GRE in the SOP?

[sammo3182]

Hi everyone！I really need some advices. I am applying a Phd in IR or CP. The problem is that my GRE writing score is too low (3.5, 26%), though an over 1400 of the other sections. So I am thinking to give some reasons for it in my SOP. However, I am not sure whether it will be helpful: on the one hand, my advisor told me that most programs of states' universities in political science usually require an above 50% writing score. That means, my application is very possible to be directly washed out even before any one have read my SOP and reasons in it. If so, it will make little sense whatever I explain. On the other hand, if my SOP could be read by some one, that may means they don't pay too much attention on GRE initially. Yet my explanation in SOP then may take their attention back to this disadvantage of me. Nevertheless, in some cases found from gradcafe, they did this. So, I am wonder whether it will be helpful or more probably counterproductive if I do some explanation.

Ask for your advices! Thanks very much!

[newms]

I would advise you not to do this for a few reasons

1) The SOP space is too valuable - your SoP should be about your research as much as possible (presuming it's a research based degree you want).

2) The AWA is not that important at all. Your SoP will be a better judge of your writing ability that the AWA score.

3) What could you possibly say to explain it without coming across as making excuses?

4) If a school is going to dismiss your application because you didn't do well on the AWA when they will have actual examples of your writing ability, then are you sure you want to go to that school?

Just my $0.02. I think you should be perfectly fine especially with >1400 on the quant and verbal sections. The GRE is one of the least important parts of your application and the AWA score is probably the least important part of the GRE.

Edited October 20, 2010 by newms

[Strangefox]

I have asked the same thing some time ago:

[adaptations]

I would just write the best SOP you can, but not include any comment about your GRE. Your SOP (and then your writing sample) is your best place to convince the adcom of your overall abilities and demonstrate to them your writing abilities. Good luck.

[sammo3182]

Thanks very much, Newms, and hope the committee of PS department will do as you said~~

I would advise you not to do this for a few reasons

1) The SOP space is too valuable - your SoP should be about your research as much as possible (presuming it's a research based degree you want).

2) The AWA is not that important at all. Your SoP will be a better judge of your writing ability that the AWA score.

3) What could you possibly say to explain it without coming across as making excuses?

4) If a school is going to dismiss your application because you didn't do well on the AWA when they will have actual examples of your writing ability, then are you sure you want to go to that school?

Just my $0.02. I think you should be perfectly fine especially with >1400 on the quant and verbal sections. The GRE is one of the least important parts of your application and the AWA score is probably the least important part of the GRE.

[sammo3182]

Wow, fox, you make me not alone. I definitely agree with you that AW is totally stupid and misleading~

I have asked the same thing some time ago:

[sammo3182]

Well, adaptations, here is another problem you might give me some advices, that is, what kind of SOP is strong for us PS Phd candidate (Ok, I know it is per se a stupid question though every freshener would like to ask). I mean, how I could show a clear, systematical, professional research plan now? Is it a work that perhaps haven't done until the second year of the phd program?

I would just write the best SOP you can, but not include any comment about your GRE. Your SOP (and then your writing sample) is your best place to convince the adcom of your overall abilities and demonstrate to them your writing abilities. Good luck.