Chances of MA acceptance

[darcyt]

Hi all, hope this kind of post is not too annoying, I was hoping to get some feedback into my chances of applying to a funded MA program at Villanova. I currently have a 3.7 GPA, with about the same in my major (English) at 3.68. I haven't received my grades for this semester yet but I'm expecting one B+ in an English course and A's and one A- in my other English and elective courses, so I will likely end with around a 3.7 still. I think that I will be able to get relatively strong letters of recommendations and I feel confident that I will have a strong writing sample to submit, but I'm worrying that my major GPA may be too low. I understand that things like this are difficult to predict, but I just wanted to check with others who have more experience about my chances of obtaining a funded position. Based on the programs website, it seems that there a couple faculty members in the field I'd be interested in studying more, and I've read that that can help too. Really appreciate any help and insight anybody can offer!

If anyone here has done the MA program at Villanova and wouldn't mind chatting a bit about it also, please let me know!

thanks 

[anxiousphd]

Hi! I did not end up attending Villanova's MA, but I applied with a similar GPA (3.8, I think) and was accepted. I was waitlisted for funding. Funding is always competitive, but I think you have a good shot to be accepted! Good luck!

[meh16]

Also applying to MAs and wondering how GRE scores weigh. Are they important at all? 

[Dr. Old Bill]

4 hours ago, meh16 said:

Also applying to MAs and wondering how GRE scores weigh. Are they important at all? 

Is this a serious question? I'm honestly asking.

 

[meh16]

I was simply asking how much they matter. To clarify, I've heard that the GRE scores are more of a checklist item- as long as you make it in the 85th percentile or above and do not stick out with a bad score then they don't matter. So, would a good verbal score really add that much to your application? 

Edited December 25, 2016 by meh16

[Dr. Old Bill]

2 hours ago, meh16 said:

I was simply asking how much they matter. To clarify, I've heard that the GRE scores are more of a checklist item- as long as you make it in the 85th percentile or above and do not stick out with a bad score then they don't matter. So, would a good verbal score really add that much to your application? 

Ah, fair enough. It's really hard to say just how important they are, and there are probably several answers that would all be correct. Different programs will place different weight on different application elements, and some things (like good-not-great GRE scores) are likely mitigated by things like strong SOPs, WSs, LORs, GPA etc... But who knows? When you look at the results page for many top programs, most of those who add their GRE scores have scores that are quite high (i.e. >90%)...but how much can you infer from partial responses? In other words, you really have to do the best you can with all elements and just hope for the best.

[Warelin]

On 12/22/2016 at 9:51 PM, darcyt said:

Hi all, hope this kind of post is not too annoying, I was hoping to get some feedback into my chances of applying to a funded MA program at Villanova. I currently have a 3.7 GPA, with about the same in my major (English) at 3.68. I haven't received my grades for this semester yet but I'm expecting one B+ in an English course and A's and one A- in my other English and elective courses, so I will likely end with around a 3.7 still. I think that I will be able to get relatively strong letters of recommendations and I feel confident that I will have a strong writing sample to submit, but I'm worrying that my major GPA may be too low. I understand that things like this are difficult to predict, but I just wanted to check with others who have more experience about my chances of obtaining a funded position. Based on the programs website, it seems that there a couple faculty members in the field I'd be interested in studying more, and I've read that that can help too. Really appreciate any help and insight anybody can offer!

If anyone here has done the MA program at Villanova and wouldn't mind chatting a bit about it also, please let me know!

thanks 

For what it's worth, I think English MA programs consider scores less heavily than some Ph.D. Programs would. I think that you stand a good chance of admission into any funded MA program as long as you can demonstrate how your interests fit within the department and how you can grow as a scholar with the resources they have. I think most programs are interested in seeing you grow as you continue your research.