lolopixie

Your verbal score is nothing to be ashamed of, at all. Look at the FAQs for the programs you are applying for. Some schools will specifically state we want a 600 (for example), some state percentile they want (which will equate to some score), others will just say GRE scores are judged competitively. It wouldn't be a bad idea to contact the program and ask, and now would be a great time because they won't be flooded with phone calls like they will be starting around November. You may be able to gain some insight, or you might get a general answer that the person answering the phone is told to tell people inquiring. Emails could work too. As far as GPA goes, there will not be a critical analysis of your transcript. I think every school lists their minimum requirement for GPA on the program information. Berkeley, for example, only requires a 3.0 GPA, but specifically lists on their website that the average GPA of entering classes is a 3.75. So, do they consider people with a 3.0? I don't know. If you don't have at least a 3.0, there is no point in even applying (this is just an example). My opinion (take it for what it is), your GPA and GRE scores do not have to make you stand out, they just have to move you forward (do you meet what they are looking for their cut off or not - I would think a higher GRE or GPA has some impact, but can you move forward to be further reviewed?). The place you really need to sparkle is your SOP, writing sample, and LORs. That is what is going to tell the program that this person is a good investment who will finish the program. If you are able to get a more definitive answer about GRE scores from your program, that would help ease your mind that your application will be considered (as far as your actual ability, not how you performed on one standardized test). I would not bother applying to programs that list a GPA or GRE requirement that are higher than what you have because you do not meet the minimum requirements.

You want to meet the requirements set on the application. If the request asks for (at least) three letters of reference, then you need to send a minimum of three. Some schools specifically state at least three, but no more than five. Sending four would not negatively impact you, but some schools say three and only allow the three on their applications. I would go ahead and open up the applications as soon as possible (I know they aren't really available until September), and see if the system allows for the four. If so, go for it. If not, take your top 3 picks of LORs.

You would think ETS would understand there are programs at stake here and that we need to know if we need to retake it. They should have released it earlier. Just another reason to add to my list of why I hate ETS and believe they are just a money making scam. However, I will not go on that tangent any further.

If anyone has an adroid phone, there are multiple free apps that are good study aids for vocabulary on the go. I have the Kaplan app downloaded to my phone and use it during my breaks at work to get quick study in. They have all the words from the study books in the app, and it is much easier to tote around. Figured I would share for anyone that is still studying for it.

No, I did not get in any of the 10 PhD programs I applied to last year. It definitely had to do with my GRE scores - they were horrible, to say the least. I knew that the GRE scores were not good, but I thought that the rest of my application would off-set the bad scores and did not retake them - mistake. One program actually told me in my rejection letter that it was because my GRE scores were not competitive. I'm not saying I would have gotten into every program last year with a better GRE score, but I am certain I would have gotten in somewhere if I would have taken the time to retake. I just didn't have the time - working 40 hours a week, working on applications, writing my thesis. I waited until I came out of my fog of depression to contact programs, and was told that first round cuts they are looking at GPA and GRE (you have to think the ways programs cut 500 applications down to 10). I have a 3.9 GPA, so I knew that is not what did me in. I also have publications, multiple conferences (national and regional), panel chairs, academic awards from my program, and travel grant awards. I personally know 2 other people that did not get into any program they applied to last year, then there were several people on this board, and the people I heard of from other programs. It definitely happens.

This will be my second round of applications. I still have to retake the GRE - planning on taking it in September and gauging if I will need to retake it after that. It was my severe weak point in my applications last year. My writing sample is pretty much done. The sample I used last year was a heavily edited research paper from my program, which I then used as the basis for my thesis, so it has been edited to the 500th degree (the chapter I will be pulling). Still need to construct new LORs - and YES it is critical to gear each one to the program you will be applying to. All of my professors have my letters of rec done and updated to include info about my thesis. All I need to do is let them know when they need them. Make sure to give the professors AMPLE time for the letters. I sent my professors the links in September (went ahead and opened all the applications and sent the LOR portion), the earliest one was completed at the end of October. There is definitely a lot of work to do; however, I have a much more condensed list of programs (about 5).

From my experience applying last season, you only need a certain GPA and a certain GRE score to push through the weed out rounds. Some schools specifically state they want 600 verbal (for example) on your GRE and a 3.5 GPA. If you do not have these requirements, you will be sliced in the first review round and your application will never really be reviewed. You can always contact programs of interest to see if they will provide you will the cut-offs. I know my GRE score is what did me in last year. It was the only part of my application that was not good. I thought my other credentials would off-set it, but that was not the case. I spoke to 2 programs and received confirmation of this (I didn't contact the other 8 because I was too emotionally distraught to hear it more). Keep in mind these top tier programs are receiving around 500 applications for about 10 slots -- brutal cuts will be made. I would think you will make it through the first rounds with your GPA and GRE scores

Howard, Purdue, univ of Florida, univ of Miami, lsu...

I'm okay with the silence this week. The 4 rejections last week was enough noise for me to enjoy this!!!! Still anxious.

Completely non-academic related fact about nc state: the school by laws require a certain number of bricks be laid each year, so they literally have brick gardens. Guess the brick masons still need to have their bricks put to use.

Maybe this is just the bitterness in me, but it seems unfair that you would post how traumatic it is that you're still waiting on schools when you have been accepted to three already. Some people are waiting to hear back from a lot more, some people have only been wait-listed, while others have only been rejected. Count your blessings that you have some acceptances. It could be a LOT worse.

Had an email when I woke up to check my asf for decision. Rejected...as I knew was coming. Maybe they updated all asf???

Dear God, make me a bird, so I can fly far, far away from here. Or at least migrate south to Florida so that I can escape this bitter cold waiting game.

I hate the gre. I think it is a worthless test that really only tests your vocabulary. That says absolutely nothing about your academic ability. Nebraska doesn't ask fo test scores - I need other schools to get on board. I believe ets is just a money making scheme - the schools don't even get kickbacks for asking for the scores. Ugh I just want to do away with that thing.

No. Only basing off last year's results of late march. I'm hoping my lifelong dedication to the color purple will pull through. Down to 4.

Came home to my rejection email - where's the booze? 2 in one day is kind of hard to swallow.

Rejected

I'm working mainly with Fanon, but strong emphasis on Lacan's identity development (which includes mirror stage) and female development. I don't know how they are notifying though. I like Brown's approach of just let everyone know in the same day.

Lacan is awesome. I'm using him in my thesis. I am now able to quote him in random conversation lol.

Harsh email. But I think it includes the 'I agree with this decision' part so people don't bombard him asking 'ok adcomm doesn't approve, but do you?' With a pool of 500 applicants, there are bound to be people calling trying to sway the decision back to their favor. Sorry about the rejection, good luck with ur other apps.

No. I am too.

BAHAHAHA!!! I bet you answered the phone sounding all professional too...classic. Thanks for the laugh. It's pretty funny to think of someone answering the phone thinking it is DGS and it is a bookie - dun dun dunnnn. Let's hope the next time the number shows up it isn't the bookie calling back!

I have a question for the CUNY admits...if you don't mind telling, what are your stats (GPA, GRE, publications, conferences, area of specialty - although I think most of you posted 20th century american or brittish in some fashion). Just curious. Although I did not apply there, I have a friend that currently attends Hunter and he is going to be applying next year. He wants some feedback on the stats of people that actually got in. I appreciate any feedback you're willing to give.

Good new: it isn't over. Bad news: the wait continues. I'm going to try not to obsess over my email this weekend and constant gradcafe refreshing - crank out the last chapter of my thesis. Then go back and start editing - you know, the fun stuff. I may need some wine in my life this weekend.

I got so excited at work today because my phone started ringing from an unknown weird number - I thought it was a school. No. It was our benefits division calling to verify some information. Heart sunk.