Crippled by low quant?

[Lokyar]

Hello everyone,

I just took the new GRE, and I got a score of 750-800V and 540-640Q. I was a little bit blown away by the low quant, and I am sitting here wondering if this will torpedo an otherwise decent application (4.0 graduate GPA, research publication in top journal, master's degree). I'm not really fishing for a "what are my chances" confirmation to assuage my feelings over the mark, but am wondering if it is still worth at least shooting for top 25 or 30 schools. I am looking into qualitative comparative PhD programs. It would be great to get a second opinion on what may still be possible with this ball and chain around my application.

Thanks for any thoughts

[Secret Squirrel]

Is it a solo publication? That makes a huge difference.

[lordvader]

wait until the final results, because 540 is low but 640 is decent

[Lokyar]

Is it a solo publication? That makes a huge difference.

Yes it is a solo publication. Im still kind of amazed i got away with it...the journal secretary still refers to me by "Dr." because she simply assumed that anyone with the balls to send in a solo manuscript would be a PhD....I havent corrected her yet . I even checked to make sure non-PhDs could submit, just to be sure.

Anyway, I know the gap between 540-640 is a big deal, and waiting it out to see the real results seems logical, but the problem is that most applications are due by the time they will be out in december...so i'm left wondering if I should apply to places like Emory with a 50 percentile cut off for quant and simply pray I end up falling on the higher side of the scale.

[mv0027]

How is your quant experience otherwise? Have you done well in (or even taken) math courses, did you publication include any data crunching, etc....

[Lokyar]

How is your quant experience otherwise? Have you done well in (or even taken) math courses, did you publication include any data crunching, etc....

My publication did involve a fair amount of data crunching and some statistical analysis, but nothing too complicated, and ultimately it was ancilliary to my qualitative research. I have some experience with quant as well through a research methods course, which was also my lowest mark (A-). In short, not too much that would stand out to compensate for a 540-640 Q.

I'm wondering maybe I might still have a shot at a qualitative-heavy department.

Edited October 28, 2011 by Lokyar

[lordvader]

The quantitative average in Emory is 700, but in Maryland is only 653.

[mv0027]

eh. I think people tend to underestimate that adcoms are filled with pretty smart people that understand that applicants should be viewed holistically. If you application gives the overall vibe that you can't handle quant, then, yeah, you are kinda screwed. But if the applicant is strong, but it seems like you had an off moment on the GRE quant, it shouldn't be a deal breaker. If you applying to programs that aren't super quanty, I don't think it will be that bad. Not to mention, your verbal is pretty impressive. I wouldn't let it hold you back from applying to whatever school you want to go to. I don't know what you mean by a research publication in a "top journal" but if that it true, that means a lot to them.

Good luck.

[balderdash]

I'm inclined to agree with mv0027. From what I understand, GRE scores aren't that big of a deal with adcoms. If I were you, I would probably add a safety-ish school to your list just for backup, but I don't think it'll come to that.

[secondarydefinitions]

Ok, so GRE scores are from from being a deciding factor, but they can get your application looked at, right? With a 1470 and an abysmal academic record (even after crushing grades on returning from suspension), I really hope this is the case...

[kaykaykay]

Lokyar your publication is impressive if it is really in a good journal. If somebody is still considering your GPA they will consider you undergrad GPA along with the grad one. but you have a really good grad GPA. and I guess you have good recommendations. good luck!

secondarydefinitions, I think it is clear from some of the adcoms' comments here that your application will be read by several people. The low GPA though counts if there are a lot of qualified applicants.