GRE falls slightly short...should I even apply?

[eirelass]

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Hi, I was going to apply to Northwestern and already had my LORs sent there, was half way through writing the essays etc, then got my GRE scores and discovered that though I was way above their cut-off score (which is 70th percentile) in Verbal, my Quant fell short (67th)...Is there any point in continuing the application? I have substantial research experience, several presentations, a BA and MSc and from what I've been told, very good LOR. I'm also an international student which I've heard may give me some leeway. But nonetheless, that Quant score may be my downfall! So angry with myself because in the practice tests I was getting into the 1300s and well over the 70th percentile!! Does anyone know if they'll throw my application out before even looking at it once they see that score?

Thank you!

 

[researchgirl]

Every school's admissions board is different. Some schools will explicitly "throw out" applications based on GRE scores or GPAs. Other schools give almost no weight to these scores (unless they are really, really poor). Additionally, the "cut offs" that schools use when they DO use them tend to vary every year - i.e. they'll drop the bottom 25% or bottom 50% of applicants, which might be a different score every year.

So, my advice is to apply anywhere (and everywhere) that you think you have a decent shot that is a good fit.

 

[clinicalpsyapp]

Hi, I was going to apply to Northwestern and already had my LORs sent there, was half way through writing the essays etc, then got my GRE scores and discovered that though I was way above their cut-off score (which is 70th percentile) in Verbal, my Quant fell short (67th)...Is there any point in continuing the application? I have substantial research experience, several presentations, a BA and MSc and from what I've been told, very good LOR. I'm also an international student which I've heard may give me some leeway. But nonetheless, that Quant score may be my downfall! So angry with myself because in the practice tests I was getting into the 1300s and well over the 70th percentile!! Does anyone know if they'll throw my application out before even looking at it once they see that score?

Thank you!

I talked to the DCT about that specifically, and he said the reason why they have that cutoff is because the first year stats course is extremely difficult and they want to know you can do it. However, if you have a good GPA and you got good grades on your stats courses in undergrad/master's program, then you should definitely still apply. Hope that helps!

 

[neuropsyance]

The feeling you have after not applying will be worse than the feeling you have when you possibly don't get in. This is your future we're talking about, roll the dice, fork over your application fee, and see what happens.

Those percent ranks aren't bad, and if the rest of your application looks good I'm sure you will at least get a look. Write a killer statement and see what happens!

 

[psychgirl77]

Definitely apply! Your score is very close to the cutoff. Last year I was under the cutoff for my quant section with one of the schools that I applied to, but I still got accepted! You never know how the committee will weight different aspects of your application.

 

[eirelass]

Thanks for the advice so far, I really appreciate it! I'm going to apply anyway, I found a really strong research match and as neurosyance said, I'd be annoyed if I didn't apply! It's at least worth a try!!

Thanks again! 😀

 

[Wildcat06]

good choice and good luck 😀

 

[eirelass]

Thanks again for all the advice-another question!! Should I refer to the score in my personal statement and say I hope other factors, LOR etc will compensate for it? Just so they know I'm aware of it...

 

[hamsterpants]

Thanks again for all the advice-another question!! Should I refer to the score in my personal statement and say I hope other factors, LOR etc will compensate for it? Just so they know I'm aware of it...

I wouldn't mention it. just play up your strengths.

 

[Wildcat06]

i would be inclined to agree with hamsterpants (who, btw, has an awesome new pic 😉).

but you might also check the advice from prof for applicants thread and see what drclinpsyadvice has to say on this topic. i'm sure it's come up before.

 

[researchgirl]

+1 - its not worth a mention - in fact, it probably just draws the reader's attention to your gre scores, which could be bad. i've heard that for many admissions committees, they take your gpa and gre scores, find the 'cut off' of the group, and basically get rid of the lower group (unless a prof specifically pulls for someone). after that, interview decisions and admissions are based off of letters etc. so it might be the case that if your gre gets you "past" that cut, no one will ever again look at it. (note - i know that at least ONE place does admissions this way - not anywhere i go or applied - and i've heard rumors other schools have similar systems, but i obviously can't know)