Low GRE Scores, CGPA 4.0 in Two Majors

[Chele]

Hi,

    I'm currently applying to schools for a PhD in Communication (health communication specially).  I am applying to top ranked schools.  I graduated from Penn State with two degrees (Media Studies and Psychology) and have a cumulative 4.0 GPA for both degrees.  In addition, I completed an undergraduate honours thesis, a teaching assistantship (in Psychology) and a research assistantship (in a Social Psychology lab).  Also, I recently completed a Masters degree abroad at the University of Leeds in Media Industries, where I earned first class honours.  I am submitting a portion of my dissertation (which is relevant to health communication) as part of my application and feel that I have strong letters of recommendation (from professors in both Media and Psychology).  I have also participated in various clubs (e.g. Cancer Society Awareness Club) and have spent several years coaching figure skating and competing in the sport (an experience that I feel has given me a unique perspective of health and human behaviour).

    However, my GRE scores are low.  I received a 145 on my Quantitative, a 155 on my Verbal, and a 4.5 on my AW.  On my second go around, I received a 142 on my Quantitative, a 155 on my Verbal, and I am waiting to hear about my AW (though I am pretty positive that I did better than my previous attempt, which I struggled with during the test).  

    My question is how much my low scores will impact my chances of getting admitted.  I have tried my best to use my personal statement to highlight how my interests and experience matches the research undertaken by the school.  Any insight would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you in advance   .

[Trisha94]

Hi. I can't really comment specifically as per your context but it often depends on the course you apply to. As far as I know, communications will not pay a lot of attention to your Quant scores. Your verbal and analytical scores are good, so that should tide you through.

I suggest e-mailing the colleges you're applying to (or faculty within the college).

[grad_wannabe]

I would suggest asking this again over on the comm board. We're all commiserating about GREs over there. 

 

The lab experience will help you a lot, as will your stellar grades and your master's degree and ability to conduct research and produce a dissertation.

 

No one will care about your clubs, coaching, or sports activities. I suggest you spend zero space on those in your application. 

 

Where are you applying? 

 

I suggest that what you should focus on now is FIT. Use the SOP to convince the ad comms that you're a PERFECT match for their program/faculty research. Don't just highlight - persuade.

Edited November 6, 2014 by grad_wannabe

[Chele]

My top choice is Penn (Annenberg).  I'm primarily interested in cancer communication (patient clinician interaction and cancer prevention communication).  My second choice is Cornell, third Michigan State, and fourth the University of Michigan.  I have a little bit about my coaching experience in the last paragraph, a few sentences in regards to it giving me first-hand professional experience in regards to understanding human behaviour and how people make health-related decisions.  I only have four sentences about it.  The application prompt for Annenberg wants you to include how your professional experience has prepared you for research in the social sciences....should I leave this in or take it out do you think?  Thank you for the advice about the COMM board.  I wasn't aware of it   .

Edited November 9, 2014 by Chele