GRE for Political Communication PhD Programs

[hppolicomm]

Hi all,

In an effort to take the GRE before it switches the revised format, I registered two weeks ago and took it today. Needless to say, I didn't feel as prepared as I would have liked to have been and my scores reflected it - 680 Verbal/630 Quantitative. I'm especially worried about my quant. score. I don't know my Analytical Writing score, but I do think this is one section that I did quite well on (I am pretty confident I'm over the 4.5 threshold).

I'm looking at political science/political communication programs, especially UPenn's Annenberg School for poli comm. I have heard that comm programs' admissions don't rely heavily on GRE scores, but since Penn's is the top program and I'd like to specialize in political communication, I'm a little worried....

My other stats:

- BA, with "Great Distinction" from McGill University (English - Cultural Studies, US History) (3.65 GPA)

- MS, #1 in my class, from lesser-known private university in US - not a top school, more of an practical (vs. research-intensive) program, but locally very well-known for the specific program (Professional Politics) (4.0 GPA)

- worked in publishing

- worked on big project (some research involved) with Chair of dept. in grad school

- interned at a research organization that the Dean of Annenberg is involved with (he's on the board, I think)

- hope to get a year of work experience in DC before starting PhD

- Feel pretty confident in my personal statement - undergrad background plus grad work fits well with the program, my research interests closely align with faculty members', etc.

- Should have solid letters of recommendation, one from Chair of grad school dept.

Would anyone be willing to weigh in - honestly - on my chances at Penn? Should I retake the GRE (new format)? Penn suggested I take the current/old one, especially since the new format's scores may not reach schools in time.

Any thoughts would be most appreciated! Thanks!!

Edited July 14, 2011 by hppolicomm