dlb89
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Posts posted by dlb89
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Oh the GRE...all over this forum and any website dealing with grad school admissions for here in the US you'll see all kinds of theories about how the scores are weighted, what other accomplishments will offset a bad score, and basically the subjectivity of it all...I've seen people actually call their 1200-1300 scores "mediocre," that's right, mediocre...but it all depends on so many factors. However, the general consensus seems to be that there is a cutoff regardless of whether or not a school says so. Anything below a combined score of a 1000 could have a seriously negative impact on your application. Now, if a program says that there is "no set GRE score requirement" does that mean you still have a chance at being accepted with a 900? I don't know, I imagine that depends on the type and competitiveness of the program.
dlb89, your Verbal score isn't bad, I ended up with 570. I really can't say how much the quant section matters for Anthropology but I would venture to say that you'd really benefit from trying to reach 500. I don't know what the new GRE looks like, but I for the old one, I hated every second of studying for the quant section, I felt like I had to relearn 4 years of high school math in a matter of months and it seemed like I had a better handle on it while I was studying, but I ended up at 550. So that put me at 1120 combined. That is not a stellar score by any means, but I figured it was OK enough to not be a deal breaker. My score is a good 100 points below my dream school's average, but I got in off of the waitlist. I don't think my GRE score got me waitlisted. You might want to email the admissions offices at the schools your looking at asking if they have a cutoff or if you haven't done so already look at the average scores for accepted applicants to give yourself an idea of how much you should improve your score. Your other stats are great though, so I would just concentrate on getting that Q score up a bit more...I know it's a pain, but it's part of the process.
dimanche, being that you're going for an English program you really want to get your Verbal score up, really anything below a 500 in either section is a bit of a red flag for any program, unless it specifically disregards a section due to irrelevance. I mean the verbal score for a computer science program really doesn't carry much weight. Maybe to make it less daunting you should focus on one area of the verbal section that gave you the most trouble. I hated the reading comprehension exercises so I kind of petered out on those, but I really focused on learning vocabulary, the analogies, and sentence completions. Being that this is your area of study and you did so much better on practice tests, the 440 could have been just a fluke...I don't think you have anything to lose by retaking it. Think of it this way, you'll know what to expect the 2nd time and that takes a lot of pressure out of the equation. I had to retake it also to get the score I mentioned above, the first time I was terrified and it resulted in a score much like those in this thread, but the second time I went in with a different attitude, I knew I studied enough, I knew I was better than that dreadful score and I wasn't going to let this ridiculous test get in my way. So with that I did well enough to make it into my dream school.
Well said Safferz!
Mal83,
Thanks for the thoughtful and thorough response. First off, I'm happy to hear you got into your dream school! That must have been a remarkable feeling.
As for minimum/required scores for my prospective programs: none of the schools have explicit minimums per se, but many did note that "successful applicants usually have a score in the range of 600-800 in each section," some also adding that any sub-600 scores were viewed with a suspicious eye by adcomm members.
You're right about needing to beef up my quant scores. *sigh* I think I might just have to bite the proverbial bullet and write this damn test again.
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My main issue with the GRE was the geometry. I had never grasped it well in 9th grade, so revisiting it so many years later on a test was beyond difficult. I missed all 5 geometry questions on the test.
I'm sorry, but I don't understand the applicability of geometry to graduate school studies (for most students).
Unfortunately, it may be a reality that sub-1000 composite scores can weigh heavily on your application. For some of those students, it means that a morning/afternoon wipes away years and years of accomplishment and scholarship, but that's how the system operates now.
Hahah, if it makes you feel any better, the extent of my geometry knowledge (or lack thereof) resulted in me placing my fingers on the computer at the testing centre and physically measuring the distance between A and C, or A and B, or whatever. Because, you know, at least trying to measure it is better than nothing at all? :| Pretty sure the man overseeing the test takers was shaking his head, heavy with chagrin on my behalf. *sigh* should have paid attention in math class.
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I could use a good pick me up, too. I am a HORRIBLE test taker and scored 440V and 500Q. I studied for months. Did incredibly well on the practice tests and scored consistently in the high 600s/low 700s. But, test day came and I overthought EVERYTHING.
I can't help but have nightmares about how this is going to affect me. I thought about doing a retake, but considering I've never tested well, I will only be hurting myself by retaking and getting another embarrassingly low score.
I know exactly what you mean in terms of over-thinking. I too was scoring fairly high on the practice exams (700 range) but, come examination time, freaked out and went into instinctual mode which, apparently, does not allow me to adequately comprehend the nuances of the English language.
I know the thought of re-taking the exam seems both masochistic and daunting, but you have nothing to lose by rewriting it. I will admit I felt slightly less nervous the second time around (in other words, I didn't end up vomiting 5+ times before, as was the case with round number one). Have you also thought about taking a prep class? I know they tend to be expensive, but it might be a good investment. I might rewrite the GRE (shoot me now) in October, taking a prep class before to try to quell my nerves.
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Hello all fellow GRE-haters,
I'm looking to hear from those of you who are coming to terms with horrible GRE scores. Better yet, I'd love to hear from those who've received poor scores AND have managed to get into top programs. I'm feeling quite discouraged and am contemplating forgoing applying to American schools* this year in light of my scores, so an uplifting pep talk would be great
.I have written the GRE twice, both times to receive equally abysmal scores...something in the range of 580V;380Q (wish I was kidding, but math is not my forte), 6AW.
Really, it comes down to laziness and a lack of available study time. I've been working and taking classes while attempting to prepare for the GRE, so my scores don't surprise me. Though it doesn't sit well with the rest of my application: I have a 4.0, research experience, very strong letters of reference, and have received various accolades/scholarships throughout my undergraduate career.
Bah, damn you GRE! Fie upon you!!!
*note: I'm a Canadian student and we folk up North are not as fixated with standardized testing as the States seems to be. No offense!
- lottesnk and CooCooCachoo
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I'm in the same boat as you. I scored a 540 V, 350 Q (HORRIBLE at math), and a 5.5AW the first time I wrote the GRE. I should note that I am Canadian and we don't have standardized testing in our school system, and I'm also applying to anthropology PhD programs, so the Q score isn't of terrible importance.
I am retaking the GRE next week, but haven't really had time to adequately prepare due to school/work/life. I'm hoping to up my V score to at least 600, but who knows if that will happen because, like you, I am not the best at taking standardized exams!
All I can recommend is:
1. Have you thought about applying to Canadian/UK-based MA/MPhil programs that do not require the GRE?
2. And if those don't work for you, don't worry about the GRE. To echo what many people say around here on the Grad Cafe, the GRE is NOT the most important part of your application - not by a long shot. Some schools have minimum scores, so just ensure the ones you're applying to don't. Otherwise, let your strengths and brilliance shine through in your applications. Don't apologize for your GRE scores, because the GRE is BS. (Sorry, ETS).
Good luck!
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Thanks for the reply! Glad to hear you did better this time around...a 110 point increase is great.
I'm spending about 2-3 hours each day prepping, mainly focusing on increasing my verbal score and secondarily on my quant score (I'm in anthropology...they don't care too much about quant).
I just took the GRE for my 2nd time yesterday. I took it once last summer and wasn't satisfied with my verbal score. I found that it was much more manageable the second time. I already knew what kind of questions to expect and this time I prepared two weeks in advance. I would say that it can't hurt to take the test again, but I would not recommend going into it unprepared. After all, its quite a large gamble ($160 to be exact) to risk not doing any preparation. I improved my verbal by 110 points. go for it! Just be confident and prepare!
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Hello all,
I wrote the GRE last summer and didn't receive a particularly stellar score. I'm back at it again and will be writing it for the second time in just under a month.
For those of you who've written the GRE more than once, what was your experience with the second (or third, fourth, and I hope for no one, fifth!) time? My main issue the first time around was that I was horribly nervous and ended up getting quite physically ill pre-, during, and post-exam (you don't want to know, haha).
Thanks in advance! I appreciate any insights you can provide me with :-)
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Hi Safferz,
I'm in the same boat as you. I wrote the GRE last summer and didn't get a very competitive score, so I'm rewriting it mid-July (2 days after you!).
That being said, I was taking an intensive Italian course that JUST ended, so I haven't had much time to study. I just started getting back into the prep a few days ago, and I have moments where I'll start freaking out because it's SO soon. I mean, less than a month!!
BUT, this is what my mantra of sorts has become:
1. If you don't do well, you can always retake it in the fall (even if it is the modified version. Apparently not that different to study for...just getting used to the format).
2. 4 weeks of study time is fine. It's not necessary to study for months and months. (Most of the prep books recommend not devoting more than 8 weeks to prep, because you can burn out)
What I've found useful this time around is to really concentrate on suffixes, prefixes, and roots and memorizing the high frequency words. It's not feasible to memorize 3500 words, especially not in 4 weeks. I'm also working on my math (I'm an anthro student, so it's not super pertinent to my program), because schools look at combined scores, and usually 1200 is the magic number. My last quant score was RIDICULOUSLY low and brought down my overall score.
Good luck! Let me know if you think of any useful tips for studying :-)
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Gah... I am supposed to be working on my honors thesis right now... I am just too tense to get anything done. I think I am going to work from home today.
Update: just got a rejection................
I'm really sorry to hear this. What about the other schools you applied to? Keep your chin up!!
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I have some bad news:
I contacted the grad secretary. Apparently, all accepted and waitlisted applicants have been notified. If you have not heard anything by now, you've been rejected (this includes me). Sorry guys! Congrats to those who received an acceptance
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I think NYU might be going through the same thing as UPenn right now. My guess is the department has made the decisions, but the decisions need to be approved by the graduate school (GSAS at NYU). I emailed my POI and he told me they won't have the final list until morning.
Persiandoc might have his information early because he is international (and giving him extra time gives him extra time for a Visa).
Geeze. I accepted that I was rejected because I hadn't heard anything. Now there's a slight glimmer of hope, but I'm trying to not think about this too much...
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Thank you very much indeed. Did you hear anything from them? Fingers crossed you'd be at least waitlisted even if you don't get accepted straight away! It means a lot to me if you could get in. I'll be waiting for Yale's final decision too. NYU's funding package is not that good for NYC that is hell of an expensive place,
Nope, no news. I'm really not expecting to hear anything by way of acceptance. It's okay though! I'll come visit you when I visit my BF. We can have martinis after all! haha. Good luck with Yale. I'd imagine you'd get in, considering you've been admitted/waitlisted by arguably the top anthro programs in the US for the work you want to do.
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Hey friends,
WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I just got up in the morning and straight went to check my emails hopelessly. Guess what I got? I got admitted by NYU. (YIPPIE).................................... Let's party guys!
I got another email from CUNY too. I've been again waitlisted by CUNY and I'm gonna decline it very soon. Any other admits from NYU or any waitlists from CUNY?
Congrats on BU, UNM and other new acceptances! I think I'm gonna wait for Yale too,
cheers,
Oh my god!!! Congrats!!! What did I tell you?!! I'm so happy for you, persiandoc
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I wouldn't take this personally or as an indication of your chances. It sounds like it's a combination of budgetary restraints and them wanting to finalize accepted applicants earlier than anticipated. I would almost see it as a positive because you can interview with them that much sooner.
Either way, I really wouldn't stress about it...wait for after your interview to do that!
Good luck! -
Anyone have any clue how many sociocultural applicants apply? I know it's pretty much an impossible acceptance, but sometimes I'd like to know the degree of impossibility.
I'm wondering this same thing. Do we know how many applied last year? We could always guesstimate this year based on last year's numbers...
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That's what I love about this forum the most; you think you're not an outcast OCD kind of a person anymore! I wish we were all able to be in a real cafe together! Just imagine how wonderful it would have been!
hahaha I feel bad for the staff at this imaginary cafe! But ah, a group of budding anthropologists in a room together sounds fantastic...almost sounds a bit like GRAD SCHOOL (but cheaper and less competitive). *sigh* one can dream.
p.s. persiandoc, I feel so sorry for your trainer at this point! I think he, of all people, will be the most grateful once this application period is done!
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I have a rule where I don't talk about grad school with any of my friends/family members or my boyfriend. This rule came into effect when I realized that there's nothing anyone can do for you, ESPECIALLY those not involved in the application process whatsoever. Listening to me whine incessantly kind of loses its charm after a few minutes, ya know? That's why being part of a community where people are clearly a little bit obsessive and/or anxiety-stricken is so awesome: because ya'll know where I'm coming from!
Cheers guys. Good luck to us all
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Hi my precious lovely supportive friends (dlb89 and distant wizard in particular)
I was out smoking and drinking with my best friend and now I'm back lurking in my emails and this amazing forum. I'd die if you were not out there. Fingers crossed I'd get in ANYWHERE. I wish there would be at least one who were admitted by both Columbia and Princeton. I wish I wouldn't be No. 7 at Yale or NYU too. Even if I'd end up No. 7, they took up at least 7, (LOL)
Please tell me if there might be anyone out there with offers from Princeton or Columbia who may want to decline their offer?
To those who're waiting for Columbia's call: they've made all the decisions. 6 admits and 2 waitlists. I don't know if bio/evo/physical are included or what. Yet, I got the impression either they have been notified or they're being notified very soon. Also for those applying next year to Columbia. They're apparently going to take up more admits with better fundings,
We're all rooting for you! If it comes down to it, we'll find the accepted Princeton/Columbia applicants and persuade them to decline their offers. LOL! But seriously persiandoc, you'll get in. I am hoping for Columbia for you because their program is fantastic. Did they mention anything about funding if you do get in? -
Also, NYU or Duke today people? What are ya'll thinking?
I am praying to the adcomm gods that today will be the day that NYU notifies applicants. I had this wretched dream that I paid $10 less than the application fee in December and they wanted to admit me, but couldn't because of the app fee. I woke up drenched in sweat and checked my e-mails first thing. STILL no word
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Great recommendations. Thanks!
I'll look into the first options you missed. I'm trying to get on the teaching boat now.
It's good experience and a good way to learn to organize lesson plan instruction time.
Also, check out the National Geographic Grant program http://www.nationalg...oung-explorers/
I don't know what you are focusing on specifically in bioanth, but a lot of individuals have done primatology-related work for their research.
From what you've said about the MA programs, I would probably go for it - if only to keep your mind occupied for a year. Then, in the rare event that you don't get into any schools next year, you will at least have your MA and can begin to look at completely different, non-anthro options.
Good luck, mutualist007!
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Hey guys (anthroapp11 in particular),
my heart is broken. I've been waitlisted again. it was not an interview. they took up 6 and made 2 wait list offers. i'm at the top of the wait list again. he also encouraged me to apply next year because they're gonna have better fundings and expand their cohort,
cheers
P.S. I hate 777777777777777777777777
persiandoc,
I am sorry to hear this, BUT you are at the top of both waiting lists. There is no way that everyone will accept their admissions offer, so spots will free up for sure. I would be very surprised if you weren't offered admission into these programs by mid-March early April. Plus, there are some schools that you still haven't heard from, and we all know NYU is going to be a definite acceptance for you :-).
Good luck friend!
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has anyone tried emailing their POI? I did, but I have not gotten any response. Are all the professors staying hush?
I thought about this, but I'm a bit too terrified. What did you say when you e-mailed your POI? Did you straight up ask whether you had been admitted?
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Chocolate is delicious, but I have this insatiable craving for really sugary cereal. Cinnamon Toast Crunch, French Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, REESES PUFFS, Honey Nut Cheerios...I am literally drooling just thinking about them. This application period, I sadly average 5 + bowls per day of this addictive crack-food.
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What kind of alternatives? I am doing that too, considering radiology, biomedical lab certification, other masters plans, and other things I can loop back to. Sure I'd love to stay in anthropology, but what can I really do between now and next year (that I can afford...) to requalify for a PhD program?
But not all options are exhausted. I am considering a couple of Terminal Masters programs that have late acceptances. Eastern Carolina is accepting applications until April, and no doubt there's others in your neck of the woods.
If you have any bright ideas on backups, please post them. We may even have a thread for it already that I started when I first began to get anxious about plan b options.
Haha well, my alternatives are less scholastic in nature. I know that anthropology is the academic field that I'd like to pursue, so if I don't get in this round, my alternatives are more work or "personal development" related.
I think the most realistic plan will be to try to secure a job teaching in East Asia (I'm really holding out for Mongolia!). These are usually year-long contracts. I would spend my free time studying the language of the area (not much need for Khalka Mongolian, but if I were to work in China I would love to study Mandarin), reading various anthropological publications relevant to my proposed research area, writing, and trying to get published in various social science/anthro journals. During my vacation time, I would love to cram in as much travelling as possible. I'd try to visit S. Korea, Japan, China, and Mongolia (yes, a very expensive vacation, but teaching pays decently well).
My next alternative is to apply for a bunch of grants to study French in either Quebec or West Africa.
I'm also interested in taking a wilderness medicine course. Totally unrelated haha.
I've thought about doing a Masters, but to be honest, I would rather spend a year travelling, working, and strengthening my application in other ways. I've heard horror stories about previous MA's not being recognized by PhD programs and having to re-do the two years. I'm not comfortable with taking that risk, considering how much time, work, and MONEY go into MA's, as they are often unfunded.
Dear GRE: I Think We Should Break Up
in GRE/GMAT/etc
Posted
I understand where you're coming from with this comment. However, I think it's incorrect to say that the verbal portion of the GRE corresponds to communicative ability in academia. The verbal section is highly peculiar in that it requires test takers to derive meaning out of context (which has been remedied by the revised GRE's focus on reading comp and elimination of out-of-context "vocab" testing), which does not fit with how humans actually understand or use the English language. Similarly, the current GRE (can't say the same for the revised format as I've yet to have the pleasure of writing it) is laden with very particular, Eurocentric assumptions about the relationships between words (i.e. the analogies section) - relationships that are not necessarily inherent to the English language, but to a particular style of thinking that disciplines like anthropology seek to destabilize. So I don't think it's fair to say that performing poorly on these sections necessarily means that you are deficient in using the English language/communicating information or whatever.
Plus, some people (myself obviously included) are just plain shitty standardized test takers.
I don't think the GRE is a measure of our ability to thrive in graduate studies, but I do think it is a measure as to how well you can write this particular exam.