Extremely Low GRE Score!!!

[slee]

To everyone who assumes they got a low GRE score:

You have not received a low GRE score until you read this post and listen to what I got. I have taken the GRE test twice so far, both with unfavorable results. After taking a GRE prep class, I studied hard and basically failed the test. Some of you are upset because you scored a total of 1000, to me that is not failing. I failed. Seriously. I received a 500 total on both quantitative and verbal and a 3 on the analytical writing. To back up, I have adult ADD (attention deficit disorder) and ran out of time in almost every section- thus the failed score. So, I called ETS and spoke with them regarding my condition and that I needed extra time on the test. I had paperwork from my doctor and everything proving that I have ADD. ETS has made it impossible for me to get extended time. They stated that I needed to submit records dating back to my elementary school years, and various tests (cognitive, and academic achievement) that takes weeks to get through a specialist (Neuro-pychologist). The tests are long and grueling, expensive, and are often not covered under insurance and I have great insurance coverage.

So, I hired a tutor because getting extra time on the test would take literally months just for ETS to approve it and it didn't seem like it was going to happen anytime soon. Therefore, I studied non-stop day and night for this test, knowing that I would not get the extra time on the test that I needed. I worked one-on-one with my tutor, and didn't even work while studying for the GRE. I put all of my time and effort into this test. Being that I am a creative person, I worked hard to try and acclimate to this left-brain test. Now, for my undergraduate GPA overall I received a 3.2 which is decent with a few semesters having achieved a 4.0. I have worked very hard to study for this GRE and I know that based on my GPA and overall work ethics, I am a disciplined person. I'm not an idiot, but after failing the test miserably once- I certainly feel frightened that I may not be able to get into ANY master's program.

Today, I just took the GRE for the second time. And low and behold after getting a tutor and studying day and night for at least 2-3 months straight, I received a 710 and this is total for both quantitative and verbal! While all of the practice tests I did at home- I scored over a 1000; I thought for sure this new GRE practice test score would reflect all of my hard work and that I would get that score, this second time around. It didn't. I am at a loss as to what to do now. I am currently trying to get into a creative writing program and hoping they look at the fact that I got 3.2-4.0 GPA through my undergrad years and equally look at my writing samples and portfolio.

I guess I can take this test a 3rd time, but once again time is a factor for me. I am not trying to hide behind my ADD condition, but it's very difficult for me to finish specific portions of the test in the time that ETS gives. Maybe there are many people out there that do well under this sort of pressure. However, this test is designed in such a way that it is not working with the way I think or perform and I do not want this to affect my chances of getting in to Grad school. And so far, reading everyone's blogs and comments- I have yet to read anyone who has received as low of a score as I have. I'm embarrassed, emotionally drained, and frustrated because I have worked so hard to get to where I am at. Any one have any advise?

[LTee]

Wellllll..... I have in fact scored about the same as you my friend. I too took it twice. The first time I was upset but not surprised because of lack of studying, the second time I wanted to just cry. Although you seem to have gone to further lengths than me as far as studying, I did spend the WHOLE summer studying for the test, and I got almost the same score as I did the first time (750-ish total, 4.0 writing.) So I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL. Having said that, I will say that I recieved interviews at ALL three schools that I applied to. One I got in, one I didn't, one I don't know yet. Granted there are many schools and fields where that kind of score just wont fly, but I was realistic and only applied to less competitive schools where I thought my app would be evaluated for what it WAS, not what it WAS NOT.

[DeWinter]

I'm embarrassed, emotionally drained, and frustrated because I have worked so hard to get to where I am at. Any one have any advise?

I completely feel for you. BUT, there are ways that things can be positive. Please do not give up hope on yourself. I know many who have gotten into lower tier schools (maybe 60's or 70's or 80's) with a low GRE/low GPA for masters and have gotten into stronger schools for Phd.

That said: First, a masters is easier to get into with a lower GRE score. So have hope! I suggest working on getting strong letters of recommendation, your GPA seems good, write a solid statement of purpose. If your GRE is weak, then that doesn't mean that your other application parts can't be. Work on making the other parts as strong as you can and I believe you may have a good chance at getting into decent programs. Also, if you can explain about your ADD into your purpose statement, it would clear any doubts or obstacles for the admissions committee. You have a strong excuse of why you may not have scored high on the GRE. I do believe there are decent programs (probably not top tier but decent programs) that would accept a strong application with a weak spot.

Edited February 26, 2010 by karakiz

[slee]

While I don't think the GRE is that important for creative writing programs (your writing sample will be the most important factor), certainly the GRE still measures an applicant's aptitude for graduate studies. Many of these programs are extremely competitive because of their limited size and I would bet that the verbal and writing sections factor somewhat into the final decision.

I personally think it would be a mistake to use your ADD as a means for justifying your low score. If you cannot focus on completing a test, why should a school believe that you would be focused enough to finish a Master's degree? Certainly your ailment is not your fault, but telling the AdCom that your ADD prevented you from concentrating on a test is not a good first impression.

I would strongly suggest taking the GRE again if you are serious about applying. But before you take the test, I think you must free yourself of making excuses when it comes to your performance on the test. Perhaps your ADD is only part of the reason why you scored poorly. Have you considered that there may be other reasons why you didn't do so well? When you solve sample problems, do you understand why you got a particular question wrong or right? Do you have trouble with the memorization of vocabulary words or the strategies with solving algebraic problems? My point is that you don't do yourself any favors if you make all of these excuses for a bad score. You need to be honest with yourself and figure out all of your weaknesses and address them upfront. Only then can you really understand why you've done poorly and how you can reconcile those weaknesses the next time you take the exam.

Dear Honest Friend,

I do not disagree with you. I am certainly looking at this from various angles. Having said that, I am considering taking this test a third time. I do not have problems with memorization. My main weakness is time, as this has happened twice so far. I have ran out of time. So, I suppose I can try and get through the questions with more speed. Devoting myself day and night- non-stop, and not giving up and having taken the test twice despite my failures and ADD is just the opposite of hiding behind a symptom. If I hid mam/sir- I would have given up a long time ago, but I have not.

I appreciate your straight forwardness and will take your assumptions that I am hiding- with stride.

[pea-jay]

I personally think it would be a mistake to use your ADD as a means for justifying your low score. If you cannot focus on completing a test, why should a school believe that you would be focused enough to finish a Master's degree? Certainly your ailment is not your fault, but telling the AdCom that your ADD prevented you from concentrating on a test is not a good first impression.

I would strongly suggest taking the GRE again if you are serious about applying. But before you take the test, I think you must free yourself of making excuses when it comes to your performance on the test. Perhaps your ADD is only part of the reason why you scored poorly. Have you considered that there may be other reasons why you didn't do so well? When you solve sample problems, do you understand why you got a particular question wrong or right? Do you have trouble with the memorization of vocabulary words or the strategies with solving algebraic problems? My point is that you don't do yourself any favors if you make all of these excuses for a bad score. You need to be honest with yourself and figure out all of your weaknesses and address them upfront. Only then can you really understand why you've done poorly and how you can reconcile those weaknesses the next time you take the exam.

While I wouldn't have brought ADD up on the app by itself, I think it IS needed in this situation, especially if the OP's program has no timed/analytical portions similar to the GRE. The fact that the OP took the test on a few occasions and still got the same score requires some addressing. But not for everyone. I kept quiet on this despite scoring in the 25% percentile on the math (I just couldnt keep the rules straight despite weeks of practice). But I also had was applying to program that didnt stress this, I got As in my previous grad school math work and had a good grad GPA, excellent GRE verbal and work history to balance out. But to make it all work I wind up budgeting twice as much time as it should take to get things done and strive for zero distraction environments. I have total noise blocking headphones and a white-noise generator and wear them whether working at home or yes, even in the office. No one complains. One reason the verbal section went so well is ETS test center had noise blocking headphones available, no questions asked. I consider these things reasonable accomodations.

It's also important to differentiate between programs and what they consider "Reasonable accommodations". Extra time on exams may be moot for a program that has no exams. It may be a deal killer on one that has time-sensitive lab work. ADD is a tricky thing. I generally don't consider it an ailment. It's just a differently operating brain that is unfortunately not well suited for certain environments. I've learned what those are and how to deal with them or avoid them. I chose a line of study that I know fits into my style of learning and recognize as interesting other professions might be, they are utterly poor fits for the way my brain works. You need to find your niche and if you have, explain why you, your learning style and what you have to offer are a good match for their program.

Applying to schools that place a lower ranking on the GRE is also a help.

Good luck

[slee]

Wellllll..... I have in fact scored about the same as you my friend. I too took it twice. The first time I was upset but not surprised because of lack of studying, the second time I wanted to just cry. Although you seem to have gone to further lengths than me as far as studying, I did spend the WHOLE summer studying for the test, and I got almost the same score as I did the first time (750-ish total, 4.0 writing.) So I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL. Having said that, I will say that I recieved interviews at ALL three schools that I applied to. One I got in, one I didn't, one I don't know yet. Granted there are many schools and fields where that kind of score just wont fly, but I was realistic and only applied to less competitive schools where I thought my app would be evaluated for what it WAS, not what it WAS NOT.

It is refreshing knowing that there are others that have gone through the same thing. I am going to evaluate all comments and suggestions here and will take the test again. Again, the biggest problem I have is being timed. But, I'm going to move past that and just get better at being timed and being quicker with my responses.

[slee]

While I wouldn't have brought ADD up on the app by itself, I think it IS needed in this situation, especially if the OP's program has no timed/analytical portions similar to the GRE. The fact that the OP took the test on a few occasions and still got the same score requires some addressing. But not for everyone. I kept quiet on this despite scoring in the 25% percentile on the math (I just couldnt keep the rules straight despite weeks of practice). But I also had was applying to program that didnt stress this, I got As in my previous grad school math work and had a good grad GPA, excellent GRE verbal and work history to balance out. But to make it all work I wind up budgeting twice as much time as it should take to get things done and strive for zero distraction environments. I have total noise blocking headphones and a white-noise generator and wear them whether working at home or yes, even in the office. No one complains. One reason the verbal section went so well is ETS test center had noise blocking headphones available, no questions asked. I consider these things reasonable accomodations.

It's also important to differentiate between programs and what they consider "Reasonable accommodations". Extra time on exams may be moot for a program that has no exams. It may be a deal killer on one that has time-sensitive lab work. ADD is a tricky thing. I generally don't consider it an ailment. It's just a differently operating brain that is unfortunately not well suited for certain environments. I've learned what those are and how to deal with them or avoid them. I chose a line of study that I know fits into my style of learning and recognize as interesting other professions might be, they are utterly poor fits for the way my brain works. You need to find your niche and if you have, explain why you, your learning style and what you have to offer are a good match for their program.

Applying to schools that place a lower ranking on the GRE is also a help.

Good luck

I agree with you, ADD is tricky. The biggest thing with ADD is the time it takes for those that have it- to get through timed portions of specified test areas because of the amount of added concentration it takes to block out being distracted by the time clicking away. ETS does consider ADD a learning disability for this very reason and they have an entire section on it on their website. However, it is difficult getting extra time (if you feel that is what you need and in my particular case, I felt I needed extra time). For me, the time clicking away really got under my skin. However, I did do better the second time around by 200 points- which is an improvement. But, as you said- it's tough when the actual field you will get into does not necessarily function in the same way. My field of interest does have deadlines, but on long term deadlines which is different. Nothing on the GRE test really accounts for creative individuals or their field, although there are many that are forced to take it. Even the writing portion is formatted and geared towards left-brain writing. Everything on the test is geared towards logic, IQ analysis, and the like. So, I have to simply flex those muscles and think the way that they do. I will study again and re-take the test. All I can do is continue to try. Right? No excuses here- I will buckle down and not give up.

Edited February 26, 2010 by slee

[peppermint.beatnik]

The questions at the beginning are more important than those at the end. If you do well on the first 1/3, and breeze through the last 1/3 (if you have to), you can still end up with a decent score.

[pea-jay]

I agree with you, ADD is tricky. The biggest thing with ADD is the time it takes for those that have it- to get through timed portions of specified test areas because of the amount of added concentration it takes to block out being distracted by the time clicking away. ETS does consider ADD a learning disability for this very reason and they have an entire section on it on their website. However, it is difficult getting extra time (if you feel that is what you need and in my particular case, I felt I needed extra time). For me, the time clicking away really got under my skin. However, I did do better the second time around by 200 points- which is an improvement. But, as you said- it's tough when the actual field you will get into does not necessarily function in the same way. My field of interest does have deadlines, but on long term deadlines which is different. Nothing on the GRE test really accounts for creative individuals or their field, although there are many that have are forced to take it. Even the writing portion is formatted and geared towards left-brain writing. Everything on the test is geared towards logic, IQ analysis, and the like. So, I have to simply flex those muscles and think the way that they do. I will study again and re-take the test. All I can do is continue to try. Right? No excuses here- I will buckle down and not give up.

A good attitude is always a great start. Your tone can come across in your SOP essay and positive is always for the best. In the grand scheme of things, take the GRE with a grain of salt as a measurement of your ability. True success on that test comes with rote memorization of rules, shortcuts you've never heard of before (or will use again) and a personality that functions well with high-stress fast paced environments. I took the GRE in 96 and 09, three practice tests and an online course in 2009 and my math score never went up or down more than 20 points. The verbal did improve. Princeton review did have some pretty cool and easily memorized rules to attack the verbal section. Even then, my increase was only 80 points. As writer, i'd focus more on the verbal anyway and say F*** worrying about the math. Besides, when you retake the test multiple times, your older scores are averaged, not thrown out.

[pea-jay]

The questions at the beginning are more important than those at the end. If you do well on the first 1/3, and breeze through the last 1/3 (if you have to), you can still end up with a decent score.

Right! I spent at least 10 minutes on the first 6-8 questions to make ABSOLUTELY SURE they were right. And that was the key to success. Only worked on the verbal section tho.

[slee]

A good attitude is always a great start. Your tone can come across in your SOP essay and positive is always for the best. In the grand scheme of things, take the GRE with a grain of salt as a measurement of your ability. True success on that test comes with rote memorization of rules, shortcuts you've never heard of before (or will use again) and a personality that functions well with high-stress fast paced environments. I took the GRE in 96 and 09, three practice tests and an online course in 2009 and my math score never went up or down more than 20 points. The verbal did improve. Princeton review did have some pretty cool and easily memorized rules to attack the verbal section. Even then, my increase was only 80 points. As writer, i'd focus more on the verbal anyway and say F*** worrying about the math. Besides, when you retake the test multiple times, your older scores are averaged, not thrown out.

I wish my first score was thrown out completely. Hopefully, the other scores after will be much higher and it will average out to a decent score in the long run. Hey, I listened to a Michael Jordan interview and I am paraphrasing so this is not an exact quote. But, he said he lost 100's of games and 1000's of shots and because of all his failures- he has succeeded. He said it was because of his failures, that he got to be where he is today. I hold on to that.

[slee]

By the way- does anyone know anything about the paper test verses the computer test? I'm considering taking the paper test, as it might be less stressful for my third shot on the GRE.

[jacib]

I wish my first score was thrown out completely. Hopefully, the other scores after will be much higher and it will average out to a decent score in the long run. Hey, I listened to a Michael Jordan interview and I am paraphrasing so this is not an exact quote. But, he said he lost 100's of games and 1000's of shots and because of all his failures- he has succeeded. He said it was because of his failures, that he got to be where he is today. I hold on to that.

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.

[Medievalmaniac]

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 1000 or below, then I would argue that there is something more serious than simply a lack of time management preventing you from scoring highly.

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.

[Medievalmaniac]

Wow. Now you are Dr. House?

It is highly irresponsible and potentially dangerous for you to be attributing a medical condition to the OP based solely on some anecdotal evidence derived from your own life. I really don't understand you. Do you really not know when you've crossed the line? I understand that I can be a bit too forward at times, but this lack of self-awareness and adherence to social norms is on a whole different level.

The DSM-IV agrees with me. I assume you've heard of that? It's the diagnosis manual used by doctors, psychiatrists, psychologist and social workers for the diagnosis and treatment of psychological and behavioral issues. I have been working with this manual for ten years in my current position, and have been trained to use it appropriately.

I think you're ridiculous for absolutely refusing to acknowledge that there could possible be brains that are wired differently from your own. I never attributed a medical condition to the other person, I suggested it COULD BE THERE based on my EXPERIENCE for nearly a DECADE working with a wide variety of high schools students, many of whom have these diagnoses, fully documented and based on psychological evaluations and testing session after testing session.

[spozik]

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.

[Medievalmaniac]

You don't get it, do you?

It doesn't matter if you are a licensed doctor (you're not) or have "10 years of experience" (here you go again). The OP didn't ask for your diagnosis and you have no place advising an anonymous user on some anonymous graduate school thread on a possible medical condition. Would anyone here feel comfortable being abruptly told by some random person, even a doctor they don't know, that you may have some medical disorder when you didn't ask for medical advice? That would make me extremely uncomfortable, embarrassed, and just dumb-founded. I don't care what your credentials are. It is uncalled for and, once again, leaves me completely speechless.

You really need to lay off. Your personal attacks are unfounded and uncalled for. I'm not diagnosing or insinuating anything about anyone. I was merely acknowledging that there could potentially be underlying conditions that you absolutely refuse to acknowledge could even be a possibility for anyone to have. Your attitude sucks, and your responses are a pathetic attempt to make everyone else look bad, foolish, or not credible. Furthermore, even if I were insinuating something about another person (I never did) you outright call people unfounded and horrific names. You lash out with absolutely no regard for anyone but yourself and what you think and how you feel. You are not the only person in the world with the answers, or even with an answer, to all of the problems associated with the GRE. You really just need to get over yourself, little troll.

Also, can you please tell all of us what schools you have applied to or what schools you have been accepted to, so we can be sure not to go there for fear of ever meeting someone as narrow minded and trivial as you in real life?

And before you lash back at me telling me I'm the one insinuating things and saying offensive things about you without thinking first - don't bother. I have veeeeery carefully considered what I have to say in this post prior to posting - but frankly, I'm fed up with your Holier-Than-Thou tone, your condescending and borderline manic responses to all and sundry, and your overall attitude about the GRE and everything related to this board.

I'm sorry, but really - I think you suck. At least in cyberland. Maybe in real life I'd think you were a great person, but I sure don't feel like finding out.

[Genomic Repairman]

That would make me extremely uncomfortable, embarrassed, and just dumb-founded. I don't care what your credentials are. It is uncalled for and, once again, leaves me completely speechless.

I gotta go with MedManiac on this one Seadouche, since you know he is presenting logical and coherent reasoning to not diagnose but present some possibilities that might be affecting slee. With these vehement responses that you put out are you really a potential grad student or a lobbyist for ETS? And by the way still waiting on the speechless thing.

[Medievalmaniac]

hmmmmmm.........

Edited February 26, 2010 by Medievalmaniac

[Medievalmaniac]

LOL. Since when did being called out for dispensing unwanted medical advice synonymous with a "personal attack"?

I love the irony of being accused of "personal attacks" when I am being simultaneously called a "little troll" and "seadouche." Beautiful.

I didn't "dispense unwanted medical advice". I offered possible answers to the problem posed that happen to be very different from your responses - so obviously, they couldn't be valid possibilities, right? Clearly not. Hence your flinging of accusations of ignorance in my general direction.

And I'm not at all surprised at your response to my post, which I called at the end of my post as being your response.

You're just delightful.

[Genomic Repairman]

I wasn't accusing you of personal attacks, merely I was rather going on the offensive. MedMan wasn't saying that slee had those conditions but it was possible for them to possibly cause an effect on someone taking the test.

[ExeterRiceNowwhat]

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:

[ExeterRiceNowwhat]

Oh and don't take that personally or start crying. That was a baguette of sarcasm coated with a dusting of powdered sugar humor. (I'm from the UK so our humor is a bit more insensitive than you might be used to.)

[Medievalmaniac]

Don't let your obvious disdain for me cloud the serious underlying issue here.

Did you already forget what you originally wrote? You said "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."

I get it. You don't like me. You don't like the fact that people call you out when you step over the line. But how is saying that the OP possibly has an "underlying psychological problem" any different than a licensed doctor suggesting the same? Do you seriously not realize why it is socially unacceptable to even suggest or "acknowledge" (as you love to put it) that someone who you don't know might have a severe medical condition?

Please consider that one's personal medical history is a sensitive subject. You defend your statement by saying that you are merely "offering possible answers" or "acknowledging that there could be potentially underlying condition," but you still do not seem to realize that when those "possible answers" involve medical or psychological analysis, you are stepping WAY over the line of what is considered an acceptable answer from a non-doctor (especially when no one asks for your medical advice).

YES. I originally wrote IT'S ALTOGETHER POSSIBLE the person has an underlying issue. That would be suggesting a possibility, not stating s/he does or doesn't, and it was in response to your rant against the other person asking if s/he "really thinks it is a time issue on the test". My post was simply pointing out it could, in fact, really just be a time issue on the test. Which clearly you don't think is even a remote possibility, but which I assure you is a possibility and even a reality for some people. I never said it was a reality for anyone involved here. It is one of a number of possibilities thrown out for the other person's consideration.

it is soooo not socially unacceptable to offer suggestions to problems that have already been suggested. Unless, that is, there's someone involved who thinks anything s/he hasn't agreed with and put a stamp of approval on is socially unacceptable.

and it's not a question of whether or not I like you, it's a question of how narrow your view of things is and how rude and offensive you are on a regular basis to anyone who disagrees with you. I don't know what you are like in real life, but many of your posts are the most offensive, irrational and obnoxious statements I have seen anywhere on this board, and even though people keep telling you that, you seem to glory in their attention and spew forth more crap as a result. So, I'm not going to contribute to your megalomania any further.

I'm through posting in this thread, because I have already responded to the other person's issue with what I had to contribute.

I'm through trying to reason with you or even to have discussions with you. You come across as a total megalomaniac and an offensive jerk in your posts. There's an ignore button for that.

Edited February 26, 2010 by Medievalmaniac

[snorri]

You don't get it, do you?

It doesn't matter if you are a licensed doctor (you're not) or have "10 years of experience" (here you go again). The OP didn't ask for your diagnosis and you have no place advising an anonymous user on some anonymous graduate school thread on a possible medical condition. Would anyone here feel comfortable being abruptly told by some random person, even a doctor they don't know, that you may have some medical disorder when you didn't ask for medical advice? That would make me extremely uncomfortable, embarrassed, and just dumb-founded. I don't care what your credentials are. It is uncalled for and, once again, leaves me completely speechless.

And yet, seadub, you appear to feel perfectly justified in accusing the OP of using his/her medical condition as an excuse.