Odds of acceptance

[Kyliabg]

Hi there.  I am new to the forum and wanted to introduce myself and ask for some advice.

 

My bachelors is in Sociology.  My undergrad GPA is 3.9 although I studied at a state university that isn't top ranked for my program of study.  Post-graduation, I have worked in marketing in the medical device industry for 8 years.

 

GRE scores:

158 verbal (77 percentile)

148 quantitative (35 percentile)  bombed it

5 analytical writing (92 percentile)

 

I have excellent letters of recommendation and have stayed in touch with my undergrad professors over the years.  I have applicable volunteer experience and I believe, a strong personal statement. 

 

I applied at Boston University, UC-Berkeley, Harvard, Tulane and the University of Kansas.  The first four have a Maternal and Child Health concentration that I am very interested in.  KU does not offer that concentration but I needed to have a back-up to apply to so I selected KU.  I think I have a shot of getting in at Tulane and BU - but am I kidding myself?  I know my odds are not very good at Berkeley and Harvard.

 

Among all these variables, does anyone know what is most important to admission committees?  I have personal experience that's very relevant to the concentration I'm interested in and I communicated that in my statements.  Will that help compensate for my bad quantitative GRE score or is it insurmountable?

 

Thanks!

 

[darse1112]

Given your work experiences, reference letter, and undergrad GPA, also looking at your AWA score, I'd also assume you are a good writer and your personal statement is probably also very compelling. I'd say if you are applying for MPH programs, you are in a terrific shape. GRE is barely used as a screening tool and if you pass the minimum requirement, you should be fine : ) 

[MammaD]

I'm pretty sure the minimum for BU is 50th percentile on the GRE but that might be for the more quantitatively heavy programs. Any chance you could get a workbook, spend a few weeks brushing up, and take again? Maybe not for this admissions cycle, but if you end up trying again, getting that Q GRE over the 50th percentile is probably a good move. Good luck!

[Kyliabg]

Mamma D, I will definitely do that if I don't get in this cycle.  I didn't prepare well for the GRE because I'd done quite well on it my senior year in college.  I forgot a lot of those formulas between my first test 9 years ago and second time taking the test.  Darse, thanks for the encouragement.  I will keep you all posted!

[MammaD]

I graduated from undergrad in 1995 and never took the GRE (or a math class other than Intro to Biostats) before taking the GRE back in June. Talk about nerve-wracking! I spent some time studying, though -- my program indicated "successful applicants typically score at or above the 70th percentile" so I essentially willed myself to get at least that.

[Kyliabg]

Wow, good for you.  That is impressive!

[MammaD]

It's also very doable. If I can, I'd guess anyone can. The GRE seems to be less about the math you'll actually ever use and more about mastering the GRE way of assessing and solving problems. Get a good workbook, spend the time, and learn the "tricks." You'll get the score you need (if you don't end up getting accepted this go-round!).

[Kyliabg]

I have been accepted at BU and Tulane, but have not heard back from the others yet.

[VBD]

Congratulations on your two acceptances, Kyliabg!