Rachel B
-
Posts
139 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Posts posted by Rachel B
-
-
It might be very difficult to be a competitive applicant in Neuroscience if you've never taken Chemistry. On top of that, you said most programs *require* these two classes, which could very well mean they won't even look at your application unless you have taken them. In that case, you would absolutely benefit from taking time off to complete the courses.
If the programs offer some flexibility (which would require you to dig further or call up the programs), you could still apply. But this may also depend on your current undergrad major. For example, they may offer a little bit of leniency if you're a biology major but you may be completely out of luck if you're an economics major. In my field of Environmental Science, especially since students come from a variety of different backgrounds, students admitted with deficiencies must make them up before a certain date (usually the end of the first semester) with no credit offered.
-
One program had a pre-application, which was an extremely shortened version of the actual application. It was mostly just my academic background and a short essay. Unfortunately they had made a recent change to their program prerequisites, well after I had asked for recommendations, and I had two class deficiencies that I needed to make up. Because of this they declined my pre-application, so I can't apply to the program. But they did encourage me to apply if and when I make up the deficiencies.
-
Yes, I did waive my right. I was told that it's better to do so. Also, I definitely wanted to give my profs the opportunity to write openly and honestly about me. I just wonder what they said (of course!).
I know what you mean! One of my letter writers wrote me a recommendation (which was sealed in an envelope with their signature across the back) that I personally had to mail to the school. Well, I didn't make it past the pre-application stage and I was horribly tempted to open the letter, but I ended up giving it back to him.
-
No, it's not uncouth!
I wish people would get the notion out of their heads that you should avoid calling/emailing programs regarding your application and other information. It's what those people (who are usually not adcomms but just staff workers and even other graduate students!) are getting paid to do and part of what your application fee goes towards!
-
I'm having a similar problem, with the small exception that she's my advisor! Both of my other letter writers are very organized and very on top of things. Unfortunately thats not the case with my advisor/third recommender. I asked her back in August if she would be willing to write me a recommendation for a Jan. 3 deadline, which she said she would be glad to, but only after she was done teaching in November. Well November came and went and I contacted her again earlier this month with no response. A week later I emailed her again, no response. Two days before break I was finally able to catch her in her office to check on the progress. Although I had given her all the information, my CV, and my SoP, she still hadn't looked at anything!
She did say she would do it over break, but now I'm seriously worried she will forget. She's an amazing, brilliant professor and I've had her in over five different classes and I've done independent research with her. She's been my advisor since my freshman year as well. Her major downfall is that she is super disorganized and I'm seriously freaking out. It's too late in the game to ask anyone else and I know if she committed just an hour or two, she could write me a very strong recommendation. I'm not sure what to do. I'm home now, so it's not like I can visit her office until after break (ie: after the deadline).
-
Did you waive your rights to see the letter? If not, you do have the right to view these documents.
-
Is the class a prereq for a program? For example, in several programs I'm applying to you have to receive a B or higher in calculus and statistics. So that may be the only way it could really impact your application.
-
The general rule is that most schools look at your highest score. There are some exceptions and you would need to look at specific programs' policies . Also, what exactly would you say in your SoP regarding your GRE scores?
-
Adcomms do look favorably on improvement, but I haven't heard of them looking unfavorably on a decrease. But even if you improve on one section, particularly your AW and Verbal since you're applying to English programs, it could greatly benefit you.
This may help you more: http://www.powerscore.com/gre/help/multiple_scores.htm
-
Generally, people aren't directly emailing admissions committees. They're contacting academic coordinators, support staff, etc. (ie: people who deal with paperwork & questions, not your admission decision). You can just call the main office phone number or email the office at the contact address. They shouldn't have an issue doubling checking to make sure all your materials are in.
-
Several of the graduate schools I'm applying to require the FAFSA. For my undergrad I've always filed with my father since I'm his dependent and he has helped me finance my undergrad tuition. However, financing graduate school is going to be completely on me, so am I able to file the FAFSA by myself?
I realize that if I file with him I'll be losing potential financial aid since it'll take both of our income into account. But at the same time I'm still his dependent when he files taxes.
Any insight would be helpful!
-
Even if you did well on your GREs, your GPA is still very low for the types of programs you're interested in. A lot of these programs have an average accepted GPA of 3.5-3.7 and a good portion won't accept students below a 3.0. I would start looking into schools and seeing what their specific admission requirements are.
-
-
Is the GRE required for that program? Was there a specific minimum score requirement? Either way, I would send your new, official scores and give the department a heads up that you're sending them. Low GRE scores can hurt your application but if you scored that well the second time around it would only help your application, especially since you're applying to science programs.
-
It could, but the one thing you should be aware about is if there is a page limit. Things like graphs and charts could take up valuable real estate in your SoP and you don't want to sacrifice that space if you could use it in a better way.
Did you get your research published? If so, you may want to mention it and then they could seek it out separately.
-
If you can't afford it, answer no. In the comment section briefly explain your current financial situation (loans from undergrad, if you have dependent children, etc). Be sure to emphasize that you're absolutely interested in the program and want to pursue a TA-ship, GA-ship, etc. Then note that if you aren't awarded funding you would commit to taking out loans in order to make it work because this is what you really want.
I agree with everything except for the last part - that really depends on whether or not you are, of course. For a professional master's degree program, I would, but definitely not for PhD programs.
I wasn't sure about PhD programs, so thank you for that clarification. I'm applying to M.S. programs and about three of them gave me that advice. I really hate these types of questions, it seems like such a Catch-22!
-
The only thing that might really count against you is your Q score. Math, statistical analysis, and interpretation of data are large parts of science and a 44 percentile is rather low.
-
I received some really great advice for answering questions like this.
If you can't afford it, answer no. In the comment section briefly explain your current financial situation (loans from undergrad, if you have dependent children, etc). Be sure to emphasize that you're absolutely interested in the program and want to pursue a TA-ship, GA-ship, etc. Then note that if you aren't awarded funding you would commit to taking out loans in order to make it work because this is what you really want.
(Additionally, I believe that schools can't legally deny you admission based on your financial situation.)
-
ETS, Princeton Review, and Kaplan all offer free online exams. Public libraries and college libraries are also great resources and they can let you check out practice books, which often include a CD with practice tests and paper practice tests in the back.
*I will add that Kaplan is also having a Cyber Monday sale for GRE test prep.
-
Hi,
I am applying for Ph.D in sociology. I had spoken to a few professors who seemed interested to work with me, got great LoR's and have a decent CGPA of 7.3, work experience. however then came the GRE and put a bump to all my plans. I scored a 299/340 on the new scale which is around 1050 on the old scale. I am afraid that i might no longer be able to get admission.
Does anyone know how much weightage is given to GRE scores in the department of sociology at UC - santa barbara, UNC and UW- seattle???? UCSB socio states that they have no minimum requirement for GRE.
what are my chances of making it??? can anyone please help me out.
Thanks.
I too am applying to UCSB, but to their M.S. Environmental Science program. They do not have a minimum GRE but their average accepted GRE is 1200.
Exactly how much weight they give to a section aspect of an application is something we may never know. Is it possible the admission committee would overlook your less-than-stellar GRE scores and instead put more weight on your recommendations? Absolutely. Could they offer admission to someone with the same credentials but a higher GRE? Definitely.
Your best bet is to just contact each individual office and ask if your application would still be competitive given your GRE scores. Academic coordinators, graduate directors, etc are there for our benefit. While they won't try to discourage you from applying they can tell you what aspects to emphasize more in order to balance out a slightly higher than average GRE score.
-
Shambhavi,
This is what I am trying to figure out too, as you can see above. But I am in a discipline which has nothing to do with quantitative analysis. On the other hand, Sociology does have some quantitative analysis, unless you choose a topic that is purely theoretical and qualitative-analysis based. Most of my programs state clearly that GRE is not a decision-making factor, there is no minimum GRE score required and it only reflects a candidate's ability for a "standardised test."
I guess the competitive programs in Sociology would regard GRE as having some weight at least. But you need to look for universities that don't ask for a minimum GRE score for Sociology and apply in some of them.
If your research topic deals with quantitative analysis, GRE score would have some bearing on your selection. But if you are interested in a purely theoretical topic, which doesn't deal with quantitative analysis and can demonstrate a strong research potential, I don't feel your GRE score should deter you from applying, especially if there is no minimum GRE score requirement mentioned. If a program states a minimum GRE score requirement higher than what you've got, in that case, you should re-take the GRE if you wish to apply for such programs. Going through the various departments of different universities, this is the impression I have got.
I have to warn you, schools that may not have a minimum GRE may still have a very high average accepted GRE. Again, that's a good statistic you may want to ask an academic coordinator.
-
The first time I took the test I did horribly (like 960 combined). The second time around I committed to studying the Q section since I knew it would be wiser to invest in studying math concepts that would most likely be on the test as opposed to studying the dictionary for the V section. Oddly enough, both my scores improved drastically and I was shocked that my V score nearly doubled, as well as my Q score, in percentile despite only studying for the verbal for an hour total.
-
So what if you have an awesome GPA but did mediocre on the GRE? I have a 3.81 GPA with a 4.0 in my major. I am also in the Honors program. However, I got a V-162 Q-148 (YUCK!) and AW 4.5 (I really thought I did better on the writing too). Any thoughts on how that might look to a funding decision maker? A lot of my programs will depend on my getting some decent funding to be able to attend. Otherwise I will be stuck at a state school...not my first choice!
It really depends on who you're competing against and that pool can change every year. If you're competing against other admitted students with a similar GPA and GRE scores, they would obviously put more weight on your recommendations and your resume. But if you're competing against someone with the same GPA and much higher GRE scores, it's likely they would get selected over you. A school may gladly admit B and 60th percentile GRE score students, but only be willing to financially invest in A students with near perfect GRE scores.
It's unfortunate because to many students the GRE is just a number, but it's that one variable that puts all students on an even playing field. Having a high GRE score will give you the leg up even if it's the most pointless test you'll ever take and has nothing to do with determining your success.
Don't be afraid to contact a graduate advisor and ask what they use to determine funding. If they do put your GPA and GRE as the top two variables, tell them your current GPA and GRE and ask if they're considered competitive for funding. Also ask if they put a stronger emphasis on a certain section (For example, a lot of engineering schools could care less about a lousy Verbal score). If you don't have a competitive GRE score, ask if it would be a good idea for you to take it again, between that gap between admission offers and financial aid offers.
-
Kitkat is right. I just wanted to add that if you send one set of scores the school will see every test score you've received in the past 5 years.
Most schools want 3 recommendation letters, but is it ok if I just send them two?
in Applications
Posted
I agree. Don't risk it. You may come off as someone who didn't follow directions or your application may get stuck in limbo if it isn't considered complete until all (including three recs) the documents are submitted.