Low GRE Score and Low GPA. HELP!

[jamesh]

I would like to pursue a MPA degree preferably at John Jay, Baruch, or NYU. However, my gpa is slightly less that 3.0, and i just got an 144 on both sections of the GRE (my writing score hasn't came in yet, but i think i did my best on that portion). 

 

However, i do have 5 years experience in the non-profit sector, completed an Americorps program with awards from partner organization, and received promotions at work. 

 

What are my chances of getting into ANY grad program, let alone one of the above mentioned MPA programs???

 

I would not mind majoring in business, but i'm guessing that my grades are way too low for any of those programs.

 

Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks!

[jjduval]

GRE/GPA is just one part of the application package - every school will tell you something along those lines. A sub-3.0 and lousy GRE scores won't help you, but they can be balanced out by your work experience, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

 

So here's what you've got to do - go into the websites for these different schools. If I recall well, most Graduate Program pages will have something like a student or applicant profile. That'll show the average age, GPA, GRE score, and total years of work experience of the previous year's incoming class. This should all help give you a better idea of what your chances are.

 

I don't know if you've applied before or how familiar you are with the process, so I won't delve into the minutiae or insult your intelligence. If you've already applied and are waiting for results, then you needn't ask this sort of question, bro. Get out of your head and go on a drive, or something. If you still haven't applied, then you should consider retaking the GRE before you reapply. 

Good luck, man.

[wisescience]

GRE/GPA is just one part of the application package - every school will tell you something along those lines. A sub-3.0 and lousy GRE scores won't help you, but they can be balanced out by your work experience, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

 

So here's what you've got to do - go into the websites for these different schools. If I recall well, most Graduate Program pages will have something like a student or applicant profile. That'll show the average age, GPA, GRE score, and total years of work experience of the previous year's incoming class. This should all help give you a better idea of what your chances are.

 

I don't know if you've applied before or how familiar you are with the process, so I won't delve into the minutiae or insult your intelligence. If you've already applied and are waiting for results, then you needn't ask this sort of question, bro. Get out of your head and go on a drive, or something. If you still haven't applied, then you should consider retaking the GRE before you reapply. 

Good luck, man.

 

Very good advice.

[asmodeus]

I'd say John Jay would be the safest route.  I'm pretty sure they still don't require a GRE, and your involvement in non-profit work and AmeriCorps should help sway them in your favor.  However, their strongest concentrations aren't terribly applicable to non-profit work. 

 

If you want to explore John Jay, and depending on your intended specialization in the MPA, I'd reach out to either Professor Rubin or Professor Benton directly via email.  Explain your concerns and express an strong interest in the program and furthering your work. 

 

I was admitted after the deadline from doing just that (though it was a few years ago and I had a high undergrad GPA). Baruch is tougher, and NYU Wagner is the toughest in your list. 

 

Good luck!

[jamesh]

Thanks for your advice!

 

I have decided to take the GRE again to get a better score.

[victorydance]

Definitely retake the GRE.

 

Are you not a native speaker? I find it really hard to believe how you could get such a low verbal score.

 

It's going to take some serious studying to get those scores to a respectable level.

[kittythrones]

Personally, I think you should retake the GRE. I would recommend you take the MAGROSH but I do not think having a low GPA & a low GRE will completely kill your chances. 

 

I know someone who got into the PhD Bio in CUNY with a subpar GPA (barely a 3.0), a horrible GRE score, and not a very enthusiastic SoP BUT what he did have was an amazing relationship with his LORs and his POI went to bat for him. 

 

So I think if you have work experience & great LoRs and a POI that is willing to go to bat for you, I think you may have a chance with CUNY - John Jay.