chaetzli

I just wish I had an idea where I stand with V161 (86%) and Q160 (81%). I am not going to start a "what are my chances..." thread as there is much more that counts (besides the GRE scores). Nonetheless, I have no idea where one could apply with these scores (for Pol. Sci). Is it good enough for top programs? Just a few more points and I would not have to worry about that as I could apply everywhere. It is frustrating that I was not able to improve my scores.

Manhattan gave me a 163Q and I had 160Q on the actual test. However, other prep test also overestimated my score (Kaplan 164, Princeton 164). I'm very sad that I am just not able to do as well on the actual test.

My writing sample has 36 pages. This includes approximately 16 pages with tables, figures, references, cover, acknowledgments, and abstract. So there are approximately 20 pages "pure" text. Does this count as a 20 pages paper? (I really want to submit this paper as it is my only work that is currently under review by a (great) journal).

I just found Princeton's GRE statistics: http://www.princeton.edu/pub/profile/admission/graduate/ One shouldn't underestimate the importance of the verbal score Engineering 158 161 160 (applicants/admitted/enrolled)

I think you can do it in less than four month (I am a very slow learner ). Magoosh is an online learning platform: http://gre.magoosh.com - I like it very much (but not everyone does -> especially if you are already very strong it may be too easy)

Hi, I am also a non-native speaker. I posted this somewhere else and it may help you (however, I need to say that I'm very bad at learning new words): When I started practicing for the GRE I had a verbal score of 150. I improved my verbal score by 11 points. 1) I installed the "IntelliVocab" app for the iPhone -> 4800 words (I practiced until I mastered 98%) 2) I installed Kaplan vocab app -> those are the most important words!! learn all of them 3) I bought Barron's most essential GRE words -> 800 words that you really should remember 4) Magoosh: while practicing I make notes of all the words that I don't know -> another 200 words For reading comprehension: Magoosh video tutorials are great. It took me approximately 4 months to learn all these GRE words. If I were you, I would take the free Princeton Review practice test in order to assess how good you are at the moment. Then you can retake it after a month or two.

It is hard to tell you where you can apply with these scores. It is always better to ask this question in the Social Science/Sociology section on GC. However, your verbal score seems to be very low for the social sciences. Here is what I recommend: take the GRE and if your scores are not as good as they should be just don't send the score reports to the universities. Then retake it (then you can choose the score select option) and use the time to practice more intensively (did you try Magoosh?). I know retaking sucks but it helped me increasing my scores significantly.

I am very sorry to hear your story. It is very unusual that this happens. Did you call ETS to ask for an explanation? There must be a good reason why it changed so dramatically and I'm sure ETS can tell you more about it. As soon as you receive the official score report you may also want to use the diagnostic tool. If you can see sth. very unusual there (let's say that there were only super easy questions) this may also explain why they could have adjusted the scores.

I love Magoosh. It's the best prep I used. However, the dashboard does not seem to be accurate. As I have already taken the test I know my actual scores before practicing (V161, Q 159). The range Magoosh indicates AFTER practicing is V 153-158, Q 156-161.

Oh, this seems pretty low given the relatively high scores you received for your practice test. But I had the same problem when I fist took the test. Are you thinking of retaking the test? Did you also have the impression that the math stuff was much harder on the actual test compared to the prep tests?

@BlazerFalcon: so, what was your actual score?

post it here: http://forum.thegradcafe.com/forum/33-computer-science/

If you want to apply for the top universities: sure! The better the scores the better your chances of getting accepted. If I can get 161 (v) as a non-native it should be possible for someone who studied in the US too.

They will remain the same! Don't panic!! Edit: Congrats!!! This is great!

Yes, 35/40 and 36/40. However, on test day I felt that the questions were heavier than the ones I was used to and I didn't solve 4 questions of the second part. (maybe I should note that my computer crushed during the break and it took them 30min to fix it... Maybe my weak performance was because of a concentration lack)

I had the same raw scores and ended up with 159 (on the actual test)

I improved my verbal score by 11 points (from 150 to 161). How was this possible: 1) I installed the "IntelliVocab" app for the iPhone -> 4800 words (I practiced until I mastered 98%) 2) I installed Kaplan vocab app -> those are the most important words!! learn all of them 3) I bought Barron's most essential GRE words -> 800 words that you really should remember 4) Magoosh: while practicing I make notes of all the words that I don't know -> another 200 words Finally, in order to increase reading comprehension -> Kaplan's explanations were very helpful to me. I also read the "NY Times" as they use many GRE words. It took me approximately 4 months to learn all these GRE words

These tests are not always very accurate - especially since they only indicate a range. I'd recommend that you take the free practice test offered by Princeton Review: http://www.princetonreview.com/grad/free-gre-practice-test.aspx You will receive a precise score on the new scale (and in my case it was very accurate -> 1point difference to the actual test)

Want you can do is: report scores -> then you can see your scores. If they are not as good as expected just do not send them to the universities you wish to apply (this step follows after your scores appears on the screen). If you retake the test just choose the select score option and the university will receiv your latest scores and only these scores.

I guess your professor was right. This program was useless at that time. However, they are building up their reputation now (especially with L.E. Cederman as director -> if you want to go to Stanford ).

If I can add something to the "tyranny of the majority" debate: During my Masters this was one of the issues that interested me the most, which is why I wrote a review paper about that. I would generally agree that democracy is a good thing as long as majorities do not manifest themselves on certain issues. While some minorities benefit from democracy (such as homosexuals and language minorities) others tend to be constant losers (especially ethnical minorities and immigrants). This is because once there is a majority it is likely to persist for a long time, which leads to the "tyranny of the majority" over the long run. What makes this even worse it that the politization and securitization of immigrants and ethnic minorities often takes place on an emotional rather than rational level. Thus, I believe that democracy, even though usually beneficial for the demos, can also be dangerous if you belong to a minority group. -> see the Swiss case I feel like an elitist sometimes but people are indeed not always educated enough to decide on certain issues. I feel deeply sorry for the discriminating decisions my country made. (if someone is interested in this issue, I can point you to a lot of literature)

I had similar scores and was rejected everywhere!

Ok, my season is over as well. No acceptance ... not sure whether I want to torture myself next year again. Congrats to those admitted! Good luck to those who are still waiting!

I contacted Harvard GSAS and it is their policy "to inform applicants of admission decisions by letter only. We expect all decision letters to be mailed by mid-March"... So don't try to contact them regarding your AD

I always wanted to be/play "Love". I got a ring with a red gemstone for my birthday