Can't believe it! I can't even apply for UCSD because of this ridiculous reason...

[2010Applicant]

and that being its IRPS School requires a GRE AW of 5.0 or above!

My impression is that most people here agree that the AW score is quite irrelevant to the application. But apparently IRPS doesn't think so.

My GRE verbal and quant are both at 94%, GPA at 4.0 from a top-5 school in the field, with a master thesis on Korean political economy. So I guess a reputable school like UCSD with 'Pacific Studies' as part of its name should be a good place to apply for. Yet, years of hard work and achievement are worthless just because I get a 4.0AW in GRE. Is is just me who think that this policy is not very intelligent?

[emmm]

I think you should apply anyway -- that cannot be a firm requirement. It would just be absurd.

[2010Applicant]

Thanks for the advice; but actually I've made an inquiry already and I'm told that it is a firm requirement.

I agree; it's absurd.

[kaykaykay]

1.retake the GRE. tomorrow. practice writing.

or

2. apply to other schools.

maybe you 'll get into a much better program and you will laugh at UCSD.

or

3. apply next year.

Edited November 15, 2011 by kalapocska

[alphazeta]

There is really very little difference between the IRPS PhD and the poli sci PhD - so if you're really concerned, just apply in poli sci. If you were referring to masters degree, disregard.

[2010Applicant]

That would actually be quite a good move, alphazeta; although as an international student, I still have to face a funding issue if admitted. But yes, I think I'll do just that. Thanks.

[mv0027]

The IR/PS PhD program isn't really taking in new students. If that is your goal, apply to the pol sci PhD program. Get to know IR/PS faculty and transfer in during your second or third year. Again, it is my understanding that they aren't accepting any new applicants anyway.