How low do GREs need to warrant an explantion in SOP?

[jpmangogg]

I'm applying to a statistics ms program.

 

My GRE scores are 150V/161Q

 

I'm not going to retake because it would be a waste of money. I have a 4.0 gpa in my undergrad in a related field. My quant score is around the average scores in my program. 

 

My V score is about 44%. But it's V so I don't even think it really matters that much in my program. I'm a domestic student, so I can fluently speak english. I was in advanced placement English classes in high school and would say I can efficiently write, read, and speak in English. I don't think that the GRE verbal test is very indicative of my abilities. (In what situations would I need to know the definition of those ridiculous words? If by some stretch of the imagination it does show up somewhere, that's what dictionaries are for.)  I've heard a lot of people say that the GRE tests how well you take the GRE, not actually the things they are testing. 

 

Anyways, do I need to address a 150V score on my sop? I feel like I would just want to rant about how unnecessary it is and how it is not a good indicator of what I am capable of. 

[Loric]

No. Sop is positive only. Sell yourself. Apologize for nothing.

[OCD or Perfection?]

Anyways, do I need to address a 150V score on my sop? I feel like I would just want to rant about how unnecessary it is and how it is not a good indicator of what I am capable of. 

 

The SOP is a focus of your strengths, not a detail or explanation of your weaknesses. You don't test well, that's just who you are.

 

Now if you were to subtly mention (in not more than half a sentence, the focus of which sentence is something else) that standardized tests are not your forte, I think that could be helpful. An example of this sentence would be:

 

"For my my undergrad course XXX, instead of the final exam which I felt wouldn't be a true reflection of my academic potential,  I volunteered to assist the professor's research on....This intensive interactive experience demonstrated to me ...."

 

Here, you've killed two birds with one stone. You've addressed what might be considered a weakness in your application without ruffling any feathers. More importantly, you've demonstrated your initiative and problem-solving skills.

 

Having said that, however, you might call your admissions dept to ask how important GREs are for your course and their response will tell you how far you need to go to address this issue.

Edited January 15, 2014 by Education Leadership

[OCD or Perfection?]

What is your AWA score?

[jpmangogg]

5.0 writing

[OCD or Perfection?]

You're good!