Screwed?

[Devyn]

Hey Everyone,

I am 23, and graduating undergrad from Sonoma State this spring. I am applying to MSW programs this coming fall, pursuing a clinical concentration. I eventually want to work with chronically ill children, in hospitals. Here is my dilemma...

Major- History&Human Development (history-honors society) 3.6, 3.8

Minor-Psychology 4.0 (psy-chi)

GPA-3.4

Research-member of research team focused on homosexual prejudice for a year and self affirmations. One study I was a co-author (published)

Founder&Vice President of Human Development Society

Internships-year long program with a homeless family, two month internship as a case manager intern with behavioral problematic foster children. (cases I worked with issues stemmed from medical problems) I also am on the board for the PKD/ARPKD alliance, where I fundraising, come forward with proposals for establishing different educational and mentoring programs for children with this disease. Also I am a leader for Sister2Sisters. A program for pre-teen girls about body image and self esteem.

I am applying to UCLA, USC, CSUF (back-up)

My dilemma is my GRE scores. I did EXTREMELY poor (as i knew I would considering I am not a great test-taker) My GRE score was high eight hundreds I am extremely worried about it. Will it blow my chances for UCLA? USC I am not worried about because they don't require the GRE, but UCLA.....will they not even look at my app due to the low score?

[newms]

There is still plenty of time to re do your GRE and yes it will raise questions at some programs. I have no doubt that you should be able to score much higher, so if I were you, I would try to redo the GRE next month, maybe at the end of Oct, and use the time until then to practice, practice, practice. Your application looks strong (aside from the GRE) so I would really encourage you to redo it if you can.

[Devyn]

I really would and will, but unfortunately I just really am horrible at timed tests and probably wouldn't do much better.... my SATs were the same. Is there still a chance to apply? Or should I just try again and hope to do better, then cutt my losses. It really is a shame, because I am great candidate, but tests are my strong suit.

[newms]

I am not in your field so I don't know the specifics for UCLA in your program, but in general just like how a good GRE score won't necessarily get you in grad school, a bad one won't necessarily keep you out. There are some programs (I don't know about UCLA or your field though) that do use GRE cut offs so some schools factor that in. I doubt however, that the very top schools use a GRE cutoff as they will want to look at your whole application and you have an otherwise strong profile. A bad score will raise concerns though and you will probably have to explain why your score is so low.

I would still recommend that you try again - you have nothing to lose (besides the test fee, that is) and a lot to gain (including your peace of mind). Do you have a counselor at your school that you could talk to about your anxiety with doing timed tests?

Is there still a chance to apply?

Yes! Don't let your bad score prevent you from applying if this is what you want to do. You can overcome a bad GRE score, but you're going to have to impress on other parts of your application and also explain why the score is low. Edited September 23, 2010 by newms

[An MSW Hopeful]

Hi Devyn,

Congrats on your upcoming graduation from Sonoma State! I am in the same boat - I did not do well on the Q/V sections of the test (I am still waiting on my analytical writing scores) and unfortunately don't do well on standardized/timed tests in general either. With that being said - I know reading the requirements for UCLA on the website say that there is no 'Cut off Score' for the GREs. As is the same for UCB. Where as SDSU is very explicit on there application checklist that they require the GREs for MSW (only the writing section however). For the MSW/MPH program for SDSU they also clearly stated a 450/550 Gre score is the minimum.

Just thought i would through in my 2/cents for some mental support -I would be interested to hear what others have to say from their experiences.

Cheers!

[michigan girl]

If I was in your situation, then I would buy some test preparation books with CDs. Take these next 2-3 months to study hardcore for the GRE.

You want a minimum of 1000 (1200 recommended) on the GRE. Study what is on the test, and your test scores will improve.

[Devyn]

Thanks everyone for your replies! I really appreciate it.....unfortunately a lot of you encouraged me to retake the GRE. I really can't do that... I have 23 units, two internships going and I am head research assistant for a psychological study. I would LOVE to try to improve I just don't have the time before apps are due. Therefore the plan is to apply, try my hand at it. I am pretty confident I can get into USC. I hope! So if i I don't get into either program I will take the year off, retake the GRE exam and intern at a hospital. I just wanted to let you since you all gave me such great advice and your time! Hopefully in a few months you will be hearing where I am ggoing!!!!!

[newms]

Thanks everyone for your replies! I really appreciate it.....unfortunately a lot of you encouraged me to retake the GRE. I really can't do that... I have 23 units, two internships going and I am head research assistant for a psychological study. I would LOVE to try to improve I just don't have the time before apps are due. Therefore the plan is to apply, try my hand at it. I am pretty confident I can get into USC. I hope! So if i I don't get into either program I will take the year off, retake the GRE exam and intern at a hospital. I just wanted to let you since you all gave me such great advice and your time! Hopefully in a few months you will be hearing where I am ggoing!!!!!

All the best. You have a good profile (outside of your GREs) and I hope you're successful in your applications:)

[nessadub]

I graduated from Sonoma State and was accepted to UCLA. My verbal score was high, but quant was low. but, I also had a lot of work experience. I don't think you should settle for second best. With your initiative and willingness to work hard you can get in where you want and you will be bummed if you settle. Even if that means you have to take a year off and study for the GRE. You can pm me if you want. I am currently attending UC Berkeley.