Responding to Grad School Recruitment E-Mails

[grizzly]

Since taking the GRE, I've received a number of admissions recruitment e-mails from great schools that I am really interested in (HKS, SAIS, Yale, Berkeley, Chicago, etc.). I have high GRE scores, strong language skills, 4+ years of international work experience, and good LORs, but I was not planning to apply to any of these schools because I have a fairly low GPA (3.2/4.00). I'm still very curious about the e-mails I'm getting and would love to correspond with the admissions office, but I'm not sure what is the best way to address the obvious weakness in my application. Are these e-mails just a way to drive application numbers up or are they worth replying to? Has anyone had a good experience responding to a recruitment e-mail? What is the best way to begin a conversation with the admissions office?

[WinterSolstice]

I think GRE requirements will vary by school, but for an example, this is from SAIS's website:

 

 

What is the average GPA of the students who are admitted?
The middle 50% range for GPA of the incoming M.A. class was 3.47-3.77 on a 4.0 scale. Keep in mind, though, that the admissions committee is much more interested in the details of your transcript than in the total GPA. Weak grades in your freshman year or in an unrelated class will not greatly affect your chances for admission. However, a weak grade in a political science or economics course can affect your competitiveness even if the overall GPA appears to be good.

 

(emphasis mine).

 

Obviously GPA is important, but if you have other things balancing it out, it would probably be worth it to at least apply. You also didn't mention your major or your reasons for your GPA. If you came from the "hard" sciences for example, and have now decided that you want to go into development, that would account for a lower GPA. I assume admissions committees would look at the transcript, as well as the GPA. Additionally, if you have extenuating circumstances that contributed to a low GPA, then that's something that could be addressed in a personal statement.

 

As for the emails, I don't really know what prompts them, but driving up admissions numbers is obviously a factor, because they're essentially advertising their school. That being said, if you have a strong GRE score and a strong resume, then I don't see why you shouldn't at least apply. And the easiest way to start a conversation with the admissions office is of course, to call or email them and say you're looking for information. 

[Gov2School]

Schools purchase the email addresses and other personal information of people taking the GRE from the company that administers the GRE, that's what generates these "recruitment" emails.  Schools usually purchase a certain "slice" of information, depending on what kind of demographic they're trying to target (i.e., high scorers, people living in certain areas, certain ethnic groups, etc).   It's not really a sign that a school is interested in you personally,  it just means that they purchased your information from the testing company because you fit into some kind of category they're interested in (high scoring international students, for example). 

 

If you want to correspond with the admissions office, the best thing to do is either contact them directly by email or else participate in one of their outreach events (either online or in person, many schools do both these days).  You can also ask to be put in touch with alums in your area who would be willing to talk to you about the school. Most admissions offices are pretty friendly and willing to talk, especially if you contact them early before they get too busy.  

[MJA87]

I agree with Gov2School. I'd say it's more like getting a credit card application in the mail than it is them clamoring over your good score and trying to lure you in.

[leon32]

I had a 3.11 GPA and got into every school I applied to (GWU Elliott, Tufts Fletcher, USC, Korbel, AU, etc.)  If you are strong elsewhere in your application, then why not try and see.

[lsaiki87]

I agree wtih leon32. Admissions look at your application as a whole, not just your GPA, especially if you have been out of school for a while. Usually GRE scores and GPA balance each other out. I had average GRE scores and a high GPA and also got into every program I applied to (SAIS, SIPA, and MSFS). I have talked to people who had just the opposite - high GRE scores and low GPA. If you have great LOR and personal statements with years of relevant work experience, I really don't see why you shouldn't apply. Nothing to lose, right?

[jenkins]

As a current GSPP student, I can say that you should apply to your top choice(s).  A relative encouraged me to apply to Berkeley; I would not have done so but for her advice.  I have multiple degrees, so my undergrad GPA may not have been too important to them.  I think they are more interested in a the whole package (1) GPA and (2) experience.  If you have a high enough GRE score, you may be eligible for a fellowship.  I know that Berkeley is trying to increase its international focus.  I would strongly recommend applying to GSPP (or wherever your top choice(s) is/are).  At least attempt 1 or 2 longshots. 

[jenkins]

Oh, and I want to say that our recruitment staff at Goldman is tops!  So absolutely check in with them.  As part of my Leadership course (taught by Robert Reich), one of the groups presented on how to improve the GSPP experience for international students.  The Dean sat in on the presentation and the recruitment and career services staff attended as well.   All took the recommendations of the presentation seriously.

 

Good Luck!

[thevillagersid]

Having personally squeaked into Yale with a 3.2 undergrad GPA, I'd definitely encourage you not to think of that as an automatic disqualification. It might need a bit of explanation, but I would also recommend applying to all the schools you think would be a good fit for you, as long as you have the time to do the apps.