GRE score enough for East Asian Studies Program?

[makingmoves]

So, I don't have time to retake the GREs for my application deadlines this year. 

My scores are mediocre... V: 155, Q: 150, 4.0 AWA, 305 Total.

I'm applying to Yale and Columbia's East Asian Studies programs.

Yale has a min of 308, and Columbia doesn't have a specified minimum for that specific program.

 

- I have 5 solid recommendations, 3 academic, 2 professional. 

-  3.7 GPA for Chinese coursework (41 credits), 3.45 Major GPA in MIS, (lower a bit to 3.25 including Computer Science coursework)

- I've studied abroad for a semester in Taiwan, and speak Mandarin with an advanced proficiency.

- Hired as interpreter and venue security for General Electric executives at Beijing Olympics

- My statement of purpose is also solid. 

- I also have lots of volunteer experience at local schools, tutoring, and TA'ing the language and culture. And am currently developing a video game to facilitate the learning of the language.

 

So I think I have a strong application, but mediocre GRE scores. 

 

That being said, do you think the scores will preclude my chances of getting in?

 

I have diagnosed ADD, so I constantly found myself running out of time during the test due to timing and anxiety/focus issues (practice scores average 155-158Q, 158-160V). I only found out about extended time options too late... so I couldn't use those benefits.Maybe I can upload the diagnosis as supplementary info? 

Edited December 16, 2013 by makingmoves

[makingmoves]

Any thoughts on this?

[hj2012]

Hey, I remember you. I see you weren't able to squeeze in a retest. =/ 

 

My advice remains the same: if Yale states a GRE minimum score on their page, you'd be best off emailing them directly and finding out if they'll consider your application. If there is a section for additional information on the application form, I might add one sentence to explain your situation. However, I don't know if it'll really help your application to do so.

 

Are you applying to other programs besides Yale and Columbia? They're both pretty competitive, so you might want to cast your net wider. This is just anecdotal, but...I did a Fulbright grant in Asia a few years ago, and a number of people from our cohort applied to East Asian Studies programs (with Ivy league degrees, stellar GPAs & GRES, good resumes, etc) and some still were rejected from Yale. Honestly, it's a crapshoot regardless of how good your stats are. You can also check the gradcafe results survey to see how accepted candidates stack up in terms of GRE scores, if that's what you're most worried about.

 

Also, looking at your information, it looks like most of your experience is professional. Why do you want an area studies degree? If you're not interested in going into academia, professional IR programs might be a better bet. They'll care a lot more about your work experience.

Edited December 18, 2013 by hj2012

[makingmoves]

The issue is, I'm taking advantage of my company sponsoring my Masters degree... so I need to find an upper tier part-time program and commute (or online), which severely limits my options. At nearby schools, I've only found part-time programs at Yale and Columbia in East Asian Studies.... (Columbia offers a more practical Chinese-Business training MA, but that's full time.) I also don't see many options for part-time nearby International Relations programs... and looking at those students' profiles... I really don't think I'd have a chance: 

 

"Successful applicants have worked across the public,  nonprofit and private sectors.

Some recent examples include the Mahattan Family Court; Handler & Goodman LLP; Obama for America; British Embassy; Belarus Ministry of Telecommunications; Undersecretariate of the Prime Ministry for Foreign Trade - Turkey; Dresdner Kleinwort Investment Bank; TBW Media/TBWB Strategies; United States Peace Corps"

 

Yeah, No...

So I thought my best bet given my strong language background was to shoot for a higher level MA in East Asian Studies program, develop a solid foundation of the language, history, and economics of the region, and combine that later with a MBA to become a liaison for business or some other field. (you're welcome to look at my statement of purpose for more info if you'd like...    haha )

 

Do you have any other advice on some good programs, or maybe some good part-time IR programs that I haven't considered around CT/NY/MA? 

Edited December 18, 2013 by makingmoves

[hj2012]

With your location/job restrictions, that does make a lot more sense. In Boston, Harvard has a great Asian Studies program, but I assume it probably has a residency requirement. Tufts offers a professional IR degree, but I don't know if they allow part-time students. You might also consider Boston University. They have a strong Asian Studies center to supplement their MAIA program.

 

You could also look at NYU's MAIA program. I'd imagine an MIS degree (and your stated goals of entering the business world) would give you an edge at places with an international business bent.

 

I also wouldn't count yourself out for professional IR programs. They're actually less competitive than an M.A. program like Yale (that accepts, what, ~10 students max?) and a good number of students from my undergrad institution transitioned into highly ranked programs like SIPA, SAIS and Fletcher straight from undergrad, even without work experience. However, I believe most of these programs require full-time enrollment.

 

There's probably an Asian Studies thread floating around somewhere on gradcafe. They might know better in terms of program recommendations if you're committed to area studies. ^^

[myoranges]

I graduated with a degree in engineering, but I am a China-aficionado and completed my Chinese minor by the time I graduated.

 

One of the programs that caught my eyes was M.A. (I'm not sure which program you're applying to though) School of Advanced International Studies program at Johns Hopkins, but the campus is located in Nanjing, China (in affiliation with the Nanjing University). I aspire to pursue engineering policy in China, so I have been also keeping my eyes on this program (after I make some dough to pay for the tuition though).

 

So check it out!

http://www.sais-jhu.edu/graduate-studies/campuses/nanjing-china