Good GRE Quant BUT Low Verbal... Top MPP program still possible?

[gotompp]

Top 40 Liberal Arts College

senior without full-time working experience

3.51 GPA with double majors in Political Science and Biological Science, minor in Applied Math

I took my GRE with 166 Q (800 in old GRE) and 153 V (500 in old GRE),

so are these programs still possible to me???

-( I want to pursue a MPP degree that focus more on quant track and the concentration would be environmental policy).

My choice:

-- Columbia SIPA

-- Gtown MPP

-- Cornell CIPA

-- Brown MPP

-- UCLA MPP

-- UCSD MIPA

-- GWU MPP

or what other programs do you think are my reach or safe?

I need your ADVICE! Thank you!

[Jess C]

If I were in your shoes I would ask the admissions how they weigh GRE scores for the programs. I was able to talk with admissions counselors during graduate school fairs and my general impression was that they looked at the overall application. Regardless they want good students who will do well in their program. If you don't have work experience..maybe talk about internships or research opportunities you took advantage of.

[Harpreet]

I'm in the same boat: 161 quant and 155 verbal. Advice from others so far has been to re-take next month. I'm still unsure..

[Sorawit]

I sincerely hope that schools will consider the fact that I'm not a native speaker. I got 152V and 164Q and I have no time to take it again. Does anybody know if that's the case?

Edited November 27, 2012 by polaromonas

[soaps]

I sincerely hope that schools will consider the fact that I'm not a native speaker. I got 152V and 164Q and I have no time to take it again. Does anybody know if that's the case?

They would consider that, but most people they admit who are still undergrads have stellar academic records, scores, and a lot of internship experiences. That pool is smaller than the people who have full-time experience, so it is more selective based on academic criteria.

[ridofme]

I have heard that they are more interested in your Q than your V. If you notice, the average/median percentile ranks of most of the schools you listed are much higher in the Q category, which is curious considering that the majority of applicants presumably have undergraduate backgrounds in the liberal arts. I think your best bet is to contact the specific schools and ask about your scores, if it's not too late.

Edited December 20, 2012 by ridofme