SIPA´s Personal Statement suggests adressing low GRE. Should I?

[newdisplayname]

I´m about to submit my application to the MPA in Development Practice and they are allowing me to attach a 300 word essay where I should talk about anything that is not reflected in my application or explain any concerns with my academic record. I got a bad quant GRE score (148). Should I take this opportunity to mention it? On the one hand, it will allow me to address in and explain what happened, but on the other it might bring more light to it. I already wrote something that I feel fits alright and wouldn´t have any trouble submitting it, but should I? What would you guys do? HELP!!

[ridofme]

I think it depends on what it is you have to say. Were you ill on the day of the exam? Did you just receive terrible news? If you're just a bad test-taker, do you have high grades in quant courses? I think the point of these explanatory statements is typically to prove that X black mark was an aberration, and assure the adcomms that it won't happen again.

[PhDreams]

 If you're just a bad test-taker, do you have high grades in quant courses?

 

I think this is usually the best kind of addendum to add because it doesnt sound like an "excuses" essay AND you have another chance to highlight your strengths. Take an opportunity to talk about how great you are! lol

 

Not applying to Harvard?? Too bad. The K-School is great!

[newdisplayname]

Thanks for your comments.

 

ridofme: I am a Communications major, so my only experience with math in school is through several research courses I took, which is explained in my application. Additionally, i am taking an economics course with the university of toronto, and some private tutoring in calculus. What i´m arguing in my personal statement is that "my GRE quant score does not adequately reflect my potential". Rather than giving specifics on that score (didn´t want it to sound like i was excusing myself), Im sort of saying: "Yes, i got have this score but i also have these things that make me a competitive candidate". Hope it works :/

 

PS PHDreams: No applying to Harvard. To be honest, given my quant score I didn´t think I would make the cut so... :/

[ay761]

I have a 149 quant and I'm applying for an Ed.D at harvard (culture, communities and education), so I hope you are wrong about 'the cut'! I'm surprised you let that hold you back from applying, but maybe I'm not being realistic? I didn't even mention it in my application.  I also got a B in stats which was my only b (rest were all As) my last 2 years of college. What can I say? I have a background in anthropology and math is just not my strong point -- though I am actually interested in statistics and am more than willing to put in as many hours as I need to (though my research proposal is based on qualitative research) to succeed in a program.

 

Standardized tests are also not my strong point.... I didn't do fabulously on the verbal either (159).  I'm just hoping my SOP, LORs, relevant life experience and 4 years as a teacher overseas will be enough.  If not.... I'll go back to the US next year and hire a tutor for math; re-take the GRE.... :\  

[newdisplayname]

ay761:

 

Please don´t take my comment seriously. I said that because I work full time, I´m taking all this extra classes and I´m applying to 8 other programs. I rather follow the advice everyone seems to give around here: If every other part of your application is strong then you shouldn´t let a GRE score hold you back. In my case, I just wanted to invest time/energy/money on something else. Best of luck!!!

[cptdelorean]

"being a bad test-taker" is a lame response and is usually only said by people who wouldn't score high even if they WERE good test takers (no offense, and dont think you were gonna say this anyways)

the only thing you could do is point to specific examples (good grades in math/stat classes, point out higher level math you do in a job, etc)

if you're ill, why would only one section be affected? if something happened, why would only your math score be affected?

 

regardless, i would address it in some way, just so you acknowledge that it isnt that great of a score and you know it, but that in real life, you are able to do the math you need to do. if possible, have one of your recommenders address it in their letter

[soaps]

Thanks for your comments.

 

ridofme: I am a Communications major, so my only experience with math in school is through several research courses I took, which is explained in my application. Additionally, i am taking an economics course with the university of toronto, and some private tutoring in calculus. What i´m arguing in my personal statement is that "my GRE quant score does not adequately reflect my potential". Rather than giving specifics on that score (didn´t want it to sound like i was excusing myself), Im sort of saying: "Yes, i got have this score but i also have these things that make me a competitive candidate". Hope it works :/

 

PS PHDreams: No applying to Harvard. To be honest, given my quant score I didn´t think I would make the cut so... :/

 

I'm also applying to programs with a low quant score (148). I think it's weird that some people think these additional essays are traps of some sort. I used those essays to highlight evidence of quant. ability in other ways without making excuses like you said, and with HKS I practically made it into another personal statement. In short, (in my view) they wouldn't put those options there if they didn't want you to utilize them... if you had a weak quant. score and didn't take advantage of the essay, you are just making their decision easier.

 

Good luck!