Address Standardized Testing Issues in Statement of Purpose or ignore it?

[Zephyr99]

Short story: I suck at standardized tests. I did poorly on the SAT, ACT, and now the GRE (v: 157, q:143, w:4.0). Should I address this issue in my SOP or just ignore it? I have a high GPA at both the master's degree level (3.94/4.0) and at the undergraduate level (3.88/4.0) which will help my case. Just looking for some advice.

[C&C]

I have the same problem! Standardized tests kill me.

 

However, one of my best decisions for this application cycle was to re-take the GRE. (Thank you again to thegradcafe for helping me out with that call!)

Re-taking will show programs that you care enough to take it twice, and that you didn't give up. If you still don't like your scores after the second exam then I'd quickly address it in your application. I'm willing to bet you'll improve since you know what to expect.

 

Your GPA is stellar so don't let this get to you too much like I did. Good luck! 

[TMP]

Don't bother to talk about it.  Move on.

[MsDarjeeling]

Or you could spin the negative into a positive by saying something like "Even though my performance on the GRE was below average for students admitted to your program I do not feel it is an adequate representation of my academic capabilities.  Both my high undergraduate and Master's GPA's are much more indicative of my ability to succeed in a PhD program."  Then continue raving about your talents and skills.

[dr. t]

Or you could spin the negative into a positive by saying something like "Even though my performance on the GRE was below average for students admitted to your program I do not feel it is an adequate representation of my academic capabilities.  Both my high undergraduate and Master's GPA's are much more indicative of my ability to succeed in a PhD program."  Then continue raving about your talents and skills.

 

I would think that an admissions committee would either have already realized this or they won't believe you when you say it. It serves no real purpose. Go with TMP.

[New England Nat]

I agree.  Don't try and spin it.

[Carthage32]

If you must address it at all, I wouldn't do it in your statement of purpose.

 

Instead, ask if one of your referees can briefly address it in their letter (assuming you have the kind of relationship with them to ask).

 

A brief mention in a reference letter saying, "So-and-so's GRE score does not reflect his/her academic abilities. In all my classes with him/her, s/he was in the top x% of students etc etc etc." or something to that effect might re-assure the admissions committee.

 

That being said, rarely do GRE scores make or break an application. So, maybe best to leave it alone altogether.

[Riotbeard]

I agree.  Don't try and spin it.

 

Agreed.  It should only affect you heavily if they have an arbitrary cut-off, in which case talking about in your SOP won't matter.  If your application gets read all the way through, it shouldn't have a huge impact either way.  I would suggest taking it again, and using a book (if you have time).  My score went up over a hundred points (I don't what that is equivelent to on the current test).

[TakeruK]

I also agree with not trying to spin it. They are not going to believe you that the GRE is not a real representation of your skills any more or less if you say so. They will just look at the whole application and decide for themselves!