PoliSci Programs

[TexasOneder]

Hello, I plan to go into a PhD program for Political Science. My GRE score was Q-143 V-152 AWA-4.0
My GPA is 3.66
Are there any programs these numbers could possibly get me in?

 

[Determinedandnervous]

Your GPA is fine. Your GRE will keep you out of most schools, save for low ranked or unranked ones. I suggest studying hard and retaking the GRE to improve your odds.

[PoliticalOrder]

You do realize that GPA and GRE scores are the least predictive factors of getting admitted to grad school right?

No one can answer this question.

[Determinedandnervous]

I'm curious as to where you found they were irrelevant. I would agree if you mean strictly on admittance (no stats can get you an automatic in) but they certainly can keep people out.

[PoliticalOrder]

Least predictive =/= irrelevant. 

 

[Determinedandnervous]

Fair enough. Still, I'm curious where you found they were the least predictive.

[PoliticalOrder]

Because the final cut is substantially based on SOPs, LORs, CVs, and writing samples. And since the final cut is whether you get in or not, GRE and GPA stats are incredibly noisy.

The funny thing about this board is that there is no evidence to suggest that the GRE is as important as people portray/think. If you go through the stats of top programs and top 30 programs, the average quant score of people who get admitted is somewhere around 157-163ish (verbal is a touch higher). That is not very high and suggests that any score from 152-168 can get admitted anywhere. And contrary to popular opinion, there is quite a bit of variation in GRE scores even at the high end. 

Edited July 31, 2016 by PoliticalOrder

[Determinedandnervous]

In the final cut, you're absolutely right. It depends on way more than GRE. You can have something even at 155-160 and still get in (usually provided you have a lot of independent research experience). 

However, in the first cut, the way to cut a few hundred applications in half easily is to have an arbitrary cutoff for GRE score and GPA and throw out any application below the cutoff. Multiple people who have served on adcoms have said as much on here.

That's why I'm suggesting the OP retakes it. When there is a cutoff and the score is 152/143, there's no sense in accepting that score when there is still the option to retake it and make it to the final cut where all of the other aspects you mention matter. Last year, I had 163/155 and it was nearly unanimous on this forum that I should retake it, and they were right.

[TexasOneder]

I appreciate the responses. I will plan to retake the GRE in the future. Are there any study materials that either of you recommend that you all used?