standardized test scores not high enough

[fj20]

I was just notified by the above-mentioned program that my application was rejected because my standardized test scores on "the standardized test that is required for entrance into the particular school or for the particular discipline that the student has selected for his or her education" were not in the top 10% nationwide. I was very surprised at this, because my particular discipline is English literature, and my GRE scores are as follows:

Gre General

Verbal: 790, 99 percentile

Math: 660, 62 percentile

WRiting: 6.0 98 percentile

Gre Subject, in Literature

720, 97 percentile

The only explanation I can come to is that I was rejceted because of my GRE math scores, but that's not fair, right? The GRE test in math is NOT the test required for my particular discipline. Moreover, NO one applying to English graduate programs scores in the top 10% on the MATH score - it's not their field. Don't I have a legitimate cause for protest here, and if so, any ideas on how I can rectify this error? Thanks.

[Riotbeard]

I can't imagine it's the math score I got a 790, and that is 92%. The amount of English and history people who got there are not a lot not to brag you kicked my ass on verbal (although my verbal % was higher than my math%, America ?!). Sorry but I can't imagine that was it...

[GK Chesterton]

Well, I suppose not fair is up for debate here, but you didn't score in the top 10% on the GRE for math, which appears to be one of their conditions. It's obviously a stupid system on their part, since a perfect score in GRE math only gets you like 92%, but... their money, I guess.

[diehtc0ke]

Really doesn't sound like a program anyone would have wanted to be a part of anyway.

[astroturf]

I don't know if I'd call it not fair, but it does seem like they would lose many stellar applicants for their English program if you need to be top 10% in MATH for admission. I mean, if they stated the wanted top 10% and one of your scores did not make that I wouldn't call it unfair, but a program that takes that much stock in standardized testing (especially the math portion for an English major) would make me a tad wary.

[strokeofmidnight]

Just to clarify (because I'm a bit confused), you were rejected from an interest-free loan program, not an English graduate program, right? While it isn't true that "NO one applying to English graduate programs scores in the top 10% on the MATH score"--several of my good friends did, though I doubt that it was relevant or useful to their applications or their field--this still seems like an absolutely absurd requirement. But it is the requirement, so I don't know if there's anything that you can do about it. You can certainly try, but I wouldn't bank on it.

If you don't mind me asking, why are you applying to this program anyway? Are you ultimately looking at English MA or PhD programs? (Do you have offers in hand already?) Most English PhD's will pay you to attend. (And while there are exceptions, you might want to be wary of offers that don't). Many MA's will as well. In any case, focus on the graduate school applications--not the quirky loan programs with absurd requirements.

[foppery]

Just to clarify (because I'm a bit confused), you were rejected from an interest-free loan program, not an English graduate program, right? While it isn't true that "NO one applying to English graduate programs scores in the top 10% on the MATH score"--several of my good friends did, though I doubt that it was relevant or useful to their applications or their field--this still seems like an absolutely absurd requirement. But it is the requirement, so I don't know if there's anything that you can do about it. You can certainly try, but I wouldn't bank on it.

If you don't mind me asking, why are you applying to this program anyway? Are you ultimately looking at English MA or PhD programs? (Do you have offers in hand already?) Most English PhD's will pay you to attend. (And while there are exceptions, you might want to be wary of offers that don't). Many MA's will as well. In any case, focus on the graduate school applications--not the quirky loan programs with absurd requirements.

Agreed. Are you an international student, or is there some other reason you're applying for this loan program? With GRE scores that high, you shouldn't have to worry *too* much about admission with funding (though, as we all know, the application process is full of unpleasant surprises).

[fj20]

Thanks for the responses; I was interested in the program because I'm doing an unfunded MA next year.