I've taken GRE tests three times, what's your take on my score report?

[orst11]

lollipop, the one thing I see with the info you provided was a lack of particular focus. You go from journalism to IR and then in a way seem to mention characteristics common in area studies programs. As far as the GRE, it is only one part of the application, so don't get too discouraged. As far as your options, you can apply out of the top 50. A lot of people actually do this. You being an international student this definitely may have an effect on where you want to apply, because like a lot of people noted scholarships and other funding is more difficult to come by at some places. I think your best bet maybe to get an MA in the field you are interested in and then apply for a PhD. You do have more options than just this though:

1) You can apply to a few programs in Europe or outside the US.

2) You can apply for outside funding which may help with the costs

Really, I can go on and on.

Truthfully, I think reading after your posts, you just want some realistic expectations on where you feel you have a good shot. I think maybe once you are sure what field in particular you want to study, some of us can recommend some options.

[Eigen]

okay, then what about fellowships? I'd still like to get enrolled in private schools.

Since the thread is revived, I'll go back and answer this:

With your stats, I can't see you being competitive for fellowships. I think TAships are your best bet, but at the level you should be looking, most of those will be competitive as well.

You may end up just having to pay for your MA (shouldn't be too expensive at a lower tier state school) or at least pay part of it.

[kaykaykay]

oh sorry for saying that you were very young. never mind. people mature in different pace. btw there is always a next year even at 27.

[adollarninetynine]

I'm not sure if you're also Chinese (considering the use of words and your tone, I think you are), but what makes you clueless may not be the same case to others, especially there's something conspicuously missing here. I always think I have a flair for languages and as a matter of fact, I have systematically learned English, French and Japanese and have a pretty robust command of them. I used to be thinking of pursuing languages-related graduation education, but as I age, the "intellectual questions that I'm passionate about" evolve as well. Plus, if I were to stay in the States after my graduation and find employments, wouldn't it be better for me to major in journalism, international politics or international relations? In short, my real passion lies in languages and anything "international" or "global". Besides, professionals in journalism, international politics or international relations usually command more than one foreign languages other than their mother tongue, n'est-ce pas?

It's true that I haven't spent a decent amount of time to study for this exam but I think I still have decent, if not competitive, results, despite the fact that I took it three times.

I don't know what makes you think there's no excuse for my math score. Maybe the stereotype that Chinese, or East Asians, for that matter, are usually excellent in math? I've never been good at math since the moment I received elementary education in China. However, I've always been good at English throughout my academic progression in China. Maybe that's one of the reasons why I say there's a bond between the U.S. and me. As you may know, almost everyone in China now learns English but I think few would have a comparably good understanding of the language if the same amount of time and efforts were spent in learning the language. In other words, as far as I know, very few have a command of 3 foreign languages at my age. And I think that's a manifestation of the flair for languages that I'm always proud of.

no one cares if you have an interest in languages if you don't have the proper experience in those fields. that is what i was implying. you don't apply to a program in journalism if you don't have the experience to back up your claim that it is a passion. even if you forget about your lack of experience, your scores are not good enough to get you into a top school. i was not bashing your score, i was merely saying that your goal is to go to a top 50 school, but you don't have the scores to do it.

i don't care if you are chinese, mexican, caucasian, or an alien from mars. you said it yourself just now that you did not have the time to study. that is what i am pointing out. you want to go to a top school but you won't make the time to study for the GRE. what is worse is that the GRE is a completely learnable test (especially the math section) and you won't commit to it. it does not matter if you suck at math, if you are of average intelligence you should be able to cram some basic algebra and geometry to score above a 700 since the questions are the same except for the numbers for the most part.

lastly, no one here is trying to crush your dreams. they are just laying out the reality of your situation and you seem to be still in your alternate universe thinking you can get accepted based on your background and grades. by the way, i am french canadian, not chinese.