Very low GRE

[linggeek]

I'm currently a senior majoring in linguistics and decided to apply to my department's MA program for fall 2011.

I think I have a very good shot at getting in; my GPA overall and in the major is very good, I have some research experience, recommendations from a few professors within the department, doing an honors thesis, and a decent SoP.

However, my GRE score is very depressing. I got sick the day before the GRE but I did it anyway (I had no choice, with the deadlines and all) because I was satisfied with the results of the practice tests I had been taking. But I admit, I can't blame it all on that since I did a piss-poor job of preparing for it.

Now, my department "expects" a GRE score of 600 each (I got 400) but at the same time they say they take a more holistic look at an applicant's background, which does give me a glimmer of hope.

Still, is it realistic to believe that I may still be admitted? I mean, they must have a cut-off point somewhere. Is it possible to be accepted with a very low GRE?

I should be finding out any day now, and I am very anxious! :-(

Thanks

[Tunnel King]

I don't know, a 400 seems very low. Which section was it in? As a reference, I got a 570 Verbal and was worried that that might be too low. I don't want to scare you because it really depends on the department and on the rest of your application, but a score like that would definitely set off a few alarms.

[Zouzax]

  On 3/11/2011 at 3:49 AM, linggeek said:

I'm currently a senior majoring in linguistics and decided to apply to my department's MA program for fall 2011.

I think I have a very good shot at getting in; my GPA overall and in the major is very good, I have some research experience, recommendations from a few professors within the department, doing an honors thesis, and a decent SoP.

However, my GRE score is very depressing. I got sick the day before the GRE but I did it anyway (I had no choice, with the deadlines and all) because I was satisfied with the results of the practice tests I had been taking. But I admit, I can't blame it all on that since I did a piss-poor job of preparing for it.

Now, my department "expects" a GRE score of 600 each (I got 400) but at the same time they say they take a more holistic look at an applicant's background, which does give me a glimmer of hope.

Still, is it realistic to believe that I may still be admitted? I mean, they must have a cut-off point somewhere. Is it possible to be accepted with a very low GRE?

I should be finding out any day now, and I am very anxious! :-(

Thanks

I'm curious what your results were -- did you get accepted?

If you didn't, I think it would definitely benefit you to take the GRE again. This time you'll have a whole year to prepare and do well. Unfortunately, Ive heard of some programs that set a minimum GRE score. They don't even consider applicants that score below it.

If you really don't want to take the GRE again, there are some programs that don't require it. MIT comes to mind, for example. You can look into those and see if any of them suit you. If the rest of your application is decent, there's no reason why you can't give them a try.

[bellefast]

Well I am applying to programs as well this year and I think that if you have other things such as research experience, it can balance things out for you. I am in the same boat. But, I have faith that research showing you know your stuff is more importance since that is one of the bigger things in grad school.