concentrate and with the added support of all of you here that have been kind enough to offer some great suggestions and better study habits, I think three time's a charm. I am striving to do much better this next time around and have a sense of humor about it all. By simply lightening up about it, I'm much more relaxed and able to focus more during my study sessions.